James Blunt advises on ways to regulate online hate and offers suggestions for dealing with trolls.

• James Blunt, a U.K. singer-songwriter and "reluctant" Twitter sensation, advised CNBC that social media platforms should take greater measures to control online hate.
• The artist responsible for popular songs like "You're Beautiful" and "Goodbye My Lover" has gained recognition for his sharp criticism of trolls on Twitter, resulting in a 2020 book release titled "How to Be a Complete and Utter Blunt: Diary of a Reluctant Social Media Sensation."
• It is challenging for young people and parents to handle the pressures of social media, according to him.

James Blunt, a U.K. singer-songwriter and "reluctant" Twitter sensation, advised CNBC that social media platforms should take greater measures to control online hate.

The artist responsible for popular songs like "You're Beautiful" and "Goodbye My Lover" has gained recognition for his sharp criticism of trolls on Twitter, resulting in a 2020 book release titled "How to Be a Complete and Utter Blunt: Diary of a Reluctant Social Media Sensation."

In Dubai in late January, Blunt announced his upcoming greatest hits album tour, "The Stars Beneath My Feet (2004-2021)."

"I believe social media platforms should moderate their content to prevent users from being mean and nasty to others. As someone who runs a website and moderates it, I understand the importance of maintaining a positive and respectful online environment, especially when it comes to discussing music," Blunt said in the latest episode of "The CNBC Conversation."

"Twitter has its own platform for people to discuss various topics, but I believe it would be beneficial to moderate it more. I am aware that they do so to some extent."

Online pressures

It is difficult for young people and parents to handle the pressures of social media, according to Blunt.

He said his own response is not to take it seriously.

He stated that he doesn't respond impulsively in heated situations. Instead, he responds with a neutral expression and without any emotional attachment. Therefore, if you're ever upset, it's best to take a moment to cool down before engaging in a meaningless argument with an unknown individual.

The singer stated on CNBC that the pandemic had given musicians an opportunity to step back while highlighting the importance of essential workers.

"The pandemic made us realize the importance of essential workers, such as doctors, nurses, teachers, supermarket workers, lorry drivers, and farmers, while we, musicians and actors, were deemed non-essential and put out to pasture for a couple of years," he said.

In 1999, Blunt served as a reconnaissance soldier in the British Army's Household Cavalry Life Guards regiment and was deployed with NATO during the Kosovo War. Before releasing his debut single "High" in 2004, he served in the military.

Blunt stated that it was a significant moment in his life when he realized how unpleasant humans can be as groups. However, he found comfort in meeting individuals who were exceptional human beings.

"No matter which side of an argument you take, the other person may have a valid point, and the truth may lie somewhere in between."

Changes in music industry

At the start of his career, he was fortunate to sign with a record label that allowed him the freedom and time to produce "the album of my dreams."

Blunt's 2004 album, Back to Bedlam, remains one of the U.K.'s top 20 bestselling albums of all time.

Blunt viewed disruptions in the music industry, including streaming and social media, as opportunities.

He stated that when streaming was introduced, record labels initially viewed it as a threat to fight against, which was a misguided approach. Instead, it should have been embraced as an opportunity to be excited about.

"I can easily share my songs on social media platforms without needing a publicist or record label. I can reach a wider audience through Twitter and Tik Tok by simply holding up my phone and singing into it. It's amazing how many people are interested in my music."

Blunt, the owner of The Fox & Pheasant pub in London and host of the Beer Masters series on Amazon Prime Video, told CNBC that he had learned not to pursue a hit.

In the music industry, it's easy to get lost in the process of trying to get a song on the radio, such as deciding on a single and what the record label will choose, as well as what radio reps will like the most.

"In reality, I've come to the conclusion that the audience is not interested in that particular route. Instead, they desire authentic and heartfelt songs that truly resonate with them. Therefore, instead of pursuing a hit, one should look within themselves to find the genuine and meaningful music that connects with the audience."

Blunt advised, "You must chase your dream and go for it because it'd be terrible to reach old age and say you had a dream but lacked the courage to pursue it."

He said that the dream should be viewed realistically and the pursuit shouldn't be fame and fortune, but rather happiness.