Loyle Carner has been a major player on the UK hip-hop scene for over a decade. Praised for his powerful, cathartic, and ambitious music, he's also become a prominent voice for neurodivergent artists and young people, thanks to his ongoing contributions to discussions about neurodivergence in the arts. Carner often talks about his own experiences with ADHD and dyslexia and how they shape who he is.

After his heartfelt speech last week when he received an honorary doctorate from UAL (University of the Arts London), it seemed like a perfect time to delve into Carner's advocacy and how he stands out in the conversation about neurodiversity in the arts.

Carner's openness about his ADHD is a big part of his artistic identity. In his song "Still” he mentions it in the line: "the ADHD, best and worst thing about me." This sums up his experience of his neurodivergence and how he views it in his life. He sees it as both a gift that drives his art and a challenge that makes other aspects of his life tough.

Carner expressed this beautifully in his speech, stating that while thinking about writing it, he got sidetracked with various tasks, only to end up writing a song, saying, “And I wrote and I wrote and I wrote and I wrote.” This nuanced perspective resonates with the neurodivergent community, recognising the hurdles neurodivergence can bring but also its crucial role in shaping our talents and identity - and for Carner and many others, its integrity to their music and creative expression.

His advocacy goes beyond his music. Carner is vocal about the need for more support and accessibility for neurodivergent individuals in the creative industries and society as a whole. He uses his platform to break down stereotypes and promote a more inclusive view of neurodiversity.

One of Carner's most impactful projects is his cookery school, Chilli Con Carner. The school offers a safe and supportive space for teenagers with ADHD to learn cooking skills, build confidence, and connect with others who share similar experiences.

Carner and his partner Mikey Krzyzanowski, of Goma, aim to rewire the young people’s brains with positive reinforcement, whilst also teaching them practical and rewarding skills. “We tell them they’ve done something great, and they can taste for themselves that we really mean it. It undoes loads of the pain and negative wiring that some of their schooling and even the people around them have subjected them to for a long time.” Krzyzanowski tells Positive News. 

Now, the music industry is becoming more aware of neurodiversity and its beauty. A recent study by the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM) found that 58% of respondents in the electronic music industry had a neurodiverse condition, and initiatives like Universal Music UK's Creative Differences Handbook are setting guidelines to embrace neurodiversity in the music industry. This progress promises an even brighter future for neurodivergent musicians and creatives.

Loyle Carner's impact on the world of neurodiversity is something to be celebrated. His advocacy and mentorship provide an uplifting and inspiring beacon for the creative world, and his music alone is a testament to what a neurodivergent mind can achieve.

To conclude his speech, he said, "Art, music, film, to play, is the only thing, other than my beautiful kids, that really can hold my attention and help me finish something, so I’m eternally grateful for this thing that we share.”

We too are eternally grateful for music, and for Carner’s continued impact on our world.