The Vamps star James McVey has shot to the defence of Taylor Swift after her boyfriend Calvin Harris and Zayn Malik were caught in a Twitter argument about artist payment.

The former One Direction man shared a now deleted image with quotes from Swift - about the need for musicians to be paid fairly - and Miley Cyrus, who said she doesn't care if no-one buys her albums because she has enough money.

This prompted Swift's partner Harris to stand up against Malik, stating that the US star is doing good for artists.

James McVey added to Swift's backing by taking to Twitter to post a long message about his roots.

The Brit said: "I remember busking on the streets of Wimborne age 14 in December hoping somebody in the music industry would see me and give me a chance. When making £20 a weekend was absolutely everything, and when I once made £100 in a month from people buying my ep at shows.

"I remember the feeling when I finally managed to have my music on iTunes.. But when I had to save my busking money up to pay someone for it.

"I remember my guitar being stolen aged 15, and being petrified that I couldn't afford another one. I remember the struggle my parents had to support my passion.

"It is people like @taylorswift13 who knows how I felt then. It's not about houses, dogs or cats when making £40 at a show means you can afford to buy tickets to sell as a support slot show. It's trying to continue your passion as an unsigned artist.

"Sure, artists who have 'made it' and are 'happy' may be fine with giving away music for free. But they either don't remember or never had to fight for a chance in the industry and therefore don't understand.

"15 year old me would have thanked Taylor Swift today for making a stand and speaking out for unsigned artists.

"It's not about money, it's about nurturing unsigned musician's passion for a career in this difficult industry.

"And I honestly don't care what people say, or if they try to argue.. Unless you are an unsigned musician, you just don't understand."

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