A recent report titled ‘Just the Way It Is?’ by Youth Music has revealed alarming statistics regarding the prevalence of unsafe work environments, low pay, and discrimination in the music industry. Conducted in partnership with the Musicians’ Union and Music Guardians, the research is based on 19 in-depth testimonies and data from 50 respondents gathered through a social media poll.
The findings indicate that over 70% of young creatives reported feeling unsafe in their working environments, while 90% felt unable to voice concerns regarding unfair practices. Additionally, a significant number of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their compensation, leading 75% to contemplate abandoning their music careers due to these adverse conditions.
Despite these troubling statistics, the report highlights a sense of inspiration among young artists, with 85% citing figures like RAYE as catalysts for change within the industry. RAYE has been vocal about the exploitative practices she has witnessed, including unfair contractual agreements imposed by record labels on songwriters.
The report calls for urgent collective action from industry employers to ensure fair pay, transparent contracts, and a safe workplace culture. It emphasizes the need for a shift away from the normalization of exploitation and inequality, particularly affecting marginalized young people. The report also includes insights from artists like Victoria Canal, who has shared her experiences of harassment and exploitation, underscoring the need for systemic change.
