New misogyny in music report from Youth Music reveals fresh concerns over pay and safety
“The message was – don’t speak up, you’ll ruin your career before it’s started,” said Victoria Canal.
A new report from charity Youth Music has expressed concerns over the number of young creatives experiencing discrimination, unsafe conditions and unfair pay, along with a culture of silence.
Entitled Just the Way It Is? and based on the testimonies of 69 young people working in the music industries, the report reveals how discrimination has resulted in an especially profound impact on women, LGBTQ+, disabled, global majority and working-class creatives.
Among the most damning responses are that as many as 72% of young creatives have experienced unsafe working environments, and 90% claim to have been paid unfairly while feeling unable to raise the alarm.
In the report, artist Victoria Canal explained how she was taken advantage of early in her career, having been groomed by “a much older artist” with whom she toured for the first time.
“This experience included not being paid or provided accommodation as a band member, even when participating in all rehearsals and shows” Canal said.
Along with those poor conditions, she says she was also sexually harassed, isolated, groomed by the unnamed older artist and “treated differently” based on her disability, having been born with one arm.
“Though everyone else on the tour knew exactly the position I was in – management, crew, band included – they’d signed NDAs and were all afraid of losing their jobs if they were to look out for me,” Canal said.
“The message was – don’t speak up, you’ll ruin your career before it’s started,” she added, while a different creative’s testimony included a similar story, as they were told: “You’re being a rat. What happens in house stays in house,” after trying to contact safeguarding.
But there was positives too. 85% of young creatives said they’ve been inspired by artists like Raye, who called out “evil” music industry practices back in 2024.
“We’re seeing what we’re calling ‘The Raye Effect’, where an increasing number of young people and artists alike are speaking out following in the footsteps of established artists like Raye,” said interim Co-CEO at Youth Music Carol Reid.
“It’s vital that the industry listens to this,” Reid added.
The report calls for “urgent, collective action” to combat malpractice in the industry, with an emphasis on employers ensuring fair pay, transparency and safe workplace cultures. Funders and policymakers are also urged to tighten the safety net for young creatives, and creatives themselves are advised to know their rights and report bad behaviour.
Last year also saw the Youth Music Awards, where the likes of JayaHadADream and English Teacher emerged as winners.