At a time when the call for fundamental social change is more urgent than ever, recent events in the U.S. and around the world have been forcing many companies and executives to reflect on racism and discrimination in our societies.
There’s been a lot of discussion over the past years about the lack of diversity in the music industry. Gender inequality is one of the noticeable issues; it cuts across all sectors, from artists to executives behind the scenes. We have all heard about how many women get record deals compared to men, the demographic that tends to win most of the awards, and the high rates of harassment and victimization, so there’s no doubt that there’s a massive problem.
The challenges women face in the industry have not changed over the years. However, for the first time, we are acknowledging these challenges, speaking them out loud, and taking steps to act against them.
Diversity doesn’t stop at ethnicity and gender, though. Lack of inclusion for minority groups is also an issue undermining talented individuals.
“There aren’t enough role models on stage or behind the scenes from other underrepresented and traditionally oppressed groups, including, for example, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities.” -Dawn James, Kobalt Music
I want people around me to think differently, look different, act differently, and talk differently, but I feel that until these days, too many people are afraid to stand up for what is right. As a woman, I want to encourage you to stand up and ask your boss why you’re the only woman working at that company, why there are no LGBTQ+ artists in the label’s roster, why there are only straight male producers. Things need to change, so don’t be afraid to stand up for what is right.
“It has been proven in academic research that diverse teams get you better performance. This is not charity, this is better business. You get better results by having a diverse team.” -Kieron Faller, CI
Initiatives looking to shake things up and built a more inclusive and diverse music business are finally taking place. One of the most recent initiatives was announced this week: Live Nation has promised to double the number of black executives it employs by 2025, as part of a broader series of “diversity commitments.” An open letter from Michael Rapino, the CEO of Live Nation, was publicly published to Live Nation employees around the world on July 14th, 2020. In the letter, Rapino underscores the importance of employment diversity for Live Nation and committed the company to increase racial ethnicity in leadership representation by 30% in the next 5 years. Rapino stated that “as a leader in live music” Live Nation has an obligation to help spread the message of diversity and inclusion to a broader audience. According to Rapino, Live Nation will spend at least $10 million over the next 2 years on programs to hire and develop black and underrepresented talent.
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