Victoria Canal <\/a>explained how she was taken advantage of early in her career, having been groomed by \u201ca much older artist\u201d with whom she toured for the first time.<\/p>\n\u201cThis experience included not being paid or provided accommodation as a band member, even when participating in all rehearsals and shows\u201d Canal said.<\/p>\n
Along with those poor conditions, she says she was also sexually harassed, isolated, groomed by the unnamed older artist and \u201ctreated differently\u201d based on her disability, having been born with one arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cThough everyone else on the tour knew exactly the position I was in \u2013 management, crew, band included \u2013 they\u2019d signed NDAs and were all afraid of losing their jobs if they were to look out for me,\u201d Canal said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe message was \u2013 don\u2019t speak up, you\u2019ll ruin your career before it\u2019s started,\u201d she added, while a different creative\u2019s testimony included a similar story, as they were told: \u201cYou\u2019re being a rat. What happens in house stays in house,\u201d after trying to contact safeguarding.<\/p>\n
\nBut there was positives too. 85% of young creatives said they\u2019ve been inspired by artists like Raye, who called out \u201cevil\u201d music industry practices back in 2024.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re seeing what we\u2019re calling \u2018The Raye Effect\u2019, where an increasing number of young people and artists alike are speaking out following in the footsteps of established artists like Raye,\u201d said interim Co-CEO at Youth Music Carol Reid.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s vital that the industry listens to this,\u201d Reid added.<\/p>\n
The report calls for \u201curgent, collective action\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
Last year also saw the Youth Music Awards, where the likes of JayaHadADream and English Teacher emerged as winners. <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n