Healthcare to musicians: after Chappell’s appeal, Universal Music launches mental health fund
Earlier this month at the Grammys, singer Chappell Roan took the stage to call for better wages and free healthcare for musicians, especially new artists who often put everything into their music career and still struggle to afford the basics.
She spoke from personal experience, having been dropped by her first label at a young age. When the pandemic hit, she faced a dark moment trying to find a new job.
“It was so devastating to feel so committed to my art, and feel so betrayed by the system, and so dehumanised to not have healthcare. If my label would have prioritised artists’ health, I could have been provided care by a company I was giving everything to.”
After facing criticism for her speech, with The Hollywood Reporter calling it “uninformed”, Chappell Roan put her money where her mouth was, donating $25,000 to Backline, an organisation that provides mental health and wellness resources for the music industry, including their family members. Her move started a chain of support, with artists like Charli XCX and Noah Kahan matching her donation.
Then, last Thursday, we woke up to some big news: Universal Music Group, Chappell’s label, announced the launch of the Music Industry Mental Health Fund in partnership with Music Health Alliance. The initiative aims to provide health support for musicians across the U.S., including independent artists.
Hopefully, this is just the beginning of a new trend that gives artists access to, at least, the bare minimum essential support. With any luck, other labels will take note and follow Universal Music’s lead by creating their own health funds sooner rather than later.
