Chappell Roan’s Grammys Speech Sparks Major Label’s Mental Health Fund for Music Industry Workers
Introduction
Chappell Roan’s poignant and vulnerable speech at the 2023 Grammy Awards has resonated with the music industry, prompting Universal Music Group (UMG) to establish a mental health fund for its workers. Roan’s words, calling out record labels for neglecting the well-being of aspiring artists, have ignited a necessary conversation about the importance of mental health support within the industry.
UMG’s Response: A Mental Health Fund
In partnership with the Music Health Alliance (MHA), UMG has announced the launch of a dedicated mental health fund aimed at supporting music industry professionals. The fund will provide resources for mental health access, funding, and care planning, addressing a long-standing need within the industry.
Susan Mazo, UMG’s chief impact officer, praised the partnership with MHA, emphasizing their shared commitment to mental health support. "We have been working on ways to establish a streamlined pathway for mental health access, funding, and care planning," said Mazo. "Growing and continuing our partnership with Tatum (Hauck Allsep) and the Music Health Alliance was the most natural way to ensure continuous and effective mental health support for anyone working in our industry."
Roan’s Grammy Speech: A Call for Change
At the February 2 ceremony in Los Angeles, Missouri native Roan delivered a powerful speech that challenged the music industry’s treatment of emerging artists. Recalling her experience with her first record label, Atlantic Records, Roan spoke out against the lack of support and care she received.
"I felt so betrayed and so dehumanized after being dropped from my first label deal," said Roan. "I told myself that if I ever won a Grammy and I got to stand here in front of the most powerful people in music, I would demand that labels and the industry profiting millions of dollars off of artists would offer a livable wage and health care, especially to developing artists."
Expanding the Existing Partnership
The expanded partnership between UMG and MHA builds upon an existing relationship focused on providing tailored recommendations for mental health providers, grants to offset healthcare costs, and assistance for industry professionals in maintaining health insurance coverage.
Roan’s Journey and the Impact of Her Speech
Chappell Roan, born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, was signed to Atlantic Records as a teenager in 2015. However, the label dropped her in 2020, a decision that deeply impacted her. In 2023, she joined Amusement Records, an imprint of Island Records, and released her critically acclaimed project, "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess."
Roan’s Grammy speech has sparked a broader discussion about the mental health challenges faced by musicians and industry workers. Her words have resonated with many, including Jeff Rabhan, a former artist manager, who initially criticized Roan’s speech as "misguided and performative." However, Roan’s response and her pledge to donate $25,000 to artists who have been dropped by labels have challenged Rabhan to match her contribution.
Conclusion
Chappell Roan’s unwavering advocacy for mental health support in the music industry has played a pivotal role in prompting Universal Music Group to establish a dedicated fund. The fund, in partnership with the Music Health Alliance, will provide much-needed resources to address the mental health challenges faced by industry professionals. Roan’s Grammy speech has ignited a necessary conversation and is a testament to the power of using one’s platform to advocate for change.
