Black Lives In Music (BLiM), an organisation dedicated to addressing racial inequality in the music industry and providing opportunities for Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse musicians and professionals, has launched their YourSafetyYourSay survey on Bullying and Harassment in the music industry.
Fill in the survey HERE, which needs to be completed in full.
Following alarming reports of abuse within the industry, BLiM aims to collect real-world data through this anonymous survey. The insights gathered will inform legislation and initiatives by the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) and the wider music community. Additionally, the survey will support BLiM’s upcoming Anti-Racist Code of Conduct and reporting tool, aimed at eliminating discrimination, bullying, and harassment in the music ecosystem.
The Department of Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) has also requested access to the survey data to inform their efforts in addressing these issues.
Since releasing their ‘Being Black in the Music Industry’ report in 2021, BLiM has received numerous calls for assistance from individuals who have experienced bullying and harassment in the music industry. Testimonies range from women facing pressure regarding their appearance to instances of sexual assault and racial comments. These experiences underscore the urgent need for action to combat systemic issues within the industry.
Singer-songwriter V V Brown and alternative rock duo Nova Twins have shared their support for the survey, recounting their own experiences of workplace bullying and harassment. Grammy-winning artist Kamille has also emphasized the importance of speaking out against such behavior and creating a safe environment for all artists.
Pirate Studios and The Ivors Academy have also expressed support for the survey, recognizing the need for a safer and more inclusive music industry.
BLiM’s Chief Executive, Charisse Beaumont, highlights the prevalence of bullying and harassment in the industry and stresses the importance of collecting data to drive meaningful interventions.
The YourSafetyYourSay survey aims to gather insights from individuals across various demographics, including race, disability, sexuality, and gender. BLiM has collaborated with researchers and key stakeholders to ensure the survey captures diverse perspectives and experiences accurately.
Dame Heather Rabbatts, Chair of Time’s Up UK, and Jen Smith, Interim CEO of CIISA, have both endorsed the survey, emphasizing its significance in addressing bullying and harassment in the music industry.
BLiM’s groundbreaking efforts, including their ‘Being Black in the Music Industry’ survey, have shed light on systemic racism and discrimination within the industry. The YourSafetyYourSay survey represents a critical step toward fostering a safer and more equitable music industry for all. Black Lives in Music launched in 2021 to help tackle racial inequality in the UK music industry. Through their lauded ‘Being Black in the Music Industry’ survey – the largest ever survey of data focused on the experiences of black musicians and industry professionals – BLiM found conclusive evidence supporting the long-held beliefs about racial discrimination in the industry. The survey provided real-life data in the wake of revelations made by artists such as Raye, Alexandra Burke, Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Beverley Knight, Sugababes’ Keisha Buchanan and Mis-Teeq’s Sabrina Washington who all spoke out about the covert and overt ways race has been a hindrance to their careers.
