Chappell Roan’s Grammy Acceptance Speech Highlights Music Industry’s Treatment of Artists

Chappell Roan, the latest Grammy winner for Best New Artist, has reignited discussions about the music industry’s treatment of artists. Her speech during the 2025 Grammy Awards challenged major record labels to provide better conditions for young musicians, emphasizing the need for livable wages and comprehensive health insurance.

What Does Chappell Roan’s Comment Really Mean?

“Record labels need to treat their artists as valuable employees with a livable wage and health insurance and protection,” Roan asserted. However, the music industry’s health care system is far more complex, posing unique challenges for artists.

Understanding the Music Industry’s Health Care System

Major labels typically don’t offer direct health insurance, unlike most employers in other industries. Instead, they have partnerships with SAG-AFTRA, which grants artists health insurance eligibility regardless of their annual income, as long as they are signed under royalty deals.

According to SAG-AFTRA’s executive director, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, artists signed through these deals pay a premium of $375 every quarter for their insurance. The American Federation of Musicians also provides health care benefits to instrumentalists such as session musicians.

The Wider Impact of Unawareness

Crabtree-Ireland aims to increase awareness among artists regarding available union resources. However, the system still fails many musicians, particularly those who aren’t signed to major labels or are unsigned.

When an artist gets dropped by a label, their eligibility for SAG-AFTRA health insurance ceases. They then must rely on the Affordable Care Act or COBRA, which can be costly.

Advocacy for Systemic Change

Music policy experts highlight that health insurance challenges affect not just musicians but freelancers across various industries. They argue that the federal government must intervene for comprehensive reform.

“Navigating insurance networks is particularly difficult for touring musicians,” says one advocate. “If you get your coverage in New York, it doesn’t automatically cover you in Ohio or California. It’s frustrating compared to travel insurance in Europe, which lets you see doctors in different countries.”

Experts suggest that universal healthcare or a single-payer system could greatly benefit freelancers by removing reliance on employer-provided health insurance.

Classifying Artists in the Music Industry

While Roan urged for artists to be treated as employees, this reclassification raises questions. Being classified as employees could theoretically grant record labels full ownership of the artists’ music under a “work for hire” standard.

Kevin Erickson from the Future of Music Coalition notes, “Some gig workers like Uber drivers seek employee status for more benefits. For record label artists, however, reclassification could lead to ownership disputes, making it a contentious issue.”

Efforts Towards Better Artist Resources

Organizations such as United Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW) are working to enhance artists’ income and benefits without compromising their intellectual property rights.

UMAW collaborated with Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan) to introduce the Living Wage for Musicians Act. This legislation aimed to augment artists’ earnings by imposing a fee on subscription services, increasing revenue from streaming.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Despite the progress in some areas, the music industry’s treatment of artists remains marred by challenges. Insufficient awareness and complex systems often leave artists without adequate healthcare options or financial security.

Joey LaNeve DeFrancesco of UMAW emphasizes the need for collective action. “Artists simply aren’t organized enough. Joining organizations and taking joint steps is crucial to make the industry recognize our value and needs.”

As the conversation continues to evolve, it’s vital for every musician to stay informed about their rights and available resources. Your participation and feedback can drive the necessary changes for the betterment of the music industry.

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