OP-ED: The music industry is failing the Black Lives Matter movement and it’s pathetic

I’m going to be real honest here, I’m embarrassed of the music industry right now. I have been working to be in the music industry for most of my life, but it’s times like these when I question my decision to continue down this path. 

Because it’s times like these when the greedy corporations running the show prove how toxic they are, how they continually fail their artists, how they continually fail all of us. 

George Floyd was murdered on May 25th, sparking a new sense of global fervor to demand equality for black people. The Black Lives Matter movement has been around for years but never at this level. 

Since the murder of George Floyd, there has been an outpouring of support around the world as protests demanding justice take place. 

However, there has been a noticeable silence on the part of the biggest corporations in music. 

Anyone can post a statement on social media. Not everyone can donate millions of dollars. 

Khalid is ranked tenth in the world on Spotify in terms of global listeners. 

Drake is ranked third. 

The Weeknd is ranked second. 

Where is the support on the part of their labels? Their publishers? The streaming services that profit from their work?

These corporations continue to profit off of these artists yet continually fail to show up for them. 

And I’m not just talking about the major record labels who have signed these high-profile artists. I want every streaming service, every major record label regardless of whether they signed the second most popular artist in the world, and every music executive to aid in the Black Lives Matter movement. If they have the means, they should be donating to the cause. 

According to Billboard as of June 5, Capitol Music Group and Universal Music Group donated undisclosed amounts to charities fighting for social justice. 

Here’s an idea: disclose the amounts. Rather than being a genuine effort to end racial discrimination, your undisclosed donations seem like a lousy PR stunt. Do better. 

Spotify made an effort to amplify black voices, which is good course of action. However, when that action is not coupled with financial backing, it seems kind of worthless coming from one of the biggest streaming services in the world.

Why can Pure Noise Records, an indie record label, make a better effort than these major corporations? In case you missed it, Pure Noise donated $2 for every dollar sold on their website on June 3rd and 4th, up to $10,000. 

For the next two days we’ll be donating $2 for every $1 spent in any of our webstores up to $10,000. Fuck racism, fuck police brutality. https://t.co/6BEmFAt8qR pic.twitter.com/5NyNrvpzr7

— Pure Noise Records (@purenoiserecs) June 3, 2020

The Story So Far raised over $13,000 in one day for various social justice charities including Black Lives Matter and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. 

You raised over $13,000 in one day. These are up until Friday. Let’s keep it going.https://t.co/m0OZKEvb9t pic.twitter.com/9YJTQaKwSX

— The Story So Far (@thestorysofarca) June 6, 2020

Grayscale raised over $16,000 for George Floyd’s family. 

https://twitter.com/GrayscalePA/status/1266437215405707268?s=20

Dani Washington from Neck Deep and Ryan Scott Graham from Speak Low If You Speak Love/State Champs both organized merch drops to benefit the Black Lives Matter movement. 

Halsey has been on the front lines of these protests, delivering medical care to injured protestors. 

And these corporations can’t even be transparent with their donations? When black people are literally dying? And those protesting their deaths are being injured? 

Do you see why I’m outraged? 

I will give credit to Bandcamp as they have been showing up for their artists in a series of initiatives. Everyone else? Again, do better. 

We're waiving our share of sales this Friday, June 5th, from midnight to midnight PDT. Here’s a list of artists and labels with special releases, including many donating to organizations in support of racial justice and change. https://t.co/G5W0kdakHz

— bandcamp (@Bandcamp) June 3, 2020

I want monetary support. I want transparency. I want the music industry to take a stand against the oppression of black people.

Black people built the music industry. Without them, we wouldn’t have rap or hip-hop or rock music. We owe them. We have failed them for too long, and it’s time we all show up for them. 

Black lives matter. Let’s start acting like it. 

To support this movement, here is a collection of resources.