Leeds Conservatoire welcomes a new report from national charity Youth Music, launched in response to a growing number of young creatives calling for improved safety and rights in music. The conservatoire is committed to creating an inclusive learning and working environment and ensuring that everyone feels safe in its buildings and beyond.
Titled Just the Way It Is? the report reveals how unsafe environments, discrimination and exploitation continue to shape the experiences of young people, particularly marginalised creatives, working across the music industries.
Drawing on young people’s testimonies, the report outlines key recommendations for industry leaders, policymakers and funders, and includes practical guidance to help young creatives navigate the music industries more safely.
Five clear themes emerged from Youth Music’s interviews with young creatives:
- Low and no pay
- Unsafe work environments
- Discrimination and harassment
- Informal and exploitative cultures
- Barriers to reporting
Carol Reid, Programme Director at Youth Music, said, “Too often, exploitation and inequality are commonplace for young people trying to break into music, and marginalised young people are suffering the biggest impact. We’re seeing what we’re calling ‘The Raye Effect’ where an increasing number of young people and artists alike are speaking out following in the footsteps of established artists like Raye.
“It's vital that the industry listens to this. While the new Employment Rights Bill is welcome, laws alone cannot reshape culture. Real change will come from the whole music community working together and moving from a place of quiet acceptance toward a culture of shared responsibility.
“We hope this report gives people the confidence, clarity and practical steps they need to help create safer, fairer working environments for young creatives.”
