Harassment in music: 72% of young people at risk

The music industry ecosystem, often idealized by the glitz of the stage and the frenzy of tours, hides an alarming work reality for its new generations. A comprehensive report titled "Just the Way It Is?", produced by the British organization Youth Music, has yielded devastating figures regarding the working conditions of young professionals. Although the study was originally released at the end of 2025, the entity decided to republish its findings this July 2026, at a time when conversations about safety and harassment in the sector have returned to the forefront due to new public accusations.

The quantitative data in the document are compelling and paint an undeniable structural crisis. According to the research, 72% of young creatives and workers in the sector claim to have felt unsafe in their work environment. This insecurity ranges from sexual harassment and systematic bullying to a lack of mental health support. Furthermore, 90% of those surveyed report having received unfair or no compensation for their work, and an identical 90% confess to feeling unable to report these abusive practices for fear of retaliation. The toxicity of the environment is such that 75% of these young people have considered abandoning their professional aspirations altogether.

Direct testimonies and the culture of silence

Beyond the metrics, the report is based on the direct testimonies of 19 women and professionals from marginalized groups, exposing how discrimination disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ individuals, workers with disabilities, and minorities. Among the most prominent statements is that of artist Victoria Canal, who recounted her experience of being harassed and manipulated by a much older artist during her first tour. Canal explained how the management team, technicians, and band musicians knew about the situation but avoided intervening as they were bound by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and feared for their own jobs.

The unwritten guideline was clear: keep silent so as not to ruin a career before it even begins. The protection of aggressors in positions of power is one of the pillars that sustains abuse in the industry.

— Analysis of power dynamics in music tours

This culture of silence is exacerbated by the transient nature of the sector. Dominated by freelance work, night shifts, and the absence of traditional human resources departments in booking agencies or independent record labels, the music circuit creates an ecosystem where labor exploitation often goes unpunished and off the legal radar.

The 'RAYE Effect' as a catalyst for change

Despite the bleak outlook, the research also identifies a generational turning point. Carol Reid, interim co-CEO of Youth Music, has coined the term "The RAYE Effect" to describe the growing wave of young people who are losing their fear of speaking out. Inspired by figures like the award-winning artist RAYE, who publicly exposed the abusive practices of her former record label, 85% of the young people surveyed say they feel motivated to raise their voices. Artists from the alternative scene like GIRLI have also joined this demand for accountability, calling for an urgent restructuring of protection mechanisms.

• Implementation of independent and secure reporting frameworks.
• Absolute protection for the whistleblower against corporate retaliation.
• Greater investment in psychological support for touring workers.
• Mandatory transparency in freelance and management contracts.

Urgency of restructuring in the global scene

For the electronic music and clubbing ecosystem, from small underground labels to macro festival producers, these data represent an ultimatum. The viability of the music industry as a whole depends on the sector's ability to eradicate the normalization of abuse. The transition toward a transparent work environment, with fair contracts and unwavering safety protocols, is no longer an ethical option, but an operational necessity. The music community faces the challenge of abandoning silent acceptance and adopting a culture of shared responsibility, ensuring that emerging talent can develop their careers without compromising their integrity.

Consulted Sources