According to Teosto’s report, discrimination is still prevalent in the music industry

According to a survey commissioned by Teosto, there is still a significant amount of discrimination and unfair treatment in the Finnish music industry. For example, up to 61% of individuals belonging to ethnic minorities reported experiencing discrimination related to their background. Professionals in the industry are calling for more open discussions about racism and discrimination, as well as clearer practices to prevent it.

Teosto conducted a survey from February to March to assess the state of equality and discrimination in the music industry. The survey collected information on discrimination experiences among different groups and their impacts on the development of the music industry.

A total of 914 individuals working in the music industry responded to the survey. The majority of respondents were music composers, lyricists, or performers. While freelancers accounted for the largest portion of respondents (45%), responses were also obtained from employees of organizations and entrepreneurs.

Less than half of the respondents considered the music industry to be equal. According to the responses, discrimination and prejudice heavily burden the industry, hindering diversity and equality. However, progress has been noted, especially in gender equality, and younger generations are perceived as more open-minded.

“Although there has been progress, over half of those working in the industry still experience discrimination and unfair treatment. Experiences of discrimination are present in all professional groups within the industry, from company-side actors to freelancers and organizations. So, there is still much work to be done,” said Vappu Aura, Teosto’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, who coordinated the research project.

According to the research:

• Less than half (49%) of those working in the music industry consider it to be equal.
• A significant majority (54%) have experienced some form of discrimination or unfair treatment.
• The most discrimination is experienced among ethnic minorities. 61% of individuals from ethnic minorities have experienced discrimination or unfair treatment due to their background.
• Two-thirds of women in the music industry have experienced gender-based discrimination or unfair treatment. Only 14% of men reported experiencing gender-based discrimination.
• Over a third of those working in the music industry have experienced age discrimination.
• Age discrimination is present in all age groups but is most prevalent among the youngest and over-50 age groups.
• Discrimination is most commonly experienced from colleagues (72% of those who have experienced discrimination).
• The most common forms of discrimination were belittlement, underestimation of expertise, or lack of recognition. Half also reported being excluded or receiving inappropriate comments.
• One-third of those who experienced discrimination reported not being paid equally for equivalent work.
• 61% of those who experienced discrimination reported that it had a negative impact on their career development, and 41% reported considering a career change due to discrimination or unfair treatment.
• Only a quarter had reported discrimination or unfair treatment to any authority.

Ethnic minorities face the most discrimination

The survey inquired about the respondent’s affiliation with various minority groups such as sexual minorities, ethnic or linguistic minorities, or different disabled groups.

Among minorities, those belonging to ethnic minorities appear to be in the weakest position. Of them, up to 61 percent had experienced discrimination or unfair treatment due to their background. Additionally, over half of those belonging to linguistic minorities reported experiencing discrimination.

In the open responses to the survey, attention was drawn to the concentration of power in the music industry. While individuals from ethnic minorities are somewhat visible as artists, they are not present in decision-making roles in the industry.

“Certain roles in the music industry are monopolized by specific demographic groups. For example, decision-making positions are often held by white men, and marketing & PR teams are predominantly composed of women. People of color are hardly seen in roles other than that of an artist.”

“Because there are so few, for example, brown women in positions of power in the industry, it is difficult for a brown woman to progress in the music industry when their music or life experience is not relatable to the predominantly white, older men in decision-making positions.”

Age discrimination is common in the music industry: “you are never the right age.”

Experiences of discrimination differ significantly between genders. Sixty-six percent of women reported experiencing gender-related discrimination or unfair treatment, while only 14 percent of men reported similar experiences. Gender equality emerged as a significant issue in a survey on equality in the industry conducted last year.

Age-related discrimination is surprisingly prevalent in music industry roles. Overall, 37 percent of those working in the music industry had experienced it, but nearly half of the women in the industry had. While experiences of age discrimination were particularly prevalent among younger generations (46%), it was also experienced across all other age groups.

“In light of the results, it seems that you are never the right age. Experienced music professionals felt that age discrimination prevented them from receiving the respect and visibility they deserve. On the other hand, younger individuals face a lot of questioning of their skills. However, a third of middle-aged respondents had also experienced age discrimination,” noted Vappu Aura.

Improvements are needed in the music industry’s work culture – discrimination is mostly experienced from colleagues’ side.

Discrimination and unfair treatment are most commonly experienced from colleagues. Up to 72 percent of those who experienced discrimination attributed it to their colleagues. Belittlement and underestimation of competence or skills were the most common forms. Half of those who experienced discrimination reported being excluded or receiving inappropriate comments. A third had experienced unequal pay, and almost a third had experienced sexual harassment.

The responses raise questions about the prevailing work culture in the music industry.

“The music industry seems to lack fundamental workplace rules. How you speak to and treat others in the industry, how you value everyone’s contribution. Despite fierce competition, one should not elevate oneself at the expense of others,” reminded Vappu Aura.

Respondents reported that discrimination negatively affected their work in various ways in the music industry. Sixty-one percent of those who experienced discrimination reported negative effects on their career development, and 41 percent reported considering changing careers. Over a third reported experiencing various mental health problems related to anxiety, exhaustion, depression, and decreased work capacity.

Only a quarter of respondents had reported discrimination or unfair treatment to anyone. The main reasons for not reporting were the belief that reporting would not make a difference. Even when incidents were reported, there were often no consequences. Many also said they did not know the appropriate authority to report to or influence the matter.

The need for conscious promotion of diversity in the music industry

Respondents were also asked for suggestions to improve equality. According to respondents, the music industry needs a conscious promotion of diversity. Individuals from various backgrounds, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, should be considered in recruitment, music production and distribution, and the distribution of various awards.

Concrete measures mentioned included positive special treatment and quotas, as well as anonymous recruitment, which was also recommended in the music industry recruitment guidelines published last year.

Much is also required in terms of education and awareness-raising. Discrimination should be openly discussed, and situations where it occurs should be highlighted. Commonly agreed-upon practices and clear procedures are still lacking in many cases. Although guidelines for addressing harassment and unfair treatment were published in the industry in 2022, the practices do not seem to have taken root in the industry yet.

Many respondents also emphasized the need for broader cultural and societal change. Teosto’s Vappu Aura emphasizes that the music industry has the opportunity to lead the way in society and set an example for others.

“This survey proves once again that the music industry is already very diverse, with a huge number of individuals from various backgrounds working in the industry. This should be a richness that increases the diversity of music and expands its dimensions. However, change is not something someone else does – it requires everyone’s effort.”

The research was conducted by the research firm Vastakaiku on behalf of Teosto.