Amplifying BIPOC and LGBTQ+ in Professional Music Landscapes

Even as the music industry navigates the online realm in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, professionals are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that no time is wasted for progress during this challenging, transitional time. 

Some of these outstanding professional minds include Skylar Tucker of WME, Naledia Nyahuma Seck of Universal Music Group; and Blair Miller of Jonas Group, whose perspectives we were able to delve into on the afternoon of September 14th, at a virtual panel hosted by The Color of Music Collective. The main focus was to discuss the topics of race and sexuality in the music industry, both loaded but extremely relevant and crucial. Through a Q&A format, the discourse involved various topics on diversity and inclusion, finding one’s voice in the field, working towards equity, and the conflict of commodifying identity versus promotion of identity.  The panel was moderated by the founder, Mia Van Allen, and Executive Director, Marcella Desharnais.

Taking note of an important era in music-centered activism, speakers acknowledged how crucial it was for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ voices to be included in the industry where they are able to create and lead spaces for themselves. The panelists emphasized the distinction between diversity and inclusion— while diversity is like being invited, inclusion is like being asked to participate, to contribute to the space.

“Whether it’s through digital or social media…there’s digital campaigns and innovative ways for creatives to get in the industry and open doors that didn’t exist before,” says panel speaker Seck. “I think that people are changing but we need systems to change, and if systems don’t change we won’t make much progress.” She brought up a crucial reality about progressive changes being made by entities around us. We can incorporate diversity into niched populations as much as we want, but it will not amount to lasting, grassroots change unless it affects the way we as a society change our mindsets and other larger institutions we function within. 

An additional panel speaker, Miller also spoke on the importance of cultural awareness in the workplace: “Making sure the team is educating themselves and actively willing to learn [is important] because it’s one thing to have a diverse company, but if other team members aren’t willing to respect different backgrounds, then you’re kind of stuck in the same issue.” Although recently organizations have rushed to make changes in response to the Black Lives Matter surge, we must be wary of surface-level peacekeeping actions that mask opportunities for bottom-up, deep-rooted change for marginalized communities – an idea that aligns perfectly with Seck’s on diversity education.

Among the discussion of performative activism, panelists also pushed against the commodification of culture and identity which remains rare, yet possible, within the industry. Today, it is very difficult for any artist to get away with something deemed to be problematic given collective societal awareness; however, it is a risk that can be completely avoided by internal work through major labels that reflects systemic work as well. By allowing artists to showcase their work in their authentic frameworks, we are eliminating possible gatekeeping that has pushed back marginalized voices from sharing their truths in the past. Panel speaker Tucker stated, “It’s beyond feeling seen and acknowledged – it’s making sure everyone has the same level of opportunity.”

Speaking out isn’t always easy. When asked about how these successful professionals have been able to vocalize inequities around them, several inspiring answers came to light. Tucker explained quite matter-of-factly that as a Black woman in the music industry if she didn’t speak up for what she believed in, it would simply lead to her career’s demise. Hopefully, this striking statement dawns on attendees as being a sad but painfully realized fact for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals everywhere. When there are entire systems at work against these populations, silence just equates to helping the oppressor. Where creating safer spaces and positive narratives for such communities is key to encouraging their voices, awareness and education will push allies to mobilize and support. 

The Color of Music Collective acknowledges that the music business has been historically known for its lack of representation and diversity. In hopes of liberating populations that have been overlooked from this disparity, CMC’s mission is centered on highlighting the voices in LBGTQ+ and BIPOC communities with efforts to unify and empower one another under the music industry realm. Just as the panelists expressed, music is diverse, universal, and incredibly impactful in the culture and society we live in. We must uphold the enriching, identity-driven artists, and employees that comprise the music industry’s success in the first place. The Color of Music Collective is taking steps to do just that.

Written by Brianna Luna and Sanjana Sanghani.