Creating a

Safe Space

for Artists

Something that is easy to say, but hard to actually put into action on a daily basis.

So let’s break it down into three actionable themes: Trust, Transparency, and Accountability!

I recently interviewed a great label called, Weird Sister Records. This label is more than just a record label, and in this interview we talk about what it means to be a “collective” and how labels can (and should) work towards creating a safe space for the artists on their label and in their community!

There’s far too many stories in music history of record labels exploiting musicians, marginalizing individuals, and keeping artists in the dark.

“Creating a safe space for artists” is an easy thing to suggest, but much harder to put into action on a daily basis…

So let’s break it down into three actionable themes: Trust, Transparency, and Accountability!

1. How to Establish Trust…

Be a fan. Fandom should be at the core of what we do. Our relationships with our artists are rooted in the fact that we admire their creativity, and want more people to hear what we hear.
Be an advocate. The A&R role can take on many forms: friend, fan. co-creator, financier, coach, parent (!?), but what artists need most is an advocate. Someone to speak on their behalf, to amplify their needs, to share their art, and to protect their process.
Be an advisor. It can be hard for an artist to get honest feedback from their friends, bandmates, or family members. For this reason, our role as a record label often requires us to speak truth to our artists, to give them an honest perspective, and to guide and support them in their decision making.

2. How to Exhibit Transparency…

Financial Transparency. A lot of us exist in a post-social media world where nothing seems real, and everyone appears to be wealthy and self-sustaining. We all could stand for a little financial transparency to help us know we’re not alone in our struggles. Keep an open book (literally) when it comes to your label’s finances. Use a program like Infinite Catalog which gives your artists private access to their finances at all times.
Values Transparency. Every record label should establish (and publicly display) a mission statement. In some cases, this mission statement could only be visible to your artist and staff members. Regardless, establish what it is you stand for as a record label, what values are important to you, and the “why” behind your record label’s existence…
Translucent Transparency? While you may think of yourself as being “transparent” it takes intentional action. Invite artists to check in on their progress on a regular schedule. Send a monthly (or quarterly) email to your roster (or each individual artist) with a record label status update.

3. How to Be Accountable…

Prove Your Worth. A record label should feel the need to prove their worth to their artists on a regular basis. Are you earning your share of their royalties? Are you confident that your involvement in their career is symbiotic and fruitful?
Measure Your Impact. Earlier we talked about the importance of having a mission statement. Words are great, but you need to make sure that you are putting those words into action in everything you do as a record label. Establish a group of advisors (industry collègues, members of the press, artists on your label) who can evaluate your label’s impact and accomplishments on a quarterly or yearly basis.
Establish Expectations. Get each other's expectations on paper (or in conversation) as early in the label/artist relationship as possible. Most conflict arises from unmet or misunderstood expectations. Regularly audit your initiatives to ensure they are align with each other’s expectations.