Power, Politics & the Music Industry

According to the UK Music Report, Black Music Means Business, over 80% of the UK music market originates from Black Music genres, and yet, we also know that Black artists face systemic racism, with data showing that Black women are the most disadvantaged in the UK Music industry. This episode discusses racism, sexism and discrimination in the music industry, including: How do industry power dynamics affect artists rights and creative freedom? What does the data actually show about diversity and ownership in music? What are the on-going inquiries and campaigns relevant to working artists? How can you take action?Trigger warning: This episode discusses sexism, racism and discrimination.

*Correction: Black women in the UK music industry are paid 52% less than white men. FIFTY TWO. (Not 46) according the Black Lives in Music survey 2021.

IN THIS EPISODE

00:57 Trigger warning, disclaimer and positioning from me

03:48 The UK Music Report: Black Music Means Business

10:07 How do industry power dynamics affect artists rights and creative freedom?

14:15 The Women and Equalities Committee Inquiry into Misogyny in Music

16:50 What does the data actually show about diversity and ownership in music?

25:52 What are the on-going inquiries and campaigns relevant to working artists?

27: 40 The Eight Actions recommended by the UK Music Report: Black Music Means Business

29:54 Women and Equalities Misogyny in Music recommendations

32:33 Women in Control Seat at the Table Report

34:11 How can you take action?

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• UK Music Report: Black Music Means Business https://www.ukmusic.org/research-reports/black-music-means-business/

• Black Lives in Music Report 2021 https://blim.org.uk/report/

• The Musicians Union and Help Musicians: Musicians Census https://www.musicianscensus.co.uk/

• Ivors Academy 2021 https://ivorsacademy.com/news/olivia-rodrigo-is-the-biggest-songwriter-on-the-planet-new-report-from-blokur-and-the-ivors-academy-analysing-digital-platforms-shows/

• UK IPO Creators Earning Report https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/music-creators-earnings-in-the-digital-era

• Women in Control Seat at the Table 2026 https://womeninctrl.com/seat-at-the-table-2026-report/

• Buy your copy of Copyright in the Music Industry (second edition, 2026):⁠ https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/copyright-in-the-music-industry-9781035330386.html⁠

FIND DR HAYLEIGH BOSHER

• Instagram: ⁠@hayleigh.bosher⁠

• Website: ⁠ https://www.hayleighbosher.com/ LOVE THIS EPISODE?

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CREDITS

Whose Song Is It Anyway? is produced by Good Form

Funded by The British Academy

DISCLAIMER

Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. It is legal education to help you learn more about your rights.