Chappell Roan’s Grammy Speech Sparks Critical Conversation on Health Insurance for Artists
On February 2, when Chappell Roan stepped onto the Grammy stage to accept the award for Best New Artist, her dazzling appearance captured attention. However, it was her speech that highlighted a pressing issue: the lack of health insurance accessibility for recording artists.
“Record labels need to treat their artists as valuable employees with a livable wage and health insurance and protection,” Roan asserted. “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?” This powerful statement resonated with many in the music industry.
The Artist-Label Dilemma
Industry veterans understand the complexity of the situation. Major record labels typically operate on an “advance-against-services”model, wherein they invest in artists to help refine their sound and career. However, musicians are often categorized as independent contractors, which excludes them from receiving standard employee benefits, including health insurance.
Advocates celebrated Roan’s remarks as a pivotal moment for an issue that rarely receives national attention. “I was jumping up and down on my couch, squealing,” exclaimed Tatum Allsep, founder and CEO of Music Health Alliance, an organization dedicated to assisting music professionals with healthcare navigation. “It’s a conversation we need to have more.”
Navigating Health Insurance Options
The challenges facing recording artists are similar to those encountered by many self-employed individuals in the US, making access to health insurance a significant hurdle. Unlike the film and television industry, where unions provide extensive health plans for workers, the use of union-administered insurance by musicians is less consistent. Many artists do not fully understand their available options.
Most recording artists find themselves signing as independent contractors, as explained by Lauren Spahn, a shareholder at Buchalter in Nashville. While some artists might negotiate stipends or use portions of their signing advances toward health insurance, these arrangements often come with complications, such as repayment demands against future royalties.
Union Membership and Coverage
Without employer-sponsored health plans, artists usually need to explore options like union membership or the open market for insurance. SAG-AFTRA, for example, includes around 3,500 recording artists among its ranks. Vocalists under agreements with major label groups can access the union-administered health plan if they meet specific criteria, even if they are not full members. However, many artists may be unaware of these opportunities.
Sally Velazquez, founder of Empower Business Management, highlights the income threshold for these benefit plans—currently set at $27,540 per year. This figure, while seemingly attainable, can present a significant barrier for emerging artists.
Challenges and Awareness
Musicians not covered by SAG-AFTRA can join the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), where individual locals offer multi-employer-funded health plans. Yet, awareness around these options remains low, as many artists do not recognize their eligibility. Manatt partner Jordan Bromley stresses the need for improved outreach to clarify union benefits.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director, acknowledges this issue, explaining that many artists rely on advisors like accountants or managers who may overlook health benefits discussions.
Initiatives Sparked by Roan’s Remarks
Since Roan’s Grammy address, various initiatives have emerged to tackle health insurance and mental health accessibility. Roan herself donated $25,000 to Backline Care, a nonprofit connecting music professionals to vital health resources. Other artists have joined the effort, alongside organizations like AEG and the Wasserman Foundation. On February 13, Universal Music Group announced a fund in partnership with Music Health Alliance to provide artists with mental health services and support.
Broadening the Conversation
While these initiatives mark progress, experts believe a comprehensive solution requires further unionization and may include regulatory efforts similar to those seen in California’s fast-food sector. Coalitions such as the Music Artists Coalition and Songwriters of North America are working to enhance healthcare access for artists and songwriters alike.
Ultimately, advocates stress that awareness is the first step forward. As Roan’s speech demonstrated, there’s an urgent need to disseminate information regarding existing resources—from unions to nonprofit organizations—designed to support artists. Crabtree-Ireland has already engaged with Roan to explore ways to amplify this message.
“It’s encouraging to see artists taking initiative,” notes Seven Bailey, an assistant professor at CSUN Northridge’s Music Industry Administration program. “Education and awareness must remain a central focus moving forward.”
Updated on March 7, 5:18 p.m.: Additional information about MusiCares has been incorporated.
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