Chappell Roan Wins Best New Artist at Grammys, Calls Out Record Labels Over Artist Wages

Industry News

Feb 5

Chappell Roan took home the award for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, marking a milestone in her career. The Missouri-born singer-songwriter, known for hits like Good Luck, Babe!, Red Wine Supernova, and Hot To Go!, was recognized after a breakout year that saw her music gain widespread popularity.

A Speech Targeting Industry Practices

During her acceptance speech, Roan used the moment to address a broader issue in the music industry—financial and healthcare support for artists. She called on record labels to provide livable wages and health benefits, particularly for developing artists, emphasizing that labels profit significantly from their talent.

A Career Marked by Industry Challenges

Roan’s journey in the industry has not been without setbacks. She was initially signed to Atlantic Records in 2015 but was dropped three years later after her early work struggled to gain traction. Following the split, she returned to her hometown and worked as a barista before independently rebuilding her music career. Her 2023 album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, propelled her back into the spotlight, leading to Grammy recognition.

A Standout Performance

In addition to her win, Roan performed Pink Pony Club at the awards show, bringing a theatrical, high-energy set inspired by drag and queer nightlife. The performance, alongside her speech, solidified her presence as both an artist and an advocate within the industry.

Industry Reactions and Ongoing Conversations

Roan’s remarks have sparked discussions on social media and within the industry about the financial realities many artists face. While some labels have introduced wellness initiatives in recent years, the debate over fair compensation and benefits remains ongoing.

Read Her Full Speech Below:

"I told myself if I ever won a Grammy and I got to stand up here in front of the most powerful people in music, I would demand that labels in the industry profiting millions of dollars off of artists offer a livable wage and healthcare, especially to developing artists. Because I got signed so young — I got signed as a minor — and when I got dropped, I had zero job experience under my belt and, like most people, I had a difficult time finding a job in a pandemic and could not afford health insurance."

"It was so devastating to feel so committed to my art and feel so betrayed by the system and so dehumanized to not have health [care]. If my label would have prioritized artists’ health, I could have been provided care by a company I was giving everything to. So record labels need to treat their artists as valuable employees with a livable wage and health insurance and protection. Labels, we got you, but do you got us?"

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