Chappell Roan’s Grammy Speech Sheds Light on Artist Healthcare
The Moment Everyone’s Talking About
When breakout star Chappell Roan accepted her 2025 Grammy for Best New Artist, she used her moment in the spotlight to raise awareness about a lesser-discussed issue in the industry: artist healthcare and fair compensation. For early-career singers and musicians, her message hits close to home:
“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 and the industry profiting millions of dollars off of artists would 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 the 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 healthcare. And if my label would have prioritized artist 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?
The Reality for Many Working Singers
- Lack of Health Coverage: Freelance performers often lack employer-based insurance.
- Mental Health Struggles: The pressures of performance and online exposure can take a toll.
- Unpaid Labor: Many young singers perform for “exposure,” not pay.
What Early Career Musicians Should Know
- Your Health is a Priority: Vocal health, mental wellness, and body care should never be optional.
- Learn the Business Side: Understand contracts, unions, and your rights as an artist.
- Seek Out Support Networks: Find programs, mentors, and services that protect artists.
How HVS Conservatory’s Training Helps Bridge the Gap
At HVS Conservatory, we don’t just teach voice—we empower students with the tools to manage a sustainable, healthy career in the arts. This includes guidance on wellness, the backend of the music business, and professional ethics.
At HVS Conservatory, you can develop the necessary tools to succeed in the music industry. Based in Los Angeles, our faculty of music industry experts coach aspiring artists by passing on grammy- and platinum-winning training from their personal experiences alongside necessary musical training. Check out our schedule of masterclasses and free community events, including acoustic sessions, seasonal open house events, and artist showcases.