Earlier this month, while accepting the Grammy for Best New Artist, Chappell Roan called for music labels to provide developing artists with livable wages and access to healthcare. The singer closed her speech with the line, “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?”.
While many fans and fellow artists supported Chappell’s speech, former music executive, Jeff Rabhan, wrote to The Hollywood Reporter calling it “misguided” and “performative”. He also criticized the singer for not using her own success and resources, urging her and other artists to “put their money where their mouth is.”
Roan responded to the critique on her Instagram story, pledging to donate $25,000 to struggling artists, and urging the former executive to match that amount. “Mr. Rabhan I love how in the article you said ‘put your money where your mouth is’ Genius !!! Let’s link and build together and see if you can do the same,” the story read.
The confrontation didn’t end there, though. Rabhan took to twitter to call out Chappell and Halsey, who defended Roan against the op-ed, suggesting the singers ask their fans to donate, instead.
Chappell Roan quickly shut down that suggestion. “Fans, y’all don’t have to donate a damn penny,” she said in another Instagram story. “This is one of many opportunities for the industry powers to show up for artists. There is much more work to be done.” The Pink Pony Club singer followed this story with a receipt of her donation to Backline, an organization which provides mental health access for music professionals. Chappell’s campaign with the organization was named WE GOT YOU! after the acceptance speech that started it all.
This donation inspired a number of fellow celebrities to take action. Noah Kahan was the first to show support. “I’m inspired by you,” Kahan wrote on Instagram. “Happy to help get the ball rolling. Money where my mouth is!”
Charli XCX followed shortly after the Stick Season singer. “Hey @chappellroan I am going to match your $25k to support artist’s access to healthcare,” she shared. “I saw @noahkahanmusic say that h would do the same and so I though I’d follow suit. You speech at the Grammys was inspiring and thoughtful and from a genuine place of care. Happy to help get the ball rolling too. Money where my mouth is.”
Sabrina Carpenter was next in showing up on the donor scroll, followed by LAUV, who left a note on his donation, which read: “Artists need healthcare and this is an amazing start to the convo!”
Organizations including Live Nation, Hinterland Music Festival, AEG Global Touring, and more also matched the $25k.
Most recently, Universal Music Group announced that they will be partnering with Music Health Alliance to launch the Music Industry Mental Health Fund, which will provide access to mental health services and financial assistance to current and former music professionals, whether they work for UMG or not.
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