Major record label executives to give evidence on misogyny in music

Major record label executives will be questioned on their actions to tackle misogyny in music in the fifth session of the Women and Equalities Committee’s inquiry, as part of its umbrella inquiry into preventing violence against women and girls. 

MPs will hear from representatives of the three industry ‘majors’ – Universal, Sony and Warner – which together account for 70% of the global recorded music market. 

According to Sony Music’s website, fewer than 25% of its 385 acts are female or female fronted. The session will focus on how labels are addressing the severe gender imbalance of artists on their rosters. 

The impact of the sector-wide use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and the way in which labels respond to allegations of discrimination or abuse against women by their staff, are also on the agenda.  

Witnesses 

From 3pm: 

• Jessica Carsen, Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs, Sony Music UK and Ireland 
• Isabel Garvey, Chief Operating Officer, Warner Music UK 
• Natasha Mann, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Universal Music UK 

Further information:  

• Previous sessions in this inquiry took evidence from music festival organisers, music industry representatives, organisations that support women in music and academics. Transcripts are available online.