A Short Reflection on Gaslighting, Gratitude & The Music Industry

Last night, I attended the Brit Awards for the first time. 🥰

At almost 20 years into my music career, let me say this. I truly am excited every single time something 15-year-old Christine would have been in awe of happens, like being invited as a guest to the UK's biggest music award show.

And what a night it was. Watching a Black woman make history standing side by side with her grandmother, taking home the most Brits by any artist in a single night, I couldn't help but feel grateful for getting to be in that room, watching Raye make history.

This gratitude comes with a caveat, though. I often caution young executives and artists against expressing unwarranted gratitude that you're "lucky to have your job" as it can inadvertently signal to the powers at be that you'd do anything or put up with anything to keep that role. Thus creating an imbalanced power dynamic where power sits solely with the employer or gatekeeper. The industry is often all too willing to point out how many people would love to have your job and will gaslight people into thinking they did you a favor by giving you a job, not recognizing or acknowledging the value you bring to the role.

To put it another way, while Raye expressed immense gratitude on stage for her awards, the music industry is also incredibly lucky to have Raye. It's lucky she's contributed for years to countless hit records. It's lucky she didn't get discouraged and give up. The music industry is incredibly lucky she was willing to put up with what she did to get to where she is.

Raye's victory was a moment of triumph not just for her but for all who have been overlooked or underestimated. So, my gratitude is reserved for the unexpected, the friendships, opportunities, and incredible experiences like last night. It's for the privilege to give back, to contribute to an industry that, at its best, celebrates and uplifts talent like Raye's. It's for when people go above and beyond, not for the bare minimum.

And when I say the bare minimum I mean prioritizing inclusivity, developing clear paths for career progression and growth, providing support and maintaining a care of duty for employees & artists. I've lived and worked in music in the UK for almost 5 years, I've never expected or felt entitled to get an invite to The Brits. A few people I talked to were surprised it was my first time and let this also be a reminder that you can't aim to work on music for the perks, as the perks aren't guaranteed!

The music industry should consider itself fortunate to have anyone who approaches their career with dedication, passion, and a desire to uplift others. Award shows are how I first knew I wanted to work in music. I remember thinking, who are these people the artists keep thanking? How can I be one of them? Since then helping people live their music dreams has been my guiding principle. Since then I've consistently worked to improve the industry, to shift power dynamics, to empower others, to champion those often overlooked, and to truly find ways to give back.

I work to make sure that the music industry is just as lucky to have me in it as I am lucky to be in it.

So with that, a huge thank you to BPI (British Phonographic Industry) for going above & beyond to make my inner 15-year-old's dreams come true.