Burger Records have enacted widespread changes to counter "toxic male music culture", it has been confirmed.
The Californian record shop and label was at the subject of allegations on social media over the weekend, concerning a number of their artists.
An initial statement from Burger Records moved to respond to this, but it only seemed to deepen the scope of allegations being brought forwards.
Now the imprint has moved to enact widespread changes, including a change in personnel, structure, and the legal accountability open to artists and fans.
The new statement opens:
We understand that we will never be able to comprehend the trauma that women have experienced while trying to find a place in the music scene. We are profoundly saddened and sickened by the pain suffered at the hands of a toxic male music culture that does not value women as equals.
We extend our deepest apologies to anyone who has suffered irreparable harm from any experience that occurred in the Burger and indie/DIY music scene, the latter of which we take part. We are also deeply sorry for the role Burger has played in perpetuating a culture of toxic masculinity.
Burger co-founder Sean Bohrman will move into a transitional role with the label, while label co-founder Lee Rickard will divest his interests "immediately".
Moving forwards, the label will now be known as BRGR RCRDS, while an all-female identifying sub-label BRGRRRL has been launched. A new artist agreement has been drafted covering toxic and abusive behaviour, while the Burger shop will change its name, and will no longer host in-store performances.
The list of changes is lengthy and wide-ranging, stating: "BRGR will work with women in the industry, artists, and fans to create further actionable goals for educating our bands and the music community on recognizing abusive or predatory behavior."
The statement finishes: "We thank you for coming forward and for your courage to speak up, and want you to know that we are committed to doing real work to improve the culture of BRGR RECS and the indie music scene for all of us."
"We want to be leaders in the industry and a model for other labels to effect real, lasting change."
Find the statement in full HERE.
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