Roy Lott July 24th, 2020 - 5:27 AM
After recent sexual misconduct allegations, Burger Records has now completely shut down. Many musicians have shared their reactions via social media including Shannon Shaw of Shannon and the Clams, Cassie Ramone of Vivian Girls, La Luz, King Tuff, Olden Yolk (Shane Butler of Quilt), The Garden, Las Rosas, White Mystery, Colleen Green, Peach Kelli Pop, The Aquadolls, Surfbort, and Bleached. See each of their reactions below.
According to Brooklyn Vegan, fellow label mate Nobunny also issued a statement, saying “I fucked up bad…Nobunny is over.”
Earlier this month, the record label had acknowledged the accusations made against several of the artists on the label regarding sexual misconduct. The record label emphasized a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to allegations against sexual misconduct, and that the accused artists were dropped from the label. All of the earnings made from songs by the artists who had allegedly taken part in sexual misconduct would be donated to organizations of the alleged victim’s choosing.
This led to the company to do some restructuring, with Jessa Zapor-Gray stepping in for Lee Rickard as the label’s interim president. Grey then stepped down from the position, saying that she would not be able to achieve her “intended goals” with the label. “When I was asked to take over in this capacity, I expected some blowback for my decision to accept but I believed that the opportunity to have a role in effecting real and lasting positive change within the Burger and indie music scenes was worth the risk,” Grey stated.
Co-founder Sean Bohrman then announced the shutdown. “We decided to fold the label,” Bohrman reportedly told the outlet, while responding “nope” when asked if the label would continue as BRGR RCRDS. The label’s social media pages are also now offline.”
Shannon Shaw of Shannon and the Clams tweeted out a letter, stating “I am one of you. I hear you, and I stand with you. I have been a victim of assault numerous times on the road.”
a letter from Shannon pic.twitter.com/bzXpiwX3aw
— shannon & the clams (@shanandtheclams) July 22, 2020
Cassie Marone posted a note on Instagram, supporting the women who have come forth.
Female rock band La Luz also posted feeling “disgusted, angry and heartbroken.”
King Tuff posted that he was unaware of the behavior and that “there is clearly more work to do.”
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The Garden issued a statement noting that they will be cutting ties with the record label.
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Las Rosas will also be departing from the label.
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It’s heartbreaking to learn about the abuse that women endure at the hands of bands. As a female in music, I identify with their stories (all too well) and commend the survivors for stepping forward. https://t.co/tSQyZY0JYQ
— White Mystery (@MissAlexWhite) July 21, 2020
Colleen Green mentioned her experience with abuse in the industry and supporting the women who have come forth.
— Colleen Green (@colleengreen420) July 22, 2020
The Aqua Dolls stated they will also be departing from the label.
Surfbort wrote an apology to those they may have with the associations with the label.
Hayley Williams from Paramore wrote that while she was a rare one who did not experience this kind of behavior, she noted to hold each other to a higher standard of respect and empathy for everyone in the industry.
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this is so wordy. im sorry. i dont know how to be concise about something so enraging.
Photo Credit: Boston Lynn Schulz
