Burger Records changes name and announces all-female imprint BRGRRRL

21 July 2020, 10:01 | Written by Cerys Kenneally

(News)

Burger Records has released a statement detailing some adjustments at the label, which include a name change and a new all-female imprint called BRGRRRL.

Over the past few days, multiple allegations of grooming were posted on an Instagram account with the handle @lured_by_burger_records. It's an account "dedicated to amplifying voices and supporting those who were victims of sexual predation by predators involved with Burger Records."

Burger Records responded to the allegations by reaffirming its "long-standing zero-tolerance policy for this sort of behaviour" in an Instagram post published on Saturday (18 July). The statement read, "Zero-tolerance means complete removal from all Burger platforms, destruction of physical media, and an end to our dealings with you, no questions asked, and no exceptions given. If your situation calls for it, we will report you to the proper authorities. We have taken these actions with the artists that were reported to us in the past day, with the exception of removal of the offending artists catalog. We are donating profits from sales of that artist to charity at the victims request."

Last night (20 July), Burger Records released a longer second statement detailing changes at the label following the allegations. The label opened the statement with an apology for "perpetuating a culture of toxic masculinity", "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 Records reveal in the statement that the label co-founders Sean Bohrman and Lee Rickard will change roles, with Rickard stepping down from his role as label president, "To begin, Burger Records co-founder Sean Bohrman will move into a transitional role with the label. Label co-founder Lee Rickard will immediately step down from his role as label president, and fully divest all interest in the label. Jessa Zapor-Gray will assume the role of interim label president. Jessa comes to Burger with extensive experience in the music industry and an extensive familiarity with the Burger catalog. We look forward to having her take the helm at the label."

Furthermore, Burger Records is changing the label name to BRGR RECS. An all-female imprint called BRGRRRL will also be introduced to "give many more women artists a platform and support for growth as musicians." The label will also begin to use a "standard artist agreement" which will "include clear statements regarding unlawful and predatory behaviour".

The label will also take part in working with "experts in trauma and sexual assault awareness and consent education", and have stated they plan to set up a counselling fund to "help pay for counseling services for those who suffered such trauma while engaging in the Burger scene".

The Burger Records shop will no longer be affiliated with the label, and the shop will no longer host in-store performances. All future BRGR RECS shows for all ages will also have a designated "safe space for those under the age of 18".

BRGR RECS will also educate "artists, management, and venues" on the effects of trauma, as well as evaluating its current label catalogue and "discontinuing the distribution of artists according to our zero-tolerance policy".