Belfast music studio accused of unpaid wages and exploitative practices

A music studio in Belfast has been accused of exploiting artists and failing to pay wages.

HBE Studios - formerly known as Hotbox Studios - which is situated within the Argyle Business Centre in West Belfast, bills itself as a "creative hub" for young artists, with a focus on "hip hop, drill, R&B, rap and other alternative genres." 

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According to the Belfast Telegraph, the studio has been accused by former employees of failing to pay wages and compensation to artists, despite having received funding from charities and music figures including Ed Sheeran and Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody.

One former member of staff told the Belfast Telegraph that she only received payment on time "for three months" during the two years that she worked as the personal assistant for the studio's founder, James Ayo, between 2022 and 2024. 

She claims that money was instead spent on advertising, such as a billboard, and renovations for the studio.

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Another former employee reportedly received a contract for an assistant manager role that offered no pay and allowed HBE Studios to retain rights over masters recorded on-site.

The employee was tasked with running HBE Studios' social media platforms, including work on its separate "entertainment platform" on YouTube, HBE.UK, which showcases sets from artists.

In a statement to Belfast Telegraph, founder James Ayo claims there are now "no outstanding payments owed to any staff", though admitted that there were "some delays in the past".

[Via: Belfast Telegraph]

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter