FAQ

The user rating is a separate score based on votes from our readers. It reflects how the community feels about an artist by showing the voted average (starting at a minimum of 20 votes), which may differ from the editorial rating. The two measure different things: our editorial rating is based on documented facts, the user rating is based on reader perception. People think different about all kinds of issues, and that’s okay. The user rating gives that perspective a place without compromising our editorial standards.

HowSketchy is an independent reference platform for music fans. We document whether artists and bands have a history of problematic behavior or statements, but also whether they have made notable positive contributions. We don’t tell you what to think. We merely give you the information to decide for yourself.

According to our editorial standards, an artist is considered problematic if they have engaged in actions, affiliations, or produced content that promotes or supports ideologies, organizations, or behavior widely associated with hatred, discrimination, violence, exploitation, or other serious ethical concerns.

A Merit indicates that an artist has engaged in actions, affiliations, or produced content that contributes positively to society, culture, or their community, including efforts associated with inclusion, equality, human rights, charitable work, social responsibility, or other notable ethical contributions. Merits are held to the same sourcing standards as issues: no source, no merit. We added this because we think it’s valuable for music lovers to find artists that align with their values, to support artists from a marginalized community, to find a safe space to enjoy music.

People want to know what they are listening to. There are many sources available online, but they are scattered and often focused on one type of music. HowSketchy aims to be a single, reliable information source for all music lovers. We also address a common problem with existing sources: unverified claims based on rumors and hearsay. Every finding on HowSketchy includes a source, so anyone can fact-check for themselves.

HowSketchy is maintained by a small team of independent editors. We have no affiliation with any record label, music publication, or artist.

Ratings are assigned by our editorial team based on the nature of the incident, whether it reflects a pattern or is isolated, the credibility and number of sources, degrees of separation, and whether the artist has publicly addressed or renounced the behavior. A rating is an indication, and includes the judgment of the editor. If you disagree with a rating, you can submit a suggestion and our editors will review it. Ratings are reviewed when new credible information becomes available.

A legal verdict is one form of documentation, but not the only one. In some cases, credible and detailed accounts exist outside of a courtroom, such as public statements from directly involved parties, that meet our editorial standards for inclusion. We always note the legal outcome in the findings.

Yes. Ratings are reviewed when new credible information becomes available. If an artist has publicly and credibly addressed past behavior, that is taken into account. Use the submission form if you think a rating should be reviewed.

“Clear” means we found no documented issues that meet our editorial standards, and that there’s at least one merit to describe. We think the latter is important, because the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.

We rely on publicly available sources: journalism, court records, official statements, and interviews. We do not publish findings based on rumors, anonymous posts, or unverifiable claims. Every finding on HowSketchy includes a source link.

Yes. If you know of a documented incident or positive contribution that isn’t listed, you can submit it via our submission form. Our editors review every submission before anything goes live.

Use the “Spotted an error?” link at the bottom of the artist page. Describe what you think is incorrect and include a source if you have one. Our editors will review your submission.