An industry’s neglect of women and non-binary artists

Women’s Voices Silenced: The Unacceptable State of Representation in Music

In a industry that prides itself on creativity, self-expression, and innovation, it is nothing short of astonishing to see the glaring lack of representation of women and non-binary artists. A recent announcement by Slam Dunk festival sparked outrage among fans and artists alike, with many questioning how an event that claims to celebrate music can be so woefully out of touch with the diversity of talent available.

At the forefront of this movement are women like Hannah Richardson, lead singer of punk trio Cherym, who have been speaking out against the industry’s boys’ club mentality. “I’m so sick of seeing line-ups that are predominantly cis, straight, white men all the time,” she said in an interview. “It’s like we’re invisible.” Richardson’s frustration is palpable, and it’s clear that she’s not alone in feeling this way.

Allanagh Doherty, drummer and singer of Cherym, added to Richardson’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for women to constantly prove themselves in order to be taken seriously. “We have to constantly prove ourselves and prove that we’re worthy of what we’re doing,” she said. This sentiment is echoed by many women in the industry who feel like they’re constantly being judged and scrutinized.

But it’s not just the lack of representation that’s the problem – it’s also the way that women are expected to conform to certain standards and expectations. Megan Fretwell from alternative girl group Panic Shack spoke out about this, saying that the lack of representation is “literally why we started.” She urged fans to question why there aren’t more female acts and to look harder for opportunities.

“We need to be given these opportunities to boost our profiles,” she said. “We can’t just sit back and expect things to change – we have to take action ourselves.”

Hanni Pidduck from Brighton duo ARXX, who identify as non-binary, spoke about the importance of diversity in the industry. They emphasized that diversity needs to be seen as an opportunity, not a problem.

“You need someone to actively say, ‘This year’s going to be different’,” they said. “It can’t be stressed enough how important representation is.”

Pidduck’s words are particularly poignant, given the history of the music industry and its treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals. The alternative scene has long been a haven for those who don’t fit into mainstream society, but even within this community, there are still barriers to entry.

Aspiring artists need to see themselves in the industry to know what’s possible. “You learn what’s possible from what you see,” Pidduck said. This is a message that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt like they don’t fit into a particular mold or category.

The music industry needs to recognize the value of diversity and make a conscious effort to include more women and non-binary artists in line-ups. Until then, the lack of representation will continue to be a barrier for aspiring artists. As Pidduck said, “It’s not enough to just say ‘we’re going to change’ – we need action.”

The statistics are stark: 80% of festival headliners were male in 2017, and despite pledges to achieve a 50/50 gender split by 2022, only one in ten headliners at UK music festivals was a woman that summer. These numbers are a sobering reminder of the industry’s failure to address its lack of representation.

But it’s not just about statistics – it’s also about creating a culture that values diversity and inclusion. The alternative scene can be a boys’ club, but there are elements of gatekeeping from women and expectations of the types of music they should make. Breaking down these stigmas is crucial for better representation.

As Richardson said, “It’s not just about being seen – it’s about being heard.” The music industry has a responsibility to amplify the voices of women and non-binary artists, rather than silencing them. It’s time for a change, and it’s up to all of us to make it happen.

Breaking Down the Boys’ Club: Why Women and Non-Binary Artists Deserve More

The music industry’s lack of representation of women and non-binary artists is not just an issue of numbers – it’s also about the culture that perpetuates this lack of diversity. The alternative scene, in particular, has a long history of being a boys’ club, where men dominate the line-ups and the spotlight.

But this isn’t just a matter of individual artists or bands – it’s also about the industry as a whole. The music industry needs to recognize the value of diversity and make a conscious effort to include more women and non-binary artists in line-ups. Until then, the lack of representation will continue to be a barrier for aspiring artists.

Aspiring artists need to see themselves in the industry to know what’s possible. “You learn what’s possible from what you see,” Pidduck said. This is a message that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt like they don’t fit into a particular mold or category.

The statistics are stark: 80% of festival headliners were male in 2017, and despite pledges to achieve a 50/50 gender split by 2022, only one in ten headliners at UK music festivals was a woman that summer. These numbers are a sobering reminder of the industry’s failure to address its lack of representation.

But it’s not just about statistics – it’s also about creating a culture that values diversity and inclusion. The alternative scene can be a boys’ club, but there are elements of gatekeeping from women and expectations of the types of music they should make. Breaking down these stigmas is crucial for better representation.

As Richardson said, “It’s not just about being seen – it’s about being heard.” The music industry has a responsibility to amplify the voices of women and non-binary artists, rather than silencing them. It’s time for a change, and it’s up to all of us to make it happen.

The Absence of Diversity: An Industry’s Neglect of Women and Non-Binary Artists

The music industry’s lack of representation of women and non-binary artists is not just an issue of numbers – it’s also about the culture that perpetuates this lack of diversity. The alternative scene, in particular, has a long history of being a boys’ club, where men dominate the line-ups and the spotlight.

But this isn’t just a matter of individual artists or bands – it’s also about the industry as a whole. The music industry needs to recognize the value of diversity and make a conscious effort to include more women and non-binary artists in line-ups. Until then, the lack of representation will continue to be a barrier for aspiring artists.

Aspiring artists need to see themselves in the industry to know what’s possible. “You learn what’s possible from what you see,” Pidduck said. This is a message that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt like they don’t fit into a particular mold or category.

The statistics are stark: 80% of festival headliners were male in 2017, and despite pledges to achieve a 50/50 gender split by 2022, only one in ten headliners at UK music festivals was a woman that summer. These numbers are a sobering reminder of the industry’s failure to address its lack of representation.

But it’s not just about statistics – it’s also about creating a culture that values diversity and inclusion. The alternative scene can be a boys’ club, but there are elements of gatekeeping from women and expectations of the types of music they should make. Breaking down these stigmas is crucial for better representation.

As Richardson said, “It’s not just about being seen – it’s about being heard.” The music industry has a responsibility to amplify the voices of women and non-binary artists, rather than silencing them. It’s time for a change, and it’s up to all of us to make it happen.