“WOMEN SPEAKING UP FOR THEMSELVES AND FOR THOSE AROUND THEM IS THE
STRONGEST FORCE WE HAVE TO CHANGE THE WORLD.”
– MELINDA GATES
As a female in the industry there are invisible barriers to overcome. So lets get out of the sandbox and play on the beach! Women can break the patriarchy by forming our own sisterhood. How long have sexism and imbalances kept us reliant on male producers, writers, agents, label owners etc... Don’t get me wrong I love men! I have a wonderful husband and son and loads of male friends that shatter this stereotype. But just like an all-girls gym- there is a purpose for a female based incubator... and it is the guys that fit that stereotype.
One of the most negative traits which I want to erase in the female- only zones is the competitive edge instead of collaborative nature among female artists. This is caused by little opportunity and a scarcity mentality. When women are given an equal chance, and treated equally, not only as artists, but as contributors to the evolution of the industry, it benefits everyone. The industry makes more money, more people are inspired, and contribute to the growth and progression of music.
With all of the potential of unwanted advances, demeaning and unfair treatment in the media, so many women end up quitting and letting their talent go to waste which doesn’t benefit anyone- especially those talented women! I set a time for 5 minutes and jotted downs the one that came to mind from my personal experience. Here it goes
Things men have ACTUALLY SAID TO ME as the female in the music business.
• I’m attracted to you and cant work with you unless we are together
• “Wow your treating this as if it’s a negotiation” (it was)
• If you lived with me your music career would be more affordable (Biz partner ew!)
• You could do really well with a nose job and a boob job
• You should get your boobs done (too many times to count)
• I heard you aren’t how old you say you are- let me see your drivers license
• Don’t work out too much- you don’t want to get too ripped!
• (to my male partner in front of me) is she involved in all of the projects?
• (To my male partner about a simple business emails) Tara is rude/bitchy/short
• Are you guys a couple? (about me &my male biz partner)
• Your career is over at 23!
• What’s your “stage age”?
• These photos make you look older than you are (god forbid!)
• We just need to get drunk together
• We should go get massages (multiple times...weird right?)
• Lets skip the studio I want to buy a Rolls Royce (label owner flew me to LA to “record”)
Don't listen to ONE MORE annoying comment like this! Take your future into your own hands. Be a diva, join the sisterhood, join the revolution.