Sorry Beyoncé, but apparently it’s not girls.
Before anybody thinks it, I’m not putting the blame on anyone nor am I suggesting that it’s just women who are suffering – it’s just a topic I wanted to address.
When I first began my Music Industry course at University I remember the look of sheer thrill on my lecturers face when he walked into a room predominantly full of eager to learn women; I asked myself ‘why?’. Luckily he gladly reminded us all that in the Music Industry today there is a lacking of women, particularly in the recording sector, but is this true or are women just given less publicised attention?
One of my favourite topics to study last year was on the gender pay gap in the Industry and (finally) it was made a law for large corporations to have to release their statistics on gender pay – I was mortified at the results. How is it fair for women to earn 33.8% LESS than men? Well, simply put, it isn’t. It’s really barbaric to think that gender equality continues to be an issue in 2019, especially in the Music Industry that has held some of the most powerful women to grace the business.
After an incredible chart-dominating year, pop sensation Ariana Grande spoke out about gender inequality in the industry and admitted even she has felt underestimated.
“There are so many unbelievable female artists out there that try so much harder.”
Ariana Grande speaking to Paper Magazine, 2018
A study by USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative found that between 2012 to 2017 the 600 most popular song were only 22% female artists and even worse, only 12% of songwriters were female. Gender inequality is apparent in all sectors of the industry. Granted there isn’t an obligation for A&R to scout and rocket just female artists to success but it is questionable why THIS is taking place.
It can’t be denied that there is a vast amount of men in senior executive roles in comparison to women, but why is this? There could be a huge amount of factors in answer but I want to address the possibility that maybe women do feel intimidated and underappreciated, resulting in them being (consciously or subconsciously) unmotivated. It’s not a far reaching explanation.
“Giving everyone the same opportunities to thrive, and rewarding each person’s contribution fairly”
Sony Music Group
The Music Industry is based on and run by people, without people we would have no recordings, no lyrics, no producing, no marketing (arguable with technology advances) and no artists. Every single person who contributes to the music we feed on in everyday life should be accounted for, appreciation is so key in all careers. There shouldn’t be a deliberate minority.
“Women are underrepresented in the music business”
Live Nation UK and Ireland Chairmen, Denis Desmond
Representation for women should and maybe at the forefront of all the major labels minds, it’s a blessing that we have representation from non-profit organisations such as ‘Women in Music’ – an organisation based on equality and respect. I hope that in my (hopefully long) career in the Music Industry I don’t find myself deflated by lack of appreciation and let’s look forward to real change.
Music Talks UK 