‘Women in music are not treated the way we should be’

At the age of nine I started singing and writing. I could express myself through song in a way that was different. The way my thoughts dissipated as the words oozed out like honey – in songwriting I found solace. Now, at 24, I have over 800,000 streams on Spotify, have performed at Love Saves the Day and collaborate with artists around the UK.

All the years sat in my bedroom, expressing my feelings through music; working hard to collaborate with producers, getting my name out and promoting myself; working a full-time job, playing gigs, then working the next day.

But a sad reality pinches me when I consider my next steps: women in music are not treated the way that we should be.

A recent Musician’s Union survey found 48 per cent of UK musicians and music industry professionals have encountered sexual assault at work, while in the US the figure was 67 per cent.

I have seen and experienced the imbalances in our industry, and am passionate about making it a safer space for women. It’s not something we can just ‘brush off’. We are discriminated against, paid unfairly, sexualised, harassed and, worse, abused.

Freelance working, unpoliced studio sessions, drugs and alcohol are a common presence in the industry: these elements attract predators, giving them an ideal set of circumstances to carry out assault if the motivation is there. The abuse is then often overlooked or even covered up by labels to prevent bad reputations.

Women’s experiences 

Women across the industry have been speaking out about this issue though.

Artist Raye has been incredibly brave in sharing her experiences. In an interview with Louis Theroux she explained: “When you’re up and coming, when you have a dream and you cross paths with powerful people – some  people abuse their power and the effects of that can be crippling.”

Ultimately, as DJ Annie Mac said, “The system is kind of rigged against women”’

Why am I writing about this? 

The love I have for music, the happiness it gives me, all that hard work: is it fair that I then fear being raped?

It’s blunt, but it’s the truth. Women deserve to feel safe – it’s not a lot to ask for. And it should feel as important to others as it does to me. Music wouldn’t be the same without women. But if we don’t change its course, we are going to lose women from the industry.

Bristol DJ Lauren Louisha told me similar things, saying she has had some “abysmal experiences” including “blatant disrespect from men within the industry.”

But she believes there are ways to remedy this with suggestions such as better training in venues, employing female security guards or even holding men accountable by “checking their mates for being creeps,” as well.

Taking action

There are even bigger reforms to be had, in January this year, the government’ Women and Equalities committee released the second part of their ‘Misogyny in Music’ report.

It demands the industry and government take action including improving visibility of female role models, increasing investment in music career pathways for women, breaking down barriers to gatekeeping roles such as A&R, recording studio licensing, reform of parental leave and childcare support for freelancers and more.

There are also steps that we can take outside legislation, starting with education. Changing the way women are treated in the music industry starts with how we are treated in society in general.

Events like the recent Mothers in Music conference at Bristol Beacon are working to tackle issues faced by mums in the industry.

And others in Bristol are passionate about making change: for example, mental health professional Lewis Wedlock who visits schools to discuss masculinity, the patriarchy and misogyny with young men. He says this teaching takes time and patience, and should be implemented throughout school in order to establish an understanding of gender equality.

It’s a complex, multi-faceted issue; but women will not feel safe unless we tackle these underlying societal issues first.

This is an opinion piece from Olivia Rose, a 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Bristol. She has performed at Love Saves the Day and E1 London, and has over 800,000 streams on Spotify. Her blog LondonsLittleSister explores her passions for raising awareness in the music industry and interviewing creatives.

Images: Olivia Cowell

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