Voices Against Misogyny: Women in the British Music Industry Echo Calls for Change

In early 2023, a report shed light on the pervasive misogyny and abuse within the UK music industry. Female representation has grown, yet inequality persists, manifesting in lesser opportunities and a culture of silence around harassment and abuse. The findings have prompted many women, including acclaimed musicians Rina Sawayama, Nova Twins, and Self Esteem, to vocalize their struggles against sexism and racism, abuse, and patronization.

Personal Experiences of Misogyny

Chloe Little, a musician with Wings of Desire, was disturbed by the endemic discrimination within the music sector. Her own efforts to break into the scene were fraught with sexism, and discussions about women's encounters with misogyny are often dismissed. She describes the discomfort of being sent to work with older male producers in private spaces as a young artist.

Rina Sawayama speaks of experiencing intense and repeated racist misogyny that included gaslighting, disrespect, and cyberbullying. She stresses that the industry has yet to fully understand and act upon the need for accountability.

Challenging Industry Norms

Self Esteem recounts a traumatizing incident when a label executive's harassment made her doubt her worth based on her refusal to his advances. Lily Fontaine of English Teacher, Heather Baron-Gracie of Pale Waves, and others share similar tales of their work and integrity being undermined by male dominance.

Female musicians, like the Nova Twins' Amy Love and Georgia South, recall moments of body-shaming and inappropriate behavior that have left lasting negative impacts. They highlight the necessity for the industry to confront its deep-rooted misogyny and foster a supportive environment.

Seeking Industry Reform

These powerful testimonies aim to raise awareness and initiate industry-wide reform. Women in the music industry are urging for actions to be taken against the systemic abuse they face and for a shift towards an equitable and respectful workplace.

misogyny, industry, abuse