General Discussion
After reading Isabel Marquez's article about systemic sexism in the music industry, I began to think about my friends and peers who had experienced inappropriate touching or comments, barriers because of their gender identity, and sexual harassment at music venues.
I remembered my bandmate and close friend getting catcalled in public by a performer onstage, a comment made about her body. She was 18 at the time, he was middle-aged. We laughed it off at the time but it was clear that it had an effect on her. A 'stupid' comment that revealed a lot about what this male-dominated industry deems acceptable.
The organisation Tits Upon Tyne published an expose a few years ago on promotion companies in the North East. Misogyny in music flows from the very top to local, grassroots venues like a vein. I'm sure that most women and people of minority backgrounds reading this have experienced something that left a bad taste in their mouths in the context of a music event.
As a white male, I recognise my privelege. It's not exactly my place to talk about other people's experiences - although I do believe it's my place as the owner of this blog to bring these issues to the forefront as often as possible. It's a huge topic, one that can sometimes be a little delicate to talk about. It is, however, vital to do it.
Therefore, I leave this here as a way to perhaps spark a discussion. Is there a story (or stories) you want to share? Have you got any advice for young artists wanting to know what to look out for? Etc etc.
As always: no hate speech, no bullying. Should go without saying!
Ollie :)
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