International Women's Day 2017

Stories of persistence in the music industry

#BeBoldForChange

Before I even thought to look up this year's International Women’s Day theme, I decided I wanted to ask the women in my life for their stories of working in music. I wanted to hear how they got started, and wanted to know advice they’d share with young women. Though this industry is still considered male-dominated, it made me really happy that I had so many friends and people I follow online I could reach out to for this piece. What was even better, was that some participants then reached out to their circles for stories, making this collection even more special.

The IWD theme this year is #BeBoldForChange. Their website says each one of us “can be a leader within our spheres of influence”, and “through purposeful collaboration, we can help women advance”. How fitting then that this blog is a collaboration to help women advance, from leaders in our spheres! To be bold, according to Merriam Webster*, means being fearless, or having a daring spirit. I think you’ll agree with me that each of these stories fit the bill of being “bold”. These are inspiring, hardworking, and incredible people who have a similar thread of advice among them: persist.

Earlier this year, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren was silenced during a debate. The defense of that silencing has become a battle cry to some: “She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.” To persist means “to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition, importunity, or warning.” Persistence seems to be a handy skill to have when working in music, and for life in general. Keep fighting for what you love, and keep celebrating the people who are in the trenches with you. 

Valerie Gritsch

Editor's note: On 6 March 2017, a report into five years of PRS Foundation for Music's Women Make Music fund, endorsed by the UK government, reported a big positive impact on the careers and confidence of female composers and musicians. Just some good news to share, and a start upon which we can build to break barriers to women wanting to make and produce music. Full story on The Culture Diary.

* Bold definition from Merriam Webster: fearless before danger;  intrepid, showing or requiring a fearless daring spirit a bold plan

Safe Gigs For Women – An Update and an International Women's Day show on Wednesday 8 March 2017

Tracey Wise – Founder, Safe Gigs For Women

Safe Gigs for Women was started out of anger (a natural response to sexual assault and harassment), but has moved into a positive, proactive force. I’ve spent nearly 22 years of my life going to gigs, and after being assaulted seeing my favourite band in 2016, I was compelled to speak up about this. Music is my “thing”. I can’t go a day without it. For me, the sexual assault was horrifying, but add to that that this happened at an event that I had been holding as something so important and special just added further insult to injury. As this wasn’t the first time this had happened to me at a gig or a festival, it felt as if my enjoyment of music, what it means to me, mattered less than that of the men around me. And that’s wrong. Music makes me feel alive, it makes me hurt, right down to my insides. This is something I take so seriously, travelling across the country and within Europe to see the bands I love. Sexual harassment and assault are not new problems, but when I think about what music, live music, festivals mean to me – community, and a shared sense or feeling – it’s just not right that something that should be so positive can be brought down by something so base.

Over the last year, Safe Gigs For Women has been across England and Wales talking to people at events like BoomTown Fair, Always the Sun and Association of Independent Festivals Congress. We’ve gained the support of Xtra Mile Recordings and a number of their artists, including Barry Dolan (Oxygen Thief / Non Canon), Ben Marwood, Ducking Punches and Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls, all giving us the chance to talk to gig goers at their events. This has allowed us to discuss what gig and festival goers can do in order to make sure that everyone around them is safe and having a good time. And we have more work to come over the next few weeks and months with Xtra Mile artists, which we’ll always look forward too and be thankful for.

First though, on International Women’s Day we have a fundraiser, highlighting and celebrating the best of new and upcoming women in music. We’d love if you could join us at Tooting Tram and Social Club from 7pm on 8th March! Tickets can be bought here (or click on the poster). Let us know if you're coming on Facebook.

Roe Gallo - Director, Label Management, ADA (Independent Distribution)

I've always been musically inclined, but never really considered myself a music person until we got cable and MTV. I was hooked. I'd stay up late at night watching music videos and just wishing to be a person that worked with the artists, making their dreams of being on MTV a reality. When I went to college, there was no such thing as a music industry degree. I majored in communications with a minor in marketing. I later went back for a Masters degree in media studies.

My first industry job was working for an artist management company. During my interview, my future boss (male) made sure to remind me that my job wasn't to 'date' the artists, but to work for them – I guarantee he didn't have this conversation with my male counterparts who were up for the position. Working alongside the artist on their vision and helping to make it a reality has always been my motivation for getting into the business. I worked in management for a good portion of my career, then eventually transitioned to the label side, and now distribution. To this day, that is my fuel and my reason for weathering the ever-changing industry – that my contribution makes a difference to the artists and labels.

My advice to younger women just getting into the industry is to keep pushing yourself beyond what you think your boundaries are. While a job description may seem a bit more advanced than your skill set, apply for it anyway. You learn by doing in this business, and the way to break down doors and ceilings and barriers is by pushing yourself. Don't rely on anyone else. And don't be discouraged if you don't get that job, apply for more. Make sure you're networking at shows and events, because you'll go far when everyone knows who you are.

Alisa Halis (@alisahalis) – Content Protection Representative, Universal Music Group

I always knew I would work in music because as an obsessive teenager my life revolved around watching TRL (Total Request Live, an MTV music show) religiously, reading online music message boards and thinking I was too cool because I listened to Good Charlotte. I lived and breathed music and my happy place was live shows. It was an escape from the real world and a place where I was able to meet like-minded people. The live music community not only gave me unforgettable memories but also my best friends, industry connections and even led me to a job at my dream company.

My advice to young women who want to dive into the music industry would be to say 'yes' to every invite and network as much as possible. If your friend invites you to a mixer, or a co-worker wants to drag you to a small show, say 'yes'! There may be times when you’re not in the mood or not interested, but you never know who you will meet there. The music industry is all about who you know and a quick connection you made that night may help guide you in the future.

Laura Brown  PR at 2000Trees / Head of Features at Alt Corner / Festivals Editor at Kettle Mag

In a way, I think I kind of accidentally fell into the music industry. Alongside my journalism and media degree, I was volunteering here and there for various events and online publications, but it was really during the summer of 2013 that I got my 'break', as it were. In my search for summer work, and interest in music and events, I got in touch with 2000Trees Festival and offered myself up as volunteer for the festival weekend. In that first year at the festival I helped run the guest list on the main entrance and then in the years following was given more and more opportunities to get more hands on and progress with my role. In the last couple of years I've assisted in the management and running of the PR operation at the festival – everything from initial press lists to arranging interviews for press with many of the bands playing and managing a team of volunteers over the weekend. That initial interest in music and events propelled me to finding something I really love doing. That rush of a live event and that festival atmosphere is something very special. Alongside this I've taken on two more senior music writing roles which allow me to constantly discover new bands and albums, check out other festivals and gigs and immerse myself in music as much as possible. Though I'm currently doing all of this alongside a normal office 9-5 job, there's something about doing it this way that makes it more enjoyable. It almost provides an escape from reality and one that I couldn't possibly love more.

For those who think the industry is for them, the main thing I would say is prepare for hard work. It's late nights, long hours and doing things for free. But if you love it and want it more than anything then it more than pays off. I'm still doing things for free and I do it because I'm passionate about it and I get so much enjoyment from it all. Comparing yourself to others is one thing you do need to shake off though. Having myself spent many hours feeling like I'm not doing enough or not where I want to be, it really pays to take a step back and look at exactly where you are. Usually, you're doing pretty okay. It may be in the smallest way but there are real positives and achievements in everything. Don't beat yourself up too much. Work hard but play hard too and everything will be just fine.

Faye Lewis – Head of Marketing, Montreal Associates / New Music Editor at The Girls Are

From infancy, music has always been an all-consuming passion (obsession) of mine. It started with my parents who liked everything from Motown and 80s synth-pop, to rock, grunge, punk and indie. So I was fortunate to have that constant musical indulgence growing up. In my teen years, I was at gigs two or three times a week and when I came to taking my A-Levels I did English Literature, English Language, History, Photograpy and Drama, with a view to being either a photographer or studying English at uni. Around the same time, when I wasn’t working behind a bar or playing in awful bands, I took a part-time job at The Hartlepool Mail where I worked as a junior reporter and this continued while at university. I got a BA in English Literature and Linguistics from Newcastle and worked on the university newspaper writing about films and music as well as writing for The Hartlepool Mail and Sunderland Echo. After my undergraduate degree, I did an MA in Journalism (chosen because the course also included full NCTJ accreditation) which I would need to be a junior reporter. While completing my masters, I got as much experience as possible writing for publications as broad as Elle magazine, What Car (really), Popword and the Independent (among many more). I also did a month’s internship at Rock Sound magazine. In my first week I went to Dublin Castle to review AndsoIwatchyoufromafar and Maybeshewill back in 2008 – and in that moment I knew that was what I wanted to do more than anything.

I don’t know if there is one route to take into music journalism – a lot of people I have met have taken the BIMM route, or worked in PR first and forged their identity 'on the scene’. For me, looking back, it was much more innocent and naïve. I loved music, I got on with the people at Rock Sound and at the time I was living in a basement in Hackney for £50 a week that had no windows and was a fire trap. I think part of being given the job was because they felt sorry for me living in that hovel. It was also because I made an effort and really cared, like most jobs willingness goes a long way. For anyone thinking about getting into music journalism, you’re really not going to earn very much money so be clear about the extent of your interest. After you’ve done ten festivals back-to-back and you can hardly afford to eat, the novelty of getting guestlist wears off fast. You’ll be traipsing around, probably wearing a leather or denim jacket when it’s raining and freezing outside on a cold Tuesday in January, going to a toilet circuit venue to listen to up and coming bands that you may not like. That's the reality. But if you love that, then that’s the mindset you need to succeed.

One thing which has developed from when I was working full-time as a journalist is the digital marketing aspect today. I genuinely had no idea how to work Twitter in 2008; I am now head of marketing for an enterprise tech recruitment agency, so have come a long way. But in 2008, I was on some archaic mobile phone, drunk in a field and trying to figure out what to do. Today brand awareness, digital strategy and growth / follower strategies will be as inherent a part of journalism as it is marketing, so make sure you understand basic things like html, backlinking, SEO and meta descriptions. These skills combined with passion will be advantageous. Understand web hits, traffic etc. because print is dead. If you can get, as many skills as possible that will stand you in great stead today. One thing speaking to ‘younger’ people today is that they’re worried about what they say online, or their ‘personal brand’. In that respect: really? Get over yourselves, nobody cares about you, you’re there to talk about music! And don’t fall into that trapping either if you’re in the industry for a long time! Believe in what you do, what you write and who you are and just be persistent.

Final bit of advice: if you're going to be on camera interviewing bands over a three day festival, make sure you take a change of clothes.

Read Faye's writing on The Girls Are, a website championing women in music.

Charlie Pierce – Artist Manager

Work hard. Play hard. Be kind. But know that it doesn’t mean making apologies.

I sat at a women’s event in Nashville last night organised by a brilliant movement called Change the Conversation and I listened to Lou Taylor, the CEO of Tri-Star Entertainment. Among many insightful thoughts she shared, there were a couple that struck a chord with me; one was that everybody has their "a-ha!" career moment, and the other was that you need the right people in the right jobs – "You can’t have the right engine in the wrong vehicle. If you’re driving around in a tractor with an outboard motor on it, you are going to look pretty stupid."

These two pieces of advice rang particularly true to me because my "a-ha!" career moment came two years ago when I finally came to the conclusion that I was an outboard motor in a tractor. More precisely, I was sat in an office in one of the world’s largest financial institutions (if there had been a window, I would have been staring out of it) wondering where things had gone wrong. On the surface they were far from wrong – good life, able to pay the bills, nice flat, girl about town etc. – but underneath I was unsupported in my role, unmotivated and desperately unhappy.

In a 'do or die' moment, I had to get out. I left the firm and I set about a complete career change. I decided that my passionate love of music and an 11-year career in business could be combined, and what I really wanted to do was manage artists; helping somebody to develop a business strategy and manage their talent to build a fulfilling and successful career. It doesn’t stop there though. On a daily basis I can be a tour manager, personal assistant, therapist, marriage counselor, legal secretary, contract negotiator, label head, studio assistant, book keeper….the list goes on. Roll up your sleeves and get on with it. 

Making such a huge career change has not come easy. I have worked unpaid in order to get relevant experience and an overview of the distribution and label business. Another brilliant snippet of advice I heard from a fellow woman in the industry was "you can work for free, but never for no value". I have had a couple of false starts and learned a lot along the way. At the time it felt like the worst had happened, and now I can see how much I have learnt in such a short space of time. 

As I have continued on this journey I have picked up women along the way that I count as friends, mentors and role models. I’ve maintained strong relationships with women I have worked with before and I have also left some a way back down the path who didn’t want in on the ride. It’s not always easy to find your tribe, but when you do and you are all clear on the vision of where you are going. There is nothing more powerful than a group of women on a mission. It can be upsetting when people fall by the wayside. In my experience, women often find that harder to deal with than their male counterparts, but ultimately you need to surround yourself with people who all want to work together towards success. 

Right now I am working with Angaleena Presley, an artist based out of Nashville. She is the epitome of a bad-ass and I feel proud to be on her team, which is filled with other great women including Jackie, her publicist, Jennifer at Thirty Tigers and her bass player Ashleigh. Angaleena’s mantra is akin to mine: "When you rise up, you reach out your hand and bring someone with you. I work with these girls not because they're girls. I do it because they're the best.” The other artists I am starting to work with are all women. That has not been so much a deliberate undertaking but the way in which the world has brought us together and our energy has connected.

Now, back to the first line of this piece. I saw a print in a shop in the city (London), right around the time I was leaving my old life behind. It said simply: "Work Hard. Play Hard. Be Kind". That was what I was aiming for when I took that leap into music. One of the most important lessons I have learned is that being kind does not mean you have to take shit from anybody. Sometimes you have to stand your ground and you need to use your voice. That can be done without rudeness but you should never apologise for fighting for the right thing for your artist. It’s a tendency women lean towards and we need to stop apologising for taking care of business. Maybe when I have an office again I’ll make a new print: "Work Hard. Play Hard. Be Kind. Take No Shit." There, that’s better. 

Thank you to Val (Gritsch, XMR's Social Media Maestro and Street Team Commander) for inviting me to write this piece. It’s hard to think of yourself as somebody who can offer advice or inspiration to others sometimes and this has lifted me out of a fog. You rock girl, and I’m proud we’re fighting the good fight together.