When we talk about women and gender-diverse people in the music business, we tend to focus on the negatives. But I’m sure you’ll agree that “Woman-kind” has many reasons to celebrate being part of this industry, too.

Don’t take just my word for it, though. I’ve asked a few females I admire to shed some light on the positive aspects of working in the Aussie music business, too.

Here’s what they had to say.

PART 261 OF “AM I EVER GONNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN?” A RANDOM COLLECTION OF UNKNOWINGLY OBVIOUS FACTS ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC SCENE

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The lack of proper female representation in many areas of the music business (like production or sound engineering) is a fact. The debate about equal pay for equal work seems to be never-ending. Workplace safety and security continue to be an unresolved issue. The number of times women have called out discriminatory practices and behaviours in the music business might be greater than Taylor Swift’s royalties. And ensuring career longevity for a lot of females and gender-diverse people frequently feels like that one item on the bucket list you’ve been trying to tick off for years – without success.

Yes, they’re all pressing issues. And while I fully agree that women should always stand up for their (our!) rights, we have enough depressing news in the world these days, wouldn’t you agree? So this time, I’ve decided to flip the script and focus on “the hearts and butterflies”.

“The highlight of this biz is supporting women and gender-diverse artists to have a safe creative space where their talents are honoured.”

Trish Hayes (Feminista Vinyl), record shop co-founder, Melbourne, VIC

But it’s not only my opinion or knowledge about the Australian music industry that counts here. After all, I’m an outsider, a foreigner who has entered the scene in the Land Down Under with a different perspective, but eager to get to know the business inside out. So, naturally, I wanted to hear about it from somebody else locally.

Luckily, I’ve got a few trusted business contacts in Oz. So I approached them with the following topics: 

• The good things -> What aspects of your job in the music industry bring you joy and fulfilment? 
• Your role models -> Who do you look up to in the biz?
• Pay it forward -> Which Australian female and gender-diverse acts are currently on your playlist? 

On some other occasions, it might not be appropriate. But I consider these questions a perfect time for some proper name-dropping. And that is the whole point of this project.

“One of my favourite parts about the music scene is the collaboration.”

Becc Vidovich (Newgate Crowd/Becc Photos), artist manager and photographer; Adelaide, SA

What adds value to this little survey, in my humble view, is that all the women who have shared their views with me are from different states in Australia. They also play different roles in the industry, so each one focuses on a different aspect of it. There’s a manager, a recording artist, an entrepreneur and a music fan amongst them, for example.

While I was watching their short video “testimonials”, I noticed they are all referring to the same thing, despite expressing it in different wording: Collaboration, support and seeing other women succeed.

Finally, if you asked me (which I did on your behalf), I’d add that I love interviewing musicians (especially women) and telling their stories on my channels. To me, this business is all about people. So it’s a privilege to be able to sit down with some of my favourite artists and hear them talk about their experiences and inspirations. That’s also why I strongly believe networking and nurturing connections are so valuable for women working in this tricky and challenging industry. 

“A thing that brings me joy is seeing musicians, who are defying expectations and crafting these amazing careers, connecting with fans via physical merch.”

Kathy Wilson (Suitcase Records), vinyl plant co-owner; Brisbane, QLD

Another good thing has come out of this project – the playlist. To be honest, I thought I was across most of what’s happening in the Land Down Under, but it turns out a lot of the acts mentioned in the vids are new to me, too.

That also proves the point I frequently refer to. In a music world dominated by men, many times, the only way to find out about new acts fronted by women is by word of mouth.

“What I love about the music industry is the whole creative process.”

Bec Voorn-Knight, (Piperlain/Audiofunk) singer-songwriter, founder of music production and promotion business; Blue Mountains, NSW

After all, being a female or gender diverse person working in the music business is all about uplifting and championing one another. Because – let’s face it – if we don’t do it, who else will?!

P.S. keep an eye on the Silly McWiggles social media channels! The videos start dropping from March 12 onwards.

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