Pop music has always been an arena in which women have been able to shine and showcase their talent. From the early days of jazz and blues to the present days of Beyonce and Ariana Grande, women have continued to prove their dominance in the music industry.
The early days of pop music saw the emergence of iconic female performers, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Aretha Franklin. These artists were trailblazers and pioneers of the genre, and their influence on the industry still resonates today. Not only were they talented and successful, but they also paved the way for future generations of female performers.
In modern times, women have continued to dominate the pop music world. From the likes of Taylor Swift and Rihanna to Lady Gaga and Adele, female singers have been able to achieve major success in the industry. They have broken down barriers and shattered glass ceilings with their success, showing that women can achieve the same level of success as their male counterparts in the industry.
Women have also been able to use their platform to promote social and political change, especially in the last decade. With female-focused lyrics, messages, and even genres, we’ve been instrumental in voicing support for feminist and LGBTQ+ rights. They have also used their music to address issues of racial injustice, mental health, and much more.
Even though we’ve been the economic engine that powers the industry, we’re still under-represented, particularly in executive leadership roles, producers, and managers.
Women in music are supported by multiple organizations, helping to change the way women are perceived in certain male-dominated spheres of the music industry. As a female/non-binary musician, you might find this article useful in discovering some of these, learning about their activities, and finding the ones right for you.
Shesaid.so
Shesaid is a global community of women and gender minorities from all music industry sectors, including artist management, record labels, booking agencies, technology platforms, creative agencies, composers, artists, and more. They were founded in London in 2014 by Andreea Magdalina. It has over 12,000 members in 18 local chapters, including London, LA, NYC, France, Italy, and Mumbai.
They showcase talented female artists on their radio, Spotify playlist, and SSSO Mix series, celebrate The New Creative Economy, and challenge the industry’s outdated systemic framework with their Alternative Power 100 Music List.
They also endeavor to help women progress in their careers with their mentoring program she.grows, establish brand partnerships for raising awareness, and share job opportunities in their Job portal.
Mission: To connect and empower underrepresented communities towards a more equitable music industry for all, one woman or gender minority at a time. We are unwavering in our intersectional approach to women’s rights and we urge the entire music community to adopt a similar outlook.
She Is The Music
Founded by Alicia Keys and Ann Mincieli, She Is the Music is a global, independent organization that provides a platform for women’s empowerment in the music industry. This groundbreaking collaboration spanning the music industry is powered by creators, publishers, record labels, talent agencies, industry groups, media companies, streaming services, and more.
With a database for female creators you can easily join here, it provides resources and support for women-focused initiatives working to create meaningful change – both through their own programs and external efforts worldwide.
The organization hosts writing camps, bringing together female recording artists, songwriters, and publishers, as well as providing mentoring and job opportunities.
Mission: To increase the number of women in the music industry, including songwriters, engineers, producers, artists, and industry professionals. To support women in the industry today with their initiatives and foster the development of future generations. To create a change for women and build an equal future for music.
Women in Music
Women In Music is a non-profit organization with over 25 chapters worldwide. Music-tech entrepreneurs, record label executives, artist managers, musicians, songwriters, recording engineers, agents, publicists, studio owners, music publishers, marketers, attorneys, and professionals make up the WIM community.
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Founded in 1985 in New York City, it offers its members career development, education, and networking. WIM also hosts events for members and non-members, showcases female creators, and offers volunteer opportunities.
You can also request to create a chapter in your own city.
Mission: To advance awareness, equality, diversity, heritage, opportunities, and cultural aspects of women in the musical arts through education, support, empowerment, and recognition.
Music Production for Women
Music production for women (MPW), founded in 2019 by artist and producer Xylo Aria, is a global movement, community and online education platform that encourages and empowers women who are beginning their careers in music production.
Music production workshops are held periodically in Europe and virtually in conjunction with local music organizations and studios. Also available is an Introduction to Music Production online course and a free online intro to music production masterclass.
Listen to their podcast about production techniques and related topics here.
Mission: To instil confidence in any woman interested in exploring music production and empower her to take the first steps with the backing of their full community.
Girls Rock Camp Alliance
Girls Rock Camp Alliance is an international network for arts and social justice organizations for young people. To build a strong movement for empowerment, they provide their members with resources and space for community building.
Organizations from across the globe participate in the GRCA movement, working to achieve intersectional feminist goals.
Over 100 organizations are members, and the Girls Rock Camp Alliance itself is a registered non-profit in the United States. They offer courses, practice spaces, gear mentorship, and networking and collaboration opportunities. They foster creativity, self-confidence, and teamwork.
Mission: To amplify voices that have otherwise been silenced. To dismantle intersecting oppression systems and acknowledge that they do not affect us all equally. To educate and empower young girls and non-binary people through music and arts.
Girls Make Beats
Girls are empowered to become music producers, DJs, and audio engineers through Girls Make Beats. The program provides girls with mentorship and access to the necessary skills and equipment to pursue careers in music production, engineering, and other audio-related fields.
It also gives them a platform to showcase their talents and build confidence.
GMB works with girls aged 5-17 and has partnered with music industry professionals, industry titans, and educational institutions to provide them with unmatched opportunities. It also allows girls to connect and collaborate in the music industry.
Founded in 2012 by certified audio engineer Tiffany “Delilah” Miranda, the organization hosts educational seminars, summer camps, and industry panels.
By offering online classes and masterclasses on industry-leading hardware and software, Girls Make Beats helps girls advance their careers as music producers, DJs, and audio engineers.
They highlight young talent through their You Glow Girl Youtube series. They also host a podcast that provides a fun and safe space for young girls to discuss topics relevant to them, such as music, school, fashion, and creativity.
Mission: To create real-world opportunities for girls to break barriers in the music industry.
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Femme House
An NGO, Femme House, works to increase equitable opportunities for women and individuals that identify as gender-expansive in the technical and behind-the-scenes sectors of the music industry. Their mission is to develop the next generation of producers, mixers, engineers, DJs, artists, and executives by providing education, developing communities, encouraging, and fostering professional development.
Founded in 2019 by LP GIOBBI and Lauren A. Spalding, Femme House offers free workshops on everything from music production to DJing and showcases female and gender-expansive talent.
They sponsor a bi-yearly scholarship program for BIPOC creators and maintain an online academy featuring comprehensive online courses on music production. The scholarship program and online academy aim to create opportunities for BIPOC creators to learn how to make music and gain access to resources.
Tune into their weekly radio show on SiriusXM’s Diplo’s Revolution highlighting dance music’s best tracks and artists. The radio show is an additional platform to showcase their work and help promote the music of BIPOC creators.
Mission: To affect change on a systemic, industry-wide level by tearing down as many barriers to entry as possible.
The lack of diversity in the music industry is a systemic issue that has been perpetuated for far too long. The only way to address this issue is to ensure that more opportunities are made available to us, especially when it comes to roles as producers and managers. It is essential that women are given the same opportunities to succeed in the music industry as our male counterparts, and not just as performers. This means creating more spaces and opportunities for female producers and managers to make their mark. This can be done through initiatives such as mentorship programs, workshops, internships, and participation in organizations that promote this ideal which will help to level the playing field and ensure that more women are able to succeed in the music industry.
