We have all heard the saying "Women...you can't live with them, and you can't live without them".  Well to say the least this is a true statement of life in general, however in the music production world it appears to still be a challenge of existence for women in the industry.   According to an article Where Are The Female Producers there is a quote that states "The music industry is still male-dominated and there is chauvinism," said John Harris, founder of the Harris Institute for the Arts." (Whatson 2016)  This is far from the norm of our Declaration of Independence that "We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal." (Declaration of Independence 1776)  Let's face it,  we live in a world that has been male dominated when it comes to the music industry especially in music production. 

 

While women are more respected as singers, artist, sex symbols, video girls, etc, there is very little respect to those who are actually musicians, composers, and producers.  Taylor Swift is not only an artist, she is a writer, composer, musician, and producer.  Missy Elliott is not only an artist, she is also a writer, composer, musician, and producer.  This is something that is overlooked and their skill sets are not examined in a way that they are getting more noticed for their production skills but rather their artistry as a whole.

 

We are not saying as women that we want to rule, but to simply co-exist and collaborate with other producers who respect us for what's in our head and hearts of creativity rather than our racks, legs, walk, appearance, etc. I often wonder if Taylor never sung a word, or if Missy never recited a verse would it have been easy for them to be in the positions they are in now?  It is great to see women like Teena Marie, Missy Elliott, Alicia Keys, Taylor Swift, Pink, and many others who are making music not only for themselves, but for others.

 

There is no disrespect to the fellas, because ladies we do need our fellas.  But, from a perspective musically I would like to know what can be done about this.  What has to happen in order for us to be taken seriously rather than as a possible chance at "romance first and maybe I will help you with your music exposure second." Ladies, we have a real challenge on our hands.  Fellas, what's the solution? Do you find this to be something that sparks an interest to you? Check out my youtube video while at a Music Production Workshop in Atlanta, Ga. where Music Producer "Fuse" sets the record straight and gives special props to Female Producers.  Can't wait for the opportunity to collaborate with this amazing Producer. Thanks Fuse for the love!

 

References : 

Full Sail University - LexisNexis Academic (Whatson 2016) Where Are The Female Producers Retrieved from http://www.lexisnexis.com.oclc.fullsail.edu:81/lnacui2api/api/version1/getDocCui?lni=5JD7-H8R1-F197-552G&csi=270944,270077,11059,8411&hl=t&hv=t&hnsd=f&hns=t&hgn=t&oc=00240&perma=true

www.ushistory.org (1776) The Declaration of Independence Retrieved from http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/