Believe’s Post

It was a great week for women in music at the Grammys. But despite this festival line ups are still male dominated with only 13% of headline acts identifying as female. At Out & Wild Festival we only feature female and non-binary acts on our stages. They often face a double glass ceiling when it comes to appearing on stages. This was a quote from one of our acts for 2024. ‘In an industry that's dominated by mass sex appeal, making headway as a queer artist can be hard. I find it hard to find spaces that feel like I fit. Queer spaces are an exception, but the typical 'gay club' style events are very male dominated, and also often heavily orientated around pop, dance, techno, and sex. It's not often that the softer side of queerness is demonstrated, especially on bigger stages. I've looked at other lgbtq+ festivals for the potential to play a gig there, but the obvious answer is that they wouldn't want me. I'm non-male, I don't wear sex on the surface, and I play soft alt-indie music. Queer music has so much more to offer these days. These textbook lgbtq+ festivals and nights deffo still have a place, but I think there is more need to diversify what it means to be lgbtq+ in arts, music and nightlife’ We need more festivals and safe spaces that cater for lgbtq+ women and those that are nb. #lgbtqia #festival #pridemonth #womenonstages

Hats off to Maria, Alex, Matt and the MediaTracks Music team for hosting the (first ever?!) event celebrating LGBTQ+ identity in production music: ‘Pride in Sync’. To put those two words together and make an event out of it is something truly special and pioneering. Production music is faceless NO LONGER!! Here’s 3 points from the panel that resonated: 🌈 Sometimes LGBTQ+ people are in the room but they don’t find each other. Visibility unlocks community and helps you find your people. But obvs, people need to feel safe before they can be visible. 🌈 “I do these gigs but I don’t play these songs.” Lack of safety creates a barrier for emerging talent. Queer creators like having a space which keeps their identity in mind. 🌈 Allyship is so important: “I don’t understand, but I’m here.” Inclusion is everyone’s business. As an organisation, don’t pretend you know every experience about every people. Partner with organisations that know instead. It makes you feel incredible gratitude to be alive at a time when we can be present at an event like that and celebrate together. That’s thanks to the bravery and persistence of everyone who’s come before us. And just a tip, Maria’s part of the new generation. 😉 Very well spoken on that panel! Maria and MediaTracks have lit the flame, we’re all responsible for stoking the fire and continuing this conversation now.

'Get Who Gets You lesbian LP' is a phrase that conveys the idea of finding a connection with music that resonates with one's identity as a lesbian. https://lnkd.in/ga6amt6j #PaidPartner This could mean seeking out music created by and for the lesbian community, or simply finding songs and artists that speak to the unique experiences and emotions of being a lesbian. Music has always been a powerful medium for self-expression and connection, and for many individuals, finding music that reflects their own experiences can be incredibly validating and empowering. In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards more diverse and inclusive representation in the music industry, with a greater emphasis on LGBTQ+ voices and stories. By seeking out lesbian LPs, listeners can not only discover new music that speaks to their own lived experiences but also support LGBTQ+ artists and creators. This can help to create a more inclusive and representative music landscape for all listeners, regardless of their sexual orientation. In a world where representation matters more than ever, finding music that "gets" you as a lesbian can be a deeply meaningful and impactful experience. It's about more than just enjoying a catchy tune – it's about finding a sense of belonging and connection through the power of music.

In light of the recent findings from the 2023 Musicians’ Census, it's imperative that we address the systemic discrimination and harassment that LGBTQ+ musicians face in the UK. The report, a collaboration between the Musicians’ Union, Help Musicians, and Come Play with Me, sheds necessary light on the significant challenges, including discrimination based on sexuality and gender identity, sexual harassment, and the alarming disparities in mental and physical wellbeing within our community. As industry professionals, it's our responsibility to foster an environment that not only acknowledges these issues but actively works towards creating a more inclusive and supportive space for all musicians, regardless of their background or identity. The statistics regarding unreported incidents and the pay gap, especially among transgender musicians, are particularly concerning and call for an urgent review of our practices and policies. I applaud the efforts of MU, Help Musicians, and CPWM for spearheading this crucial research and encourage all my connections to read the full report. Let's use this as a catalyst for change, ensuring that the music industry can be a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ musicians. Together, we can make a difference. #InclusionInMusic #LGBTQEquality #MusicIndustryChange

"Among the key stats: 30% of musicians canvassed for the census say they are experiencing poor mental wellbeing, although that increases to 43% of LGBTQ+ musicians; 49% of disabled musicians; and 63% of trans musicians. Low earnings, discrimination and living outside England are among the factors discussed in the report too. “The highest rates of negative mental wellbeing by career stage are reported amongst students (41%) and those not yet working as a musician (41%). This suggests the need for dedicated support for those at the very early stages of a musicians’ career,” added the report. This leads into one of the key points made by the report: that low mental wellbeing causes musicians to leave the industry – possibly before they’ve had a chance to realise their potential. “Over twice as many musicians with low mental wellbeing felt it was unlikely they would be working in music in one or five years’ time, compared with musicians generally,” as the report puts it." Music Ally

🌟 Evolving Tastes and Perspectives: Navigating the Music Landscape 🌟 Hello everyone, In the ever-changing world of music and entertainment, it's fascinating to observe how tastes and preferences evolve over time. Today, I'd like to address a point of view about a well-known artist, Alice Cooper. While opinions vary, it's important to engage in discussions with respect and an open mind. 🎶🤝 🎤 Alice Cooper, a prominent figure from the 80s, holds a unique place in the history of music. Just as different genres resonate with different audiences, individuals have diverse views on his music and relevance today. It's natural for artists' popularity to ebb and flow as new generations embrace their own favorites. 💡 As we engage with music and culture, it's important to recognize that preferences are subjective. Some may find nostalgic value in artists from the past, while others may resonate more with contemporary voices. Let's foster discussions that celebrate artistic diversity and acknowledge the role that each artist plays in shaping our cultural landscape. 🌐 It's worth considering that artists can be seen through various lenses – not just as tools for propaganda, but as contributors to conversations that reflect societal trends and perspectives. Music has the power to evoke emotions, spark dialogue, and bridge generations. 🌈 I encourage you to share your thoughts on this topic. How do you view the changing dynamics of music appreciation and cultural impact? Let's engage in conversations that embrace differing viewpoints and contribute to a richer understanding of our ever-evolving world. 👇 #EvolvingMusicTastes #ArtisticDiversity #CulturalImpact #RespectfulDialogues #MusicAppreciation #NostalgicValue #EmbraceDifferences #CelebratingArtists #ShapingCulture #SubjectivePreferences #RicherUnderstanding #BridgingGenerations #EmbraceDiversity #ContributeToDialogue #OpenMindedDiscussions #MusicAndSociety #ContemporaryVoices #CulturalLandscape #DifferentPerspectives #ArtisticImpact #MusicThroughGenerations #EvolvingEntertainment Let's continue to explore the vast tapestry of music and culture, engaging in conversations that honor diversity, reflect changing perspectives, and celebrate the powerful influence that artists have on our world. 🌟🌍 Regarding your question about "woke," it's a term that has gained different meanings over time. In its original context, being "woke" referred to being socially aware and conscious of societal injustices. However, its usage has expanded and sometimes carries negative connotations or is used to label certain viewpoints. The idea of being "woke" itself is not problematic; it's the interpretation and context in which it's used that can be debated. Being awake to societal issues and promoting positive change is valuable, but like any term, its meaning can evolve and differ based on individual perspectives.

This week, as we kick off the celebration of #PrideMonth, Luminate honors the LGBTQ+ music makers whose unwavering dedication to their craft continues to shape the musical landscape and empower queer voices. Year over year, we see queer representation in the music industry increasing. In 2021, there were 35 solo artists ranked in the Top 1,000 who self-identified as LGBTQ+; so far in 2024, that number has increased to 39. Consumption of these artists similarly increased, from 17.9M units in 2021 to 20.8M units in 2023. At the genre level, Pop, R&B/Hip-Hop and Rock lead the way in queer representation, with the majority of these queer artists performing in one of those genres. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eGEb6E3i

Every now and then you get to work on something especially meaningful. Please check out today's episode of History Daily (which I sound designed), about an important moment in LGBTQ+ (and specifically transgender) rights history. And after you listen, share and repost! https://lnkd.in/eEaKEyDY

"Unlike mainstream gay #popstars of previous generations who began their careers closeted, Troye Sivan was not only out before his first album, but demonstrated how his sexual orientation is both part of his #art and beside the point. Sivan’s albums always openly celebrate queerness as something beautiful and fun, rather than the typical exploration of tragic themes often found in both mainstream and queer media. Yet, what's interesting about Troy’s continuing #celebration of queer male sexuality is that it actually amplified his hold over his #femalefandom. Sivan’s female heterosexual fans see him as a platonic crush object, but his songs and sexually explicit videos also provide a conduit for exploration of #femaledesires. And we are increasingly seeing that in #popculture in general. Whether it’s emotional and sexually suggestive pop of Troye Sivan’s albums, China’s #danmei homoerotic fiction, or global popularity of Thai #BoyLove dramas, straight girls and women all over the world are becoming increasingly interested in listening, watching, and creating content centered around emotionally and sexually expressive queer men." Check out my latest case study on Troye Sivan, that Canvas8 identified as one of #NewIcons of 2023, and understand how #brands can lean into these new shifts around sexuality, identity, #digitalculture and female phantasies. #TroyeSivan #LGBTQ+ #heterosexuality #music #fandom #masculinity

Seizo Entertainment about Stance on LGBTQ+ Representation in Music and Videos In a recent interview, Seizo Entertainment get asked about their stance on LGBTQ+ support in their music and video productions in the future, The company has been under scrutiny as more entertainment companies worldwide embrace diversity and inclusion in their content. A spokesperson for Seizo Entertainment responded to the queries, stating, "This is a sensitive issue. However, if there are companies that support such matters, it could indeed be that their market lies there. We must clarify, though, that we do not support things of that nature." This statement has sparked a wide range of reactions from fans and industry observers alike. The spokesperson's comments suggest that Seizo Entertainment is not planning to integrate LGBTQ+ themes or characters in their upcoming projects. This position contrasts with the trend seen in many other entertainment companies, which have increasingly included LGBTQ+ narratives as part of their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Critics argue that Seizo Entertainment’s stance may alienate a segment of their audience who are seeking representation and inclusivity in media. On the other hand, supporters of the company's position appreciate their straightforwardness and adherence to their current market strategy. As the entertainment industry evolves, the pressure for inclusivity continues to grow. Seizo Entertainment's clear stance might define their market approach, but it also places them in the midst of ongoing debates about representation and corporate responsibility in the arts.