David Simkins’ 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

'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.

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.

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

🚨 55% of LGBTQ+ musicians report not being able to make a sustainable income as a barrier to their music careers 29% of LGBTQ+ musicians said they don’t earn enough money to support themselves or their family And there's a pay gap for trans musicians of almost £10k That's why we've teamed up with Come Play With Me to put together 12 recommendations for government and industry to make the music industry more inclusive for LGBTQ+ musicians They cover: 🟡 Funding and investment 🟡 Research and education – including investment in training and networking 🟡 Attitude and accountability Learn more 🔗 https://bit.ly/4bWFLMM #MusiciansCensus2023 #WeAreTheMU

We all have the same 168 hours as Beyoncé but wow Whether you like her music or not, it is hard not to respect her professional, artistic and marketing brilliance. In the realm of professional excellence and artistic brilliance, Beyoncé stands as a undisputed Queen, exemplifying what it means to push boundaries and redefine standards. Her simultaneous work on “Renaissance” and “Cowboy Carter” is nothing short of extraordinary. “Renaissance” wasn’t just an album; it was a celebration of the roots of voguing, house, and disco music, echoing the spirit of the ’70s and ’80s club scenes and uplifting the LGBTQ community. But behind the scenes, Beyoncé was also crafting “Cowboy Carter,” a masterful response to the racism she experienced at the CMAs and a testament to resilience. No other artist has managed to make the cultural statements, bend genres and protest infidelity and racism in the way she has. What’s truly mind-blowing is how Beyoncé managed these projects simultaneously, each with its own set of complexities and demands… and she’s note done- Act3 is in the way. This speaks volumes about her commitment to excellence. She meticulously planned and executed both projects while balancing her role as a mother to three children, showcasing unparalleled dedication and work ethic. Beyoncé’s journey is a powerful reminder of the excellence we can aspire to in our professional lives. It challenges us to think bigger, push harder, and use our platforms to make meaningful statements. Excellence isn’t just about achieving success; it’s about how we respond to setbacks, how we embrace our unique voices, and how we commit to our visions with unwavering passion and precision. Let’s take inspiration from Beyoncé’s playbook: Plan meticulously, embrace our unique strengths, and never shy away from using our platforms to make a difference. She is, unequivocally, one of the greatest artists of our time—a true beacon of excellence in both her craft and her approach to life’s challenges. Let’s have a conversation about what excellence means to you and how we can bring that level of dedication and creativity into our own fields. #Excellence #Inspiration #Beyoncé #ProfessionalGrowth #ArtisticBrilliance

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

🎵 "Breaking Down Barriers: Women in the Music Industry" 🎵 🔥 When #MeToo shook Hollywood, the music industry couldn’t escape the spotlight. Now, it’s time for our own reckoning. 💥 🚫 Gatekeepers—those industry insiders—hold the keys. They decide who gets airplay, who shines, and who stays silent. But here’s the twist: they’re also responsible for diversity. Let’s break the mold! 🌟 🎤 Empowering artists means diversifying gatekeeper roles. It’s time to amplify women’s voices, challenge norms, and create equal opportunities. 🙌 💰 Equal pay? Still a battle. But let’s bridge gaps—race, LGBTQ+, and beyond—through community and empowerment. 💡 👉 Read more 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eFiHPV63 🎶 #BreakingBarriers #MusicIndustry #WomenInMusic

How can we shift BIPOC queer representation in music? In an industry that prides itself on self-expression and freedom of creativity, it's time we acknowledge the marginalized voices and talents that often go unheard. While the music industry has taken steps towards inclusivity, we can't continue to turn a blind eye to the hardships faced by queer artists, especially those who identify as Black and transgender. We need to invest in mentorship programs designed specifically for supporting queer artists, increase representation in media, curate safe creative environments that promote diversity, and provide harm reduction & inclusion strategies to music business execs to ensure the success and protection of all talent, regardless of how they identify. ✊🏾✨ #dei #musicindustry #transawareness #representationmatters #musicindustry #lgbtq #talentmanagement #recordingartist