The concept goes back to the late 1800's. Though some historians see it as a myth, to many Irish-Americans the discrimination was real: Irish Need Not Apply. Now, this concept, in its modern form transgresses over to music. More specifically, it crosses over into the women rock category.
Why?
Simple. The mainstream music industry does not feel that guitar-carrying women have the selling power of let's say ... one Ms. Britney Spears. The lure of Lilith Fair is now gone, replaced by "Booty-shaking, scantily-clad" pre-teens, who are on the front rack of your local Wal-Mart music section.
Judging by Britney's 2007 MTV Video Music Awards performance, that last paragraph might be in some need of editing. Maybe a [insert your favorite bubble gum pop semi-diva of non-drinking age name here].
This is not to say that some aren't good. Rihanna, in my opinion, is one hell of an artist. Her sound is different, touching of rock-n-roll, pop, dance...and she is able to do most of it flawlessly. Some may not agree, but the respect for Rihanna is well above the respect for...Jessica Simpson. Anyone who can break a bone in her foot but CONTINUE to tour and not cancel any shows...well that has to count for something.
Alicia Keys. Now she really isn't pre-teen, but her sound is so unique and can't be matched by anyone out there. She's had mainstream success, and hasn't given in to what MTV (do they play videos anymore!?) thinks will generate ad revenue and sales.
But there is ALWAYS room for a girl with a guitar. Take the most recent surprise...Colbie Caillat. Guitar in hand, she rose from the indie scene (primarily MySpace), and has scored her first big hit, "Bubbly."
Now maybe this isn't hard rock or glam rock, but it still shows commercial success for women with guitars (or a piano in Alicia Keys' case).
But in editorials in the following weeks, I'll be looking at some of the issues in the music business, mainstream media and anything else my rockin' Gloria Steinem-esque heart can think of. However, I also want to hear from you. Send me YOUR comments and YOUR feedback. I'd love to hear what YOU'RE thinking...and I might even touch on what you say for a future blog.
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1 comment:
I know this is a delayed comment, but I had to write. Thank you for your articles.
Lately, I have realized that in my region of Central Florida, women musicians aren't generally taken seriously by their fellow male musicians. I have cycled through many guitar players and drummers in my band, all of whom are male. I'm not saying that I'm some fantastic artist who deserves grand attention, I just want to play my kind of rock on the stage. Is that too much to ask? I have a full-length, legitimate album, which I wrote or co-wrote 11 of the 12 songs, but this doesn't really mean much to these guys. Of course, I finally found a reliable drummer, who happens to be a woman.
I just find it odd. When they meet me, they really don't know what to do with me. Not that they have to do anything but play music. I'm a young, dedicated, outgoing woman, who knows what she wants, and doesn't take shit from any of them. That doesn't mean I'm mean or rude. I write and play my own tunes because I love it. Not for fame or fortune. I'm not trying to be intimidating, I'm just being myself.
It's like I have to prove myself over and over again. Yes, it's a struggle, but I'm not going to let some closed-minded male musicians keep me down. That's not how I roll. Anyone know a great female guitar player in Florida? Peace.
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