UK live music industry faces stark gender pay disparity

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Several live music companies like Live Nation, Ticketmaster, Academy Music Group, and AEG have presented their gender pay gap reports for 2022/23.

After being postponed during the pandemic, UK-based companies are now disclosing their pay gap information again, reflecting data from April 5, 2022, for the 2022-23 period.

The gender pay gaps within Live Nation, Ticketmaster, Academy Music Group, and AEG in the live music industry vary from 16.5% to 37.5%, according to IQ’s report.

Live Nation UK has shown a 24.8% improvement in its median pay gap compared to the previous year, reducing the difference to 6.6% in 2022/23.

Live Nation mentioned that pay discrepancies in senior management and upper quartiles are largely influenced by commercial performance, leading to more significant variations in pay and bonuses than in other business levels. They highlighted ongoing salary reviews and recent job leveling to ensure equal pay for the same roles and experience levels.

At Ticketmaster, women’s median hourly pay remains notably lower than men’s by 25.9% in 2022/23, with a 16.5% difference in mean pay.

Meanwhile, AMG’s latest report revealed a growing pay gap over the last four to five years. Women’s median pay is now 10.7% lower than men’s in 2022/23, up from 6% in 2018/19. The mean pay gap has also increased to 22.9% from the previous report’s 21%.

Anschutz Sports Holdings, the parent company of The O2 and AEG Presents, reported a median gender pay gap of 31.9% (11% in 2021) and a mean pay gap of 37.5% (22% in 2021).

AEG acknowledged the need for continued efforts to narrow the gender pay gap while highlighting the positive impact of their ED&I strategy since 2017. They emphasized their commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where every individual can prosper.

Revealing 2023 UK Gender/Racial Disparity Report: Why Not Her? Collective’s Findings

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The recent report by the Why Not Her? Collective highlights the ongoing gender and racial disparities in UK radio station airplay charts. Their analysis focused on the Top 20 domestic British artists featured on radio stations’ airplay charts and the Top 100 most played British and international songs in 2023. By sharing this data, the Why Not Her? Collective aims to promote a more diverse and equitable music industry.

The report highlighted that white male artists continue to dominate the airwaves on commercial radio stations’ Top 20 airplay charts. Moreover, these stations have been slow in diversifying their playlists, with only five to 15% of female acts featured on their heavy rotation playlists. In contrast, the BBC has made progress by featuring collaborations with mixed-gender artists over the past four years, paving the way for diverse female artists like Little Simz, Arlo Parks, and Raye.

When it comes to rock stations like Radio X, Planet Rock, and Kerrang!, there has been a shift towards including more women in their heavy rotation playlists. These stations have managed to increase the presence of female artists from zero to 25% over the course of four years.

Examining the Top 100 UK and international songs played on UK radio in 2023, it was found that Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” claimed the number one spot, while Lewis Capaldi’s “Forget Me” was the top song by a domestic UK artist. Ed Sheeran made up four percent of the songs, and Irish male artists like Dermot Kennedy, Snow Patrol, Cian Ducrot, and Niall Horan accounted for five percent. Additionally, male artists appeared in 42% of the Top 100, while female and non-binary artists constituted 58%. Notably, Sam Smith, a non-binary artist, featured twice in the charts through collaborations with artists of different genders. In terms of representation, people of color were present in 29% of the songs, including collaborations with white artists, whereas white artists represented 79% of the artists.

The report also observed a decline in the percentage of songs by UK artists in the Top 100 UK airplay chart, from 50% in the previous year to 25% in 2023.

Linda Coogan Byrne, the lead data analyst, activist, and founder of the Why Not Her? Collective, expressed optimism about the notable changes seen in major UK radio stations. Particularly, the BBC has made significant improvements, with BBC 6 Music achieving gender parity and other key stations demonstrating increased collaborations between genders, resulting in a more diverse representation in UK music culture. Additionally, the report highlights positive developments in rock radio stations that have historically neglected women in their heavy rotation playlists but have now begun to include them.

Coogan Byrne emphasized the need for commercial radio stations to reassess their current business models in order to adapt to the future and appeal to the 18-34 age group. Greater diversity on the airwaves is crucial to reflect the changing times, as platforms like TikTok and other social media channels continue to attract and engage listeners. The report concludes by expressing hope that these data reports will continue to set a precedent for future change and adopts a collective stance in supporting women, artists of color, and the LGBTQIA community across all aspects of culture. It stresses the importance of addressing unconscious biases and calls for structural change to ensure an equal voice for all.

Gender Disparity at the Brit Awards 2023: No Women Nominated for Best Artist

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The nominations for the best artist category at this year’s Brit Awards have caused controversy because they include only male artists. This raises questions about the representation of women in the music industry. The Brits introduced gender-neutral awards last year, doing away with separate male and female categories. However, this year’s nominations for best artist have sparked criticism for being male-dominated. Out of the 70 eligible artists, only 12 are female. The shortlist is determined by votes from approximately 1,200 industry professionals, who select their top five choices.

Here are five nominees in the best artist category:

  • Harry Styles, who achieved chart success with his song “As It Was” and his album “Harry’s House”.
  • Stormzy, whose third album “This Is What I Mean” was both a commercial and critical success, featuring popular hits like “Hide & Seek” and “Firebabe”.
  • George Ezra, a singer-songwriter who made a successful comeback with the single “Green Green Grass” and had a number one album.
  • Central Cee, a London rapper whose album reached number one and had two top 10 singles in 2022.
  • Fred Again, a rising house producer whose third album reached number four on the charts.

Some eligible female artists who were not nominated include:

  • Florence + the Machine, whose album “Dance Fever” reached number one.
  • Charli XCX, whose album “Crash” also topped the charts and was ranked fourth best album of 2022 by The Guardian.
  • Mabel, the 2020 winner of best British female, whose album “About Last Night” reached number two.
  • Rina Sawayama, whose album “Hold The Girl” reached number three and included a song of the year picked by BBC music correspondent Mark Savage.
  • Ella Henderson, who had a top 10 album, appeared on two top 10 singles, and received a nomination for an Ivor Novello Award in 2022.

In order to be eligible for nomination, artists must have achieved at least one top 40 album or two top 20 singles released between December 10, 2021, and December 9, 2022. The Brits introduced gender-neutral awards to be more inclusive and recognize exceptional work, regardless of how artists identify.

Although concerns were raised about the marginalization of female acts when the gender-neutral awards were introduced, that issue seemed to be addressed when Adele and Little Simz were nominated for best artist in 2022. Moreover, women or female-fronted acts won 10 out of 15 awards that night. However, Adele emphasized in her acceptance speech that she is proud to be a female artist.

Looking at the overall nominations, there has been both praise and criticism. Tim Burgess, the lead singer of The Charlatans, voiced his thoughts on Twitter, questioning the absence of female artists in the best artist category.

One reason for the underrepresentation of women this year is that fewer female stars, like Adele and Dua Lipa, released new music in the past 12 months. Only one British female solo artist had a new album among the top 100 best-sellers in 2022, compared to seven male artists.

It should be noted that women are represented in other categories at the Brits. Female duo Wet Leg, for example, have four nominations, tying with Harry Styles for most nominations. The best international artist shortlist also has more women or female-fronted acts than men.

The Brits spokesperson acknowledged the disappointing lack of female nominations in the best artist category but reasoned that it was due to fewer high-profile female artists releasing major projects in 2021 and 2022. The spokesperson mentioned that the music industry is conducting a study to identify and address barriers preventing more women from succeeding in music.

Gender imbalances are well-documented in the music industry, such as in chart success, radio airplay, festival line-ups, and artist signings. Vick Bain, a music executive and researcher, highlighted the lack of female artists signed by labels overall and the various barriers faced by women in the industry. These barriers include stereotypes from A&R and record labels, challenges faced during touring (particularly early in a musician’s career), sexism and discrimination, and unreasonable expectations for physical appearance.

The lack of female representation in the best artist category at the Brit Awards is a reflection of these systemic issues. While progress has been made in recognizing and supporting female acts, there is still much work to be done to ensure equal opportunities and representation in the music industry.

The top music venues in London

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If you’re a music lover, then you’ll definitely want to check out some of the best music venues that London has to offer. From historic theatres to world-famous clubs, there’s sure to be a venue that suits your taste. Here are just a few of the top spots for live music in London.

The O2

The O2 arena is a multi-purpose entertainment district located in the former Millennium Dome in London. It includes an indoor arena, a music club, a cinema, an exhibition space, and a dining area. The O2 has been host to some of the biggest names in music, as well as sporting events and other live entertainment. It is one of the most popular music venues in London, and has hosted many high-profile concerts and events since it opened in 2007.

The London Coliseum

The London Coliseum is one of the most iconic music venues in the world. Situated in the heart of London’s West End near the Barclays Bank on Leicester Square, the venue has played host to some of the biggest names in music over the years, from The Beatles and Rolling Stones to Michael Jackson and Madonna.

With a capacity of almost 2,000 people, the London Coliseum is one of the largest music venues in London. It is also surrounded by some great restaurants. Our favorite is Fumo London which serves delicious Italian cuisine. The venue first opened its doors back in 1904 as a theatre, before being converted into a cinema in 1909. It wasn’t until 1968 that it became a music venue, hosting its first concert by Led Zeppelin.

Since then, the London Coliseum has been at the forefront of live music in London, playing host to some truly legendary performances. Jimi Hendrix famously set his guitar on fire onstage here in 1967, while Pink Floyd debuted their seminal album ‘The Dark Side Of The Moon’ at the venue in 1973. More recently, Oasis recorded a live album at the London Coliseum in 2005, while Muse performed here as part of their ‘Live At Rome Olympic Stadium’ tour in 2013.

If you want to experience live music at one of London’s most historic and well-loved venues, then look no further than the London Coliseum.

The Roundhouse

The Roundhouse is a music venue located in Camden, London. It was originally built in 1847 as a railway engine shed and has been used as a music venue since the 1960s. The Roundhouse has a capacity of 2,700 and has hosted acts such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and Nirvana.

The Royal Albert Hall

London is a mecca for music lovers from all over the world, and there are few better places to enjoy live music than the historic Royal Albert Hall. This iconic venue has been host to some of the most famous names in music history, from The Beatles and Led Zeppelin to Adele and Ed Sheeran.

There’s something special about seeing a show at the Royal Albert Hall. The grandiose setting, with its ornate plasterwork and glittering chandeliers, adds an extra element of magic to any performance. And when you factor in the incredible acoustics, it’s easy to see why this is one of London’s most popular music venues.

Whether you’re a classical music fan or a die-hard rocker, there’s sure to be a show that appeals at the Royal Albert Hall. This diverse venue hosts everything from operas and ballets to pop concerts and stand-up comedy, so there really is something for everyone.

If you’re planning on visiting London soon, be sure to check out what’s on at the Royal Albert Hall – you won’t regret it!

The fight for gender equality in the UK music industry

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The UK music industry is a male dominated sector with only 15% of PRS members being women. Recent high-profile cases such as the #metoo movement and the mistreatment of female artists by major record labels have shone a light on inequality in the industry. This has led to calls for change from within the music community, with many arguing that gender equality is vital for the future success of the UK music industry. In this article we will explore some of the key issues facing female artists in the UK music industry and look at what needs to be done to achieve gender equality.

The current state of the UK music industry in relation to gender equality

The current state of the UK music industry in relation to gender equality is a complex and ever-evolving topic. There are a number of different factors at play which contribute to the overall inequality that exists within the industry, from historical biases and practices to more recent trends.

One of the biggest barriers to gender equality in the music industry is the lack of female representation at senior levels. Although women have been involved in making music for centuries, they have often been relegated to subordinate roles such as performers or songwriters, rather than being given opportunities to lead and shape the direction of the industry itself. This has resulted in an imbalance when it comes to decision-making power and influence within the music industry, which continues to this day.

Despite some progress being made in recent years, with initiatives such as PRS Foundation’s Keychange programme working towards increasing female participation at all levels of the music business, there is still a long way to go before true parity is achieved. Other issues faced by women in the music industry include lower average incomes compared to their male counterparts, sexual harassment and discrimination both on-and-off stage, and a general lack of acknowledgment or respect for their achievements.

That said, there are also many positive stories emerging from within the UK music scene with regard to gender equality. More women are now starting their own independent record labels, promoting other women’s talent through DJ collectives and events like She reclines: Women In Sound exhibition , exhibiting strength in numbers via social media campaigns #GirlsMakeNoise , #WomenInMusic . Grassroots organisations such @reclaimtheblock london @ukfemfestivals database demonstrating how change can happen from within communities most affected by these inequalities .We

The history of the fight for gender equality in the UK music industry

It wasn’t until the late 1960s that women began to make significant inroads into what had been a male-dominated industry. One of the key figures in this battle was Davie Roberts, who became the first female A&R executive at Decca Records in 1967. Her story is an inspiring one; despite having no formal music training, she quickly made a name for herself as a tough and tenacious negotiator, championing such artists as Roxy Music and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

In the 1970s, Roberts continued to be a trailblazer, setting up her own independent record label – Prefabricated – which was one of the first to give female artists a platform. She also set up Women In Rock, an organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting women in music.

Sadly, Roberts passed away in 2006 but her legacy lives on. In recent years there has been a renewed focus on gender equality within the music industry and many positive initiatives have been put in place to help redress the balance. These include Keychange (a project committed to achieving gender parity across festivals and conferences by 2022), PRS Foundation’s ReBalance scheme (which offers funding and mentoring support specifically for female producer/engineers) and SoundGirls (an international organisation providing opportunities for women working behind the scenes in audio).

There is still some way to go but things are slowly improving. With more strong and determined women like Davie Roberts leading the charge, we can only hope that Gender Equality will eventually become a reality within the UK music industry.

The future of gender equality in the UK music industry

The future of gender equality in the UK music industry is looking bright. Despite the fact that women are still hugely underrepresented in the industry, there are signs that things are slowly starting to change.

There has been a lot of discussion about gender inequality in the music industry in recent years, and this has led to some positive changes. For example, last year saw the launch of the Keychange initiative, which is committed to achieving better representation of women in the music industry.

As well as initiatives like this, it is also encouraging to see more women taking up senior positions within the industry. Earlier this year, Julia Payne was appointed as head of A&R at Virgin EMI Records – becoming one of the most powerful women in the music business.

Payne is just one example of how things are starting to change for women in the music industry. With more people talking about gender equality and more companies committing to changing their hiring practices, it seems likely that we will see even more progress being made in the years to come.

Music Industry and Photography

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Music Photography is the specialized photography of events related to music and concerts. It encompasses photography of an artist or band and also extensive coverage of a live concert. Music photos are very popular with music fans and they often translate to sales. It’s a small yet crucial commercial enterprise that supports heavily in part of the efforts of many contemporary photographers. Music photography includes shots of musical performances, group shots, interviews, group pictures, group props, and album covers.

This type of photography has grown in popularity over the last decade and more specifically has become a commercial activity for many music photographers. They use concert photography to create and print promotional photographs that complement their other work. Such professionals have a wide selection of professional models and settings to choose from to create the best photograph for each client.

One of the main issues with this type of photography is working with bands that rarely, if ever, agree to have their portraits taken or agreed to poses. Often times, a band will require the services of a music photographer during a concert or tour because some members are always traveling. Other bands may prefer not to be photographed at all and would rather concentrate on their music and performance. In addition, certain bands like to use professional models to enhance their image. Regardless of what the band wants, a professional photographer can often find a way to shoot the group in a way that highlights its unique qualities while still providing the crowd with great shots.

Today’s concert or event photographer needs to use creative thinking and innovative tools to capture his or her images and create the kind of impact that will lead to increased sales and more business. For example, one photographer at a recent gig created a stunning series of photographs using a combination of stills, video, and social media. The photographs were used on the concert program, on promotional materials, and even as photos in a viral marketing campaign. Using the right photography tools and a cutting-edge social media strategy, a music photographer can create a powerful social media presence that increases the band’s visibility and fan base while also increasing its bottom line.

The key to a successful concert or event photography session lies in the music photographer’s ability to collaborate with the band and their staff. This will enable the professional to stay abreast of the band’s schedule and spot upcoming events, such as gigs, festival appearances, or charity events. This will also allow the photographer to take advantage of the opportunity to photograph specific aspects of the band and the audience. For example, an overlooked feature of a band’s music can be a song choice that has stood out for the band but may be missing from a concert program. By collaborating with the band and their staff, a good music photographer can plan photo shoots around these songs and incorporate them into the overall package. As well, by keeping in regular contact with the bands, both artist and photographer can build a strong rapport that can be mutually beneficial.

A social media strategy can also be applied to music photography. Concert promoters can request photographs from different angles at the shows. Photographers on the road with bands can also post photos online using social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ as they travel, allowing fans to see the latest shots from their favorite artists. Staying in touch with their social media followers is one way for artists to ensure that they are constantly bringing new and exciting images to their fans, and the fans are able to get in on the action by seeing their favorite artist as they are brought to every show. Tours can also benefit from the social media aspect of photography because it gives fans a chance to see the band in its daily life, rather than just seeing them during a concert or tour.

Another aspect of music photography important to artists is image licensing. Many music photographers will work with recording labels to provide exclusive licenses for the pictures. Photographer Simon Zackary also offers his services to individual artists to promote their music as a service. This allows the artist to have an image that can be used for marketing purposes. However, some photographers will work exclusively with musicians or groups and will not sign deals with other businesses or individuals. These professionals will create professional-looking photographs that are designed to benefit the artist.

As a music photographer, you need to be creative in your approach to the job. Creating a strong networking system with various people in the music industry is imperative, so you will always be able to stay in contact with your clients and the artist’s family. The client base for these photographers is vast, and you will never run out of topics to photograph. By staying connected, you will also build relationships with those in the industry who may someday become your clients in the future. By being an active member of the music industry, a music photographer will find the best ways to capture live concerts and events for years to come, and develop a strong client base for future projects.

UK female music artists to watch in 2021

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As the UK music industry continues to grow and produce some amazing female talent, we take a look at just a few of the talented women making waves in 2021. From grime and hip hop, to pop and R&B, there are plenty of genres represented here. So sit back, relax and enjoy getting to know some incredible British female artists on the rise.

Introducing the UK’s most promising female music artists set to break through in 2021

Since emerging onto the music scene in 2010, singer and songwriter Rita Ora has become one of the UK’s biggest stars. With her powerful vocal delivery and unique style, she has cemented herself as one of the most exciting artists around.

2021 is shaping up to be another big year for Rita, with new music on the way and some huge live shows planned. She is sure to continue winning over fans across the globe and we can’t wait to see what she does next.

Also set for a breakout year is Dua Lipa. The talented young artist has been making waves in recent years with her sleek pop sound and impressive vocals. 2021 looks set to be her biggest year yet, with new music on the horizon and a string of high-profile live performances lined up. We can’t wait to see what she does next.
Zara Larsson is another hugely talented young artist who is poised for a breakthrough in 2021. The Swedish star first came to prominence with her debut single ‘Lush Life’ back in 2015, and she has since gone on to release a succession of hit singles and albums. With more new music expected this year, we’re sure Zara will continue her rise to global superstardom.
Finally, British newcomer Celeste looks set for big things in 2021 after already enjoying success with her debut single ‘Strange’. The soulful singer-songwriter possesses an incredible voice that sets her apart from many of her contemporaries . Coupled with her ability to write catchy melodies , we think Celeste could well be one of the breakout stars of 2021 .

From intimate bedroom pop to thumping club anthems, here are 10 female artists you need on your radar this year

As the UK’s music scene continues to evolve, there are more and more female artists making a name for themselves. From intimate bedroom pop to thumping club anthems, here are 10 female artists you need on your radar this year:

  1. Sälen

With their unique blend of dark pop and R&B, Sälen are one of the most exciting new acts around. Their debut EP ‘The Dirty South’ was released last year to critical acclaim, with The Fader describing it as “a promising start full of slinky cool”. Keep an eye out for their next release – it’s sure to be even better.

  1. Mahalia

Mahalia is a rising star in the world of soul music. She shot to fame with her 2017 single ‘Sober’, and has since gone on to tour with the likes of Sam Smith and Khalid. Her latest EP ‘Love & Compromise’ is packed full of beautiful ballads and catchy hooks, cementing her status as one of Britain’s best young singers. Be sure to catch her live if you can – she’s an incredible performer.

3 . Ray BLK

Ray BLK made history in 2017 when she became the first unsigned artist to win a Brit Award (for Best Breakthrough Act). She mixes R&B, grime and Afrobeats influences in her music, creating something truly unique that reflects her London upbringing perfectly. Her debut album ‘Empress’ is well worth a listen – it’ll have you dancing all night long.

Key Findings

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Counting the Music Industry is a gender gap analysis of over 300 music publishers and record labels in the UK. This research reveals that just over 14% of writers currently signed to publishers and just under 20% of acts signed to labels are female. This gap is surprisingly large and is indicative of widespread discrimination against women in the music industry.

Counting the Music Industry also looks at entry routes into music, particularly through formal education. There has been increased participation by girls and women in music education at all levels over the past five years, to near equity, often gaining better results than their male counterparts. And yet female graduates do not seem to be as successful as their male colleagues in starting careers. This report looks at twelve barriers that exist for women wishing to start and sustain a career in music.

And finally, Counting the Music Industry identifies opportunities for further research and concludes with a list of practical recommendations for government, education and music organisations to implement, improve and ultimately close the gender gap in music, thereby creating a more inclusive industry. 

For the full report or the summary please download below.  There is also a word file of the text for those who use screen-readers. 

The key findings were published in Music Week https://www.musicweek.com/publishing/read/a-wake-up-call-vick-bain-on-her-report-into-gender-inequality-in-music/077734 and discussed on Radio 3 Music Matters https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0009zxy  and will also be presented at a tour of UK universities next year; a full list of the universities and dates can be found here https://vbain.co.uk/presenting

For further information on Vick Bain please go to https://vbain.co.uk/  

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