The fight for gender equality in the UK music industry

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

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

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

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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