Powerhouse Women On The Sheer Importance Of Feminism In Music

As last week celebrated International Women’s Day, I thought it would be important to do just that, celebrate. A day in which we can recognise brilliant female talents past and present, and celebrate the incredible aptitude, skills, knowledge and creativity our female population daily contributes to moulding our world. As a male I would point out I have no understanding of what it’s like to be a woman. I can only imagine the pressures, prejudice, judgment and unwarranted inequality 3.5 billion women are forced to experience (that’s literally 49.6% of the population for those playing at home). I have a limited understanding of feminism and I certainly don’t claim to have the answers for our gender gap; I cannot defend the existence of misogyny, sexism and gender inequality. What I do have is a recognition of privilege, and a platform to begin (if nothing else) discussion on why it’s so incredibly vital to respect, appreciate and love all human beings — to fight for equality and celebrate the incredible women that continue to raise you through this world (however that may be).

This week I got to chat with some incredible powerhouse ladies. These are hugely talented women that contribute an extraordinary quality of work to our vibrant scene. Michelle Grace Hunder (music photographer extraordinaire), Caiti Baker (half of hip hop group Sietta and regular Bad Apples contributor) and DJ Mz Rizk (House Of Beige) were kind enough to give me some insight into their experiences. Have you been treated any differently based on your gender? That is, has it been difficult to find success in your chosen field in comparison to male artists?

"Yes, I am constantly treated differently based on gender," says Rizk. "The patriarchal system has set it up that way from the beginning. The difficulty is the amount of effort women have to go to compared to the men in the industry, we can’t make mistakes."

Hunder says, "There’s an unconscious bias sometimes... When it comes to hip hop, Australian and American hip hop is very different. It’s hard for women to enter the scene because it can be exclusive, confronting or intimidating if you don’t fit a particular stereotype. But the audience is far more 50/50 in gender which hadn’t happened 5 years ago."

Baker adds, "I make and perform music for a living so I define myself as successful already. And I’m treated differently for being a woman regardless of what industry I’m in, so all I have to base my differences on is the experiences of my producer and other male friends and contemporaries.

"I’m sure the keys to a tour car are never handed over hesitantly to a 30+ male. I’m pretty sure most men can have a conversation without calling the other "love" or "darl" or "sweetie". As for finding “success” in this industry in comparison to males — it’s evident in radio play, in festival line-ups, in the culture itself. The odds are stacked against you if you are born female. But we’re progressing. I’m optimistic."

Hip hop in particular (dare I point out my passion's flaws) has a lot to answer for in the topic of misogyny. With Caiti performing with AB Original, and both Hunder and Rizk working with a huge collection of artists, I wanted to know their opinion on how they felt about such an ugly trait, is there a prevention vs treatment answer?

"The problem is in the judgement and treatment of women who choose to do what they please with their sexuality."

Hunder says, "The misogynistic stereotype is starting to come through a little more in Aussie hip hop now. Which is really disappointing because we’ve steered clear of it for so long... that "bitches and hoes stuff". In the past I could detach from it because it’s not me, I’m not like that. But as I’ve gotten older they’re speaking about women, and just because I’m friends with these people, it doesn’t mean they can speak that way about anyone, that shit doesn’t fly with me."

Rizk says, "I think the best way to educate is through the music and live performances. You can’t tell people already set in their ways how to think, they have enough information about respect and behaviour to change their ways. It is exhausting discussing this with people who aren’t interested in listening to those affected."

Baker says, "Be accountable. It’s just about respect. Men. Boys. Fathers. Brothers. Uncles. All men are responsible for the behaviour of other men in their lives. If something is unacceptable, pull them up on it, educate them. Or if you’re not sure, ask someone you’re comfortable with. It’s the same for women. For everyone. It’s basic human respect that every person deserves. And start now. Help the new generation out by not feeding the beast. People learn from those around them, from their community.”

Again wanting to stray from the bitches, cars and money stereotype, I asked Michelle if she’s found her photography to be just that.

Hunder explains, "The majority of the work I do, I very much avoid overtly sexual imagery. It’s not what it’s about! If there are women that want to present themselves that way that’s fine... But I stay away from that label."

In my adolescence, I can reflect that I was interested in what I found to be attractive or sexy, and that conclusion was a judgement made only on what was presented to me... In an unequivocally male-driven industry we can recognise sex is a marketing ploy. But surely that then runs a risk with body image and self-esteem?

Baker says, "In comparison to women, men are never treated the same. Sex sells everything. Hell, it’s the reason we’re all here. The problem is in the judgement and treatment of women who choose to do what they please with their sexuality. Society just doesn’t treat us the same as they do men. That’s years and years and years of a societal construct that is systemic in our education, our culture and of course the music industry. Which in turn affects body image for sure. That in itself is a multifaceted discussion with so many variables that I just don’t think there’s ever going to be one-fits-all answer. To me, it’s about health — mentally and physically. And that’s a challenge in this hyper tech-ed up world we live in now."

I touched on equal pay with Hunder and brought up the incredibly unjustified salaries women are getting in the AFLW. “The games just started, they need more sponsors, the games got to build...” when she cuts me off.

"That would be relevant if it was even slightly close to equal. Can we not get a happy medium?" Hunder questions. "People complain about a skill level when they’re only paid $7,000 a year?! It makes my blood boil, how can you train on a professional level when you’re not paid enough to invest your all into it!? A dude on Twitter the other day said, 'The female dropping fertility rate is due to women’s football...' ARE YOU FUCKING CRAZY?!"

"Statistically, there are less women working and succeeding in this industry and it is because they are not provided with the same support and opportunity."

This shit blew my mind. Isn’t it incredible that in 2017, men feel they can tell women what being a woman is (from the defence of an unknown proxy and a keyboard I might add)? I won’t tell you what being a man is, but that right there, is not it.

Now before you start trolling me fellas, that’s not to say men don’t get painted in the same light. The point is that it’s nowhere near the same amount. How many female reviews have started with "She walked out wearing a..." — unless she’s in a fashion show, who cares? You’re reviewing a musician and what she’s wearing shouldn’t come into play before you start critiquing the performance. Is the media at fault here? Can we be do more for equal opportunity?

Rizk says, "Statistically, there are less women working and succeeding in this industry and it is because they are not provided with the same support and opportunity. Change is required from the bottom up," while Baker adds, "It’s getting there.

"Media can only reflect on what the culture is. And it isn’t equal, so media coverage can’t be equal. First and foremost, I’m all about excellence. Women, albeit no one, should be given a pass because of their "class" in a tokenistic way. They should be given a pass because they are excellent. Which in itself is a subjective thing. I do feel that it’s quite sad that a lot of successes achieved by women are not as celebrated but that’s nothing new sadly. I’m optimistic for change."

Hunder offers, "I think anyone with a platform should be willing to speak about important issues. But it sucks because the backlash can be horrible! Look at Thelma Plum of recent! That whole incident showed such an ugly side of society where you "put a woman back in her place" for speaking out about something. The music industry will not put up with this shit! There are no excuses and we can’t ignore it anymore, and she was the one who got attacked? It’s horrendous."

I don’t mean to make an example of the incredible artist, and if you’re reading this Thelma we stand with you — you’re an absolute inspiration! Being a feminist doesn’t make you any less masculine. Nor does it mean that women are better than men; it's fighting for equality.

Hunder states, "Being a feminist means reaching a point of true equality. We’re represented equally in every aspect of life."

After meeting and talking to these women I can proudly say they are absolutely remarkable — at their art, their platform and perspective on life. What advice would you offer young female artists looking to explore a career in music?

Michelle Grace Hunder

Baker says, "If it’s what you need to do, do it. Don’t ask for permission and don’t listen to anyone who second guesses you. I do what I do because I need to, I’m good at it and I have the best community around me. I wish that upon anyone wanting to do anything in the arts. It’s a vulnerable industry; you’re putting yourself into the world and that’s not easy... But most importantly, you should do it because it makes you happy and it’s fun!"

Rizk reckons, "Firstly work out why you want a career in music and what that career looks like to you, followed by working hard and understanding that your career is dependent on an industry that already devalues you before you even begin. That being said, don’t let that scare you off completely; there is room for all of us. Create your own concerts and events, just be the best you and don’t compromise your art for money."

Mz Rizk is part of the House Of Beige family, get on their webpage and check out their jams.

Michelle Grace Hunder’s work is available from www.michellegracehunder.com — I strongly urge you to go check out the brilliant work she did for Her Sound Her Story including 50 of Australia’s best artists.

Caiti Baker is currently working on her debut solo album out later this year, if you can’t get enough of that check out her latest single here!