JUNO Interview Women About Barriers In The Creative Industry

Women in music napkins. Courtesy of JUNO

KAHLIA (Musician)

I was often the only female in line-ups growing up. I felt like I had to be more of a ‘tomboy’ and laugh off sexist jokes so that I fit in. As I’ve gotten older, my voice has grown stronger, and my boundaries have grown clearer. I’ve sat in so many backstage green rooms with men who’ve laughed and said, ‘Sorry about this next one, Kahlia!’ and then proceeded to tell a very sexist story/joke that made me uncomfortable.

These days, I say, ‘Maybe you shouldn’t say it then.’ If you’re a man in a room full of men and there’s only one woman amongst you, step up and make her feel like she’s welcome and safe. It’s really not that hard.

Credit: JUNO

LOUISE (Hairstylist)

Navigating the world of hairdressing as a woman, especially in an industry that places a strong emphasis on appearance, has required me to confront the pervasive issue of unsolicited comments from both clients and colleagues regarding not only my own appearance but also that of my peers.

Additionally, as someone managing an autoimmune condition affecting my metabolism, maintaining a healthy weight has been a continuous challenge, further compounded by unwelcome remarks about my body in professional environments, including comments on my breast size and unwanted physical advances.

Sadly, despite progress, the journey towards creating truly safe and respectful workspaces for women in every industry remains ongoing, with the need to combat unwarranted sexual commentary still prevalent.

Credit: JUNO

GABRIELLE (Musician)

The women in the music industry have been instrumental in helping me challenge and overcome the patriarchal mindsets that once held me back.

Previously, I endured relationships with male musicians who undermined my talent and discouraged me from pursuing my own original music. However, finding a supportive community of inspiring women in Brisbane has empowered me to recognise my worth and pursue my musical aspirations with confidence.

Credit: JUNO

MEL (Social worker)

In social work, you are constantly working with vulnerable people, which often takes higher priority than your own vulnerability. You are paid to do a job, which is to support the vulnerable person; however, due to the way society is, it is more often than not that I am also put in a vulnerable situation.

A 22-year-old woman, walking into a 55-year-old man's house, potentially never having met him before, who has a complex history I am never made aware of and bikini calendars on the wall, I am always just supposed to trust that nothing will go wrong. When in reality, anything could happen, and I am never able to fully feel comfortable in my work. Many of these men are much bigger and stronger than me, but I just have to accept it is a part of the job.

Credit: JUNO

JULIE (Professional horn player)

In the 1970s, growing up in a male-dominated music industry, opportunities for me as a young woman were abundant yet accompanied by the challenge of seeking genuine acceptance. Each achievement was a battle for recognition, highlighting the relentless pursuit of proving my worth. Ultimately, gaining acceptance felt like a victory not just for me but as a beacon for other women in music.

Credit: JUNO

GRACE (Covers musician)

Firstly, I’d like to say I absolutely love being a woman, and I wouldn’t change it at all. Although something I have always struggled with as a woman being a cover artist is the way I am made to feel for how I look and the gender I am. I feel like people take one look at me, and because of my size and appearance, I am immediately treated like an object to look at or that I probably can’t do much.

It’s a strange feeling, but having a lot of male friends in the industry, I know that it’s not something they can relate to. I honestly don’t know if I’ve overcome this yet, but the way I deal with it is by being really good at what I do and just not taking shit from anyone. Men in particular. Also by speaking about this with other women, because realising I’m not alone makes it a lot easier to deal with.

Credit: JUNO

AMY (Music industry professional)

I remember the exact moment I realised this industry was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. My middle-aged white male boss defended his middle-aged colleague for being so wrong - and completely humiliated me in front of our whole team in the process. I didn't realise this was about to be a regular occurrence.

Credit: JUNO

DARLENE (Music teacher)

“I can’t play this instrument, it sounds terrible”. I can remember those words distinctively. It came from a student who was new to the school - shy, lonely and not so coordinated. She was from a broken home, too. 

Now, I look back at my three years of teaching her. School head, top of class and just completed grade 5 in music exams. Her mother told me, “She learnt discipline, never to give up and the love of music, and she taught us the same things - we are working on our relationship and our marriage because of her”. That’s what makes me go to work every day.

Credit: JUNO

ALISHA (Live musician)

As a woman in the music industry, I’ve had to mould myself to scenes, venues and career paths that were historically male-dominant and not completely my style.

When I became truthful to myself about how I really felt playing music in these places that didn’t suit me at all and banging down doors that lead to unfulfilling and seemingly superficial destinations, I discovered new ways to keep on developing my craft and sharing music. Now I share a piece of history in people’s lives by providing the soundtrack to their wedding while recording and writing on my own creative terms.

Credit: JUNO

NAOISE (Stylist)

What I love about the fashion industry is that it feels like one of the only female-dominated industries. I feel safe in the company of other women, especially in a creative environment that is uplifting and collaborative.

In saying this, many top positions in fashion are held by men, and sometimes, I feel too intimidated to share my vision. I think women are also often paired against each other. We are compared in aspects that men aren’t. As a stylist, I love that I can make a woman feel not only beautiful but empowered, and for me, that is the most rewarding part of the job.

Credit: JUNO

SHANI (Music teacher/Live musician)

Being a female musician is a rewarding yet difficult career choice. Balancing societal expectations regarding appearance and behaviour along with personal safety concerns while working in various venues and environments is a continual issue I wish females didn’t have to consider in this industry.

Credit: JUNO

I’m The Man is out now.