A new report from the University of Southern California shows a wide disparity in the representation of female artists, non-binary artists and those who work behind the scenes in the music industry. Guardian.
The annual report titled Annenberg Inclusion Initiative observes the following chart: billboard‘s Hot 100 – Our sixth installment of our representative report looks at the differences from year to year.
Last year, USC found that only 3.4% of the 232 producers on Billboard’s year-end list were women, and only one was non-binary.
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That number is down from 2019 when they topped Billboard’s year-end list for female and non-binary artists at 5%. “Unless female and male artists hire female songwriters and producers, the numbers will remain the same,” the report’s lead, Dr. Stacey L. Smith, said in a statement.
“This is not just allowing artists to take credit for themselves in their songs, it’s identifying talent and hiring women in these roles. That’s the only way to see change happen.” ”
The report also revealed a record number of female artists reaching 30% in 2022, while the number of female and non-binary producers fell on the year-end charts.
“There’s good news for female artists this year. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We still have a lot of work to do before we can say women have equal opportunities in the music industry.” Smith said.
Read this: 20% of women in the music industry who report discrimination say they do nothing.
The report suggests that women are “stereotypes”, especially when it comes to “the types of songs and genres they can create and the roles they can play.”
“They are sexualized and their talents and experience are disrespected,” the report said. The Annenberg Inclusion Initiative is now encouraging people in the industry to hire more women and “respect that commitment.”
“Individuals who commit to using women in their songs must honor their promises and, importantly, do so on songs that are likely to reach an audience upon release. it will not,” the report said.
Learn more about the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative here.
[Via The Guardian]
Gemma Ross is an editorial assistant at Mixmag. twitter