FEATURE:
Women’s Hours
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The Feeling of Discovery in a More Inspiring and Safer Space
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THAT title might sound quite vague…
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but, when thinking about this feature, I was struggling to distil things and put my thoughts into words. I recently put out my third feature of the year about The Trouble Club. It is a member’s club comprised mostly of women – though not exclusively. One of the most inclusive member’s clubs based in London, it appealed to me because I get to be in this space composed mostly of women. That is not to say I dislike being around men. I feel, from social perspective, bars around London can be rather loud and anti-social. There are gigs and events you can go to but, when it comes to a club or place where you meet and hang out, there are few that mix lovely conversation and events – without their being too much noise and this vibe that things could get out of hand. Rather than this being entirely music-related, I wanted to discuss how being in spaces and venues where most of the company has consisted of women has made me think more deeply about music in general. One of the most important part of my music journalism is focusing on gender equality and spotlighting female artists. In an industry where there is still imbalance and inequality in spite of an embarrassment of riches (from female artists), it is important to highlight faults and also spotlight great talent. Not to say there is a direct connection; though my deep and continued investment into addressing gender inequality and women’s rights in the industry can be traced to events I have attended (as part of The Trouble Club) and hearing women speak. A variety of events and venues where conversation from the stage and chat with fellow members has really opened my eyes and revealed so much! I have become a lot more conscious and engaged with so many struggles that women go through. That can be applied to the music industry. It has been rewarding for me!
There are some great women’s only members clubs in London. When attending events for The Trouble Club, there has been some crossover. AllBright is a venue that I have been to a lot and members from there attend events with The Trouble Club. Looking at the event calendar and what they do, it is wonderful that there are these safe and inspiring spaces. I know it is women’s-only – when it comes to many societies and clubs in London like this -, but I have been in the company of those who are members of women’s-only clubs and I am always so moved and feel connected. As I said in my recent feature about The Trouble Club, these rooms are full of an energy and mixture of people that I have not experienced anywhere else. I know there are gentleman’s clubs and societies all around London. Very few take my interest. I am very lucky and proud to be part of The Trouble Club, although the curious part of me also wonders about many of the fine women-only clubs there are. I can understand how it is paramount that there are these spaces. As a music journalist – and I consider myself to be a feminist – who writes a lot about gender equality and women’s rights, I often wonder what it would like being a fly on the wall at these clubs. The things I would learn and the conversation I would hear! One reason for writing this feature is, as the music industry still suffers so much from toxicity, controversy, sexism, inequality and misogyny, there is a great deal to be learned from incredible women’s clubs where some incredible events are taking place. Some powerful and hugely important people are speaking. Where there is this engaged and bonded community.
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There are a few men’s clubs in London especially, where there are events around social change and progression. In a lot of cases, these clubs are about exclusivity and prestige. I wonder how much cross-pollination there is between men and women’s clubs. I know there will be mixed clubs and hugely inclusive societies, but the influence and naturally warming and encouraging – and inspiring and compelling – nature of many women’s clubs does not really impact spaces for men. Of course, women’s-only clubs should remain that way. It is wonder the likes of The Trouble Club offers access for all – though men will be outnumbered most of the time (which is a good thing). Thinking about some of the negativity and horrible noise and tone you get around big cities, I am quite thankful that there are retreats and safe spaces where there is a mix of decorum and the laidback. Where you can hear so many interesting conversations and instant bonds taking place. Spaces for socialising, learning and amazing moments! I listen to Woman’s Hour as much as I can. A long-running and iconic BBC Radio 4 series that one can hear each weekday morning, its hosts are Emma Barnett and Anita Rani. Again, when it comes to my music journalism and the things I write about, I take so much from the programme. Writing about women’s equality and issues through music, Woman’s Hour is such an invaluable source of guidance and education – even if the guests, for the vast majority of times, are women.
Again, like Woman’s Hour, there seems to be little male option that has this constructive, broad, important and progressive sound. I do think that I write in an industry that could definitely benefit from greater progression. If things are improving when it comes to female artists being tipped and some radio stations balancing their playlists, there are still so many eras of concern. Sexism and misogyny across large swathes. Sexual abuse and assault still being quite common. Not that this issue applies to all men, yet there are relatively few that are reacting and voicing concerns and calls for change. It is largely because of the clubs and radio shows I have just written about that I have become even more engaged and proactive when it comes to documenting tough and darker subjects - and then asking what could be done. Every year, we read so many grim and, sadly, unsurprising reports about toxicity and inequalities through the industry. A dynamic and narrative where women are still not being fully embraced and supported. Where there is so much misogyny that detracts from all of thew wonder and positivity music provides. Rather than this being a call for therapy and all men learning from women, I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences. There definitely does need to be, in 2024, a much more proactive and impassioned approach from men in power – and right through the industry – to ensure that there is a greater understanding and commitment when it is sorely needed.
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In addition to men being in rooms together tackling issues and working together to get clearly problematic aspects of the industry addressed and improved, I do feel that there is something hugely beneficial and enriching about women’s societies. Not even a formal club. Their voices and conversations, in my experiences this year, have been hugely moving and self-improving. Living in London, when it comes to men’s spaces, there is either the pub/club environment or something exclusive or rather stuffy. You get men’s clubs and various music-related organisations and events. If anyone does know of a space and organisation like, say, AllBright, where we get these very considered, collaborative and enriching spaces and communities/events, then it would be great to know! My life has been transformed by my exposure of speaking with those in all-women’s clubs and, as I say regular, being part of The Trouble Club. As small and slight as changes are in the industry when it comes to gender imbalance and sexism, I do think that there are no natural barriers in place. It is either an unwillingness for those in power to do much. No incentive for quick action. So few male artists to say anything. That does need to change going forward! As the clear and unstoppable dominance of female artists is being highlighted by so many sites and publications, you do wonder if this is going to be reflected in the industry in terms of opportunities and equality. The ongoing position of abuse and assault that so many in music face. With mainly women fighting for their own rights, something major needs to occur so there is a lot great collaboration and allyship for men. That understanding of why things need to change and how they need to change urgently. Of course, there are more things that need to be done than ‘seeing things from a woman’s perspective’ as my words may suggest. What I am saying, from a personal angle – and what you can see in a lot of my writing –, is I have been so compelled to tackle and call out the industry’s ills (and celebrate women’s works) by being in spaces where women are sharing their experiences. Where their voices are being heard and celebrated. The industry is making changes and moving forward gradually. There is still a long way to go. Let’s all hope that next year kicks off a process and movement that offers the music industry…
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A more equal and positive future.