FEATURE:
2024: Year of the Queens
IN THIS PHOTO: Billie Eilish photographed for Vogue November 2024/PHOTO CREDIT: Mikael Jansson
The Continued Dominance of Women in Music
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IT seems that…
PHOTO CREDIT: Ahmed ツ/Pexels
every year brings about this shift and obvious change. Where once men were the critical favourites and the best song/album of the year lists were dominated by male artists, that has changed in recent years. In fact, the past five to ten years has seen this change. Even if this has happened, I still feel that misogyny and sexism within the industry is slow to change. I am thrilled that this year has been another one dominated by women. Even though single and album rankings are subjective, there is a consensus that the best of the best has come from women. This feature from The Guardian lists the best songs of 2024. The top five are from women. Some big-hitting queens getting some kudos. Few can deny that there is something shifting. The dominance of women is not instantly being reflected in terms of festival headline opportunities and playlists. I say this every year. I don’t think we are in a position when women’s quality and brilliance is being rewarded. I don’t know what needs to happen for that to change. If you think about the best singles of the year, even if they are by mainstream artists for the most part, the rest of the best has a lot of female artists in contention. Again, think about a feature like this. If there are male artists in the high positions of the singles/song rankings, it is mostly women who are higher in the mix. That is also mirrored in album rankings. Consider this one from Billboard. Also, this one from Rolling Stone recognises the dominance of women and the fact 2024 has been another one where women have been producing the best music. Most of the top ten of NME’s list see women taking charge. Of course, other sites put male artists higher up. MOJO had Jack White’s NO NAME at the number one spot. However, looking at all the rankings and counting the women included in the top ten/twenty and they are in the commanding position. As we see more rankings coming out, it is going to emphasis the brilliant women who have defined music this year. From Pop elite Charli xcx, Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan through to newer acts, this year has been made so brilliant and reliably strong by women! There are a smattering of features that highlight artists to look out for in 2025. Again, women are very much dominating things. I don’t think that this is a spell that will end. A period where women are on top and that will change. I predict that women are going to be the industry standard for many years to come.
It has been fascinating seeing this shift. I don’t think it was a case of the past few years seeing women rise to the challenge. I always think women have been making the best music but have not been given the recognition and opportunities they deserve. Also, how will this change the industry going forward? I think we have to acknowledge that women are the absolute best of the best. In terms of the music and even live music. Most of the most captivating live sets and tours are from female artists. In 2025, we need to be aware of the gulf between the music being put out by women and the way they are treated by the industry. Earlier this year, reports came out that outlines how there is still massive discrimination and sexism. I don’t think that has radically changed since then. There has been small changes and steps forward, yet women are still undervalued and subjected to abuse and fewer opportunities. Festivals, the major ones at least, are still slow to balance their bills and book headline acts. With so many women in music facing discrimination, next year needs to be one for huge and lasting change. Understanding that sexism, discrimination and misogyny in music is still very much present and a massive problem. Sexism is rife through the industry. I wonder what it will take for things to improve. After such a fantastic year for music, where women have been high in the mix, this needs to lead to change. How they need to be respected. More than that, they need to feel safe and seen.
It is hard to see reports and testimony from women who say how hard it is for them. I understand that a lot of the best albums/songs you see ranked are from major artists. However, if you think about this year in music and look at it more widely, women from all layers and levels have been contributing. Will this lead to changes in terms of discrimination? How about festivals and where women are placed on bills? I would like to think things will instantly tip in their favour next year. However, in reality, it will take years. The industry need to be accountable and do better! Also, when I listen to radio stations, women are still very much an afterthought for many. What is obvious this year is how it has been another phenomenal one for women. They have been at the forefront. I think next year will see this emphasised even more. There are not many articles out there saluting women and given them props. I hope that this also changes. Whilst they do not want special treatment or to be seen as charity cases in a sense, I don’t think it would be that. Instead, it shines a light on the importance of women through music. How they need to properly valued. Many would argue that things are a lot better. I don’t think that they are. Things are still massively skewed towards men. There is still a huge issue with misogyny and sexism. Women will back that up. As will research. Also, when you think about all they give to music, why should they still have to be seen as inferior? It leaves me to salute the women of music. For all the tremendous work they have put out this year. It is going to be really exciting to see what queens of the industry give us...
NEXT year.