FEATURE:
Reverb and Amplify
IN THIS PHOTO: Dublin band SPRINTS’ Karla Chubb was recently sexually assaulted during their Letter to Self tour (the second time she experienced this on the tour)
The Need for Greater Action and Allyship Against Sexual Assault in Live Music
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AFTER reading a shocking and disturbing post…
IMAGE CREDIT: SPRINTS
from the band SPRINTS last weekend really moved and appalled me. It relates to their lead, Karla Chubb, being sexually assaulted for a second time on their Letter to Self tour (I would recommend that you check out their hugely acclaimed debut album, Letter to Self). Reported in the music press, it is horrifying that she had to experience something so appealing and unacceptable twice on the same tour. The Irish band are continuing to tour, though it must be unnerving and a real shock that will affect her going forward. Not knowing which audiences to trust and whether she will be assaulted again. One of our very best bands, everyone’s hope is that those culpable for the assaults are named and banned from watching live music. That there are criminal charges. The sad truth is that may not happen. Those who committed the assaults might be free to do the same to other women. Sexual assault and abuse is shockingly common and widespread through the music industry. When it comes to executives and those in power both here and the U.S., there are continuing cases of women being harassed, abused and attacked. There is a misogyny and sense of entitlement that runs through music. An industry that is a boys’ club, there is an assumption from men – though it very rarely applies to women too – that they can do what they want. That women are objects or subservient. Even if the industry is not as toxic and problematic as it was years and decades ago, the fact that SPRINTS have revealed how their lead was assaulted twice on tour proves that something needs to be done. There are no excuses for what is happening. Regardless of the clamour and packed nature of gigs, these attacks are not accidental. Those going out of their way to assault women. Like that is part of the deal. I have heard about so many cases of women being assaulted at gigs. Whether they are the artist, part of the venue or a gig-goer.
PHOTO CREDIT: Pixabay/Pexels
One of the reasons why it is so prevalent is because it is hard to police venues. Making sure that this sort of thing is weeded out. When there are so many people in a smaller or large space, it can be hard to shield women from this. That is not an excuse. Also, there are not adequate punishments for those culpable of assault. Those who do this are not often arrested and banned from venues. That leaves them out there to do it. Without repercussions or any sort of wider outrage, this pattern and undying wave of assaults is not going to stop. It is happening around the world, yet it seems to be particularly common in the U.K. and U.S. Here, we have some wonderful venues that are proudly staging some amazing artists. These artists rely on these venues to get their work heard and to hone their craft. It is also essential for towns and cities. At a time when so many venues are threatened and live music is in danger, they are a lifeline for so many. People communing to these spaces to share their love of an artist. It is so important that the safety of venues is protected, so that we can preserve these vital arenas. Creating the black marks, I know not every venue experiences an artist being sexually assaulted. Women are leaving the industry because they feel this threat and vulnerability. Alongside misogyny and the fact there is gender bias still at festivals and radio playlists, we are risking losing so many amazing artists because of this. More needs to be done by so many people. Venues do need to make sure that they have security and security cameras that can identify and hopefully deter abusers. For anyone caught and named, they need to be banned from venues and punished accordingly. Police taking these cases very seriously.
At a wider level, the industry needs to address a real plight and horrific side. Something that is far more prevalent than it should be. I know we may never see a day when there are no cases of sexual assault in the industry. That women everywhere at live gigs are safe and will not be assaulted. We are so far from that today. The fact that Karla Chubb was assaulted twice in our tour and not over the course of her entire career should be a massive wakeup call! The industry is still male-focused and a patriarchy. One feels that if men were being sexually assaulted so regularly then there would be greater outcry and action from those in power. It is mainly the women themselves who are speaking out and calling for change. A recent misogyny in music report was spearheaded by women. Although there is outcry on social media when we hear cases of women being sexually assaulted, where are the male allies through the industry?! One rarely hears of artists, executives, journalists or anyone else who is speaking out. As with misogyny and gender inequality, there is a need for men to get together and demand change. It is women mainly who are the ones highlighting the problems and doing all the work. More men need to get involved. Especially those who have the power. They can help ensure that the live music circuit is safer for women. That there are serious repercussions for anyone who commits sexual assault. Campaigns can be published and aired that spotlight the statistics and highlight how prevalent sexual assault is across venues. Ways in which gig-goers can do their part and look out for signs. There are great and important organisations such as Safe Gigs for Women and Safe Gigs that do so much amazing work. They need all the allyship, support and funding possible so that they can continue and create a wider and bigger wave. Thinking about what SPRINTS’ Karla Chubb had to face is both hugely shocking but also common today. Many other women will identify and will share their stories. Many have already. It is a moment when the music industry needs to do more. Where allyship needs to happen and venues need to make commitments. We can not let women feel unsafe doing a career that they love. The industry and every music fan needs to come together to support women and ensure that they are respected and not subjected to sexual assault. The worse we can do is…
PHOTO CREDIT: Marina Pechnikova/Pexels
LET them down.