“They ruined music for me” – Aus music industry workers detail challenges amid #MeToo movement
Followers of the Australian music industry watchdog Instagram account Beneath The Glass Ceiling have spoken out amid the ongoing #MeToo movement.
Owners of the account (which has gained over 5,000 followers since launching in November), ran an in-app survey. Beneath The Glass Ceiling asked its followers the below questions:
How has the music industry impacted your mental health?
What are some of the challenges you have faced in your career?
For those who have left the industry, what caused you to leave?
If you could change one thing about the music industry what would it?
What is your hope for the future of the industry?
Some of the responses to the question of ‘why they left the music industry’ are sobering reminders of the work that needs to be done amid Australia’s ongoing #MeToo movement.
“Bullying, toxic culture, inappropriate activity, HR covering up all the above,” said one person in a response.
“The men. The disrespect. The assaults. The gaslighting. They ruined music for me,” said another.
Read more of the responses below:
How has the music industry impacted your mental health?
“I lost all confidence in myself. I was stressed 24/7 that I became severely ill.”
“I’ve endured bullying my whole career at record companies. Left with anxiety/attacks.”
“I suffer panic attacks, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.”
“Destroyed any passion, motivation and self-confidence I had. Turned my art into trauma.”
“Amazing highs, devastating lows.”
What are some of the challenges you have faced in your career?
“Bullying culture, lack of support from HR and/or management, harassment (verbal and sexual).”
“Toxic work culture, mental health issues.”
“Wealth divide, casual sexism, token support for First Nations people.”
“Male A&Rs not supporting or understanding women.”
“Feeling intimidated as a young woman, all the people I need to impress are older men.”
“Constantly being told by upper management that my job/role would be more suited to a male.”
If you could change one thing about the music industry what would it?
“Eradicate the boys club, especially the part which relies on booze consumption to succeed.”
“Clean out of the boys club at senior executive level or record companies.”
“Real accountability and ability to stand up and be honest without being destroyed.”
“Removing all toxic men and allowing more WOC opportunities.”
“People are held accountable for their actions, rather than victims leaving quietly.”
“Remove the top layer of misogynistic and abusive men who have been in power too long.”
For those who have left the industry, what caused you to leave?
“It was the most toxic environment I have ever worked in.”
“Bullying, toxic culture, inappropriate activity, HR covering up all the above.”
“The men. The disrespect. The assaults. The gaslighting. They ruined music for me.”
“I left for 8 years. Being gay and not doing drugs excluded me from the boys club.”
“The glass ceiling, the boys club… the odds are against us we have no chance.”
“My mental health deteriorated rapidly due to the unrealistic expectations lumped on me.”
What is your hope for the future of the industry?
“This older generation that heads up majors and ARIA boards is stripped of their power.”
“Diversity across the board, end of the ‘boys club’, less power to the few individuals who dominate it.”
“Zero tolerance company policies for any instance of violence or sexual harassment.”
“A safer place for women and a fairer place for artists.”
“Inclusion, safety, respect, rights, fairness and equality.”
“For it to reflect the diversity that exists in real life.”
“A miracle.”
This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.