Control, a new podcast about women in the music industry, launches

A new podcast championing women working in music has launched, helmed by Melbourne-based vocalist, producer and broadcaster, Chelsea Wilson.

Control will feature music trailblazers from across stage, studio and the executive suite, and expose the inner workings of the industry from A&R to radio and publicity, songwriting and artist management.

Publicity for the podcast said it aims to support better gender representation in the industry by highlighting pioneers who are forging their own path in a very challenging environment.

Guests slated to appear on the podcast include Claire Spencer (CEO of Arts Centre Melbourne), Catherine Haridy (CEO Australian Music Centre), Maria Amato (CEO of AIR), and Nkechi Anele (triple j presenter and artist).

Wilson began producing the podcast during Melbourne’s COVID-19 outbreak.

“Recording the episodes remotely in the depths of Melbourne’s lockdown was surreal. Whilst I didn’t set out to capture stories about the pandemic, the series demonstrates the strength and resilience of the women working in our industry. I have so much respect for all of my incredible guests and I’m very excited for the world to hear these inspiring conversations,” she said.

Wilson cited the Skipping A Beat report as further evidence that male advantage is pervasive in the Australian music industry.

The report noted:”Male dominance is seen in the key decision making roles that shape industry norms, values and practices”.

Further statistics revealed that women represent only one-fifth of songwriters and composers registered with APRA, while AIR figures show only 15% of independent labels have female management or owners, and 0% of major labels are owned by women.