So last night I played at The Amsterdam in St. Paul for Celebrate Women in Music. There were four bands performing: me, Desdamona, Holly Newsom and Pink Mink. There was also a panel discussion on what it’s like to be a women in this industry that included the women in these bands in addition to Kim King from the Fine Line, Sonia Grover from First Ave, Andrea Swensson from City Pages, Maggie MacPherson (who’s done everything!), and all of this hosted by our beloved Current Leading Lady-Barb Abney. Lots of good questions were asked. Some I wished we had gotten to, but we didn’t have time. Either way, it was nice to sit up there with a bunch of successful women and hear the different perspectives that come from being on the different sides of the industry.
We were asked if we think we are treated differently as women in music. There were a few people who didn’t think they were, but most agreed that we are. I mentioned going to Guitar Center for example. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve been there, or that I have a rewards card, it’s all men who work there. Every single time they come up to help me, they can’t imagine I know what I’m looking for. They just assume if I’m a chick, I’ve never been in there before and I must be buying a gift for my husband. Other women on the panel mentioned that they have trouble getting into their own shows. I have experienced this as well. People just assume you are the merch girl or some band members wife. No, actually, that’s my name on the big sign outside, thank you very much.
Oddly enough, this stuff happens so often that I don’t even let it bother me. I don’t even think I notice it half the time. But sitting up there listening to all these ladies, I realized, all of those things have happened to me at one point or another. So, I guess the bottom line is…we need to support our women in music. If you find a female artist that you love, spread her name around. Especially if it’s me! Someday we’ll be rid of all this nonsense, but for now, we’ve got to keep up the good fight and show the boys that we can play just as well as they can.
No shows booked at the moment.
HI
Alison
i recently read your ariticle on your website
abought women in music
I wanted to tell you I ”TONY TAMBURREENO” am nothing i repeat nothing with out YOU on your stage
or any other band men or women Iam very honored every time i play a song or two with you Alison
over and out till musical paths cross again
happy st. pats day