Three music artists share their tips and insights into the music industry for IWD 2022
Credit: Unsplash - Vonecia Carswell
Tuesday 8th March was the annual, worldwide celebration of International Women’s Day, under the theme #breakthebias. In honour of this, we spoke to three of our favourite female indentifying music artists, and friends of ArtsTrain, to share their experiences of the music industry - as well as tips to help others wanting to break into it.
Jules
Credit: @julesofficialmusic Instagram
What’s been your proudest moment has been so far?
I played my first Sofar Sounds show which was specially curated by Sounds Queer, a platform that champions diverse voices and sounds from the LGBTQIA+ community. It was a very special performance to me for many reasons and I felt so much love, affection and positive energy on the night!
The biggest challenge you’ve faced?
Not being taken seriously as an artist/womxn in music due to being working class or not fitting ‘beauty standards’.
Do you have any tips for female/non-binary artists wanting to get into the industry?
Join the communities that are dedicated to highlighting female/non binary in the music industry! They regularly post events, jobs and networking opportunities and are great resources of information. You’ll also find people who’ll be on similar paths to you.
Never forget your superpower - aka what makes you stand out amongst the rest and the reason why you want to get into the industry. This industry can be difficult to navigate from time to time and I feel it’s important to keep cheering ourselves on, even if we may not feel like it. We’re on our own journeys and should embrace every step (or pit stop, whenever we need to have a rest).
No skill or experience is off limits! There is always an opportunity to use the skills and experience you may have in your future industry role. For example, having the basic admin knowledge is useful because you’ll instantly have good e-mail etiquette.
Follow Jules on Instagram.
May Rosa
Credit: May Rosa/Instagram
Tell us about your proudest moment in music?
My debut single ‘Dancing in the Debris’ reached number 2 on the most requested chart on Dublin City Fm, and my song Gresham Street has been used in a popular Greek crime drama. Another big achievement for me was directing a suicide prevention campaign via a song and video to raise awareness and funds for the mental health crisis in Northern Ireland.
What’s been the most challenging thing you’ve faced?
Disappointment and rejection have always been challenging, but over the years I’ve learnt how to deal with it. It’s important to realise that your creative work doesn’t equal your self worth, it isn’t your whole identity; it’s meant to be fun. It’s therapeutic for me; I do it to connect with myself and others. Don’t let numbers, other people’s perception and sexism affect how you feel about your music and the joy it brings.
Any advice for those wanting to get into the music industry?
Do as much as you can to gain experience and to meet other creatives, especially women and non-binary artists. We are stronger in numbers! Make an effort to find your people! This will inspire you and increase your drive. As we are completely underrepresented in the industry it is important to surround yourself with positive influence. I have had so many bad experiences with men in the industry - don’t ever let anyone make you feel small or that you have to fit into any mould. Also practice, practice, practice!
Listen to May Rosa’s latest track here.
Maddy Carty
Credit: Maddy Carty/Instagram,
What’s been your greatest achievement in the music world so far?
The thing that I’m proudest of in my career at the moment, is that people want me to write for them. The songwriting side has always been the heart and soul of what I do and the fact that other people want me to write with or for them makes me feel great and also gives me more opportunities to get my words and music out there in so many different ways. I can be writing a folk song one day, an EDM banger the next and have a song on an advert the next day. I love that freedom!
Any challenges?
I haven’t always been very business minded, so I can rush into creative situations that sometimes end up being pretty negative because I haven’t thought it through or had all the paperwork and details in place. I’m trying to learn now though!
What are your top tips for those trying to crack the music biz?
Make music that you love. It sounds simple but if you are trying to fit into other peoples boxes, or in with trends, it may not work but at least if what you produce is honest and true to you, you can be proud of it however well does. Also, always get everything in writing, no matter who you’re working with!
Listen to Maddy’s latest single Hell Of A Year, here.