Unraveling the Disparity - Women in Top Music Roles
Women's Dominance in the Billboard 200
The success of these six women in July showcases the remarkable talent and influence of female artists in the pop music scene. Taylor Swift, with her chart-topping albums and global fanbase, continues to dominate the music industry. Gracie Abrams, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Ariana Grande, and Charli XCX have also made their mark with their unique styles and musical contributions. This surge in female artists reaching the top of the Billboard 200 is a significant development and highlights the changing landscape of the music industry.These women have not only achieved commercial success but have also inspired a new generation of female musicians. Their achievements serve as a reminder that women have a vital role to play in the music industry and that their voices deserve to be heard.
The Impact of High-Profile Departures
However, at the major music companies that power these superstars, women have been leaving powerful roles. This has had a significant impact on the industry and has rattled other women who are fighting for inclusion and influence at the top. Between Universal Music Group (UMG), Sony Music, and Warner Music Group (WMG), there were four labels that started the year with women CEOs - Capitol Music Group's Michelle Jubelirer, Atlantic Music Group's Julie Greenwald, Epic Records' Sylvia Rhone, and UMG Nashville's Cindy Mabe. But by November, the number had dropped, with Rhone being the only one left at the coastal majors.The high-profile departures of women like Michelle Jubelirer and Julie Greenwald have sent a message to the industry. It has made many women music executives nervous, as they see the departure of these powerful leaders as a sign that anyone can be let go. This has shaken the confidence of women in the music industry and has raised concerns about the future of female leadership.
Women in Other Areas of the Music Business
While the top ranks of the music industry may be dominated by white men, there are still many women in COO, president, GM, and other chief-level or department-head roles across the major label system. In the publishing sector, for example, many of the most respected leaders are women, such as Universal Music Publishing Group's CEO/chair Jody Gerson and Warner Chappell's COO/co-chair Carianne Marshall.In Nashville, the presence of female CEOs and chairs is stronger. UMG Nashville's Cindy Mabe, Sony Nashville's Taylor Lindsey, and Warner Music Nashville's Cris Lacy are all leading the way in the country music scene. This shows that women can thrive in certain areas of the music business and that there is hope for greater gender equality in the future.
The Independent Music Sector
The independent music sector has offered executives like Natalie Prospere, Andreea Gleeson, Golnar Khosrowshahi, and Milana Rabkin Lewis another path to success. These women have founded their own labels and distributors and have been able to carve out their own paths in the industry. For Rabkin Lewis, who got her start at UTA, founding her own independent company gave her more control and the opportunity to set a new example.The growth of indie music's market share both in the U.S. and abroad has provided a platform for these women to showcase their talents and make their mark in the music industry. It shows that there are alternative paths to success for women in music and that they don't have to rely on the major labels to achieve their goals.
The Challenges Faced by Women in the Music Industry
Despite the progress made by women in the music industry, there are still many challenges that they face. One of the biggest challenges is the scarcity of female executives in the music industry. As a result, women often feel excluded from the conversations and decision-making processes that shape the industry.Another challenge is the way women are treated in the workplace. They often face stereotypes and biases that can hold them back from reaching their full potential. Women are often told to "be more emotional" or "smile more" instead of being taken seriously for their ideas and talents. This can be discouraging and can make it difficult for women to advance in their careers.
The Importance of Female Leadership
Despite the challenges, it is essential for the next generation to see women in CEO and chairwoman roles at the major labels. As one high-ranking female music executive said, "power comes in P&L responsibility, and there's a scarcity of women at major labels who have P&L responsibility." Having more women in these leadership positions can help to change the culture of the music industry and make it more inclusive and diverse.It is also important for women to support each other and to lift each other up. By sharing their experiences and knowledge, women can help to break down the barriers that hold them back and create a more equitable music industry for future generations.