Caleb Garfinkel
Music Creation, Discussion & Education

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Triple J and Women in Popular Music

As part of an Honours research essay in 2010 I looked at the role and equality of female musicians in today’s contemporary popular music scene. My initial intent was to focus on female instrumentalists in jazz and contemporary, to assess the gross gender imbalances between men and women in regards to playing instruments, as opposed to strict vocalists – a stereotypical ‘female’ role. What I discovered however was that the between vocalists and instrumentalists the same themes of sexism and segregation occurred, and that through media outlets women are still portrayed in misogynistic, imbalanced manners.

In background, Triple J held a ‘Hottest 100 of All Time’ poll in 2009, and the results showed a large male presence – 2 female singers (guests on Massive Attack songs), 2 pianists, 1 drummer, 1 bassist; and of these, none in the top 10. Further, what developed in my perspective was that the issues presented and highlighted by the poll were mere recollections of issues discussed and identified years before. In this retelling, it is obvious that media and history has not proven a tangible, evidential historical account of the influence of female musicians, and the music culture continues to be male dominated.

In my essay, I address the concerns expressed by Triple J hosts, as well as highlighting contradictions which fuel the segregation. I discuss historical developments womens’ emergence in popular music and outline the responsibilities that media outlets such as Triple J have to educate audiences of a fair, even gendered music industry.

Click here to download: Hottest Misogyny of All Time

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