Sexual Harassment Within the Music Industry - THE SCENE NEEDS TO CHANGE

The beauty of music will always be its ability to evoke emotions and bring people TOGETHER. Whether it sparks a past memory or aids in the creation of a new one, it allows people to escape and get lost in the music. That’s what makes live events so special. Listening to your favorite artist while vibing with strangers (a.k.a. new best friends) on the dancefloor is unlike any other feeling. This can all be ruined and turn into a nightmare with the simple addition of abusive people, and it can spread like a virus. The issue of sexual harassment has become especially prominent in the music scene in the past few months and it has become clear we need major change NOW. 

Where Did We Go Wrong?

In the music industry, many DJs are being put on a high pedestal within the industry and are abusing their power. The scene has created an environment where the artists feel they are able to get away with anything and that is NOT OKAY. Agents and managers are also turning a blind eye to their client’s actions and for what reason? Money? Ignorance? Either way we’ve got to step up and change this. Personally, I believe the biggest issue and cause behind all this is the fact that we have cultivated a scene where you HAVE to get blacked out before an event. Of course we all like to have our fair share of fun, but after a certain point it stops being about the music.Sexual harassment is never acceptable for numerous reasons, but as a community, we have to stop normalizing the abuse of drugs and alcohol to the point where attendees become incoherent of their surroundings. Although the perpetrator should be our main focus, this is a new perspective that we must take into consideration.

What We Can Do?

An often forgotten saying is, “treat others as you would want to be treated.” Would you want to be harassed? Would you want someone to have your back if you were being harassed? If you see someone being treated in a way you would not approve of, call them out! If you see someone acting maliciously-- grab them and have security throw them out (this includes DJs). No questions asked. It’s important to never be a bystander and to always look out for one another. Far too often, we are silent as a result of fear but you can never be too careful. As for friends and affiliates of artists, you need to be even more aware! Speak up if you do not like what you’re seeing because chances are, you are at the forefront of all these sexual harassment cases. Put an end to it before someone else has to pay the price. Venue security has the opportunity to initiate a huge change for this new movement, so it is time to raise their standards. I stumbled upon a GREAT organization known as Calling All Crows that goes around the world and trains venue security. They’ve partnered with 75+ venues, artists, and festivals to ensure individuals working security are educated on how to intervene and prevent sexual violence. They are moving mountains in an attempt to create a safer scene! If you want to help Calling All Crows expand to more venues and make an even larger impact-- DONATE HERE.

All and all, it is a group effort by a collective of individuals. We have to work together to rebuild the music scene so that we can go back to what we love - immersing ourselves in the music and connecting with one another.