Out of the many producers within the music industry, only two percent of these are women. Women are massively unrepresented within the media in general, and even more so in the music industry. However, there are many female artists who have successfully produced their own songs, and also many female producers behind very influential songs and pieces of music. (Female Music Producers – Why Are There So Few?, 2022).
Despite recent attempts to provide more inclusivity, women are still often marginalised within the music industry. In an industry so male dominated, it can be very daunting for aspiring female producers to try and put their work out and be recognised. Because of this, there is very little change within the industry and women continue to be unrepresented, and artists gravitate back towards male producers.
In my opinion, one of the main issues is that many people/artists reject change. While this may be understandable in some instances (if you work with a producer who is well known to be great at their job, you would want to stick with them), it leaves a huge gap for good producers who aren’t being recognised for their talents due to artists picking the same handful over and over again. A well known producer will always have someone wanting to work with them, as most labels will look for those who are known to produce good tracks. Whereas a smaller producer may just need an artist to give them a chance in order to make their breakthrough into the industry and bring them into the spotlight.
#Womeninthemix initiative
What is it?
“The initiative asks that at least two women are considered in the selection process every time a music producer or engineer is hired. It also asks working producers to agree to take issues of gender diversity within music’s technical fields into account when deciding who to mentor and hire for further development.” (WOMEN IN THE MIX: PRODUCER & ENGINEERING INCLUSION INITIATIVE, 2022). So far over 650 producers, labels and agencies have signed the pledge.
Teddy Geiger
Teddy Geiger is an american singer-songwriter and producer. Teddy released her own music within her early career, but retired early at the age of 21. Since then, she has moved her focus onto songwriting and producing. Some of her most well known songs include Shawn Mendes' Stitches and Treat You Better.
“Teddy’s talent, vision and work ethic have made her one of the most successful and sought-after songwriter/producers in the world.” (Songwriter-Producer Teddy Geiger Extends Pact with Big Deal Music – Variety, 2022).