Ahead of International Women’s Day, Sheffield-based singer-songwriter and promoter Teah Lewis spoke to several women in the industry, giving them space to provide advice for other women and minority genders, as well as sharing how the rest of us can help support them…
I’ve been a part of the Sheffield music scene for eight years as both a performer and a promoter, and I’m excited to have the chance to highlight some of the artists and music industry people who are doing amazing work at the moment in our city region.
International Women’s Day is a really important opportunity to celebrate women and minority genders, especially considering the gender disparity that’s still so prevalent in the music industry. However, IWD efforts are often on the edge of being tokenistic and beyond this momentary celebration, don’t do anything to tackle the issues that perpetuate gender gaps in music all year round. This article is one part of a much bigger picture, not only are women and minority genders less often celebrated and prioritised, we are statistically less safe, lower paid and offered fewer opportunities to take up space.
What I wanted to do is let the artists, creatives and leaders who are out there, and integral parts in the Sheffield music ecosystem tell you for themselves what the music industry can do to support them all the time – not just on International Women’s Day.
MOLLY CLARK
Music producer, artist, and sound technician. @mollyclarksounds
What is one thing the Sheffield music scene can do to support your journey?
Seek out women and minority gender acts when you’re putting on shows—not just because you’re organising something for International Women’s Day or a ‘Women in Music’ gig. We make great music all the time, not just on IWD. And if you think there aren’t any women or minority gender acts in the genre you’re booking—there definitely are. Just keep looking.
What is one thing you want to tell other women and minority genders in music right now?
The music industry is a place for you, I promise! Even if it doesn’t feel like it, your music and voice are important.
CATTLE GRID
All queer, all-singing 4-piece, bringing wry originals and the odd high-energy covers. @cattlegridband
What is one thing the Sheffield music scene can do to support your journey?
There are so many independent music venues in Sheffield that are committed to putting on live music almost every night. It’s been amazing to be invited to play at some of these recently, like Delicious Clam and The Washington, and to see them absolutely heaving on freezing cold weeknights. So many folks are really psyched to come and see some relatively unknown names. If people keep turning out and supporting these venues, the whole thing should keep turning. And if people want to tell all their mates how great we are along the way, that would be ideal too.
What is one thing you want to tell other women and minority genders in music right now?
We’d tell women and minority genders to stop being humble and just start telling each other: “I’m actually an awesome musician and I want to play more with other people.” We know loads of folks who really downplay or just downright lie about how talented they are.
We’re really enjoying collaborating with different people, and you can tell when everyone feels comfortable—it changes everything. It’s allowed us to experiment and try loads of new things without feeling embarrassed or too self-conscious. In the Sheffield scene, Key of She is an example of a really inclusive space that 100% promotes this vibe. @keyofsheshe
JEMMA FREESE
Composer, experimental musician, and session musician in Maximo Park. @jemma_freese
What is one thing the Sheffield music scene can do to support your journey?
Believe in me when I don’t believe in myself.
What is one thing you want to tell other women and minority genders in music right now?
Do whatever the fuck you want.
MONQI
Artist, musician, and one half of Lunghorn. @monqi
What is one thing the Sheffield music scene can do to support your journey?
I think that on an individual level, just showing up and supporting the artists you love makes such a huge difference. Being there physically and keeping our venues alive is so important.
On a collective level, it’s great to see organisations that specifically champion marginalised groups. Last year, I played a wonderful gig with Boxie, who have put on some great nights.
The best way to learn, grow, and create a safe environment for experimentation is through community, so it would be nice to see more workshops and artist development programs from local organisations.
What is one thing you want to tell other women and minority genders in music right now?
Never talk yourself out of a room you’ve been invited into. This one sentence changed my relationship with imposter syndrome entirely. You deserve to be here; you deserve to take up space.
KID BLUE
Artist (rapper). @kid_blu3e
What is one thing the Sheffield music scene can do to support your journey?
Follow me on Instagram, follow me on TikTok, and just listen to my music.
What is one thing you want to tell other women and minority genders in music right now?
You know what? Just go for it.
LUCY REVIS
Director at TRACKS, an organisation dedicated to helping young people get involved in the music industry. @tracks_uk
What is one thing the Sheffield music scene can do to support your journey?
Come to events that support young people. Donating money, instruments, and time, as well as sharing our story, helps us reach more people. Our young people are so talented and will be the ones Sheffield sees in a few years on festival stages, doing it on their own and owning it—if they are supported in the right ways.
Music is for everyone, regardless of your ambition for it. The more we do now, the happier our young people will be because we know music supports mental health.
What is one thing you want to tell other women and minority genders in music right now?
You can be in charge and make your own way. You can stick to your guns and remember that just because others speak the loudest doesn’t mean they have more valid thoughts, ideas, and opinions than you.
Many students have commented that I am the “boss” or “head honcho” (according to 15-year-old Theo), and I sometimes feel the pressure to be nurturing, firm, strong, and emotional all at once—but that is a positive. We can be and feel many things all at once, and if I can show my authentic way of steering our ship, then that’s enough! Seeing yourself reflected in different roles in music will give you more options for the life you want to live.
Teah Lewis is a folk-pop singer-songwriter and founder of BOXIE, a promoter for women and minority genders. @boxiesheffield
