Report: Gender bias in the music industry continues in shocking new study

A recent study by Skoove has revealed the continuing gender bias affecting both up-and-coming and bigshot artists across all music genres.

Skoove has unveiled startling statistics about the ongoing gender disparity within the music industry, highlighting a troubling trend of bias against women and non-binary artists in its latest study. Despite the inherently vibrant and inclusive nature of music, the business side continues to present significant barriers to gender equity. Collaborating with DataPulse, Skoove’s research focused on the top 1,000 artists on Spotify.

The findings paint a stark picture: only 20% of these artists are women and less than 1% are non-binary. This disproportionate representation underscores a broader issue within the industry. Among other things, it shows a general trend of undervaluing and acquiescence to career barriers for non-male artists.

Prominent voices in the music world have long stressed these issues. Sam Smith, a non-binary artist, spoke candidly about the challenges of navigating a space rife with homophobia and sexism. Ariana Grande also shared her frustrations about being underestimated in production roles. A 2019 study by Berklee College of Music confirms this, with over 75% of female music professionals encountering gender bias.

Within the electronic space, artists like Peggy Gou and Charlotte de Witte have massively pushed the needle for female visibility. Nonetheless, many in the industry still can’t seem to separate the talent from the gender. Azzecca has also spoken out about the superfluousness of calling her a “female DJ”.

The impact of this bias is evident in the industry’s statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that only about 25% of musicians and singers in the country are women. Furthermore, A2D2 has published similar studies noting female DJs play twice as much and still experience a shocking disparity in festival lineups.

While all these studies point to persistent gender imbalances, there are nonetheless signs of progress. Initiatives like Keychange and Women in Music are pushing for more inclusive practices across the industry. Moreover, LP Giobbi and Mary Droppinz continue elevating female and minority artists through their Femme House projects. Though much work remains, these boss ladies will certainly not stop until everyone gets a fair voice.

Featured Image: Skoove

About The Author

Ginger Ale

Having grown up just an earshot from Ultra Miami’s venue Bayfront Park, it was next to impossible for me not to fall in love with electronic music. My love for music was evidently strong enough for me to write my college essay on festival culture and continue attending Ultra for 10+ years now. I have always had a knack for writing and the power of words, which I continued cultivating through a Philosophy degree in college. Now, I am finishing up law school and hope to merge my passions by working in the music industry. I am an avid traveler and am certainly not afraid to hop on a plane for a music event. My next bucket list items to attend are Tomorrowland in Belgium and ADE in the Netherlands. Though the list could go on forever, some of my favorite artists include Franky Wah, Kevin de Vries, Eli Brown, and John Summit.

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