Equalization
The music industry has always been unbalanced. In Ireland and throughout the world, women and female-identifying musicians have had to play second fiddle to men in terms of exposure, gigs, festivals and pay.
Four unique organisations have been established in Ireland over the last few years to encourage and engage women and LGBTQIA+ in the music industry. Gash Collective, Fair Plé, DIAXDEM Collective and Girls Rock Dublin aspire to empower and educate women and female identifying musicians in the music industry and to open up a discussion on gender balance.
‘Equalization’ is a documentary that speaks to the founders and members of these groups about the disparity they have experienced as musicians and how they try to provide equal opportunities and balanced representation for all.
Stories of how they began in music, issues with unequal festival lineups, sexual abuse and harassment, internalised misogyny and the effects of covid on their livelihoods are all explored in the documentary. The interviewees give personal accounts of their experiences and hopes for a more balanced music industry.
The programme features music and interviews with Karan Casey, Pauline Scanlon, Ellll, LOLZ, Renn, Ódú and Aoife from Alien She. It is narrated by the singer and actor Tracy Bruen.
‘Equalization’ was broadcast on Sunday 21st August at 7am on Newstalk and repeated on Saturday 27th August at 9pm.
‘Equalization’ was produced, recorded and edited by Alan Meaney. Narration by Tracy Bruen.
The contributors are Karan Casey and Pauline Scanlon (Fair Plé), Karen Miano (DIAXDEM Collective), Sally Ó Dúnlaing and Aoife Nice Dhonncha (Girls Rock Dublin), Ellen King and Laura O’Connell (Gash Collective).
The programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television licence fee.