I live sweat...

“My gender role, as defined by me, is an equal one. I can do anything a man can and I can’t imagine it any other way.” - Lisa Garelick from Kind of Like Records on women in the independent music industry.

Photo by Yvonne Marie Haddock

Let me begin by saying that I have shared some of the experiences already discussed in these segments and have found myself both humiliated and confused by others’ actions. But those experiences are not what I’d really like to focus on with this piece. Instead, I’d rather discuss gender equality behind the scenes of our little world.

Since becoming a part of the underground punk community, I’ve promoted shows, booked tours, worked for a PR/marketing firm, managed an artist, and even started my own record label. Through all these endeavors I’ve had few issues with my gender getting in the way of or keeping me from doing anything that I’ve set out to do. I’m treated fairly for the most part – only being asked once, “Did you sleep with someone to get where you are?” Seriously, someone asked that.

My main issue is that I’m one of very few women in my field. I can name about 15 women off the top of my head that work in punk rock, which may seem like a lot, but I can probably name 100+ men easily. These women, whom I’m thankful to have met, work in all aspects of the field, from PR to booking to promoting shows. Some own their own businesses, and others work for established institutions such as SideOneDummy, Deathwish Inc., and more. These women are not only inspirational—they are respectable people who are great at their jobs.

Problem is, I get frustrated when almost every writer, manager, publicist, booking agent, and record label owner is male. Not because I have a vendetta against the male gender, but because I wish more women would get involved and realize they can be an active and integral part of our music scene.

Some people may argue that more women aren’t involved behind the scenes because there aren’t a lot of women into the music or who go to shows. I’d cite the bigger shows (Bouncing Souls, whatever passes as The Misfits these days) as a prime example where I’d look out at a vast crowd and see an even ratio of men to women scattered throughout. A few days later, I’d go to a DIY basement show and see those numbers tip drastically. I’d be one of three girls in the room and I would be so upset. Why was it that the other girls didn’t want to be a part of this? Was it me? Was it them? What was the problem?

Over the years I’ve drafted several theories—some silly, some sincere—as to why there weren’t more women surrounding me in the basements and behind the scenes. I’ve mostly settled on the idea that gender roles in our society emphasize what women should and should not be doing and one of the ‘should nots’ is being an active part of an alternative underground community such as punk rock.

This idea is enforced by a voice that exists below the surface, deep down, constantly reminding me that I should be focusing on the “more important” things in life such as finding a boyfriend and settling down. Even when I’ve found that special someone, the voice continues, telling me that I should be caring about his feelings and emotions over my own. That instead of trying to accomplish something for myself, I should be thinking about his needs and stop working towards accomplishing my own goals. That I should try to make him feel “more like a man”, by hanging back.

I have no idea where this voice came from, but it’s been there all my life. I’ve mostly ignored it, knowing that in reality these things aren’t true. That any guy who asks you or makes you feel like you should become stagnant for him is not worth it. And to a greater degree, I’ve realized that the good ones don’t mind and even encourage you. But the constant feeling that what I’m doing is wrong is a hard pill to swallow.

As a member of an alternate thinking community, I recognize this feeling and take actions to counteract it. Not to ‘rebel’, but to realize that our society puts emphasis on gender roles and even though I’m not told face to face that I should not be working to accomplish my goals, there is a pressure. This pressure is enforced by the media, your peers and even yourself, through this inner voice. Sometimes it’s funny how sexism can come from within.

I think the best way to combat these defined gender roles and overall pressure is to let both men and women know it’s not only okay, but encouraged for women to get more involved in the music they love. Whether it’s playing in a band, booking shows, or putting out records, everyone is welcome to be a part of what we’re doing. These segments are a great start, as are the ‘lifer’ sections of Alternative Press, NPR’s women in the industry pieces, and various bits and bobs I’ve noticed over time. But there needs to be so much more.

Of course, I’m not expecting an overnight change as these feelings date both you and I, but I am asking that women think twice about their decisions and try to decide if society’s view effects the way they feel about their involvement in the music scene. What is and what is not “ladylike” as well as any and all societal pressures should not be an issue. Being punk rock is about acting outside the societal norms and recreating gender roles as we see fit. My gender role, as defined by me, is an equal one. I can do anything a man can and I can’t imagine it any other way.

So please, ladies, start a blog, book shows, run your own label, do more than your share for something that’s already done so much for you.

Aside: If anyone (men included) is looking to get involved in the music scene, feel free to shoot me an e-mail at info [at] kindoflikerecords.com and I’ll be happy to help you as best I can on your way.

Lisa Garelick works for an online music marketing company in Manhattan and runs Kind Of Like Records out of her apartment in Brooklyn, NY. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking spicy food, watching too much Netflix, and listening to records. Follow her on Twitter at @KindOfLikeRecs and learn more about Kind Of Like Records here www.kindoflikerecords.com.