FEATURE:
The S-Words
ALL PHOTOS (unless credited otherwise): Unsplash
Sexuality, Sex and Social Media
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TOMORROW provides me the chance to wrap up a few…
idea and pieces I have been meaning to get out. Aside from a review; I will look at album covers that have defined this year – negatively or positively – and why Oasis’ music/legacy is reigniting flames and excitement; some of the all-time great albums and why they remain so important; the ‘civil war’ of U.S. and U.K. music/journalism; I will cast the spotlight on a fantastic Australian duo – and conclude a busy and eventful year. It has been a good one (in terms of my work) but I am not taking any time off: Monday sees me look at a few new topics and keep the ball rolling. I will look at new ambitions and how I want to develop my site but, before then, I have hopes and fears regarding 2018. The reason I have highlighted sex, sexuality and social media – and provided quite a proactive image at the top – is the way sexuality and gender are still major sticking points in music. We have heard a lot of good news from music and there have been some terrific albums released. Glastonbury was a raging success and we saw some new artists come to the fore. All things considered; it has been a productive year of music with the best sounds showing how advancing, talented and original our best musicians are.
I expect that to continue in 2018 and am excited about the big albums and underground artists who will add their mark to the year. Away from pure music, we need to look at the imbalances and downsides that have been hidden to a degree. I have spoken a lot about sexism and the way female artists have been given fewer opportunities and platforms than their male counterparts. It may sound like my revisiting trodden ground but it seems like the best way to end 2017 – almost, at least. This is less a coruscating article: more a suggestion and guidance for the music industry as we head into the New Year. I marvelled at Glastonbury’s headliners but saw no female presence; I looked at other areas of the industry and, between festivals and award nominations, saw that male dominance. Whilst I grant you male musicians have been riding high in festivals for years; that is not an indication of dominant quality and commercial appeal – more a lazy and routine booking by the festival organisers. The need to break away from the boring and commercial should see fewer male artists given prominence; more female artists coming into the fold and being provided equality. Parity is what I am concerned about, really. I feel there has been a bubbling, unresolved sexism that has not really been challenged by male artists.
Journalists (male) have ignored the issue and, weirdly, it is seen as okay and normal having that gender imbalance. I have seen cases of female artists abused on stage; male performers demean and degrade female artists; others sexualised and exposed because of their looks – the impression female artists are weaker, inferior and objects still exist in some areas. Whilst not as toxic and widespread as it could be: I feel those in a position to change things have not been given the kick needed to go about it. That is the responsibility of journalists and male artists – I feel like I have done my part but the bigger names have not played their part and exposed the gaping wound of sexism in the industry. The rise of strong Pop artists and hot newcomers means next year will see talented female artists get a say and impress. I wonder whether there will be any changes so they are not held back from festival slots; their music is treated the same as the guys; they are not promoted because of their looks and bodies – given the chance to show what incredible artists they are...
Sexuality is another side of music that is provided scant coverage. Earlier this year; I talked about, in various pieces, how sexuality and sexual orientation are still seen as taboo. Mental-health is being discussed a lot more but I wonder whether the outpouring of professions and openness is strong enough for the industry to bend and care for artists overworked, unhappy and struggling. I know there are a lot of problems that need tackling and I do not want to talk an alphabetic approach – nearly every letter of the alphabet will be covered! I know a few gay artists and they are proud (rightly so) of their life and how they express themselves. There are Pride festivals in Brighton and London that celebrate difference and unity: how homosexuality should be expressed, celebrated and normalised. That may sound like an odd word to use but I feel gay artists are afraid to explore their sexuality in music; been afforded the same chances as straight musicians – fearing they’ll be seen as outsiders or a niche act. There are/have been many gay artists in popular music – from Elton John and George Michael to Lucy Spraggan. Bisexual artists like (Fifth Harmony’s) Lauren Jauregui and Halsey are proud of who they are and have opened up about their sexuality. There are more L.B.G.T.Q. artists than ever before – proving sexuality is a spectrum and complicated thing.
IN THIS PHOTO: Lauren Jauregui/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images
It is not a binary decision – being gay or straight – but I know there are many more artists out there unafraid to come out through fear of isolation and judgement. I agree we have become more accepting of sexuality – in the music industry at least – but there is still a lack of education and awareness among many. Homosexuality is something that should be emboldened and assimilated into the mainstream more readily; not seen as something unique and odd. I know of a few gay artists who feel, as they plan their sounds and aim for the mainstream, it is going to be hard expressing their sexuality and revealing it. Friends and colleagues know they are gay but is there still a stigma attached to coming out? Those popular artists who have revealed their sexuality (bisexual, homosexual or transgender) have been met, in the most part, with applause and respect. Hopefully, that will destigmatise the nature of sexuality and see those artists afraid and concerned feel brave enough to reveal their sexuality and be met with affection. The music industry has a problem and, even though there are more members of the musical L.B.G.T.Q. but the rainbow is being dampened by cloud and mist. I am not suggesting special dispensation and accommodation needs to be afforded gay/bisexual artists: they do not want to be treated any differently to anyone else!
Whilst gender and sexuality and high on my list of ‘things we need to tackle and treat with compassion in 2018’ I am concerned social media is losing control and focus. Maybe it has always been a place where one takes chances and is not necessarily safe. Former President Barrack Obama, when interviewed by Prince Harry, warned us of the dangers around social media. We are spending too much time on Facebook and Twitter and, with it, our physiological health is being affected. I have, again, spoken about social media and how promotion and music-releasing is less physical and more electronic. Modern artists NEED to spend a certain amount of time on the Internet: many are supplementing that with social-time and, when you look at it, hardly getting any rest and time for detachment. I have heard a few cases this year when online bullying and ill-advised comments have claimed lives. An adult film star, August Ames, hanged herself this month following abuse online – following accusations of homophobia. It was a shockwave and reminder about how hurtful comments and the effect social media has on us can have devastating consequences. I have heard of other suicides and, considering a couple of high-profile suicides in the industry (Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington); I feel musicians should be encouraged to spend less time online.
I realise promotion and popularity stem from a savvy social media plan and constant dedication. That does not mean one needs to spend every waking hour on social media. The more tired we get the worse our decision-making process is; we make mistakes and say things we regret; we are subject to harsh comments and, because we are tired, that means we are likely to make errors of judgement and feel alone. The more we immerse ourselves in the digital world, the more distant from the human connection we become. Many use social media as an alternative to a life where they feel misunderstood, unheard and unhappy – feeling people online will understand them and provide friendship (artificial at best). It is hard separating social media work-life (not too much time on there) and any personal downtime. Musicians are required to push their work and get it out to people. That involves social media and a lot of time sending emails. Not only is the endless work and exhaustion affecting their creativity and ambitions; it is fixating and obsessing the mind so there is little/no time in outside world. I am worried many musicians are open to the worst traits of social media – abuse, trolls and the way we cannot wean ourselves off it – and need to heed the kind of warning Barrack Obama has provided.
I know music will make changes and take responsibility in 2018. Those S-worded subjects are a few big things I hope will be afforded more exposure and investigation. I have seen improvements and small changes. Discussion and anger (positive and negative) have highlighted how female artists are still downplayed and seen as minorities; a lot of gay and bisexual artists lack the confidence to express who they are and discuss their sexuality through music. I have not spoken about race and other sides of music that have troubled me – maybe I will have to leave that for another day. This is not new ground – and I have spoken about all these things at various points – but, months down the line, seen few changes and little advancement. Maybe, when we look at how to improve musicians’ lives, we should take an alphabetic dynamic. Starting at ‘S’ might be a weird place to start but I am seeing too many artists lose out, suffer and go unnoticed. If those in a position of influence – the government, labels; executives and journalists – helped challenge sexism and sexuality; helped raise issues around social media and the pull the Internet is having on artists (and all of us) that will be a positive and…
NECESSARY difference.