The Precedent of Balance: Time for Achieving Gender Equity in Electronic Music Lineups

Introduction

Debates around representation, particularly in the electronic music scene, are often sizzling, charged, and contentious. As discussions delve into the nitty-gritty of lineup diversity, they frequently overlook the complex tapestry of issues that stem from inequality. Confronting head-on the questions surrounding these inequities, Attack Magazine has initiated a comprehensive series of interviews to explore whether we can genuinely bridge the gender gap in electronic music. This article focuses on insights from Steven Braines, co-founder of HE.SHE.THEY.—a pioneering movement championing diverse, LGBTQIA+-inclusive lineups for nearly a decade.

Women and Gender-Diverse DJs: The Talent Pool

One of the primary arguments often yanked into discussions of lineup balance is the notion that fewer women and gender-diverse DJs exist in the talent pool, which is extrapolated to justify a lack of balanced lineups. Braines dismisses this assertion, arguing that the pool is vast, comprising thousands of women who can and should be booked. A staggering statistic reveals that women make up approximately 15% of the professional DJ population globally.

He emphasizes that the ever-increasing visibility of accomplished female DJs serves to inspire and motivate new talent. Braines emphasizes the importance of paving the way for the next generation. In his experience with HE.SHE.THEY., he has never encountered difficulty in curating quality, balanced lineups, significantly across 30 countries, challenging the notion that diverse representation is unmanageable.

Diversity and Ticket Sales: A Promoter’s Dilemma

The question arises: do promoters prioritize profit over addressing structural inequalities in their programming? Braines asserts that they can and should strive for both. Ignoring chances to elevate women, non-binary individuals, and the trans community is not only a moral failure but also a significant economic misstep. He points to successful women like Amelie Lens and Honey Dijon, who have proven that women can and do sell tickets.

Further, he argues that diverse lineups attract a broader audience, with club-goers more inclined to attend events that genuinely reflect their identities and communities. For Braines, inclusivity isn’t merely an ethical obligation but a business strategy that benefits everyone involved.

The Personal Toll of Inequity

One of the more poignant aspects of Braines’ insights relates to the personal and professional impacts of exclusionary practices. Imposter syndrome remains pervasive among women, LGBTQIA+ folks, and people of color—demarcations that insist they have less value in a dominantly male space. He reminds us that electronic music owes much of its inception to queer Black and Brown individuals.

Braines recalls the journeys of artists such as SYREETA and Maya Jane Coles, who have navigated challenging landscapes to achieve recognition. Their success, however, often comes at a great cost, as they chop through ceilings that should have been shattered long ago.

The Creative Cost of a Narrow Industry

The limitations posed by homogeneously filled lineups impact not just immediate representation, but sonic diversity as well. Braines articulates that diverse backgrounds in music yield richer and more varied soundscapes. An industry that fails to cultivate variety risks stagnation, where club culture becomes repetitively monochrome and uninspiring. He passionately advocates for scenes that embrace inclusivity, providing a more enriching and transformative experience for everyone involved.

Accountability in the Music Business

When it comes to accountability, Braines stresses the importance of being judged over time, rather than through isolated incidents. Promoters, brands, and venues must be held accountable for their hiring practices and the diversity of their lineups. The road to a more equitable music scene necessitates a collective effort from everyone involved, transcending individual blame-games or scapegoating.

Braines pushes for grace and understanding, urging the industry to allow individuals the chance to learn and grow from missteps rather than simply condemning them. The financial constraints often cited by venues and promoters highlight the complexity of the problem— while they grapple with rising operational costs, the pressure for more inclusive lineups must remain a priority.

Mutual Responsibility: Everyone Has a Role

Braines calls for collective action from all quarters of the music industry. Audience members, too, carry weighty responsibility in shaping what nightlife looks like. He points out that when fans complain about the reduction of spaces or events, they must consider their own engagement. Are they attending events, purchasing tickets, or merely seeking guest lists?

This reciprocity is critical; if people wish to enjoy diverse musical landscapes, they must invest in them actively. At the same time, Braines decries the tendency to treat club-goers as mere cash machines rather than participants in an experience.

Passive Inequities and Structural Barriers

The discussion also illuminates how lineups are often just a surface reflection of deeper, systemic issues within the industry. Access to resources—mentorship, industry networking, studio spaces—shapes who can thrive and who cannot. Braines labels these systemic inequities a ‘diffusion of responsibility,’ where no single entity takes charge of rectifying the imbalances that persist.

Government involvement is also crucial; Braines highlights the potential for public policy to support an industry valued in the billions, fostering an environment that nurtures equity.

The Need for a Cultural Shift

If electronic music comprises a significant cultural force, its events should reflect the diversity and richness of the world it seeks to represent. A commitment to change must involve everyone: promoters, audiences, and governmental bodies alike, aiming to create inclusive spaces where various tones can coalesce.

This narrative is echoed time and again through the stories of DJs and artists across diverse backgrounds. Each story of triumph in the face of hardship contributes to a broader tapestry that demonstrates immense potential awaiting fulfillment through inclusion.

By coalescing around the ideals of equity and representation, the electronic music community could not only bolster its cultural relevance but also fortify its future. The time is now for action—embracing diversity is not merely a goal to be achieved but a journey to be shared.

Explore More

To find out more about HE.SHE.THEY., follow them on Instagram. Keep an eye out for further interviews in Attack Magazine’s ongoing series, as they dissect vital conversations that continue to shape the music landscape.

In a rapidly evolving cultural climate, can we collectively shape a future where diversity isn’t just an afterthought, but the central narrative? The answer lies in our willingness to listen, learn, and push the boundaries together.