Black Honey: “The music industry’s endemic misogyny is real”
Black Honey singer Izzy Phillips has shared a powerful statement discussing misogyny in the music industry after a report by the Women and Equalities Committee labelled it an “endemic” issue.
The report noted issues such as limited opportunity, abuse, and harassment within the industry, which are upheld and exacerbated by processes such as confidentiality agreements and reliance on freelance work. It prompted “urgent” action and made a series of recommendations, including legislation, licensing requirements, and education of boys in schools.
In light of its publication, Rebecca Lucy Taylor, better known as Self Esteem, said she felt “validated” by its findings and also stated that “most women quit because it’s such a dreadful environment.”
Now, taking to Instagram, the Black Honey singer Izzy Baxter Phillips has shared a statement on the issue, drawing from their experiences. “The music industry’s endemic misogyny is real. We have been dealing with it on the daily since the dawn of music. We feel like we have to survive in this industry. Two of the most common examples to know are studio sessions run by mostly middle aged men taking advantage of young female artists and label members abusing their artists under their boys club rules,” the message began.
Phillips went on to say how she has a “zillion and one sexual abuse stories from every woman I know”. Furthermore, the vocalist said women are frequently “belittled, undervalued, spoken down to and underestimated”.
The Black Honey singer explained women are unwilling to come forward with these claims because they “will probably get victim shamed and re-traumatised in the process”. Phillips also addressed the potential career repercussions of speaking out.
Speaking from personal experience, Phillips recounted being served tea by young women in a manager’s office at a meeting which was run by all men “where the dialog was not dissimilar to that of a stag do”.
Read Phillips’ full statement below.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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