Unmasking Toxic Masculinity in the Music Industry

In the midst of International Women’s Month, the music industry finds itself under the spotlight for its persistent struggle with toxic masculinity. A recent incident that our staff member faced shed light on the pervasive issue that continues to plague the industry.

Taylor Swift, an icon in the music realm, took center stage in 2019 and delivered a powerful message regarding the toxic male privilege that permeates the industry. In a moving speech, she courageously unveiled her decade-long struggles as a female artist, exposing the harsh realities of an industry dominated by patriarchal norms. Swift's candid revelation not only resonated with her primarily female audience but also served as a wake-up call to an industry in dire need of reform.

In her song "The Man," Taylor delivers a sharp critique of gender inequality, with lyrics like: "I'm so sick of running as fast as I can / Wondering if I'd get there quicker if I was a man." These words capture the frustration and injustice experienced by women in the music industry and society at large, shining a light on the systemic barriers they face. In another verse, she lyrically encapsulates the frustration and indignation felt by women navigating a male-dominated world: "And they would toast to me, oh, let the players play / I'd be just like Leo, in Saint-Tropez." This powerful lyric not only challenges societal norms but also confronts the pervasive double standards that women face, emphasizing the need for equality and recognition of women's voices in the industry.

The saga surrounding Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun exemplifies the entrenched power dynamics within the music industry. Braun's acquisition of Swift's master recordings ignited a firestorm of controversy, underscoring the imbalance of power and the disregard for female artists' autonomy. Swift's impassioned plea for justice illuminated the systematic injustices perpetuated by toxic masculinity, where male privilege often trumps artistic integrity.

Another example of toxic masculinity is exemplified in 2020 hitting Burger Records in the face when it was exposed of its rampant abuse of power. The incident further underscores the toxicity entrenched in the music industry. The surfacing of sexual misconduct allegations against multiple artists associated with the label unearthed a culture of silence and complicity. The revelations not only tarnished the reputation of the label but also exposed the insidious nature of toxic masculinity, which fosters an environment ripe for exploitation and abuse.

A recent incident involving a staff member at Orange Peel Magazine highlights the prevalent issues of gaslighting and silencing of women's voices within the industry. When attempting to share her story with a band manager regarding a member of their band, she was met with disbelief and manipulation in a 4 minute video, as he sought to diminish her experience through gaslighting tactics. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent biases that undermine women's credibility and perpetuate a culture of silence.

In a more equitable industry, the experiences of women would be validated and taken seriously, devoid of the dismissive attitudes and gaslighting tactics that often accompany their narratives. The glaring double standards that persistently plague the music industry during International Women’s Month serve as a poignant reminder of the work that remains to be done.

As we commemorate International Women’s Month, it is imperative that we confront the toxic masculinity deeply ingrained within the music industry. Only through collective action and unwavering advocacy can we dismantle the oppressive structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice. It is time for the music industry to heed the calls for change and embrace a future where all artists, regardless of gender, can thrive in an environment free from the shackles of toxic masculinity.