Equality in Northwest Music.
Down To Earth Promotions – Equality in Northwest Music.
Inequality has been something that has been around for ages before I was even born for that matter. When I say inequality, I mean equal rights for those who are of a different race, those that are a women or non-conforming gender, those that are from the LGBTQ+ community, those that are working class, in fact, anyone who is perceived by some people as being outside of ‘normal’ in society today.
The shocking George Floyd case and the recent Sarah Everard murder are just some tragedies that have brought more attention and stance to the subject. It is encouraging to see that more people want to get involved to support these underrepresented groups, but the question remains of how to help and to deter from being a keyboard warrior.
Within the music industry and predominantly the Northwest area, the lack of support and opportunities for bands and musicians alike that are from any of the areas previously mentioned is quite astounding. As a young woman starting out in the industry, I quickly noticed certain trends happening and people being underrepresented, not only bands and musicians but also those working behind the scenes. So, I took a leap and founded my music and live events promotions company called ‘Down To Earth Promotions.’
From the very start, it was my aim to ensure that everyone had an equal chance at being heard and express their art and music as much as they want to. My own thoughts on moving forward with equality in music and in general is to mix and involve all individuals from different backgrounds and lives together in a safe and inclusive environment, by combining those that are more privileged with the musicians from underrepresented groups to enable them to learn more about what issues are facing those that are not as seen as much in the industry and society at a whole. We can all learn and move forward together if we heal the divided split between different people and their nationalities, gender, sexual orientation, or living circumstances.
Keeping this in mind, I wanted the world to know that I meant business and was sticking to my word on enabling and encouraging equality in the scene. A manifesto was created for the organisation and enclosed in the article is statements of no violence, harassment (including sexual), and equal line-ups in all live events and promotions produced. We have a few upcoming events and many in the works behind the scenes, one gig is at Jimmy’s in Liverpool on 24th October with an amazing line-up featuring headliner IAMKYAMI, Muddy Elephant, Idle Lies, and The Notion. When selecting the line-up, it was of massive importance to me that it was equal in representation and the same applies going forward for all events that I will be putting on. I am working with some amazing organisations that channel the same ethos as myself and quite honestly it is outstanding and heartwarming to be able to make waves in the industry together and tackle this issue that has been circling for too long.
The time has come to make a change and encourage those that maybe are not aware of the issues or simply do not get involved to step up their game and realise how important it is to support and encourage those in the industry, no matter who they are.
Down To Earth Promotions
Too many times I hear the stories from fellow women who have not been recognised as the talented musicians they are, the constant disbelief that they are the headline act, or the assumption that those in band photography or lighting and sound are fangirls of those performing. Those from ethnic backgrounds and different cultures being called racist slurs while performing or being ignored when talking to other industry professionals at live events, being excluded from magazine covers or line-ups, simply because the organiser feels they won’t ‘fit the vibe.’ LGBTQ+ artists getting misgendered and being attacked with homophobic comments, the working class being seen as scruffy and not professional enough to perform, being generalized to be loud and time wasters, when really they do not have the resources available as others do, due to lots of reasons.
These are just some of the problems being faced in the music industry today and I can say that myself and others have faced at least one of these and even more that I have not mentioned.
The women who are stepping up from sexual violence and harassment, the BAME individuals who are speaking out and standing against racism, the LGBTQ+ family who are screaming from their lungs to stop the homophobia and degradation, to you I say keep going and please do not give up hope.
To those that are on the sidelines or perhaps not realising what is going on around you, now is the time to wake up and support, stand alongside those mentioned, and rewrite the history of the music industry itself!
Down To Earth promotions was created to encourage a safe place where we put the artists at the very heart of what we do and I sincerely hope that more organisations latch on to the idea and participate with the same standards and ethos going forward.
We must stick together and raise each other up in the music sector, it is a tough world and a very harsh industry. However, change can happen and it is indefinite, so thank you for reading this article and if you take anything away then please let it be the determination to include and support those who are underrepresented in the industry.
Let’s make music a safe and equal place for all!
Kayleigh Darlington, Down To Earth Promotions.
To follow Down To Earth Promotions on social media and find out more about what they do click on the links in pink below.
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