Do you have a story to tell? Do you want your voice heard? Here’s your opportunity to contribute to Performer’s upcoming special issue on social justice and equality in the music industry.
POTENTIAL TOPICS ARE BELOW. PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO PITCH US ON AN IDEA OF YOUR OWN.
THE LOW DOWN
In January, we will be publishing a special print issue that will take a first-hand look at discrimination, equality and social justice in the music industry: namely sexism & feminism, racism, and other current social issues and equality-based topics that affect the indie/DIY community (musicians in particular).
Here’s where you come in: we’re looking for artists and guest writers to contribute short essays and first-hand narratives about their personal experiences, primarily focused on how who they are has affected their music, their careers, their creative processes and how they’re perceived in the music community.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
CONTACT: email [email protected] today if you’d like to contribute, or for more information.
WORD COUNT: essays and articles should be between 750-900 words.
ALSO INCLUDE: 1) hi-res photos of yourself to accompany your piece; 2) an “about the author” blurb of 50 words to describe yourself; 3) and finally your Twitter handle or website URL.
EDITORIAL DEADLINE: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015.
POTENTIAL TOPICS YOU CAN WRITE ABOUT
–Have you ever been discriminated against as an artist because of your race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, physical appearance or any other aspect of what makes you who you are?
–Has your identity ever presented challenges in booking gigs, getting press, winning over an audience, etc?
–Have you ever had a hard time being taken seriously in a music shop?
–Have you ever been told you play guitar “pretty good for a girl”?
–Are you or your organization fighting for social change and equality in the music industry?
–Have you ever faced a hostile crowd or audience member because of your race, gender, orientation, nationality, etc?
–Do you have a positive story about social justice or equality in the music industry (or local music scene) that you’d like to share?
–Do you have a unique perspective on the industry as a member of a certain demographic?
–The historical usage of Confederate iconography in Southern music, and its diminished (and controversial) role in Southern music today.
–How socially-conscious music can affect social change and pre-conceived attitudes amongst our nation’s youth
–Cultural appropriation in the music industry and its impact on the music buying public
–Historical profiles on pioneers in the music industry for racial equality, LGBT rights, and women’s rights.
–Sexism in guitar shops, on-stage and behind-the-scenes.
–The historical (and relentless) misogyny in the heavy metal and hip-hop communities, and the status of women in metal and hip-hop today.
–Policies of change and actions that can effectively combat prejudice and discrimination in the music industry.
–Agents of Change: stories of modern day crusaders and advocates for social justice and equality in the music industry.
These are just suggestions. Please do not hesitate to contact us with ideas of your own, or to pitch us on your unique story idea.