As is the case in so many other professions, sexism is unfortunately a deeply-embedded construct in the largely male-dominated dance music industry. Fortunately, the tides seem to be beginning to turn toward more gender equality in the field. Artists like ANNA, REZZ, Alison Wonderland, and Mija are among the many women who have become extremely powerful forces in dance music. LOUISAHHH!!!, Nina Kraviz, and Nicole Moudaber are successful not only as influential DJs and producers themselves, but also as label heads. Mixmag crowned The Black Madonna as their “DJ of the Year” in 2016.
However, while women in the industry are finally beginning to receive greater recognition for their contributions, the issue of gender inequality within the scene is far from solved. As is the case with any instance of institutional prejudice, positive change is a long, hard-fought road – one which requires vocal recognition of the issues at hand, and self-acknowledgment from industry leaders and potential oppressors.
Jackmaster is the latest influential DJ to address this issue in an outspoken manner. Yesterday, February 5, the Glaswegian musician delivered a diatribe against gender prejudice in dance music following an unpleasant exchange with unnamed individuals. In his reaction to the perspective-shifting experience, Jackmaster acknowledged the “plight…surrounding females in the music industry” as well as his own privilege. The DJ also apologized for his past ignorance on the matter, and noted that he would not name the industry figures who spurred on his rant to avoid inciting a which hunt.
Read Jackmaster’s full series of statements below:
class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550">1) Tonight was the 1st time that the plight and/or prejudice surrounding females in the music industry truly hit home and resonated with me
— JACKMASTER (@jackmaster) February 5, 2017
class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550">2) It is way waaay too easy to be ignorant to the fact as a male DJ in a privileged position. There is something very wrong here.
— JACKMASTER (@jackmaster) February 5, 2017
class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550">3) To hear the things that I heard said about females in the industry tonight were fucking not acceptable.
— JACKMASTER (@jackmaster) February 5, 2017
class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550">4) I apologise for my prior ignorance and silence on the subject. That stops now.
— JACKMASTER (@jackmaster) February 5, 2017
class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550">Stop asking me to “name and shame”. This isn’t a witch hunt. If you think it is then you’re part of the problem. Hate breeds hate.
— JACKMASTER (@jackmaster) February 5, 2017
class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550">My ignorant stance used to be that there was “loads of successful female DJs doing great”.. what a prick
— JACKMASTER (@jackmaster) February 5, 2017
class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550">Big men with little dicks jealous of ladies with talent, intelligence, integrity. Trying to shoot them down. Im off to bed haha
— JACKMASTER (@jackmaster) February 5, 2017
Jackmaster’s very public decrying of these issues has been met with resounding support within the industry, with artists including The Black Madonna, Tiga, and Scuba reiterating his sentiments.
class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550">@jackmaster luv u Jack.
— The Black Madonna (@blackmadonnachi) February 5, 2017
class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550">Jack is correct on this issue @jackmaster
— Scuba (@ScubaOfficial) February 5, 2017
class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550">class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550">calling out shit is everyone’s responsibility
— josey rebelle (@JoseyRebelle) February 5, 2017
@jackmaster big men with little dicks is at the root of all evil.
— Tiga (@Tiga) February 5, 2017
class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550">class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550">@jackmaster but this should extend to peoples comments and views on women in general. We have to call them out, especially if they are mates
— Midland (@midlandsound) February 5, 2017
While Jackmaster is far from the first artist to comment publicly on this issue, he’s duly succeeded in once again bringing the importance of its recognition into the spotlight. Hopefully, the dialogue which his Twitter statement inspired yesterday is one that loudly and enthusiastically continues to transpire.
H/T: FACT