By Ami Medina, Nov. 26, 2024
Despite their talent and passion, women musicians must navigate a unique set of challenges that come with being a woman in a male-dominated music world.
Cal Poly Pomona students Ariana Torres, Andrea Herrera and Andrea Alcaraz are actively working to break down barriers and reshape the narrative for women in music.
Torres, a singer and bass player known by her stage name Xovenus, studies music industry studies at CPP, and advocates for women musicians to be taken seriously for the quality of their work.
“I was super excited to be booked for a lineup once but after the performance, it made me wonder why I was booked and whether it was for my talents or different intentions,” Torres said. “I would love to be an artist in this industry without that thought crossing my mind, but this is something I unfortunately must be mindful of when networking.”
This feeling of being reduced to appearance is something Torres said she feels is common in the industry.
“There should be more female artist representation where they don’t care about the beauty standards and what men want to see, but more female artists who are just themselves and have their own unique style,” Torres said.
Herrera, a singer and guitar player performing under the name Dreabella, is not only focused on the need for more female musicians but also advocates for greater representation behind the scenes in the music industry.
“I think there should be female representation behind the scenes, such as audio technicians and producers, since it is a very male-dominated industry,” Herrera said. “If we had more women, it would help hear more women out and we would be respected more.”
Alcaraz, a singer-songwriter and viola artist for the indie folk band Racoon Cartoons, is the only woman in a group composed entirely of male university students. Her experience sheds light on the gender biases that female artists face.
“It’s probably stunted my progress a little bit,” Alcaraz said.
Despite being one of the main songwriters and a talented viola player, Alcaraz said she is frequently treated differently by both fans and industry professionals.
“It’s frustrating,” Alcaraz said. “I noticed a lot of people won’t congratulate me or talk to me after the show, but they will congratulate and compliment all the other members.”
This exclusion isn’t limited to the audience’s treatment but extends to the behind-the-scenes dynamics.
“When we’re setting up for a show, the sound techs and the people running the show will always turn to one of the guys for guidance and ignore me completely,” Alcaraz said.
In these situations, Alcaraz has learned the importance of asserting herself to be taken seriously.
“I’ve had to be more dominant in some situations,” Alcaraz said. “Once at a show, the person who was setting up my mic was asking questions about the setup to my guy friends who aren’t even in the band. I was the one answering all the questions, but he kept facing the guys and only talking to them. Eventually, I got fed up and snapped at him.”
Alcaraz had to take charge at that moment.
“I told him, ‘These guys are not in the band. If you can, please ask me the questions, I’m the one going to use the microphone,” Alcaraz said.
These types of experiences have marked a shift in Alcaraz’s approach to her career.
“It has been a learning experience,” Alcaraz said. “I used to be so preoccupied with wanting to come off as nice and likable, and I still want to be, but now I mainly just want respect.”
Juan Nunez, one of the guitarists for Racoon Cartoons, also said he wants Alcaraz to be respected.
“Andrea has expressed to us that often during soundcheck before a performance, the sound engineer rarely acknowledges her needs on stage,” Nunez said. “This upsets me too, because it makes it difficult to play together during a show when some members can’t hear themselves well.”
Nunez appreciates Alcaraz and what she brings to the band.
“Apart from her amazing voice, great ear for harmonies and viola skills, Andrea is very patient with us and helps push the band forward,” Nunez said. “She really cares that each one of us feel good about our contributions to the band.”
Despite having to deal with these encounters, Alcaraz continues to press forward, determined to make her mark.
“I really want to showcase more of my artistic ability,” Alcaraz said. “I think it’s really important to connect with the community as well.”
Alcaraz’s experiences also underscore the need for greater female representation in the music industry.
“There are so many female artists with so much potential that just need to be tapped into,” Alcaraz said, adding women are often overlooked despite their talent.
Alcaraz’s advice to aspiring female musicians is blunt, but empowering.
“If you are afraid of being a b—-, just remember, as long as you are respectful and not intentionally mean, be a b—-,” Alcaraz said. “Get what you want, make people respect you, and if they don’t, don’t waste your time with them.”
It’s a tough stance, but one that reflects the harsh reality of a world where women often must fight for the same opportunities and recognition given to their male peers.
The stories of Ariana Torres, Andrea Herrera and Andrea Alcaraz reveal the persistent gender biases and challenges that women in the music industry continue to face. Their voices remind us that respect, authenticity and equal opportunities are vital for all musicians, regardless of gender. By continuing to assert their presence and fight for their rightful place in the industry, they are helping to transform the music world into a more inclusive and diverse space for everyone.
