Women In The Music Industry
The music scene can be a very challenging place of business for women. It's still a very male-driven industry, and women often face systemic biases, fewer opportunities, and double standards. As often as I shoot shows, I rarely see women working in sound engineering, lighting, production, instrument tech positions, management, or tour crew roles. Male artists also drastically outnumber female artists, and although representation has improved significantly over the last decade, women are still very much outnumbered.
I have noticed a large increase in women working in tour photography and music journalism, and some genres, such as metal and rock, are showcasing more women fronting bands. However, concerns still remain, including safety while touring, fewer opportunities for women to be signed by record labels or played on the radio, and the continued case of misogyny and sexism within the music industry. Unfortunately, many female artists and women working within the industry experience sexual harassment and assault while doing their jobs. The long-term impact of these experiences is profound, and the normalization of this issue within the industry is unacceptable.
That being said, I made it a goal this year to photograph more women-led bands and actively support women creating music and also advocate for their safety. When The DUMB Tour came through Dallas, it felt like the perfect opportunity to not only photograph a powerful performance, but to also highlight an artist who is actively pushing against those same industry challenges. First up was moonstone. before EMM hit the stage.
moonstone.
Here in Dallas, we had some great opening acts. First was a performative set by Briar Rose, a Dallas local who did an interpretive dance. Next, another incredible group took the stage--moonstone., an alt-pop band based in Dallas that's been making music since 2022 and released their first full album last year. They accompanied EMM for the Austin, Dallas, and Houston Texas stops on this tour. It was pretty neat to see a local group join such a big tour for a few shows.
EMM
My first introduction to EMM actually came from seeing her tour flyer, and I signed up to shoot her show based on that alone. As the tour date approached, I discovered her to be incredibly bold, honest, and driven. I admire her theatrical performance style, but I also appreciate the glimpse she gives into what matters most to her through her Instagram stories, which ultimately convinced me that she is, without question, iconic.
EMM was raised by two music teachers, and her dad was also a well-known and highly skilled vocal teacher. Not only did she take extensive voice lessons, but she also spent countless hours learning multiple instruments and dance choreography. Throughout her long journey toward becoming a well-known artist, she encountered many men who tried to explain her job to her, refused to accept the answer "no," or doubted her capabilities. Unfortunately, women can hold the exact same roles as men and still be taken less seriously. She shares countless experiences in a phenomenal documentary called Genesis. I highly recommend renting it for $3.99 or purchasing it for $12.99 to learn more about this issue so that we can make a change.
The DUMB Tour
EMM is deeply dedicated to her art and puts together a very unique performance, blending genres such as alternative pop, dark pop, and electronic music. Her lyrics dive into themes of identity and empowerment while confronting judgment toward others who are perceived as different. Her music speaks to the outcasts, rejects, and the misunderstood and creates a space that encourages empowerment and confidence. The performance is very playful and provocative and often incorporates her alter-ego Black Diamond.
Some of my personal favorites, both live and recorded, are "Superfreak," "Psycho," "Mastermind," and "Devil In Disguise." I had the hardest time not dancing to the beat while photographing her set. I love jazz, contemporary and modern dance, and the dancers incorporated elements of all three. The lighting was perfectly balanced, and the costumes were simple yet moody and vibrant. There was minimal set design which allowed for more movement and dancing on stage.
Her stage presence was both theatrical and intense, but she also took time away from her Black Diamond persona to show her genuine, compassionate side to fans. EMM came across as incredibly kind, respectful and intelligent; a refreshing contrast to the way many female artists are often portrayed as airheads or "dumb blondes." She spoke openly about mental health and offered words of encouragement to anyone in the crowd who may be struggling.
During her final song, she stepped off the stage and hugged anyone who wanted physical contact. It was honestly a beautiful moment, and you could tell it meant a great deal to the fans she connected with. As a very minimal physical touch person, I was very thankful she asked for those of us who wanted it to raise our hands. Thank you!
I highly recommend you catch The DUMB Tour. It's phenomenal, and the next time she tours, the venues will likely be much bigger and you may not get the chance to have such a personal interaction with her.
See tour dates and locations below:
Can't make it out but still want to support? Buying merch directly from a band or artist is a huge way to show support, along with streaming their music and following them on social media.
