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Highlight Reel from "If #MeToo Happens To You”
Monday was an emotional day. The “If #MeToo Happens To You” event was a great success, with women sharing stories, hearing expert advice, networking, and spiritually communing. I left with a full heart. Check out the SIMS Foundation highlight reel 👆🏻 for a glimpse into the discussion.
But it was a bittersweet experience. I hate that we even have to talk about the prevalence of sexual harrassment and assault in our beloved music industry. I hate that 67% of women report experiencing these things — and that’s just those who actually report it. I hate that we have to take so many precautions to stay safe in a career that should be sacred and safe for all who participate — whether on stage, on air, or behind the scenes. I hate that I get so angry about it that I cry, which is perceived as a sign of weakness rather than a sign of restraint.
But I also love that our gatherings MAKE A DIFFERENCE! I love that when women come together we get stronger, braver, and smarter. I love the new bonds that promote collaboration vs. competition. I love hearing that there are men out there who are on our side and want to know how they can help (yes, we covered how they can do that!). I love that these moments can incite changes within the scene and within individuals.
One woman who couldn’t attend the event but saw our posts and updates, reached out to SIMS Foundation executive director Patsy Bouressa saying she was ready to share her own #metoo experience.
Do you know how big that is?!? If you’ve ever suffered similar trauma, you get it. Just talking about it is a major step toward recovery and helping others take their steps toward recovery.
Thank you to our partners who made this all possible: Wavemakers 40+ , Taff Optical Pickups, Texchromosome, and Girl Guitar.
If you’d like to watch the entire event, please Zelle $7.50 to thea@theawood.com. I’ll email you the video link. Proceeds go toward Herizon Music programs and promotion costs (the newsletter, podcast, and events are produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC).
The Nominees Are…
The Recording Academy announced the 2024 GRAMMY nominees for all 94 categories. First, congrats to all the nominees — what an incredible milestone, especially for all the first-timers! Second, the bickering about who got snubbed is already underway.
Former Recording Academy president and CEO Neil Portnow told women they need to “step up,” and that they did! Women are the majority of nominee nods this year, with SZA leading the surge with nine nominations. Variety Magazine sums up the snubs and surprises quite well.
Pick A Podcast Episode
Three throwback episodes of Herizon Music: The Podcast that you’ll dig.
Cheryl B. Englehardt: New Age Artists Journey to Healing and The GRAMMYS
Katie Daryl: AXS TV’s Music Host Revealed
Donna Jean Godchaux MacKay: Part I
Noteworthy
Instagram’s Concert Queen is starting a nonprofit called You Are Not Alone. Learn more about Clarissa Cardenas and her mission to protect women in the live music scene.
Tracy Chapman became the first black songwriter to win Song Of The Year at the CMA’s with Luke Combs’ cover of “Fast Car.” NPR Reports.
Chris Dalla Riva of
did a deep dive when I asked him if musicians “age out of success by 30” and came up with a revealing career arc with stats that are worth reading.Enter to win an $11,000 PA system giveaway from Sweetwater before December 1, 2023. Click here.