MASA: MAKE AMERICA SHAMEFUL AGAIN

Why the Music Industry Needs Its Own Reckoning

by Jessica Vaughn

I can’t find a better way to say this right now so I am just going to say it…

It doesn’t feel safe to be a woman in this country, let alone a woman who speaks her mind in the music industry, which is why I plan to get louder.

I was disappointed and mad before, but I always tried to be diplomatic with my anger so that I didn’t come off as a “bitter woman.” Unfortunately, the world hasn’t afforded women the luxury of their rightful anger and betrayal.

In the past, when men have yelled at me in board rooms for advocating for creatives, myself, or simply explaining something wasn’t possible, I’ve had to remain calm, soft spoken, and professional while my male counterparts’ assertiveness was rewarded as a show of strength.

The music industry desperately needs a reckoning, but with the current political climate, bad behavior and abuse is taking the front seat. I say let’s Make America Shameful Again (MASA), but until then I will be inviting it into the room any chance I get.

When I started to pursue a career in the music industry as a professional backstager (yes, I made that up) with a side of artist, I truly thought I could implement systematic change – which is why I chose to play the game (in my own way). Post second term Trump (a convicted felon who was found liable for sexual abuse) I feel differently. Hell, six years as a music industry executive has also opened my eyes.

Today, I feel being bold, honest, not compromising your truth, happiness, or art are so much more important than playing the game. Why play by the rules when the game is rigged? The glass ceiling feels like a brick wall and I’m coming with a sledgehammer baby!

Jessica Vaughn © Sterling Pierce Taylor — Jessica Vaughn © Sterling Taylor

I won’t lie to you: My experience as a woman in music has been less than optimal.

I have been told “No one believes you; “You’re crazy;” “You’re being shady;” “You didn’t earn this;” “You don’t want this enough;” “We don’t see you as a pop star;” “You’re too girly;” “Bro out with the guys;” “You were being flirty so I don’t know if that really happened;” “You must be schizophrenic because of your family;””You work for me;” “You’re not gonna tell anyone, right?;” “You’re not being a team player;” “Cunt;” “Slut;””Bitch;” “You’re not even hot;” – hell, when I was a teenager grown men would bet on if I was going to be “hot” or not when I got older.

It’s not ideal, but I never stopped. Why? Because I am not going to let broken, unhealed, sad, and unrealized humans rob me of why I am here – I am here to make music and to make a difference. If I bother them this much, then I must be doing something extraordinary. Yes, I am not going to be humble about that accomplishment. Is anyone uncomfortable? Good! That’s where the growth happens.

I started to make my upcoming concept record “Work” to explore everything through the lens of a laborer when I was starting to feel perpetually burnt out. What I’ve realized through my experience is that I’ve just met the tip of my rage. Truthfully, I am not angry enough. If the men that put me down before were scared enough to try to put me in the place, I’ve only scratched the surface – I am going to get even scarier. Buckle up.

Get ready for who I’ve always been – strong, opinionated, and not taking anyone’s shit. I’d rather lose everything than lose myself. My biggest currency is my honesty, I bet yours is too.

We need to stop asking for permission to access what’s always been there for the taking.

We need our community and allies more than ever – they get us. We need to get back to making music, creating change, and having conversations, not idolizing predators or billionaires that were born into generational wealth, or got lucky and chose to do nothing with their power. Their ears and wallets are not open to us, and even if they convince us otherwise, it’ll cost us our freedom.

I’m taking a page out of the Real Housewives of New Jersey and I’ll be flipping tables and grabbing my joy and authenticity wherever I please. I’ve earned it, and it’s always belonged to me anyways.

Expression and art are some of the things that make life bearable, so I am going to focus my attention there and build in resistance to create a safe space and community for those that are seeking shelter.

We ride at dawn… 😉 – Jessica Vaughn