In honor of Women’s History Month, Atwood Magazine has invited artists to participate in a series of essays reflecting on identity, music, culture, inclusion, and more.

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Today, soul and blues-inspired songwriter, singer, and guitarist ANDIE shares a guide to being an advocate and ally for women in your music scene. The bandleader of ANDIE & The Bandits, whose submission to Tiny Desk was shared by NPR, champions for inclusivity and accountability in ‘A Step-by-Step Guide to Being a Girl’s Girl in the Music Industry (No Matter Your Gender!)’ as part of Atwood Magazine’s Women’s History Month series!

ANDIE (Andie Williams) has been involved in Chicago’s music scene for over nine years, having attended Columbia College Chicago for her Bachelor’s in Contemporary Music, and playing at venues all across Chicago over the nearly past decade. ANDIE’s uniquely queer and polyromantic lens of storytelling draws out a fresh perspective on the topics of love and heartbreak. ANDIE & The Bandits’ most recent single “Maneater” was released earlier this month on March 7th, with more music to be shared soon in 2025.

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A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO BEING A GIRL’S GIRL IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY (NO MATTER YOUR GENDER!)

by Andie Williams

Let it be known that my use of the term “Girl’s Girl” in this essay is not meant to directly reflect gender, rather a concept of support and uplifting between folks that actively reject misogyny and bigotry.

This is an article about Women’s History Month and the inclusivity of trans/non-binary folks should be assumed, as well as the intersectionality of queerness and race, but it is worth stating outright. The terms “Women” and “Men” are used to simplify language. All of my statements are made from an intention of inclusion.

Here’s some background on me; I’m ANDIE, a blues and soul influenced artist and bandleader of ANDIE & The Bandits. I am a queer and polyamorous woman, and the songs I write are a direct reflection of my experience and perspectives regarding love, lust, and heartbreak.

Step 1: Include Us!

I hate nothing more than an all-boy band… so boring! I’m joking, of course, but it is discouraging to see more all-men bands than not. Make sure your direct community includes marginalized voices.

Women — it is our job to actively uplift each other with support and opportunities. There is an unspoken pressure for us to compete with one another, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, we have more power when we stand together and encourage one another’s growth.

Men — you have a responsibility to include and engage with women in the music industry. If you’re not a part of the solution, you’re a part of the problem! I would recommend starting with the direct musical community around you.

Step 2: Understand Us!

Take some time to understand the perspectives of women in the music industry. Talk to those around you about how to create and maintain a safe environment for everyone. It seems obvious, but asking directly what to be on the lookout for as far as safety is the best way to ensure that everyone is on the same page. I’ve often heard men come to the defense of someone accused of being “unsafe” with the premise of “he didn’t treat me that way.” I feel it is imperative to recognize that people who present as masculine are simply not going to be treated the same as a feminine presenting person.

Which brings me to “mansplaining”… Men, please do not talk to women like we are infants, it only makes you look incompetent and sexist. I realize that mansplaining can genuinely come from a place of wanting to help, but most of the time it lands as condescending. That being said, I have learned a lot from the male musicians around me over the years. What makes me feel more comfortable in these situations is asking questions myself, instead of being taught without my initiation, but every person is different. It never hurts to ask.

Step 3: Defend Us!

If you truly want to be considered a “Girl’s Girl,” or an ally, you MUST come to the defense of marginalized folks. Unfortunately, situations are sure to arise where a woman or marginalized person will feel uncomfortable, I’ve seen it happen time and time again. That is your cue to take action! Every situation is different, and safety should always be a priority, whether it be stepping in to intervene in a weird interaction, or helping someone escape the room to avoid someone.

I think one of the most important aspects of this is to believe women around you. If a woman says she’s uncomfortable, you don’t even need to fully understand why to support her in that moment. Take pause, even if it’s your friend she’s talking about, to consider why she might be feeling that way, or better yet, ask her. Girls – we need to talk to each other! Our word of mouth testimonies can keep us safe and hold others accountable. You may be experiencing the same uneasy feeling or unfair treatment as someone else but feel like you can’t share. I encourage women to be vulnerable with each other and let each other’s experiences hold weight.

Being a Girl’s Girl in the music industry, what does that really mean?

To be a Girl’s Girl is to actively engage with those ideals – that women (and nonbinary folks) should have more of a platform within the current state of the music industry. Women are unfortunately the minority in the industry, so it is particularly important for us to stand together AND for men to go above and beyond to ensure our safety and uplift us. – ANDIE

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:: connect with ANDIE here ::

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Stream: “Maneater” – ANDIE

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