The Elephant in the Room

 *In honour of Women’s History Month, I’d like to share post I made awhile back on Instagram. There are still many industries discriminating against women, and the music industry is not the least of them. Fans can also make hurtful comments without realizing. (Some changes and embellishments were made for this blog post).

Let’s talk about The Elephant in the room...
But first? No matter what you’ve been told your limitations are, I’m encouraging you to QUESTION THAT. If it feels like a bunch of bologna, here’s your permission to candidly rebel and crush old lame standards and limitations.

Introducing the elephant that has been in the room wherever I go...

“Why are you still pursuing music and trying to ‘make it’ at your age?

Or other comments veiled under fake compliments, “Wow, you’re so brave to put yourself out there, are you happy with the results of your work?” or “Would it be more lucritive to write for other artists” or “Were you hoping to tour and become famous?” or “Wow, I would not expect that, what made you decide to do that?”

Then more focused within the industry…

“I can make this pretty, you don’t need the drums” or “Are you sure you want electric guitar there?” or in response to me wanting to tour a studio, “What’s your purpose in being here?” or my favorite, just complete silence. Ignoring or disrespecting me by talking or yelling over my sets, but then demanding everyone be silent for theirs. Or one time when I won a competittion, another competitor was surprised that he lost to me and put up the biggest stink, not taking a moment to consider how his words would make me feel. He made it clear that he didn’t think I was good enough to lose to him.

But back to…“Why are you still pursuing music and trying to ‘make it’ at your age?”

MY ANSWER:

Well, let us break that down shall we?

1. I’m just as guilty of doubting myself, but let’s be real, this is both an ageist and sexist question.

2. I am not trying to “make it” I’m already making it. Music. That’s what I’m making.

3. Music doesn’t leave your soul once you get a wrinkle or two.

4. Because I want to and I like it. I’m awesome.

5. Age has nothing to do with it, except for the fact that the older I get, the bolder I get. So best to settle in and get used to it. More women are coming. Watch out, honey baby sugar pie.

Also...

* I’m learning to produce to go beyond safe and pretty

* Girls need more bad ace older female role models. Life does not end after 25, that is dumb sexist thinking that implies women can only do music if they’re sexy

* I started my own music company (CANDID CRUSH RECORDS) so I could collaborate and create all kinds of music with and for like minded musicians. I love being independent and I intend to empower and encourage all my collaborators to do the same!

And there’s the big beautiful wrinkly elephant in my room 🐘 That’s why my logo for Candid Crush Records is an elephant. No need to excuse her, instead, my girl is gonna be empowered.

She’s already crushing it.

I want to empower you too! Tell me what creative endeavors you are diving into these days, or that you’re dreaming of diving into. You deserve to live out your dreams. Let’s do this!

Love,

Rachel Adell