An Evening for a Fairer Music Industry
Sexism, abuse of power, and inequality – the music industry is often portrayed as a progressive bubble, but is it really? And how can it become more just?
With her new book Cheap Seats. Gender, Power, and Discrimination in the Music Industry (Ventil Verlag), Rike van Cleef sheds light on a system that systematically disadvantages FLINTA* artists. She explores how patriarchal structures permeate every level of the industry, from festival line-ups to wage inequality and safety concerns at events. But she doesn’t just critique; her book outlines tangible solutions for making the music industry more diverse, fair, and safe.
That change is necessary is undeniable, but did writing this book give the author hope? Absolutely, she says. One major improvement is the increased networking within the industry. “FLINTA artists are now much more connected, and people are speaking more openly about the issues they face. There is also more research, panels, and data, which means we can finally focus on finding solutions instead of debating whether sexism in the industry even exists.”* She also sees a positive shift in the fact that more men are willing to acknowledge and address these structural problems: “Many now understand that this isn’t about attacking them personally, but about making them part of the change.”
Even though she had already anticipated many of the findings in her research, the writing process still changed her perspective, especially on an emotional level. “Realizing that I wasn’t the problem, but rather the structures I was moving within, was incredibly liberating. I also saw that so many others had experienced similar fears and struggles. That reinforced my activism.”
And what does she hope readers take away from her book? Empowerment to take action. “Every single one of us can be part of structural change in our own way. But for that, we need openness, reflection, and mutual understanding.”
The Cheap Gala – More Than Just a Book Launch
To mark the release of Cheap Seats, a unique event will take place on March 13 at Heimathafen Neukölln: the Cheap Gala. Organized by Samira Wacker, DQ Agency, and many other dedicated individuals, this event will demonstrate how things can be done better.
The evening will be hosted by the fantastic moderators Tamara Güçlü and Tarik Tesfu. And the lineup sends a clear message: FLINTA artists for festival stages do exist!* Special guests include Absteige, Josi Miller, Marit Blossey, Maryam.FYI, Meller, Sherryaeri, and The Tote Crackhuren im Kofferraum.
The Cheap Gala is a true community project, made possible by the volunteer efforts of many. It aims to make the music industry a fairer space in practice and to set new, better standards—especially in times when cultural funding and diversity programs are under increasing pressure.
By purchasing a ticket, attendees directly support the continuation of such formats in the future. We, as music is her passion society e.V., are very excited to be part of this event and to contribute to this important gathering.
