Summer is quickly approaching and with it comes more music festivals than you can shake a stick at. Chicago is home to festivals of all shapes and sizes, from street fairs hosting a bunch of music, to the stages at Taste of Chicago, to huge festivals like Pitchfork and Lollapalooza. Traveling festivals like the Vans Warped Tour and Lilith Fair will be swinging by nearby suburbs on their tours around the country.
Out of these, Lollapalooza is the largest, both in size and in stature. With 3 days, 91 bands and 34 DJs, and hundreds of thousands of attendees, it is a force to be reckoned with. Bands and artists who play Lolla have the chance to up their fame level and reach out to people who may have never heard their music before. I'm sorry, let me amend that - male bands and artists will have the chance to reach out to new fans. Because, much like last year, Lollapalooza is heavy on the dudes and light on the ladies. Of the 91 bands, 70 are all male and only 21 are female artists or bands with at least 1 female member. Of the 34 DJs, 30 are male and 4 are female.
With numbers like these, one would guess that there just aren't that many women involved in music. Perhaps they are stuck at home, churning the butter and making babies. But that just isn't the case. There are plenty of women, both musicians and DJs, to pick from. In 2010, the music industry is still an old boys club, and its biggest party of the summer, Lollapalooza, is a prime example of how rocking out with your co*k out still reigns supreme.
At least this summer we see the return of Lilith Fair. Started in the 1990s as an answer to male dominated summer tours, the need for an all female event is just as crucial today as it was then. And with an incredibly diverse touring lineup - depending on the city you could see folk, indie, pop, country, hip hop and soul all in one day - Lilith Fair is a refreshing answer to the phallocentric, hipster heavy festivals elsewhere.
Showing posts with label stuff that sucks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stuff that sucks. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
Remembering Pat
One of the most special times that we shared was when Elizabeth, Emily and I invited our moms onto our radio show on WLUW for Mother's Day a few years ago - we brought some music about mothers and daughters and invited them to bring their favorite female musicians as well. I fondly remember Pat telling us about her favorite female musician of all time, Aretha Franklin, and jokingly getting offended when we said we'd brought music "from our moms era, you know, older" because she insisted that they were all still "hip". Those hours with our moms remain among my favorite in all of the hours of radio I've done over the last fifteen years.
On behalf of Emily and myself, as well as the Chicago community radio community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family of Pat Bickett.
Photo: L-R: Kay, Emily, Jen, Colleen, Pat, Elizabeth
Friday, October 9, 2009
Oh that is F%@#ED UP.
Repost courtesy of the Daily Kos, Oklahoma Introduces Its Own Scarlet Letter.
Starting this November, every woman undergoing an abortion in the state of Oklahoma will have to provide information regarding her race, her age, her level of education, her relationship with the father, total number of previous pregnancies, etc. This information, although supposedly not connected to the woman's name, will then be posted on a public website.
The worst part is that this new law is supposedly designed "prevent abortions based on the gender of the fetus," which sounds like it is meant to protect baby girls, no?
Fortunately, pro-choice advocates across the country are already fighting back.
Way to go, Oklahoma. I'm never watching your crappy musical ever again. :P
Starting this November, every woman undergoing an abortion in the state of Oklahoma will have to provide information regarding her race, her age, her level of education, her relationship with the father, total number of previous pregnancies, etc. This information, although supposedly not connected to the woman's name, will then be posted on a public website.
The worst part is that this new law is supposedly designed "prevent abortions based on the gender of the fetus," which sounds like it is meant to protect baby girls, no?
Fortunately, pro-choice advocates across the country are already fighting back.
Way to go, Oklahoma. I'm never watching your crappy musical ever again. :P
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
How Much of the Artist is the Art?
Michael Jackson. R.Kelly. Roman Polanski. All male artists who have histories of child abuse, or accused child abuse. All artists who have been successful. How much do their crimes influence their art? And how much should their success influence how we view their crimes, or accused crimes?
When Michael Jackson died, there was practically a national stand still. He was revered for his talent and his art, and the years of accusations seemed to fly out the window. An argument can be made that because he was acquitted that he committed no indiscretions, but a gut instinct (ok, my gut instinct) says that at least of those children were telling the truth as I have a tendency to trust survivors. So we, as a nation, forgot his strange past and celebrated him because he could make us dance and sing. It makes me wonder if it would have been possible to remember the songs and the dancing without celebrating the man. Can they be separated?
Roman Polanski is, in my opinion, a much more serious situation. He admitted to sexually assaulting a 13 year old girl in the 1970s and then fled to Europe before being sentenced. He has remained in Europe so as to avoid going to jail in the United States, and is now fighting extradition from Switzerland and asking high powered friends to petition the United States to drop the charges. He has a team of creative powerhouses standing behind him, dubbing his rape of a child a "little mistake" and touting the fact that he has been a successful director and his "genius" as a reason for both forgiveness and dropping the criminal charges for a crime he admitted to committing.
Polanski isn't my kind of director, but I understand that some people really enjoy his films. Is his art a redeeming power? I say it isn't. I don't think art should ever be enough to redeem someone from sexually assaulting a child. This is not only an issue of idiocy, but also one of class. What if the man who gave a 13 year old girl drugs and champagne had been a man in a trailer park or in a van - the picture we think of when we think of child abusers? I doubt folks would be rallying around him, saying that because he makes movies, his crime that he never served time for should be absolved. Then again, someone who wasn't already wealthy and privileged wouldn't have had the means to escape to Europe, purchase several homes and life a comfortable life.
When Michael Jackson died, there was practically a national stand still. He was revered for his talent and his art, and the years of accusations seemed to fly out the window. An argument can be made that because he was acquitted that he committed no indiscretions, but a gut instinct (ok, my gut instinct) says that at least of those children were telling the truth as I have a tendency to trust survivors. So we, as a nation, forgot his strange past and celebrated him because he could make us dance and sing. It makes me wonder if it would have been possible to remember the songs and the dancing without celebrating the man. Can they be separated?
Roman Polanski is, in my opinion, a much more serious situation. He admitted to sexually assaulting a 13 year old girl in the 1970s and then fled to Europe before being sentenced. He has remained in Europe so as to avoid going to jail in the United States, and is now fighting extradition from Switzerland and asking high powered friends to petition the United States to drop the charges. He has a team of creative powerhouses standing behind him, dubbing his rape of a child a "little mistake" and touting the fact that he has been a successful director and his "genius" as a reason for both forgiveness and dropping the criminal charges for a crime he admitted to committing.
Polanski isn't my kind of director, but I understand that some people really enjoy his films. Is his art a redeeming power? I say it isn't. I don't think art should ever be enough to redeem someone from sexually assaulting a child. This is not only an issue of idiocy, but also one of class. What if the man who gave a 13 year old girl drugs and champagne had been a man in a trailer park or in a van - the picture we think of when we think of child abusers? I doubt folks would be rallying around him, saying that because he makes movies, his crime that he never served time for should be absolved. Then again, someone who wasn't already wealthy and privileged wouldn't have had the means to escape to Europe, purchase several homes and life a comfortable life.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Video Friday & Scotland Yard Gospel Choir Needs Your Help
As has been widely reported today, friends of our blog and all around good peeps Scotland Yard Gospel Choir were in a serious van accident yesterday while on tour involving multiple rollovers and head injuries. We've spoken with friends of their family and hear that they are all doing well, despite their serious injuries, and Ethan, Jay and Alison have already been released from the hospital. Mary and Elia remain hospitalized as of this writing, and Mark is in the most serious condition at this point, but all three are expected to recover and continue to improve. However, the band's van and equipment were destroyed in the crash, and they are likely to face mounting medical bills. SYGC is always one of the first bands to volunteer to support great Chicago charities like Rock For Kids, CHIRP and 826Chi - now it's our turn to give back to them. Bloodshot Records has set up a donation page for the band - throw a few bucks in the virtual donation bucket, if you can.
Friday, August 28, 2009
R.I.P. Ellie Greenwich
Aw. :(
Songwriter Ellie Greenwich dies at age 68.
As the co-author of some of the most enduring hits of the girl group era -- "Be My Baby," "Leader of the Pack," "Da Do Ron Ron," "Chapel of Love," and "Then He Kissed Me," to name but a few -- Greenwich lent a distinctly feminine voice to the the male-dominated music industry of the 60s. She also worked as a session vocalist, sang backup for artists such as Dusty Springfield and Frank Sinatra, and even fronted the short-lived Raindrops with her husband and songwriting partner Jeff Barry. For a moving tribute to her life and works, check out this article by Ann Powers.
Songwriter Ellie Greenwich dies at age 68.
As the co-author of some of the most enduring hits of the girl group era -- "Be My Baby," "Leader of the Pack," "Da Do Ron Ron," "Chapel of Love," and "Then He Kissed Me," to name but a few -- Greenwich lent a distinctly feminine voice to the the male-dominated music industry of the 60s. She also worked as a session vocalist, sang backup for artists such as Dusty Springfield and Frank Sinatra, and even fronted the short-lived Raindrops with her husband and songwriting partner Jeff Barry. For a moving tribute to her life and works, check out this article by Ann Powers.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
United For Neda
If you've been watching the television news coverage of the election crisis and protests in Iran, perhaps like me you have been struck by the powerful images of women, many conservatively dressed and in headscarves, protesting in the streets. We in the West think of women in conservative Middle Eastern countries as being powerless and oppressed, without a voice - and to a large extent, that's true by most standards. In Iran, for example, polygamy is legal, women cannot run for president, arranged marriages for girls as young as 13 is permissible and fewer than 13 percent of Iranian women have paid jobs outside the home. Rampant discrimination in the legal system hurts women in divorce, custody, property rights and financial cases, and feminist political leaders are often arrested. Less serious, but relevant to this blog, women are forbidden from singing or releasing music. However, despite their circumstances, women in Iran have shown their political power, and continue to risk their safety and lives every day with continuing protests in the streets featuring seas of women in the crowds.
One such woman caught in the crossfire is the now famous Neda, who was shot and killed by the Iranian authorities during a protest. Video of her death has been circulated around the globe, and she's already being called a martyr. Now, her story has been memorialized in song by Iranian ex-pats who have released "United For Neda".
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
R.I.P., DJ Barb Wire
It is with great sadness that I announce the death of a long time friend and fellow WLUW DJ, Barb Wire.
Barb was perhaps best known for her ecclectic but impeccable taste in music, as demonstrated on numerous graveyard shifts and on her own weekly show, "Across the Pond and Beyond." I'll remember her as a generous and caring individual, always willing to lend a hand or cover a shift. Sometimes, totally unbidden, she'd burn you a CD of music she thought you might like. She was fiercely dedicated to the the music and the message of the station throughout the course of her long illness, and right up until the very end.
The airwaves will be poorer for your absence, Barb. You will be missed.
Barb was perhaps best known for her ecclectic but impeccable taste in music, as demonstrated on numerous graveyard shifts and on her own weekly show, "Across the Pond and Beyond." I'll remember her as a generous and caring individual, always willing to lend a hand or cover a shift. Sometimes, totally unbidden, she'd burn you a CD of music she thought you might like. She was fiercely dedicated to the the music and the message of the station throughout the course of her long illness, and right up until the very end.
The airwaves will be poorer for your absence, Barb. You will be missed.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Dr. George Tiller, 8/8/1941-5/31/2009
Yet another doctor has been murdered for his choice to support and protect a woman's right to choose. This morning Dr. George Tiller was shot and killed as he attended Sunday morning church service. Dr. Tiller provided abortions, including late term abortions, in Kansas and had an attempt made on his life sixteen years ago. The identity of the shooter is unkown at this time, but incoming reports state that Kansas police may have a suspect in custody.
Dr. Tiller is the fourth provider to be killed in the United States since 1991. He was one of the few providers in the United States who provided late term abortions, predominantly for patients whose lives were in danger due to complications with pregnancy. He leaves behind a wife, four children, ten grandchildren. His death is a significant loss to women seeking safe abortions. I hope that soon we will live in a country where women, and doctors, can exercise freedom of choice without fearing harm and death.
For more information on how you can protect a woman's right to choose, please visit NARAL Pro-Choice America.
Dr. Tiller is the fourth provider to be killed in the United States since 1991. He was one of the few providers in the United States who provided late term abortions, predominantly for patients whose lives were in danger due to complications with pregnancy. He leaves behind a wife, four children, ten grandchildren. His death is a significant loss to women seeking safe abortions. I hope that soon we will live in a country where women, and doctors, can exercise freedom of choice without fearing harm and death.
For more information on how you can protect a woman's right to choose, please visit NARAL Pro-Choice America.
Prop 8: WTF
Last week, the California Supreme Court issued a 6/1 decision to uphold Proposition 8, a ballot initiative to amend the California constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman that passed on November 5, 2008. The issue before the court was not whether or not marriage should be limited to heterosexual couples - the Court had already held that marriage rights should be extended to all couples in California - but whether or not the initiative was the proper way to amend the state Constitution. Those challenging Proposition 8 argued that adding this to the constituion was such a significant change, especially because the state had just legalized marriage equality months prior and had already issued 18,000 marriage licenses - that it should be considered a revision instead of an amendment, and thus could only be passed through a constitutional convention. The state, represented by Ken Starr, argued that it was merely an amendent and thus could be passed through a popular vote. The Court, unfortunately, agreed.
In its opinion, the Court stated that this was merely a procedural issue. That gays still have rights and that in "every other area but marriage" those rights would be protected using strict scrutiny (that they would be considered a somewhat protected class). Unpacking that phrase - "every other area but marriage" - means this: every other area but survivor rights, remedies for loss of consortium, hospital visitiation, free name changes, tax free insurance benefits and on and on and on. The idea that this is merely a narrow issue of the nomenclature of a relationship is simply not correct.
This opinion is additionally problematic because it implies that, in California, ballot initiatives can be used to avoid the protections afforded by the constitution's equal protection provisions. If a popular vote is all that is needed to amend the constitution to reduce civil rights that have already been granted, that means any number of other rights can now be infringed upon.
For the reasons listed above, this opinion has set of a wave of anger and upset in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Not to be left off the bandwagon, the attorneys who were on opposite sides of the Bush v. Gore case have filed a federal law suit challenging the Court's decision. This is a highly risky move. Neither of the attorneys have a history of same-sex litigation. They haven't been on the front lines or part of the decades long strategies that have been put into place. Bringing this lawsuit could, should it not succeed, create federal precedent that would set the movement back in a significant way. In short: this suit could be highly destructive. Thanks, dudes, for using our movement for your glory.
In its opinion, the Court stated that this was merely a procedural issue. That gays still have rights and that in "every other area but marriage" those rights would be protected using strict scrutiny (that they would be considered a somewhat protected class). Unpacking that phrase - "every other area but marriage" - means this: every other area but survivor rights, remedies for loss of consortium, hospital visitiation, free name changes, tax free insurance benefits and on and on and on. The idea that this is merely a narrow issue of the nomenclature of a relationship is simply not correct.
This opinion is additionally problematic because it implies that, in California, ballot initiatives can be used to avoid the protections afforded by the constitution's equal protection provisions. If a popular vote is all that is needed to amend the constitution to reduce civil rights that have already been granted, that means any number of other rights can now be infringed upon.
For the reasons listed above, this opinion has set of a wave of anger and upset in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Not to be left off the bandwagon, the attorneys who were on opposite sides of the Bush v. Gore case have filed a federal law suit challenging the Court's decision. This is a highly risky move. Neither of the attorneys have a history of same-sex litigation. They haven't been on the front lines or part of the decades long strategies that have been put into place. Bringing this lawsuit could, should it not succeed, create federal precedent that would set the movement back in a significant way. In short: this suit could be highly destructive. Thanks, dudes, for using our movement for your glory.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
You Win Some, You Lose Some: Sonia Sotomayor and Prop 8
Breaking news from the world of law this morning...
First the good news - President Obama has nominated Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court. She would be the second woman on the court, and only the third to serve in the court's history. She would also be the first Hispanic person to serve on the court. Her biography is just starting to come out, but so far we know she grew up in housing projects in the Bronx, made her way through school on scholarships, and was inspired to go into law from reading Nancy Drew books and watching the Perry Mason television show as a child. Here's hoping for a quick confirmation process and another history-making moment in 2009!
And now the bad news - The California Supreme Court has upheld Prop 8, the ban on same sex marriage which passed in November. While the roughly 18,000 marriages that were performed before the ban passed, like that of our buddy Tony of Finn and Charlie are Hitched, will remain valid, the ban does explictly prohibit any new ones from being performed in the future. This is of course a huge blow to equality for glbt individuals, and to all Americans who believe in equality and justice for all. If you'd like to express your discontent, you can do so at protests across the country tonight, via DayofDecision.com.
First the good news - President Obama has nominated Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court. She would be the second woman on the court, and only the third to serve in the court's history. She would also be the first Hispanic person to serve on the court. Her biography is just starting to come out, but so far we know she grew up in housing projects in the Bronx, made her way through school on scholarships, and was inspired to go into law from reading Nancy Drew books and watching the Perry Mason television show as a child. Here's hoping for a quick confirmation process and another history-making moment in 2009!
And now the bad news - The California Supreme Court has upheld Prop 8, the ban on same sex marriage which passed in November. While the roughly 18,000 marriages that were performed before the ban passed, like that of our buddy Tony of Finn and Charlie are Hitched, will remain valid, the ban does explictly prohibit any new ones from being performed in the future. This is of course a huge blow to equality for glbt individuals, and to all Americans who believe in equality and justice for all. If you'd like to express your discontent, you can do so at protests across the country tonight, via DayofDecision.com.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Airwaves Lose Two More Ladies
Breaking news today as WGN-AM radio in Chicago has abruptly announced the cancellation of the Kathy and Judy show. The girls are doing their final show on the air right now. This move means that there are virtually no major radio stations with prominent female hosts in the city of Chicago, and few elsewhere in the country. It also means an end to twenty years of Kathy and Judy on the air, which is just a shame.
I know that it may seem odd for me - supporter of the little gal, pro-nonprofit radio advocate - to wax poetic about two people who were on a big major commercial radio station like WGN, but I think its important to acknowledge the contribution that Kathy O'Malley and Judy Markey made to the airwaves. Particularly for the women of the baby boomer generation, like my mom, who was an avid listener of their program, it was the first time that they heard one of their own on the airwaves as the host, in control and not just a sideshow gimic. Kathy and Judy were also immensely talented at balancing a healthy and joyful embrace of the superficial (fashions on sports teams was always a favorite subject) with the serious, speaking frankly on marriage, divorce, sexuality, health, aging and parenting, all without lowering themselves to stunts or stereotypes. It is undeniable that some of what I tried to be on the WOW radio show was, consciously or not, influenced by Kathy and Judy's embrace of friendship and fun, while still addressing important issues with the dignity and respect that they required. So Kathy and Judy, I raise a glass to you, girlfriends!
The odd conincidence of their cancellation, the same week that WOW retired from the airwaves, is not lost on me. Ultimately, this underscores the need for more avenues for independent and diverse voices on the airwaves, which is why I'm working very hard with the Chicago Independent Radio Project to pass the Local Community Radio Act, which would expand low power FM nonprofit, community-run radio stations across the country. But that alone is not the answer - we need more diversity across all media, and that includes major corporate radio and television and print media as well as local community radio outlets. Ladies in journalism schools, businesswomen looking to invest in media ownership, programming directors in radio and tv and newsrooms across the country right now, are you listening? We need you!
I know that it may seem odd for me - supporter of the little gal, pro-nonprofit radio advocate - to wax poetic about two people who were on a big major commercial radio station like WGN, but I think its important to acknowledge the contribution that Kathy O'Malley and Judy Markey made to the airwaves. Particularly for the women of the baby boomer generation, like my mom, who was an avid listener of their program, it was the first time that they heard one of their own on the airwaves as the host, in control and not just a sideshow gimic. Kathy and Judy were also immensely talented at balancing a healthy and joyful embrace of the superficial (fashions on sports teams was always a favorite subject) with the serious, speaking frankly on marriage, divorce, sexuality, health, aging and parenting, all without lowering themselves to stunts or stereotypes. It is undeniable that some of what I tried to be on the WOW radio show was, consciously or not, influenced by Kathy and Judy's embrace of friendship and fun, while still addressing important issues with the dignity and respect that they required. So Kathy and Judy, I raise a glass to you, girlfriends!
The odd conincidence of their cancellation, the same week that WOW retired from the airwaves, is not lost on me. Ultimately, this underscores the need for more avenues for independent and diverse voices on the airwaves, which is why I'm working very hard with the Chicago Independent Radio Project to pass the Local Community Radio Act, which would expand low power FM nonprofit, community-run radio stations across the country. But that alone is not the answer - we need more diversity across all media, and that includes major corporate radio and television and print media as well as local community radio outlets. Ladies in journalism schools, businesswomen looking to invest in media ownership, programming directors in radio and tv and newsrooms across the country right now, are you listening? We need you!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
More Gossip
And since we're on the subject of gossip, (instantrimshot.com), have you heard that they're making a film about The Runaways? Slated to come out in 2010, it will be a "coming-of-age biopic" directed by Floria Sigismondi, best known as a director for music videos by Marilyn Manson, David Bowie, and Sheryl Crow.
Now, I like a coming-of-age biopic as much as the next girl, but I love The Runaways just a little bit more. And I will admit, I'm a bit nervous that they'll screw this one up. Mostly because they've decided to cast Kristen Stewart of Twilight fame as Joan Jett, and precocious child actress Dakota Fanning as the corset-n-boots clad Cherie Currie.
Let that sink in for a minute: Dakota Fanning. As Cherie Currie.
But who knows? Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe this will be like Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver, where everyone was worried about exploitation and kiddie porn and she delivered nothing less than a totally solid performance that proved her versatility as an actress.
But then again, it could suck. Much like the vampires in Twilight. Ahem.
At least Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains has finally been released on DVD.
Now, I like a coming-of-age biopic as much as the next girl, but I love The Runaways just a little bit more. And I will admit, I'm a bit nervous that they'll screw this one up. Mostly because they've decided to cast Kristen Stewart of Twilight fame as Joan Jett, and precocious child actress Dakota Fanning as the corset-n-boots clad Cherie Currie.
Let that sink in for a minute: Dakota Fanning. As Cherie Currie.
But who knows? Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe this will be like Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver, where everyone was worried about exploitation and kiddie porn and she delivered nothing less than a totally solid performance that proved her versatility as an actress.
But then again, it could suck. Much like the vampires in Twilight. Ahem.
At least Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains has finally been released on DVD.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Not an Ending, But Hopefully a Beginning
As noted elsewhere on this blog, tonight will be our last broadcast of WOW on WLUW. Jen did an amazing job of thanking everyone, including our friends and family, but I wanted to throw in my thoughts and thanks, too.
I started dj'ing at WLUW in the summer of 2002. I was getting over a terrible breakup and was unemployed, so I was spending my summer nights doing what the heartbroken do so well - dwelling. Emily convinced me to leave the house and join her at the station for her overnight show. So, once a week, I would leave my apartment at 1:00 a.m. and make the mile or so trek to the station, where we would play our favorites until the sun came up.
Once the summer was over, I joined Carly for her mid-week shift and shortly thereafter joined her with on Emily on WOW, where I've stayed until today.
The station, and the show, has been a huge part of my life. Being able to host a show with two of my best friends every week was an incredible experience. I feel like I grew up with the show, and with WLUW. I went through my most significant relationship while hosting WOW, using the music to celebrate new love and to mourn when it ended. I got my first law school acceptance letter on a Tuesday, and was able to celebrate not only with Emily and Jen, but with Erik and Ali of Think Pink who were, at that time, the show prior to ours. Hurricane Katrina started on a Tuesday, and we guided our listeners through the news updates. We've had listeners from Iraq listening online and sharing their experiences with us. Elections, national and global crisis, changes in our world: we've had the opportunity to address it all on air. There were so many Saturdays, or Tuesdays, when all I wanted to do was to get to the station to share a new cd with our listeners, and to hear about what Jen and Emily had been up to over the past week.
Just being able to flood the airwaves with female musicians was an incredible opportunity. Even in 2009, women are still consistently left out of the rock and roll conversation (unless it is about who has the hottest or most naked Rolling Stone cover). It isn't because women aren't making music or are less talented, either. WOW has given the three of us, and the women before us, the chance to remind the music community that women are making great art, and that they deserve attention, praise and criticism just as much as their male counterparts.
Thank you to WLUW for providing me with seven of the most educational, fun, and inspirational years of my life. The comfort I've found in working here is something that I have trouble articulating, and know that I will never be able to replicate. Thank you to Erik and Ali and Ruth, for their work on Think Pink and being an amazing neighbor on the airwaves (not to mention being wonderful friends). Thanks to Shawn Campbell, for always supporting WOW and being a great role model for women in the music community. Thanks to our listeners for tipping us off to hot bands and for giving us a reason to do our very best.
Most of all, thanks to Emily, Carly and Jen. You are my loves, my sheroes, my sisters. Watching WOW grow with you, and becoming the strong adult women we are today, has been an incredible privilege. I can't wait to see what is next for all of us!
I started dj'ing at WLUW in the summer of 2002. I was getting over a terrible breakup and was unemployed, so I was spending my summer nights doing what the heartbroken do so well - dwelling. Emily convinced me to leave the house and join her at the station for her overnight show. So, once a week, I would leave my apartment at 1:00 a.m. and make the mile or so trek to the station, where we would play our favorites until the sun came up.
Once the summer was over, I joined Carly for her mid-week shift and shortly thereafter joined her with on Emily on WOW, where I've stayed until today.
The station, and the show, has been a huge part of my life. Being able to host a show with two of my best friends every week was an incredible experience. I feel like I grew up with the show, and with WLUW. I went through my most significant relationship while hosting WOW, using the music to celebrate new love and to mourn when it ended. I got my first law school acceptance letter on a Tuesday, and was able to celebrate not only with Emily and Jen, but with Erik and Ali of Think Pink who were, at that time, the show prior to ours. Hurricane Katrina started on a Tuesday, and we guided our listeners through the news updates. We've had listeners from Iraq listening online and sharing their experiences with us. Elections, national and global crisis, changes in our world: we've had the opportunity to address it all on air. There were so many Saturdays, or Tuesdays, when all I wanted to do was to get to the station to share a new cd with our listeners, and to hear about what Jen and Emily had been up to over the past week.
Just being able to flood the airwaves with female musicians was an incredible opportunity. Even in 2009, women are still consistently left out of the rock and roll conversation (unless it is about who has the hottest or most naked Rolling Stone cover). It isn't because women aren't making music or are less talented, either. WOW has given the three of us, and the women before us, the chance to remind the music community that women are making great art, and that they deserve attention, praise and criticism just as much as their male counterparts.
Thank you to WLUW for providing me with seven of the most educational, fun, and inspirational years of my life. The comfort I've found in working here is something that I have trouble articulating, and know that I will never be able to replicate. Thank you to Erik and Ali and Ruth, for their work on Think Pink and being an amazing neighbor on the airwaves (not to mention being wonderful friends). Thanks to Shawn Campbell, for always supporting WOW and being a great role model for women in the music community. Thanks to our listeners for tipping us off to hot bands and for giving us a reason to do our very best.
Most of all, thanks to Emily, Carly and Jen. You are my loves, my sheroes, my sisters. Watching WOW grow with you, and becoming the strong adult women we are today, has been an incredible privilege. I can't wait to see what is next for all of us!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Old Boys Club
Dear Perry Farrell,
In the words of one of your previous Lollapalooza artists "Suck my left one."
Once again, you have managed to make Lollapalooza a total white dude fest.
The stats:
Out of 81 total bands, only 21 have women in them. And out of 19 dj acts, only 2 have women in them.
Out of 18 bigger acts, only 2 are women. And only two have non-white members.
Out of 25 "medium" acts, only 8 are women or have female members.
Out of 39 smaller acts, only 11 are women or have female members.
These numbers are not good. They aren't even almost equal. And, to make it even worse, several of the bands have played the festival in recent years. So not only are you making it male dominated, you aren't even adding new talent!!
I know what you're thinking: it is all about the music. It isn't about the gender of the musicians. But when you don't put female musicians on the bills of large festivals, they don't get visibility. Which means less income. And girls not being able to see women rocking out. And it feeds into the myths that women don't belong in music, that women't can't play music, that women don't play music.
You know, Perry - we really just want to be invited to the party. We can rock just as well, just as hard as men - and not just at Lilith Fair.
So, for next year, here's a list of the people I'd like to see on your invite list, just in case you need suggestions:
Bjork, Belle and Sebastian, The Breeders, Queen Latifah, Camera Obscura, P.J. Harvey, Amanda Palmer, Her Majesty, Princess Superstar, Celebration, Asobi Seksu, Mirah, Emily Haines, The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, Cyndi Lauper, Juana Molina, Dame Darcy, Feist, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, Tori Amos, Rilo Kiley, Peaches, The 1900s, The Thermals, Joan Jett, The Pretenders, Blondie, Stevie Nicks, M.E.N., Tilly and the Wall, The Vaselines, Bahamadia, Rocktapussy, Rainer Maria, The Noises, The Gossip, Estelle...
I could go on.
Think about it? We don't need another year of cock rock, even if Depeche Mode is headlining....
xoxo
Elizabeth
In the words of one of your previous Lollapalooza artists "Suck my left one."
Once again, you have managed to make Lollapalooza a total white dude fest.
The stats:
Out of 81 total bands, only 21 have women in them. And out of 19 dj acts, only 2 have women in them.
Out of 18 bigger acts, only 2 are women. And only two have non-white members.
Out of 25 "medium" acts, only 8 are women or have female members.
Out of 39 smaller acts, only 11 are women or have female members.
These numbers are not good. They aren't even almost equal. And, to make it even worse, several of the bands have played the festival in recent years. So not only are you making it male dominated, you aren't even adding new talent!!
I know what you're thinking: it is all about the music. It isn't about the gender of the musicians. But when you don't put female musicians on the bills of large festivals, they don't get visibility. Which means less income. And girls not being able to see women rocking out. And it feeds into the myths that women don't belong in music, that women't can't play music, that women don't play music.
You know, Perry - we really just want to be invited to the party. We can rock just as well, just as hard as men - and not just at Lilith Fair.
So, for next year, here's a list of the people I'd like to see on your invite list, just in case you need suggestions:
Bjork, Belle and Sebastian, The Breeders, Queen Latifah, Camera Obscura, P.J. Harvey, Amanda Palmer, Her Majesty, Princess Superstar, Celebration, Asobi Seksu, Mirah, Emily Haines, The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, Cyndi Lauper, Juana Molina, Dame Darcy, Feist, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, Tori Amos, Rilo Kiley, Peaches, The 1900s, The Thermals, Joan Jett, The Pretenders, Blondie, Stevie Nicks, M.E.N., Tilly and the Wall, The Vaselines, Bahamadia, Rocktapussy, Rainer Maria, The Noises, The Gossip, Estelle...
I could go on.
Think about it? We don't need another year of cock rock, even if Depeche Mode is headlining....
xoxo
Elizabeth
Friday, April 17, 2009
Day of Silence
Today marks the 13th annual Day of Silence, a day wherein students do not talk in order to raise awareness of anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. The day began in 1996 on the University of Virginia campus, and has spread across the nation, with the support of GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. This year, the day falls on what would have been the 12th birthday of Carl Walker-Hoover, a Massachusetts boy who hanged himself last week after being subjected to anti-gay taunts by bullies at his school.
I've spoken publicly before about a college friend of mine who died when we were 19, but I'd like to tell his story again to say why I think the Day of Silence is so important. My friend was gay, and in 1996 things were rather different than they are today. There was no social networking site to connect him with other gay people, no Will and Grace, no Milk, no hope of equal protection laws against housing or job discrimination much less marriage, no place for him in any religion. His gay role models were virtually non-existent, or were negative ones. He was under enormous pressure from his parents, who were from a traditional culture. Even our supposedly open and progressive theatre department saw him more as a novelty than anything else. I once asked him what he wanted to do after college, and he said he didn't see a future. Plainly put, he literally could not envision a life for himself, and I believe that faced with this reality, he began a slow suicide, and not long after, died of a drug overdose.
I have always believed that if he had been able to hang on for a few more years, he could have seen, if not a future he wanted, a tiny glimmer of hope on the horizon. So today, if you're reading these words, and you think there's no hope for you, I want to say to you, there is. I think especially of teenagers, and my message is - it really can be better. It might really suck right now in your school or your family or your church or your small town, but the reality is that if you can hang on until you are 18, you can move to a bigger city, get a job, choose a liberal school, find a welcoming church, and create a family of friends who will love you no matter who you are. It's not easy, for sure, and GLBT people are still oppressed even in big cities, but if you can just hang on for a little while, I think you'll find that the good days will eventually outnumber the bad, and you can create the future you want. In the meantime, here are some resources that can help -
GLSEN - Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network
Scholarships for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Students - list
Directory of "welcoming churches", specifically open to and supportive of GLBT people
Housing services for homeless GLBT youth - list
Recommended Reading list for GLBT teens from the San Francisco Public Library
The Trevor Helpline - free 24/7 suicide prevention hotline and online forum specifically targeting GLBT youth
Howard Brown Health Center - health services for GLBT Chicagoans
Center on Halsted - variety of services, organizations, grouped in the GLBT community center in Chicago
Bookmark this page. Save it to your desktop. Email it to someone who needs it.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
We've Come A Long Way, Baby? Maybe Not.
A new report about from the Campaign For Tobacco Free Kids, an advocacy group fighting tobacco use, shows that despite what Virginia Slims might say, women and girls haven't come very far at all, at least when it comes to sexism and tobacco. Among other things, the report shows that tobacco companies are experiencing a resurgence in specifically targeting women, and even more alarmingly, girls, through pink packaging, marketing tie-ins with other women's products, and advertising geared towards women and girls. What are some of the most obvious examples?
- The "purse pack", a pack of cigarettes designed to look like a purse.
- Camel No. 9, a pack designed to throw back to the perfume Chanel No. 9
- Since 1987, lung cancer has surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths among women.
- Female smokers are twice as likely to have cervical cancer than non-smokers
- Female smokers have increased risk of heart disease, especially if they are also taking birth control pills
- Teenage girls who smoke have decreased lung growth, and begin to lose lung function in early adulthood
- Older women who smoke are at much greater risk of bone loss and osteoperosis
- Smoking is far more devastating on women's reproductive health than men's - it can cause fertility problems, increased complications during menopause, and even pregnant women who have quit smoking are at a greater risk for stillbirth, miscarriage, and other problems with fetal growth
- Smoking may make eating disorders more difficult to recover from
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Book Review: Getting Off
When I heard that Robert Jensen was speaking at my campus, I decided to finally read his book, Getting Off. I had heard mixed things about it, but the premise - a self-defined feminist man's take on pornography - sounded like it could have potential. Instead, Jensen has re-packaged classic anti-pornography arguments in a text that adds little to the conversation, and does many of the things he claims he is trying to prevent.
Jensen's main thesis is this: heterosexual, industrial pornography, largely in the United States, is becoming more violent in terms of the sex acts performed on women, which leads to the objectifiaction, degredation and abuse of women. This argument is essentially everything Andrea Dworkin ever said or wrote, and while he gives her some credit, the bulk of his book is comprised of her theories stated in a male voice. The idea that women in the United States are objectified, discriminated against and harmed in astonishing numbers is not radical, or something I disagree with. I don't even disagree with Jensen on the point that pornographic movies are becoming more degrading and that watching them could, potentially, desensitize men to seeing women as, you know, people. That said, I found his book to be borderline misogynist, unclear on its points and all around a bad read. Here's why:
First, Jensen believes that he has the unique ability to enlighten women about sexism. In one of the opening chapters, he discusses having female friends who stated to him that they use pornography themselves and don't find it all to be offensive. In response to this, Jensen describes one of the films he has seen, one which he claims is "tame" (but, in my assessment, is not tame by industry standards), to which his friend reponds "That wasn't fair." About this, Jensen writes "....it wasn't fair to push it...if I were a woman, I wouldn't want to know that. Life is difficult enough without knowing things like that...[that] you are something to be fucked and laughed at and left on the side of the road by men. Because you are a woman...Pornography forces women to face up to how men see them (pg. 15)."
He writes this as if being seen as an object is news to women and his graphic description of pornography is the only reality check his female friends, or women in general, will get about it. That we are in the dark about sexism and if we just ignore porn, we can ignore our frequent status as second class citizens. Because surely the cat calls from men on the street, requests from judges that female attorneys wear skirts to court, and "ladies nights" at bars didn't give us a hint at all. To summarize: according to Jensen, women cannot genuinely enjoy consuming pornography or even have an opinion on it that deviates from his. Women who do state things contrary to his beliefs are only saying such because they do not want to "face" sexism. Got it. Check.
Second, Jensen uses his status as a "feminist" to also become a psychic and to speak for all women. Getting Off is noticeably without much commentary from women involved in the industry. I can only assume that this is because the book is intended to focus on men and their involvment. When Jensen does speak of female performers (there is next to no mention of female directors or producers), every quote is bookended with a statement similar to this one "When pornography performers speak in public they typically repeat a standard script that emphasizes tha they have freely chosen this career....[a performer stated her career was chosen....as an exploration in sexuality] this framing of participation as a feminist act of women taking control of their own lives is common....whatever the reality of [their] description of [their] own life (pg.122)" and a claim that he respects what these women are saying and they have the right to their opinion.
After his disclaimer, he will launch into an anaylsis of their quote, or flim clip, or even just facial expression, always coming to the conclusion that they are not telling the truth and that if they were to be alone with a feminist like him, the real story would come out. Jensen's degrees in media and journalism have, apparently, also given him the ability to discern the real meaning behind women's statements and to attach his own interpretation to them as the Truth. It was disturbing to read in a book that is proclaiming that all women have the right to say "no" that we do not have the right to say "yes". Afraid to sound like the misgynists that he so loathes, Jensen gives lip service to women being able to have their "opinions" and then launches right back into his real meaning: women cannot think for themselves, and need an educated male to tell them what they are really experiencing and how to be an appropriate feminist. Your "yes" doesn't count in the academy just like your "no" doesn't count in the bedroom.
Finally, the book is just plain poorly written. The tone of the book is smug and self-congratulatory, with anecdotes mixed in about his "weeping" over the destruction of women and his bravery in standing up to a man he felt was inappropriate because the man's girlfriend wasn't saying anything (once again, needing to be the voice for a woman). His chapter on casual sex as another tool of the destruction of women is simplistic and heterosexist, as is his call to feminists to stop using pornography entirely. The start and finish of the book, where he depicts men at the Adult Entertainment Expo as being either a mob of rapists or pathetic fools, is histrionic and essentialist.
Men's voices are certainly needed in the feminist and anti-violence movement. Most of the perpetrators of violence against women are men, so they need to a) stop hurting us and b) tell their friends to cut it out, too. What we don't need, however, is another man telling us what we think, how we should behave or how to be a feminist.
Jensen's main thesis is this: heterosexual, industrial pornography, largely in the United States, is becoming more violent in terms of the sex acts performed on women, which leads to the objectifiaction, degredation and abuse of women. This argument is essentially everything Andrea Dworkin ever said or wrote, and while he gives her some credit, the bulk of his book is comprised of her theories stated in a male voice. The idea that women in the United States are objectified, discriminated against and harmed in astonishing numbers is not radical, or something I disagree with. I don't even disagree with Jensen on the point that pornographic movies are becoming more degrading and that watching them could, potentially, desensitize men to seeing women as, you know, people. That said, I found his book to be borderline misogynist, unclear on its points and all around a bad read. Here's why:
First, Jensen believes that he has the unique ability to enlighten women about sexism. In one of the opening chapters, he discusses having female friends who stated to him that they use pornography themselves and don't find it all to be offensive. In response to this, Jensen describes one of the films he has seen, one which he claims is "tame" (but, in my assessment, is not tame by industry standards), to which his friend reponds "That wasn't fair." About this, Jensen writes "....it wasn't fair to push it...if I were a woman, I wouldn't want to know that. Life is difficult enough without knowing things like that...[that] you are something to be fucked and laughed at and left on the side of the road by men. Because you are a woman...Pornography forces women to face up to how men see them (pg. 15)."
He writes this as if being seen as an object is news to women and his graphic description of pornography is the only reality check his female friends, or women in general, will get about it. That we are in the dark about sexism and if we just ignore porn, we can ignore our frequent status as second class citizens. Because surely the cat calls from men on the street, requests from judges that female attorneys wear skirts to court, and "ladies nights" at bars didn't give us a hint at all. To summarize: according to Jensen, women cannot genuinely enjoy consuming pornography or even have an opinion on it that deviates from his. Women who do state things contrary to his beliefs are only saying such because they do not want to "face" sexism. Got it. Check.
Second, Jensen uses his status as a "feminist" to also become a psychic and to speak for all women. Getting Off is noticeably without much commentary from women involved in the industry. I can only assume that this is because the book is intended to focus on men and their involvment. When Jensen does speak of female performers (there is next to no mention of female directors or producers), every quote is bookended with a statement similar to this one "When pornography performers speak in public they typically repeat a standard script that emphasizes tha they have freely chosen this career....[a performer stated her career was chosen....as an exploration in sexuality] this framing of participation as a feminist act of women taking control of their own lives is common....whatever the reality of [their] description of [their] own life (pg.122)" and a claim that he respects what these women are saying and they have the right to their opinion.
After his disclaimer, he will launch into an anaylsis of their quote, or flim clip, or even just facial expression, always coming to the conclusion that they are not telling the truth and that if they were to be alone with a feminist like him, the real story would come out. Jensen's degrees in media and journalism have, apparently, also given him the ability to discern the real meaning behind women's statements and to attach his own interpretation to them as the Truth. It was disturbing to read in a book that is proclaiming that all women have the right to say "no" that we do not have the right to say "yes". Afraid to sound like the misgynists that he so loathes, Jensen gives lip service to women being able to have their "opinions" and then launches right back into his real meaning: women cannot think for themselves, and need an educated male to tell them what they are really experiencing and how to be an appropriate feminist. Your "yes" doesn't count in the academy just like your "no" doesn't count in the bedroom.
Finally, the book is just plain poorly written. The tone of the book is smug and self-congratulatory, with anecdotes mixed in about his "weeping" over the destruction of women and his bravery in standing up to a man he felt was inappropriate because the man's girlfriend wasn't saying anything (once again, needing to be the voice for a woman). His chapter on casual sex as another tool of the destruction of women is simplistic and heterosexist, as is his call to feminists to stop using pornography entirely. The start and finish of the book, where he depicts men at the Adult Entertainment Expo as being either a mob of rapists or pathetic fools, is histrionic and essentialist.
Men's voices are certainly needed in the feminist and anti-violence movement. Most of the perpetrators of violence against women are men, so they need to a) stop hurting us and b) tell their friends to cut it out, too. What we don't need, however, is another man telling us what we think, how we should behave or how to be a feminist.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
R.I.P. Lux Interior
Cramps singer Lux Interior dead at 62.
We here at WOW have long loved the Cramps for many reasons... for their embodiment of sex and sleaze, for their embracing of kitsch and camp, for Poison Ivy's guitar prowess, for Lux Interior's leopard print panties, for their raw, no bullshit, rock and roll sound, for the way they challenged, tore down, and redefined gender roles in rock. Lux, you will truly be missed.
For an excellent write-up of the life and times of Lux Interior and the Cramps, check out Owen Adam's music blog at the Guardian.
We here at WOW have long loved the Cramps for many reasons... for their embodiment of sex and sleaze, for their embracing of kitsch and camp, for Poison Ivy's guitar prowess, for Lux Interior's leopard print panties, for their raw, no bullshit, rock and roll sound, for the way they challenged, tore down, and redefined gender roles in rock. Lux, you will truly be missed.
For an excellent write-up of the life and times of Lux Interior and the Cramps, check out Owen Adam's music blog at the Guardian.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
She deserves the applause / I surrender because...
I'm currently obsessed with figuring out who plays the guitar solo in the video for Robert Palmer's "Simply Irresistible":
(NOTE: For those of you not familiar with the 80s, this video is possibly not work-safe, as it contains a whole lotta spandex-clad T&A. For the rest of you, fast forward to about 2:45 to see the guitar solo... or hey, maybe you like T&A, you don't have to fast forward.)
Now, I'm not talking about who plays the solo on the recording, as I'm pretty sure the two are not one and the same. Besides, the guitar player in the video doesn't much look like a John, a Dennis, or an Eddie. And in contrast to the girls from the "Addicted to Love" video, who are the least convincing fake musicians ever*, I'm fairly certain this chick knows what she's doing. If only I could find the Pop-Up Video version of this online somewhere... I bet it would tell me.
I'll continue my research and keep ya'll posted.
* According to Wikipedia, rumor has it that "a musician was hired to teach the models basic guitar fingering techniques, but 'gave up after about an hour and left'." Heh. I'm also starting to have a sneaking suspicion that the hands you see playing drums at 1:17 in on the "Addicted to Love" video might not belong to the girl sitting behind the drums for the rest of the video... or even to a girl, for that matter. I wonder if they stuck one of the dudes on crew in a dress and slapped some fake nails on him to get the shot?
(NOTE: For those of you not familiar with the 80s, this video is possibly not work-safe, as it contains a whole lotta spandex-clad T&A. For the rest of you, fast forward to about 2:45 to see the guitar solo... or hey, maybe you like T&A, you don't have to fast forward.)
Now, I'm not talking about who plays the solo on the recording, as I'm pretty sure the two are not one and the same. Besides, the guitar player in the video doesn't much look like a John, a Dennis, or an Eddie. And in contrast to the girls from the "Addicted to Love" video, who are the least convincing fake musicians ever*, I'm fairly certain this chick knows what she's doing. If only I could find the Pop-Up Video version of this online somewhere... I bet it would tell me.
I'll continue my research and keep ya'll posted.
* According to Wikipedia, rumor has it that "a musician was hired to teach the models basic guitar fingering techniques, but 'gave up after about an hour and left'." Heh. I'm also starting to have a sneaking suspicion that the hands you see playing drums at 1:17 in on the "Addicted to Love" video might not belong to the girl sitting behind the drums for the rest of the video... or even to a girl, for that matter. I wonder if they stuck one of the dudes on crew in a dress and slapped some fake nails on him to get the shot?
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