Wonka Vision Highlights Women Who Rock

Independent music mag Wonka Vision has published its first “Women in Rock” issue.Inside are interviews with female musicians, engineers, and managersthat touch on the difficulties women face in a sexist industry.

Wonka Visionhas an administrative staff of 90% women, yet they still notice a greatdeal of sexism in the rock genre. However, the greatest imbalance is nolonger among the performers, but rather in the production anddistribution of music. In her editor’s letter, Ellen Thompsonwrites: “The disparities the notable women in the following pages arebitching about have more to do with what’s not meeting our eyes andears. It’s the disparities in the boardrooms and recording studios ofrecord labels and in the lighting booths at clubs and venues.”

There seems to be a lingering stereotype that the only women whohang around backstage are either groupies or girlfriends. PhotographerCindy Frey says that women’s talents are frequently underestimated,that it is assumed they have slept their way to the top: “often peoplethink that women in the music business are sluts who got their jobbecause they slept with guys.”

However, Kate Hiltz, a band and tour manager says that things aregetting a little better for women in rock: “I think it used to be moreof an issue than it is now. I used to get a lot more comments like‘whose girlfriend are you?’” While this is not exactly great progress,hopefully “Women in Rock” will at the very least shed some light on themany women toiling away backstage.