Letter from the Editor

Saying that the music industry is changing is probably an understatement, it would also be an understatement to say that this industry is a scary place to be for non-men. As someone who spent all of their teen years as a young woman in the music scene, it feels more than heartbreaking to see that just when we make 4 steps forward we take like, a million steps back. It has taken decades to try and shake off this predisposed power dynamic between bands and fans, and yet it is still roaring and taking victims in the venues and places that are supposed to feel like home. No one should have to feel lucky that they don’t have a horror story to tell from their times on tour or seeing the bands they support with their entire heart, or feel like they have to get used to daily microaggressions from their peers or coworkers, this shouldn't be our narrative or something we accept because it somehow has become the norm. I’ve been 15 and had venue staff yell obscene things at me while I wait in line, I’ve been 18 having to go head to head with grown men for putting their hands on minors in the crowd, I’ve been 19 working in the photo pit and had men make passes at me when I am trying to do my fucking job. Most of us have been there, too young to be able to fend off this gross abuse of power but old enough to feel helpless when we look around and realize the people who are getting paid to protect us are more men high off their authority. This runs deep, always has, and the solution starts with representation and ends with accountability. There is no excuse for your crew to be composed of only white men, or your creative team or festival lineup or your team of writers. Change requires initiative, because believe it or not this industry does not work systematically in the favor of the minority, and the willingness—or lack thereof—to actively build a diverse team has everything to do with the climate of our creative ecosystem. So I’m gonna be linking some great resources for finding and hiring womxn of color (HERE), if you are in any sort of position of power to help change the current dynamic of our industry, you are just as responsible as the people at the top. I’m still trying to find my footing when it comes to moving forward with ‘normal’ content, putting out work into an industry that isn’t giving back to their own people still isn’t sitting quite right with me, but I think it’s time for a www reunion soon. As always, you have all my love.

Forever yours, Trin.