Celebrating the Women in Music
March is Women's History Month, this year we are dedicating it to celebrating the women who tell our stories. Stories that narrate the truth about what it means to be a woman. As you know, women and men don’t face the same challenges, don’t share the same opportunities and women, like history so often reminds us, aren’t deserving of their accomplishments.
Photo: Getty Images via Europa FM
So for one night the women who utilize music as a form of self expression, storytelling and truth searching are honored.
In an industry that seems to be dedicated to singing about the ups and downs of loving women and the fascination their sexuality possesses you’ll be shocked (not really) to learn that only 12% of songwriters are women which seems a lot compared to the stagnant 2.8% of women who produce music. (Billboard, 2022) So the night's Music Producer of the Year award meant that women are finally being recognized in a field that isn’t very welcoming. Our favorite Motomami, Rosalia, took home the recognition not before decimating the award to every woman who wants to become a producer.
Photo: Gilbert Flores via Teen Vogue
Accepting the award in a see through slip dress embellished in rhinestones and an oversized sweater which was cropped enough to give some major underboob looking like the coolest producer.
When talking about women in music there is no way black women aren’t a part of that conversation. As of 2021 women of color make up more than half of the female artists. Meaning that the stories and talents of the world's most marginalized group of people are being listened to. Not an easy accomplishment as anything a woman does, more so a woman of color, is a thousand times more valuable than anything a man does.
Women who are “a force to be reckoned with, an icon for young women everywhere” that is how Chlöe Bailey described her peer Latto as she handed her the Powerhouse Award. Nothing short of two women who are powerhouses.
Photo: Christopher Polk via Billboard
Lana del Rey is the ultimate Queen of melancholic sound and lyrics, her music and visual aesthetics inspired a whole new generation of musicians. Transporting us, women, into a space where her soothing voice narrates the different trauma and abuses we face. A once in a lifetime talent whose impressive vocals and sad lyrics revolutionized the way we listen to women's stories.
In an industry that pushes women to fit a certain box, Lana del Rey as hard as it was stayed true to herself, to her sound and to her womanhood. A journey that hasn’t ended but climaxed into what she calls the ultimate goal; being happy.
Photo: Getty Images via Billboard
The Visionary Award recipient wore a Lacey, yellow paisley pattern dress from Zimmerman with floral appliqués.
Women in music all by themselves are winners, choosing one that stands out is hard but with an album spending 10 non consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200 SZA definitely deserves the accolade. The Kill Bill singer is this year's recipient of the Women of the Year award.
Just like Lana del Rey said, the goal is so much more than the prize. Sza agrees and understands that and music helps pave the path to greater change and meaningful impact.
Photo: Christopher Polk via Footwear News
Looking incredible in a sheer, printed dress featuring a high-slit slit paired with crystal mules. Her curls were parted in the middle emphasizing her natural beauty.
Fashion was obviously a big part of the night and some looks that stood out included Olivia Rodrigo’s Y2K vintage Chloe look which has caused controversy but for those who know fashion know this is a killer look. Dove Cameron in a monochromatic, edgy, wraparound skirt and bodice look from Jacquemus. Latto also went the corset way in a ruffled maxi skirt neutral ensemble by Christopher John Rogers. Take a look at the Women in Music best looks:
