Your essential guide to accelerating change in musicâthrough stories, insights, and inspiration. Powered by Donne. |
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Who Gets Heard on the Worldâs Stages?
Our latest research uncovers a startling reality about representation in music: - Classical Music: Only 7.5% of music performed globally last year was composed by women.
- Film Scores: The numbers remain just as discouraging.
- Pop Music: Even in genres known for progress, women still face entrenched barriers.
Visit our Research page to learn more about these numbers: https://donne-uk.org/research/
This isnât just a gap â itâs a deep divide that stifles creativity, limits representation, and deprives audiences of the rich, diverse voices that make music truly vibrant and alive.
But how can we change what we donât measure? đ Data matters.
By shining a light on these disparities, we can no longer claim ignorance. Data gives us clarity, holds institutions accountable, and inspires concrete action. It helps performers, conductors, programmers, and concertgoers recognise the biases in our industry and work to dismantle them.
Here are some important actions that help to create change: - As performers, paying attention to who we program and whose stories we tell matters.
- As concertgoers, the choices we support with our presence and applause help shape the future of what gets heard.
- As industry professionals, from agents to festival organisers, we have the power to diversify stages, platforms, and playlists.
Publishing data is a call to be deliberate and thoughtful. By including more voices, we unlock more creativity, more innovation, and a music industry that reflects the world we live in â not just one version of it. At the Donne Foundation, weâre taking this challenge head-on through: - Groundbreaking research that exposes inequalities
- Strategic partnerships that open doors
- Dedicated advocacy to amplify womenâs voices
We envision a world where talent knows no gender and where stages reflect the full spectrum of human creativity.
đ Your voice matters: Share this message. Talk about it. Letâs continue to spark conversations, inspire change, and create opportunities for the women who are shaping the future of music. |
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Here are the Overall Market Share percentages from the Billboard Q1 2024 report for the major record labels: - Universal Music Group (UMG): 38.23%
- Sony Music Group: 27.23%
- Warner Music Group: 18.26%
- Independent Labels (Indies): 16.28%
The "Big Three" record labels collectively control nearly 80% of the market. Yet, with this dominance comes a responsibility: a responsibility to ensure that every voice is heard and that diversity thrives in the music industry. This concentration of power raises crucial questions: - How diverse are the rosters of these leading labels?
- What active steps are being taken to ensure women and diverse artists have equitable opportunities?
- Could there be a collaboration to drive faster, more impactful change?
At the Donne Foundation, we believe that change is possible through partnerships, advocacy, and bold action. We're are always ready to work with those who have the influence to make a difference â to create an industry where talent knows no boundaries and representation is the norm, not the exception.
Does this sound like a hint? đ Well, our doors are always open⊠|
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Practical Corner: Music Business Essentials |
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5 Tips for Artists Who Want to Share Their Music Online Your music deserves to be heard! Here are five practical tips to help you confidently share your work online and connect with audiences:
1. Choose the Right Platform
Each platform caters to different audiences.
- Instagram/TikTok: Great for short-form videos, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging reels.
- YouTube: Perfect for full-length performances, music videos, and tutorials.
- SoundCloud/Bandcamp: Ideal for sharing audio tracks and reaching niche music communities.
- LinkedIn: Yes, LinkedIn! Many industry professionals, producers, and executives are active here. Share your art, ideas, and personal thoughts â you never know who might see it.
2. Create Consistent, Authentic Content - Share regular updates: performances, rehearsals, or creative processes.
- Be authentic: Your personality and story matter as much as your music.
3. Engage With Your Audience - Respond to comments and messages.
- Go live or create Q&A sessions to build a stronger connection with your fans.
4. Collaborate and Cross-Promote - Partner with other musicians, creators, or influencers to expand your reach.
- Cross-promote on different platforms to maximize visibility.
5. Use Hashtags and Tags Strategically - Use hashtags like #NewMusic, #IndieArtist, #WomenInMusic and music genre-specific tags to boost discoverability.
- Tag relevant communities, platforms, or initiatives that support women in music.
âš Bonus Tip: Donât be afraid to ask your network to share your music. Your community is your best amplifier! |
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The International Alliance for Women in Music was formed in 1995 through the merger of three organisations that arose during the womenâs rights movements of the 1970s to combat inequitable treatment of women-in-music: the International League of Women Composers (ILWC), the International Congress on Women in Music (ICWM), and American Women Composers (AWC), Inc.. The IAWM is the worldâs leading organisation devoted to the equity, promotion, and advocacy of women in music across time, cultures, and genres. IAWM offers membership to anyone advocating for women in music. A connective and informative global organisation, with members in 28 countries and growing, IAWM increases opportunity and visibility for women in music. Welcoming members of all genders and disciplines, this forward-thinking advocacy alliance helps reshape the music industryâs landscape for greater equity and inclusion in the 21st century. đ Learn more |
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đżWatch it this Week
This Changes Everything
This Changes Everything gathers a who's who of female actors and directors for a powerful call to action on elevating women's roles in film and television both on and off screen. Meryl Streep, Sandra Oh, Jessica Chastain, Shonda Rhimes, Reese Witherspoon, Taraji P. Henson, and executive producer Geena Davis are among the many powerful agents of change in the documentary.
Available on Apple TV, Fandango At Home, and Amazon Video and also on YouTube.
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đ„ This Video Should Be Viral |
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Share this video and let others be inspired by her journey! |
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đ Give a Gift, Fuel a Movement đ¶ Did you know? When you buy one of our products you're doing more than acquiring a beautiful item â you're helping to change the music industry.
Every purchase supports our mission to amplify womenâs voices and help to build a more equitable, vibrant creative world.
âš For just ÂŁ30, you can get one of our new 2025 Women in Music calendars and support a cause that matters.
đ Shop now. Celebrate creativity. Make an impact. |
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Women in Music Calendars 2025 |
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