Instrumental Intel - Ep 98 Resources for Women in Music (3-14-26)

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Achickwitbeatz presents ⁠the Instrumental Intel podcast⁠, bringing you information instrumental to your artistic career including music industry news & tips, insights & interviews, and beats for your inspiration. Listen on Saturdays at 7 pm EST on ⁠⁠⁠Grander Radio⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Achickwitbeatz.com⁠⁠⁠.
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Instrumental Intel Podcast

Achickwitbeatz brings you information instrumental to your artistic career including music industry news, insights, interviews, and beats for your inspiration. Listen on Saturdays at 7 pm ET on ⁠⁠⁠Grander Radio,⁠⁠⁠ Achickwitbeatz.com⁠⁠⁠, and your favorite podcast platform.

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Transcript Generated by Riverside

00:01

Hey, thank you so much for tuning in to Instrumental Intel. I am your host, music producer at Chick with Beats, and I'm glad that you joined me. Today's episode has music industry news, beats by me for your inspiration,  and I'm also going to be sharing some resources for Women in Music in honor of Women's History Month, because why not share some resources that can help women make history right now in the present?  So I'm excited to be bringing this episode to you, and before I go ahead and drop that first beat,

00:27

I gotta give a shout out to my home station, Grander Radio out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. And with that, let's go.

[BEAT BREAK]

15:42

Alright, I'm music producer Achickwitbeatz, back with the Music Biz Brief. First up, Live Nation reached a settlement with the US DOJ and its antitrust case over the company's relationship with Ticketmaster. So the deal would require about $200 million in payments to participate in states and structural changes to Live Nation's ticketing business, including opening parts of its platform to rival ticketing companies, limiting venue exclusivity contracts, and selling more than 10 amphitheaters.

16:10

The agreement could allow Live Nation to avoid separating from Ticketmaster, but it would still need approval from a federal judge. And as of right now, Live Nation has created a $280 million  fund uh that it set aside to handle damages claims that are brought by the states that are involved in the lawsuit. So, interesting turn of events there, but we'll see how all this plays out. Shazam can now identify songs directly inside a chat GPT through a new integration from Apple.

16:38

Users can ask ChatGPT to recognize a track by starting a prompt with Shazam,  and the tool will return the song title, artist, and artwork without requiring the Shazam app to be installed.  This feature is rolling out globally across ChatGPT on iOS, Android, and the web.  Universal Music Group has paused plans for a secondary stock listing in the US, citing market uncertainty and concerns about its current valuation.  The company had previously filed confidential paperwork with the SEC for a potential listing,

17:08

which was backed by investor Bill Ackman. Despite the delay, Universal reported strong financial results including $4.19 billion in Q4 2025 revenue of 10.6% year-over-year. Create Music Group has raised $450 million in new equity and debt funding, valuing the company at $2.2 billion.

17:29

The capital will support acquisitions, tech development, and global expansion after a year with more than $500 million in deals, including stakes in labels like Monstercat and the acquisition of the Deadmau5's catalog. The valuation more than doubles the company's $1 billion unicorn status that it reached back in 2024. StubHub reported $449 million in revenue for Q4 last year, down from $533 million in Q4 of 2024.

17:56

For the full year, the platform generated $1.7 billion in revenue and $9.2 billion in gross merchandise sales, but posted a net loss of $1.9 billion, primarily due to one-time expenses tied to its public listing. Reservoir Media is facing some competing takeover proposals after activist investor Irenic Capital offered between $10 and $11 per share to acquire the company.

18:19

Shortly after existing shareholders Westfield Inc and Richmond Hill Investments submitted a separate 1050 per share cash offer for the shares they don't already own, Reservoir's board has formed a special committee to evaluate the bids as the independent music company weighs potential sale options. Spain's recorded music industry had a strong 2025 with rights holders bringing home just over €409 million, which was up almost 14% from the previous year.

18:46

The biggest driver was paid streaming subscriptions up over 19% to almost 214 million euros fueled by more than 8 million paying subscribers in the country and 18% increase year over year. In physical formats, vinyl sales jumped nearly 45% and even CD sales went up roughly 9%. The one soft spot was ad-supported streaming which dipped about 3%. But if you're releasing music and building a fan base in Spain,

19:13

page streaming, and physical releases of where the momentum is. Alright, that's a wrap for the Music Biz Brief. I'm gonna take a quick pause for the cause and then I'll be back with resources for women in music right after this. Keep it locked.

[BEAT BREAK]

40:10

history. A month, a time to kind of celebrate the contributions of women in every field, including the music industry. But how far have women really come in music? The Annenberg Inclusion Initiative recently released its annual report analyzing 12 years of Billboard Hot 100 year-end charts, breaking down the gender and racial representation of artists, songwriters, and producers. And the findings tell the story of both progress and persistent barriers. So let's start with the good news. 2023 was a record year for women artists.

40:40

Women made up 35% of all artists on the Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart, the highest percentage in 12 years. That's a major step forward from 2017 when women hit a low of just 16.8%. And among solo artists, 40.6% were women, showing that female artists are making their mark particularly as individuals rather than in bands or duos. Women of color continue to lead the charge.

41:05

In 2023, 65% of all female artists on the Hot 100 charts were from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups. That's nearly double the percentage from 2012, proving that audiences are eager to hear diverse voices and perspectives. But while women are stepping into the spotlight as artists, behind the scenes is another story. Let's talk songwriters. Across 12 years, nearly 5,700 songwriters were credited on Hot 100 year-end songs.

41:33

In 2023, 19.5% were women, a 12-year high, and a significant jump from just 11% in 2012. A big reason for the rise? Women of color. In 2023, 55 women of color were credited as songwriters, triple the number from 2012. Even with this progress, the industry is still overwhelmingly dominated by men when it comes to songwriting. The top 12 male songwriters were responsible for nearly a quarter of all songs on the Hot 100 over the past decade.

42:03

Meanwhile, women were often writing one or two songs rather than securing consistent work. And then there's production. This is where the numbers dropped dramatically. In 2023, only 6.5% of producers credited on the Hot 100 Year End Chart were women. That's up from 3.5% in 2022, but still, men outnumber women producers nearly 30 to one. And when it comes to women of color, the numbers are even lower. The ratio of men to underrepresented female producers is 100 to one.

42:34

The takeaway? Women are making major strides as artists and songwriters,  but they are still being locked out of production roles at a staggering rate.  And, for independent artists listening right now,  that's something to think about.  How often are women given opportunities in your creative process?  Who's producing your music, writing with you,  or being credited for their contributions?  The report also looked at Grammy nominations,  and there's progress there too. oh

42:59

In 2024, nearly 25% of Grammy nominees in major categories were women, up from just 7.9% in 2013. But again, women of color saw fewer nominations in 2024 compared to previous years, raising concerns about whether progress is consistent or temporary. So what does this mean for independent artists? First, representation is changing, but not fast enough. Women, especially women of color, are proving their voices belong.

43:26

and the numbers reflect an undeniable demand for their contributions. But gatekeeping is still real, especially in production and songwriting.  Second,  change starts with us. Independent artists have the power to create opportunities for female producers, songwriters, and engineers.  If you're an artist, you might want to consider working with more women on your projects.  If you're a producer, maybe you can mentor up-and-coming women producers. If you're in a position to share knowledge, resources, or credit, make sure you do it.

43:55

And lastly, the industry is watching. Reports like this show that change is possible. The fact that 2023 was a record-breaking year for women means that when doors open, women step through them. Question is, will the doors stay open? And will more doors open for those still left behind?  This Women's History Month, let's recognize the progress, but also push for more. The industry and the music will be better for it. So there are some organizations that are working to combat these statistics and make them much better.

44:25

The International Alliance for Women in Music is a global organization. They provide a range of resources and initiatives designed to support women in music, including advocacy and industry change, publishing and research, career opportunities, competitive awards and grants,  networking and events, and radio request campaigns. For independent female artists,  the organization offers a direct pathway to industry recognition, funding, and networking.

44:52

Whether through grant opportunities, journal features, or performance showcases, members can gain exposure and support for their careers. The organization also provides a valuable space to connect with like-minded professionals across the globe, fostering collaborations and mentorships. Annual membership fees are available in different formats. Students can get it as low as $30, while individuals run around $75. And like I said, there are more available. There's a $1,000 lifetime plan.

45:21

If you need installments to pay it, they're willing to work with you for that.  So make sure that you check out their website at IAWM.org.  Hey, I'm Achickwitbeatz, multi-genre music producer and strategist to indie artists and labels. Visit achickwitbeatz.com for resources for artists and instrumentals in various genres available for songs, vlogs, blogs, podcasts, themes, TV, film, commercials, and more.

45:50

Once again, that's achickwitbeatz.com. That's A-C-H-I-C-K-W-I-T-B-E-A-T-Z.com. Let's make something happen.  All right. So Femme House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking barriers for women, gender expansive, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA plus creatives in the technical and behind the scenes aspects of the music industry.

46:17

By offering educational programs, scholarships, and a thriving community,  Femme House provides vital resources for those aspiring to be producers, engineers, DJs, and music executives.  Femme House offers free virtual and in-person workshops covering topics like sound design, DJing, vocal production, and live performance setup with Ableton Live.  They also offer online courses including foundational training and music production.

46:43

available on a sliding scale pricing model, but it is free for BIPOC creators. They offer scholarship programs  with biannual opportunities for BIPOC and LGBTQIA plus artists.  They offer industry partnerships and community support, which includes collaborations with major music brands and festivals. And Femme House also has a radio show on SiriusXM showcasing underrepresented voices and dance music.

47:10

They offer independent artists the chance to learn essential skills like hands-on training and music production, DJing, and performance. Affordable and accessible education, most courses are free or available at a pay-what-you-can rate,  and you can get networking and exposure.  Connect them with industry professionals and showcase the music through Femme House's platforms. So again, for costs and enrollment,  there are free workshops that are regularly hosted virtual and in-person sessions.

47:38

She is the Producer, which is free, a comprehensive production bootcamp. All about Ableton Live, $12, $28, but again free for BIPOC creators. A month-long course over Zoom instruction and supplemental materials. And there are other courses that are offered on a sliding scale with the option to pay more to support marginalized creators. Learn more and sign up for workshops at thisisfemmehouse.com. Alright, another resource for women in music, Keychange.

48:07

and that's a global music dedicated to restructuring the music industry by fostering gender equality.  It's supported by the Creative Europe program of the European Union, and KeyChange empowers women and gender diverse artists through career development, leadership initiatives,  and industry-wide advocacy. KeyChange offers a talent development program, a year-long initiative featuring showcases, training, mentoring, and creative workshops at 13 festivals across Europe and Canada.

48:36

This program provides hands-on career building opportunities, global promotion, and targeted training to help artists and innovators advance in the industry. They offer a leadership program, which was launched in 2024. The initiative equips industry leaders with tools, knowledge, and networks to implement lasting and systemic change. They have a gender balance pledge. Over 700 festivals and music companies worldwide have signed this pledge.

49:03

committing to increasing gender representation in lineups,  rosters, and leadership roles.  They also offer advocacy and policy influence. The Keychange Manifesto, first introduced in 2018 and updated in 2024, presents actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders to accelerate gender equality.

49:25

Benefits include exclusive development opportunities, so participants receive training, mentoring, and industry access at major festivals including Reaperbond Festival and Thailand Music Week. They offer networking and showcasing. Artists and industry innovators can gain opportunities to showcase their work, collaborate with peers, and connect with influential industry professionals.

49:50

Also, with their support and resources, Keychange provides targeted support including mentoring through its partnership with SheSaid.so,  as well as webinars and workshops featuring speakers from major organizations like Ableton, The Orchard, and TikTok.  Applications are currently closed but available to artists and innovators from Canada, Estonia, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Norway,  Poland,  Spain, Sweden,

50:19

and the UK when they're open. So make sure you keep an eye on that. As far as costs go, Keychange programs are fully funded for selected participants, making it an accessible opportunity for underrepresented talent. Keychange continues to be a driving force in gender diversity and inclusion in the music industry, helping independent artists gain visibility, skills, and career growth opportunities. To stay updated on future application cycles and events, visit keychange.eu.

[BEAT BREAK]

59:40

this episode of instrumental intel. I've been your host, music producer chick with beats, and I want to thank you for tuning in. Once again, as always, I appreciate my home station, Grander Radio out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Make sure you come back next week. I got more goodness lined up for you. So until next time, you know where to find me. Tune in, a friend, and I'll see you then. Peace.