Read on Twitter
https://ejjustabout.wordpress.com/2020/07/27/why-i-lost-faith-in-folk-music/
This is a really important - and brave - post. A must-read for all in the folk scene (and outside of it).
This is not a unique story, and we as a scene need to be actively working to ensure this kind of thing doesn't happen.
(1/9)
This is a really important - and brave - post. A must-read for all in the folk scene (and outside of it).
This is not a unique story, and we as a scene need to be actively working to ensure this kind of thing doesn't happen.
(1/9)
"It was overlooked because the relaxed nature of the folk music scene [...] extended too far."
Too often, valid concerns and problems are brushed to one side, with statements like "The folk scene is a nice, inclusive space".
(2/9)
Too often, valid concerns and problems are brushed to one side, with statements like "The folk scene is a nice, inclusive space".
(2/9)
If we do want the scene to be a nice inclusive space, we have to listen, believe people, and work to make it so. The folk scene can be relaxed and informal and a lot of people love it for that - but we can't be relaxed when it comes to preventing abuse within the community.
(3/9)
(3/9)
As EJ says:
"There needs to be a closer eye kept on interactions between adult musician and child/young-adult interactions. Band members, duo partners, those who organise teaching and everyone else must be more observant to stop this kind of behaviour."
(4/9)
"There needs to be a closer eye kept on interactions between adult musician and child/young-adult interactions. Band members, duo partners, those who organise teaching and everyone else must be more observant to stop this kind of behaviour."
(4/9)
Not only this - in a wider sense we need to keep a closer eye on any instances where power can be abused, and check ourselves/others in any positions of power.
This includes gig organisers, MCs, headline/support acts, audience members at the merch table etc
(5/9)
This includes gig organisers, MCs, headline/support acts, audience members at the merch table etc
(5/9)
We (especially white, able-bodied, cishet men) need to ask ourselves questions like:
Artists: Are we aware of the power we have from being onstage/known, and how are we using it? Are our interactions with fans/fellow artists etc appropriate and safe?
(6/9)
Artists: Are we aware of the power we have from being onstage/known, and how are we using it? Are our interactions with fans/fellow artists etc appropriate and safe?
(6/9)
Audience members: are you aware of how you're using your body and your words when speaking to artists at the merch table? Do they want to be touched by you?
MCs: are you aware of the power you and your words have both over the artist and the audience's view of them?
(7/9)
MCs: are you aware of the power you and your words have both over the artist and the audience's view of them?
(7/9)
Sound engineers/stage managers: are you aware of how you're using your body? Can you direct artists to go onstage without touching them?
Headline acts: are you aware of the power you have in your relationship with your support act? How are you using it? Appropriately?
(8/9)
Headline acts: are you aware of the power you have in your relationship with your support act? How are you using it? Appropriately?
(8/9)
These only scratch the surface of what we need to ask ourselves. We (including me) need to think about the power and privileges we have, and how these govern our actions and the actions of those around us. It's a constant process.
If you see something wrong, call it out.
(9/9)
If you see something wrong, call it out.
(9/9)
