BIPOC Women’s Struggle for Visibility in the Popular(pop) Music Industry

• In Event: Poster Session 2023

Abstract

Women’s representation in the arts has always been a hot-button topic but women’s visibility and influence, especially BIPOC women, in the pop music industry is an even more under-researched and under-reported topic. When we listen to our radio or streaming app, we hear BIPOC women’s vocals and instrumentals constantly but how much creative, producing and financial power do these women have over their voices? What messages are these voices conveying? Using research, images, artist quotes and poetry I will explore the paradox between hearing BIPOC women’s performances and BIPOC women having music industry voices that elicit respect, power and change.

Presenter

• Marlene Graham, New York City College of Technology, CUNY