Less than 5% of audio professionals are female, and Spotify and SoundGirls have partnered to combat this disproportionate statistic.
In order to draw attention to the talented women and non-binary artists in the industry, Spotify launched a database full of women in music. When describing the motivation behind the database, dubbed the EQL, Karrie Keyes, the co-founder of SoundGirls said, "[We] face the myth that there are not very many women or non-conforming people working in audio, and because of this people don’t even bother to look. The EQL Directory proves that this is not true."
What's interesting is that this database isn't limited to singers and performers, it includes information on roles like studio engineers and sound designers, serving as a valuable resource for employers and job seekers.
Equality-Driven Audio Professional Databases
Spotify and SoundGirls Have Launched the EQL
Trend Themes
1. Diversity in Audio Profession - Companies are launching databases to promote and support diversity in the audio industry, providing valuable resources for employers and job seekers.
2. Women and Non-binary Artists Recognition - Database initiatives are highlighting and celebrating the contributions of women and non-binary artists in the audio profession, challenging the misconception that they are scarce in the industry.
3. Inclusive Audio Career Opportunities - Efforts to create databases and directories are creating more visibility and opportunities for women and non-binary professionals in various audio roles, including studio engineering and sound designing.
Industry Implications
1. Music Streaming Services - Music streaming platforms like Spotify are leveraging their platforms to promote diversity and inclusivity in the audio profession.
2. Audio Production - The audio production industry can benefit from utilizing databases and directories to connect with a diverse talent pool of professionals.
3. Job Placement and Recruitment - Companies in the job placement and recruitment industry can explore partnerships and initiatives that support diversity in audio professions, such as promoting and utilizing the EQL directory.