It's scary to talk about music scene abuse but if I don't, it won't change - BBC

Title: A Call for Change: Scottish Folk Musician Speaks Out About Industry Issues and Her Own Experiences as a Woman

Introduction

The world of traditional Scottish folk music is a vibrant and rich one, with a long history and a dedicated fan base. However, like many industries, it has its own set of challenges and controversies. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of sexism, misogyny, and racism within the industry, which have left many women feeling frustrated, disempowered, and scared. Enter Laura Jane Wilkie, a talented fiddle player who is speaking out about these issues to help other women in her industry.

The Reality of Life as a Woman in Traditional Scottish Folk Music

Laura Jane Wilkie has been playing the fiddle for over 20 years and has performed with some of the biggest names in traditional Scottish music. However, despite her success, she has experienced firsthand the sexism and misogyny that many women in the industry face.

"I've had people tell me I'm not 'cool' enough" or that my female persona is "too feminine," Wilkie told BBC News. "I've been passed over for gigs because of my gender, and I've even been asked to leave a room because my voice was too loud."

Wilkie's experiences are not unique. Many women in traditional Scottish folk music have reported similar struggles, from being typecast as "the nice girl" or "the wife" to facing outright sexism and misogyny.

The Pressure to Conform

One of the biggest challenges that Wilkie faces is the pressure to conform to certain expectations about what it means to be a woman in traditional Scottish folk music. Women are often expected to fit into narrow roles, such as being the "emotional one" or the "one who takes care of everyone else."

"This can be really damaging," Wilkie said. "It's like we're expected to be perfect and to never make mistakes. It's exhausting, and it's not fair to ourselves or to our audience."

The Importance of Representation

Wilkie believes that representation is key to changing the industry from within. She wants to see more women in leadership positions, more opportunities for female musicians to perform and produce music, and more support for women who are facing sexism and misogyny.

"I want to be part of a movement," Wilkie said. "I want to help create change and make sure that future generations of women have the opportunity to succeed in this industry."

A Call to Action

Wilkie is not alone in her call for change. Many other women in traditional Scottish folk music are also speaking out about their experiences and advocating for greater representation and equality.

"We need to start making changes now," Wilkie said. "We need to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, where women feel empowered to succeed and to express themselves freely."

Conclusion

Laura Jane Wilkie's story is just one example of the challenges that many women face in traditional Scottish folk music. However, by speaking out about her experiences and advocating for change, Wilkie is helping to create a more inclusive and supportive industry.

As we move forward, it is essential that we recognize the importance of representation and equality in all industries. We must create opportunities for women to succeed, support those who are facing sexism and misogyny, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

What Can You Do?

If you're passionate about traditional Scottish folk music and want to help create change, here are some ways you can get involved:

• Support female musicians: Attend concerts, buy albums, and promote the music of women who are making waves in the industry.
• Advocate for change: Share Wilkie's story with your friends and family, and encourage others to speak out about their own experiences.
• Get involved in your local music scene: Join a community group or organization that supports women in traditional Scottish folk music.

Resources

If you're interested in learning more about the issues facing women in traditional Scottish folk music, here are some resources to get you started:

• BBC News: "Fiddle player Laura Jane Wilkie on sexism and misogyny in traditional Scottish music"
• The Scotsman: "Laura Jane Wilkie: 'I'm scared of being typecast as the 'nice girl'"'
• Folk Scotland: "Women in Folk Music: A Call for Change"

By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable industry that celebrates the talents of women like Laura Jane Wilkie.