Amy Lee addresses double standards for women in rock music – Alternative Press

[Photo by: P.R. Brown]​

Evanescence vocalist Amy Lee is taking a stand against the lack of female representation in rock music.

Earlier this week, she posted an empowering statement on Facebook discussing the genre’s double standards for women. She is also calling upon fellow musicians to make a change.

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The rock genre, as a whole, infamously has a skewed representation of musicians. As well, females have faced numerous double standards because of their gender for decades.

More recently, Paramore vocalist Hayley Williams opened up about her experiences on Warped Tour. She revealed that she often felt slighted on the tour because of her age and gender. As well, she said the early 2000’s pop-punk and emo scene “was brutally misogynistic” and Paramore missed out on some opportunities because they are a female-fronted band.

Now, Lee is further addressing these problems happening in rock music. In an emotional post shared on Tuesday, she reveals that a recent interview sparked her decision to speak up.

“I was asked in an interview yesterday what I think about the lack of women historically on rock radio and in the mainstream rock world,” she says. “I couldn’t think of anything good to say in the moment, but I thought about it for a long time after we hung up and here’s what I wish I’d said.”

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Lee goes on to say that female musicians are often overlooked and have to fight harder for success within rock music. She also says that the industry has caused individuals to “subconsciously” identify women in rock music as “less authentic” than their male counterparts.

“Honestly, women DO get skipped over,” she continues. “We DO get left out of the recap when it all boils down. It IS harder to make it onto the cover or the radio. Because our face is not the classic, quintessential face of rock…if you’re thinking of it as a literal face. I think it’s embedded subconsciously in our brains that women in rock are less authentic somehow, like we’re next gen. We’re part 2. Not the original. A niche little off-brand thing.”

She then calls upon her fellow musicians to make a change in the genre. Lee believes the societal norms of what women are supposed to do and act like greatly impact their careers as musicians and in other entertainment fields.

“But here’s the deal: The true heart of rock music is the spirit of REBELLION,” she says. “Going against the grain. Challenging views, breaking society’s rules, and unapologetically being who you are. We’re supposed to be the moms, the girlfriends, the fans. But then there are those rogue dissenters who don’t fit the mold and don’t let that stop them from doing what they dream- and THAT is rock n roll! So all you women out there making your mark in the rock world and changing the game, you are the real thing. 1000 times more legit than any tatted up riff meisters who merely look the part!”

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Lee concludes her statement by congratulating the Pretty Reckless for their No.1 spot in active rock. The band, fronted by Taylor Momsen, recently released the title track for their forthcoming album Death By Rock And Roll.

“Btw congrats to The Pretty Reckless – holding down the #1 spot in active rock right now,” Lee says.

Evanescence are releasing their forthcoming album The Bitter Truth incrementally throughout 2020. Recently, the band shared their emotional guitar-driven anthem “The Game Is Over.” The track follows up “Wasted On You” which debuted back in April.

What are your thoughts on Amy Lee’s post? Let us know in the comments below.