News Summary
Soprano Lucy Cox from Oxford has highlighted the misogynistic barriers women face in the music industry, sharing personal experiences that reflect wider discrimination. Advocating for change, she emphasizes the need for inclusivity and better support for female musicians, particularly in terms of maternity pay. Her insights come alongside the release of a report documenting harassment and inequality in music, pushing for necessary reforms. Cox’s testimony underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues and fostering dialogue about acceptable behavior in the industry.
Oxford – Classical soprano Lucy Cox has raised critical awareness of the misogynistic barriers women face in the music industry. The 35-year-old artist from Oxford shared troubling experiences that have shaped her career, including being told she would have to “wait for somebody to get pregnant or die” to achieve success. Her testimony highlights the challenges faced by female musicians navigating a music landscape often rife with discrimination and inequality.
Cox is advocating for a cultural shift within the music industry to foster inclusivity and fairness for women. She expressed concerns about the current environment, particularly regarding inadequate maternity pay for freelancers, which has made her apprehensive about starting a family. Despite her passion for music, the realities of the industry have forced her to confront difficult choices. In particular, the maternity allowance available to freelance musicians left her with only around £9,000 for the entire year, which she described as “unsustainable.” This financial strain pushed her to work up until 37 weeks into her pregnancy and return just eight weeks postpartum, fearing a loss of performance form and income.
The release of the Women and Equalities Committee report titled “Misogyny in Music: On Repeat” has further substantiated Cox’s concerns and included recommendations aimed at the music industry. This report documented the prevalence of sexual harassment and inadequate support for women in the industry, stressing the urgency for systemic reforms. The report, published in June 2025, is the third from the committee, and a response from the government is anticipated by September.
Research and testimonies, including those from Cox, have pointed out a normalized culture of sexual harassment in the music industry, with many women sharing experiences of harassment as part of their careers. The implications of this culture extend beyond personal safety into the essential areas of career advancement and income stability. Cox emphasized the need for legal protections for freelancers, asserting that their rights and needs must be adequately addressed within the industry’s framework.
Moreover, Alex Brewer, a Liberal Democrat MP and a co-signatory of the committee’s report, acknowledged the necessity of establishing a robust industry body. This organization would focus on enforcing rights and eliminating non-disclosure agreements related to sexual harassment and discrimination. Brewer noted that initiating small legislative changes could pave the way for significant cultural shifts in the music industry.
The Musicians Union (MU), which represents musicians’ interests, has also expressed support for the committee’s recommendations, committing to efforts aimed at eliminating misogyny in music. The union plays a vital role in advocating for policies that address the unique challenges faced by freelance musicians, particularly women.
Cox’s decision to speak out about these issues comes with its risks; she warned that challenging the status quo could jeopardize the careers of freelancers, especially considering the small size of the industry. In light of this, Cox, the committee, and the MU are promoting the formation of the Creative Industries Independent Standard Authority (CIISA) to aid in cultural reform and ensure the rights of musicians are protected.
Beyond legislative changes, Cox believes engaging in open conversations about acceptable behavior and individual accountability is essential for fostering a healthier industry culture. She urges musicians and industry members to be bolder in confronting and reporting misconduct, recognizing the need for collective action to end the cycle of misogyny in music.
As the music industry grapples with these pressing issues, the collective insights of artists like Lucy Cox are imperative in advocating for change that promotes equality and safeguards the rights of all musicians.
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