On the opening evening of AmericanaFest 2024, folk singer Stella Prince moderated an all-female panel of representatives of music industry roles—booking, songwriting, A&R, and, followed by performances by female artists. This was the second year Prince has participated in a session sponsored by Change the Conversation. The City Winery Lounge audience included a number of music students from a number of local universities as well as festival attendees.
Participating in the panel were Rachel Wein of Prescription Songs, Alex Stefano of Big Yellow Dog, Lauren Caudle of Thirty Tigers, Black Opry founder Holly G, Casey Hanson of Black Oak Artists, Colleen Lippert of Anchor Publicity, Serena Isbell of Rockwood Booking, and Jenn Schott of Smack Songs.
When Prince asked the panelists how they knew they wanted to work in the music industry, the women described coming to the field from many different directions, from such backgrounds as book publishing and behavioral psychology. Jenn Schott, who started out as a receptionist, said she had never realized songwriting was a career option.
They panelists acknowledged that women in the music industry are no longer the exception. “We’re not a trend anymore,” noted Caudle. However, Holly G noted, women are still the minority in high-level executive positions.
The panelists pointed out the need for women to support one another. They said women need to “do our work well and let it speak for itself.” Stefano offered simple advice: Be nice and help others. Asked what advice they would give the next generation of women interested in the industry, they stressed the value of finding a mentor. They also suggested being “in the ecosystem,” attending live music, participating in industry events, building a network and a community. Several noted the importance of internships, pointing out that many of their new hires were former interns.
Lippert cited Gillian Anderson’s advice from her letter to her sixteen-year-old self: “Follow your dreams, not your boyfriends.” Holly G also emphasized the importance of rest.
Isbell advised, “Don’t be afraid to use the backdoors.” Starting at an entry-level position always one to observe, learn, and build relationships. Much of their advice could be applied to anyone building a career. Schott said “Be on time. Be friendly and curious. Ask questions and keep learning.” Recognizing that a rising tide lifts all boats, they emphasize the importance of supporting peers.
Following the panel, Prince introduced performances by female singer songwriters on the rise: Twinnie, a UK-based artist performed her latest single “Hypothetically.” Stella Prince took the stage, noting, “I will turn off my hosting brain.” She performed “What’s Mine.” She was followed by 17-year-old Caroline Carlile, whose song “Angelina” showcased her crystal-clear vocals. She was followed by Gina Venter and then Bonner Black, who called Twinnie back to the stage to sing harmonies on “I’m Not Your Girl” from her hopeless romANTICS album.
The panels and performances made good on the Tennessean‘s Audrey Gibbs’ inclusion of the session in her list of “13 Acts Not to Miss at Nashville’s 2024 AmericanaFest.”
Photo Credits: John Joseph