MusicNL is marking International Women’s Day by highlighting and celebrating women in the music industry.
With less than half of its 375 members being women, the organization’s Executive Director, Rhonda Tulk-Lane, said the association is working to increase that number of women in its membership through efforts like a Spotify playlist of women artists, professional development sessions focused on women in the sector and a women’s songwriters’ circle.
Celebrated annually on March 8, International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to reinforce the fact that everyone has a role to play in forging a more gender-balanced world. Tulk-Lane says there’s tremendous potential for women artists to serve as inspiring mentors, and that many stepped up to offer their time and talent for their lineup of events.
Newfoundland’s own award-winning singer/songwriter Mallory Johnson is currently in Nashville working on a new album. During MusicNL’s virtual songwriters circle with Ana Luísa Ramo and LU KALA on International Women’s Day, she’ll showcase her newly released single “Wise Woman” (written by Johnson and Carli and Julie Kennedy of Twin Kennedy), which features clips of diverse women from across North America in its music video.
“We wanted to showcase women in all walks of life and highlight their beauty, strength, and poise,” adds Johnson.
Johnson joined MusicNL in 2001 when she and her mother, Loretta Johnson — together with her uncle, Gordon Cormier, and cousin, Randall Cormier — started a Celtic family band called The Cormiers. Johnson says MusicNL has been “very supportive” of her as an artist and songwriter over the last 20 years.
“They’ve not only provided occasional financial support, but they’ve given me incredible performance opportunities which have inevitably led to partnerships and collaborations both on the industry side and the musician side,” says Johnson.
Because the music industry is all about making connections, she encourages those who want to pursue music as a career to join MusicNL so they can reap the benefits of getting introductions at events and panels.
“(MusicNL) is committed to finding ways to showcase more women because, as we all know, women are underrepresented in many facets of the music industry,” says Johnson. “They’ve always made me feel like my voice matters — and my work is just as worthy or deserving of success as the guys.”
MusicNL is celebrating International Women.s Day 2021 with virtual events and a special playlist. Visit musicnl.ca to learn more or participate.
