In celebration of International Women's Day (March 8) the Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) with the Creative Right Caucus, National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) and the Recording Academy hosted a special conversation with critically-acclaimed Monument Records' artist/songwriter Caitlyn Smith and her all-female team. Katie McCartney (GM of Monument Records and Caitlyn Smith Manager), Missy Roberts (VP A&R Universal Music Publishing Nashville), and producer/engineer Gena Johnson rounded out the panel alongside moderator and USA Today National Music Writer Melissa Ruggieri for an open discussion about women in the music business. The overall theme of the night proved vulnerability is strength, showcasing what a woman's unique perspective offers to the wider industry.
RIAA Chief Policy Officer Morna Willens welcomed the audience with excitement and acknowledgment that women have made a lot of progress in the music business – but not nearly enough. She shared a few insights from a recent Annenberg study reflecting the slow movement toward equality before introducing video remarks from Congresswoman Judy Chu.
The co-Chair of the Creative Rights Caucus said, “hearing from these amazing women in the industry on International Women's Day is so important because they are showing countless girls that they too can succeed in this business. We know that when women see other women in these positions, and especially when they receive mentorship and guidance, they are much more likely to succeed. In fact, over 90% of women in the music industry who had been mentored felt that their careers benefited as a result, and women with mentors earn more money and are more satisfied with their career growth. I look forward to continuing our work together to make the music industry even stronger and more inclusive.”
