Musicians' Union

“We’re allowed to enter certain spheres and it’s easier if you look the part. Today, as a Black female, I do not look the part... in this climate, as Black females, we wouldn’t get signed” - @MPeopleHeatherS talks about being a woman in pop today #WomenInMusic

“We have to demand to be taken seriously” - @MPeopleHeatherS talks about fees & salaries and the stereotypes & expectations that come with each #WomenInMusic

“You give people their due. To be able to sing, to write, to perform, to play an instrument - you are special. But it doesn’t mean you have to negate other people and their creative selves” - @MPeopleHeatherS #WomenInMusic

.@MPeopleHeatherS also talks about Nina Simone and her ability to convey emotion and experience in her music, Maya Angelou and her openness about making mistakes & learning from them, and Grace Jones and her creative intent #WomenInMusic

.@MPeopleHeatherS talks about her influences, beginning with her Mother: “If there’s a problem, there is a way to fix it. It may be difficult, but you roll your sleeves up and get on with it” #WomenInMusic

“I think it’s arming yourself with an aura of business” - it’s not about the way you dress, says @MPeopleHeatherS, it’s your demeanour. Listen to your heart and your head. “We can’t play pretty and we can’t play nice” #WomenInMusic

“With experience, you know how to deal with things. There’s no shortcut to experience... I think you have to be firm. I think you also have to be serious in your intention. When you say something, sometimes you have to be unpretty & not that nice” - @MPeopleHeatherS #WomenInMusic

Heather talks about her experiences recording a solo album after working in the band & the myriad ways discrimination manifests. “It is subtle” - for example being labelled a diva for having a rider. “People try to make something out of nothing” #WomenInMusic

“People think taking advantage is physically telling you what to do... I’ve always had to stand up for myself. I’m a working class Black immigrant from a council estate... But the discrimination is subtley voiced” - @MPeopleHeatherS #WomenInMusic

“The best revenge? Be happy and be successful” - @MPeopleHeatherS on those who doubted her when she was young #WomenInMusic

“I was very shy. I wouldn’t put myself forward. When you’re with your people, you’re not shy. It’s a safe space... Sometimes people tell you who you are, and you have to ignore that” - @MPeopleHeatherS on taking her first steps #WomenInMusic

“If you experience bullying or harsssment at work in any way, remember you can contact the MU whether you are a member or not. Email [email protected]” - @AndiHoppy introduces the MU & what we do #WomenInMusic

We will always treat one another with politeness and respect and, if we are subjected to or witness bullying and harassment, we will speak out knowing that our voices will be heard, and we will be taken seriously. #WomenInMusic

Welcome to all #WomenInMusic delegates today! Every single one of us attending this event is entitled to a safe space; free of fear and of bullying & harassment of any kind. We will work together honouring our differences and celebrating the gifts we each bring to the table.