Saskhia MenendezÂ
My journey in the music industry …
… is deeply rooted in a lifelong passion for music and a commitment to championing diversity and inclusion. From a young age, music was a significant part of my life. I started my musical education at the age of 8, which laid the foundation for my understanding and appreciation of the art form.
As a multi-racial trans woman, my personal experiences have profoundly shaped my perspective and drive. When I transitioned 14 years ago, I became acutely aware of the barriers that exist for marginalised communities within the industry. This awareness fuelled my determination to not only succeed in music but to actively work towards breaking these barriers.
My career officially began over a decade ago, …
… and since then, I’ve taken on various roles that allowed me to advocate for better representation and equity. As an Innovator at Keychange and a previous Board Member at The F List Music, I’ve contributed to significant initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion within the industry. These roles have been instrumental in my growth allowing me to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organisations dedicated to creating a more equitable music landscape.
In addition to my advocacy work, …
I’m also the host of the podcast ‘Music Industry Insights Worldwide,’ where I explore diverse perspectives and provide a platform for underrepresented voices. This podcast is a testament to my commitment to inclusivity and my passion for sharing knowledge and insights with a broader audience.
Currently, I’m preparing to release new tracks in 2024, a project that reflects my ongoing creative journey. My academic pursuits also continue to drive my mission; having recently completed my MA in Music Marketing in 2021, I’m now preparing to undertake a PhD focusing on gender equality in music, specifically trans and non-binary inclusion.
Balancing my professional and personal life as a devoted parent of two, I’ve always aimed to be an inspirational figure within the industry. My recognition as a voting member for the Brit Awards, a Women in Music Roll of Honour inductee, and a nominee for the Agent of Change 2024 and Inspirational Global Diversity Role Model 2023 awards, underscores my commitment to this cause.
In essence, …
… my journey in the music industry has been about more than just creating music. It’s been about leveraging my experiences and platform to drive meaningful change, ensuring that the industry becomes a place where everyone, regardless of their background, can thrive.
As a multi-racial trans woman in the music industry, …
… I’ve encountered a variety of challenges that stem from both gender and racial biases. Early in my career, it was evident that the industry was dominated by a narrow demographic, often sidelining voices like mine. This lack of representation meant that I frequently had to navigate environments where I felt my perspectives and contributions were undervalued or misunderstood.
One of the most significant challenges has been overcoming the stereotypes and prejudices associated with being a trans woman of colour. There were instances where I felt my identity overshadowed my professional capabilities, leading to missed opportunities and the need to constantly prove my worth.
To overcome these obstacles,
I embraced several strategies:
- Advocacy and Activism: I became actively involved in initiatives aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry. My roles as an Innovator at Keychange and a previous Board Member at The F List Music allowed me to contribute to meaningful change. By advocating for better representation and equity, I not only helped create opportunities for others, but also built a supportive network of allies and advocates.
- Education and Expertise: I continuously invested in my education and professional development. Completing my MA in Music Marketing in 2021 and now preparing for a PhD in gender equality in music has equipped me with the knowledge and credentials to back my advocacy efforts. This academic foundation has been crucial in establishing my credibility and expertise.
- Visibility and Voice: Hosting the podcast ‘Music Industry Insights Worldwide‘ has given me a platform to share my experiences and amplify the voices of underrepresented individuals. By creating content that highlights the challenges and successes of diverse artists and industry professionals, I’ve been able to foster a more inclusive dialogue within the music community.
- Resilience and Perseverance: Overcoming these challenges required a great deal of resilience. I remained steadfast in my goals and continually sought out opportunities to showcase my talents. My commitment to breaking barriers was recognised through various honours such as being inducted into the Women in Music Roll of Honour and being a nominee for the Agent of Change 2024 and Inspirational Global Diversity Role Model 2023 awards.
- Support Systems: Building a strong support system was also crucial. I connected with mentors and peers who understood the unique challenges I faced and provided guidance and encouragement. This network has been invaluable in navigating the complexities of the industry.
Through these strategies, I’ve not only overcome many of the challenges I’ve faced, but also helped pave the way for future generations of diverse talent in the music industry. My journey is a testament to the power of resilience, education, and advocacy in effecting positive change.
Saskhia Menendez