An Eye-Opening Dive into Music’s Hidden Reality
Imagine facing unsolicited advances backstage, uncomfortable glances from strangers lurking near your trailer, or navigating a crowd that’s too bold in their attempts to touch. This isn’t fiction—it’s a stark depiction of life for many women in today’s music industry, vividly captured in Sammy Stein’s compelling new book, Candid: Conversations on Women in the Music Industry, which hit the shelves on October 17, 2024.
Stein pulls no punches, bringing to the forefront experiences often kept in whispers and shadows. Despite progress in many areas, the music industry in 2025 continues to struggle with persistent misogyny and gender biases. It’s a battle for dignity and recognition that remains fiercely relevant, challenging the claim of equal opportunities in a supposedly forward-thinking industry.
Voices That Refuse to Stay Silent
Candid is not just another exposé—it’s a chorus of authentic voices from women who have lived through the highs and lows of a demanding industry. Sammy Stein gathers narratives from over forty prominent figures, including legends like Dame Evelyn Glennie, Debbie Wiseman OBE, Jennifer Batten, and Marilyn Crispell. The diversity of these contributors underscores the wide-ranging issues women face, whether in classical, rock, jazz, or punk.
Some stories in the book are unsettlingly explicit. Marilyn Crispell recalls an incident where potential employers were ambiguous about their intentions—did they appreciate her music, or did they view her as an object? Similarly disturbing, musician Jo Ellul shares her unsettling experiences with intrusive behavior from men in positions of power—unwanted exposure, encroachments into personal spaces, and having to develop creative strategies for personal safety in shared spaces.
Yet amid these challenges, there’s powerful advice and positive reinforcement. Dame Evelyn Glennie emphasizes self-belief and industry knowledge as crucial weapons against prejudice, providing much-needed encouragement to women navigating these tricky waters.
Breaking the Silence, Igniting Conversations
Sammy Stein’s skill lies in framing these conversations candidly yet constructively. She deftly explores sexism, pay disparities, misogyny, and intimidating situations, balancing these tough topics with uplifting experiences and insightful advice. Stein’s conversational writing makes these compelling narratives accessible and relatable, keeping readers engaged throughout.
Bushra El-Turk, an acclaimed composer, praises Candid for its diversity and practicality. She highlights the value of Stein’s approach in showcasing varied experiences and actionable solutions for a more inclusive music industry. Readers won’t just walk away informed—they’ll also feel inspired and equipped to advocate for meaningful change.
About Sammy Stein: The Voice Behind the Words
Sammy Stein’s name resonates across the music and literary world with good reason. Celebrated internationally, her work has been recognized with accolades like the Jazz Times Distaff Award, Literary Titan Gold Award, and multiple nominations, reflecting her profound impact on readers and the music industry alike.
Stein’s authoritative and insightful prose has found a home in publications as prestigious as Readers’ Digest and The Library of Congress. She’s known for her depth of research and her approachable yet unfiltered writing style—qualities consistently applauded by musicians, academics, and critics alike. Besides her literary ventures, Stein has curated and presented radio programs, music festivals, and has interviewed many influential artists for BBC Radio 3.
Her previous works, including All That’s Jazz, Women in Jazz, and Pause, Play, Repeat, demonstrate a consistent dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices and exploring themes deeply rooted in musicians’ realities. Candid continues this legacy by merging compelling personal stories with nuanced analysis, ensuring these essential conversations find the wide audience they deserve.
In Candid: Conversations on Women in the Music Industry, Stein does more than inform—she empowers. This book is essential reading for anyone invested in understanding the evolving dynamics of gender equality in the creative arts, offering a hopeful yet honest look at an industry still grappling with its past as it cautiously steps into the future.