Music: the concept of certain sounds being played in certain ways to make a song or piece. No judgement, just vibes. It sounds like a melodical utopia. If only it were that simple. The truth is,  the gender divergence in the music industry is alive and well, and still as controversial as ever. 

On June 11, Sabrina Carpenter announced a new album titled “Man’s Best Friend” with the cover art depicting her on her knees being “submissive” to a man slightly out of frame. Personally, we love Carpenter, and upon seeing the announcement, we were elated, noticing nothing wrong with the cover at all. Social media, on the other hand, became outraged, stating that the pose was “anti-feminist” and completely controversial. Apparently, people thought this album cover sent women and feminism “years back,” stating that she had completely destroyed all that women have fought for.

On Sept. 8, the remains of a deceased 14-year-old girl, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, were found in the trunk of singer D4vd’s (David Anthony Burke) car. If you’re not familiar with the artist D4vd, you know some of his most popular songs like “Romantic Homicide” (ironic, right?) and “Here With Me.” Now, instead of reacting immediately with anger and criticism, the media acted shocked, disappointed, but not angry.

Even after more information slowly came up from the depths of D4vd’s history relating to death, gore, and blood, further connecting him to the suspected crime, only shock was expressed. There were, of course, countless posts about him, but none outwardly bashing him for what he could have done. 

The difference between these two situations would be that the public is trying to justify D4vd and putting him more in the spotlight. His streams have increased by a total of 20% in the past month. Whereas Carpenter was immediately blamed and ripped to shreds from an album cover, while the contrary, quite literally, could have murdered an underage girl. Though the murder case isn’t confirmed to have been committed by D4vd, the main case for us is the fact that males are treated differently from females in the music industry. 

More examples of the gender difference in the music industry can be seen through Madonna and older groups such as Metallica. Madonna is a female artist who has been creating music for around 45 years, and is now 67 years of age. In the 80s, Madonna was an icon, releasing hit songs like “Material Girl” and “Like a Prayer.” Before, Madonna was seen as a staple in music and feminist history. Now, she’s called old and told that she needs to retire. 

If this is being said about Madonna, then why is it not said about other “older” male bands and artists? How about the Backstreet Boys? Or rock bands like Kiss and Metallica? These bands all have an average age of 60 and 70 as well; it’s not just female artists. News outlets or social media commonly have the need to bring down older female artists with ageism; one of the main Madonna searches on Google reads: “What did Madonna do to her face?” 

Metallica is known for iconic rock, and they still perform today with new and old fans attending; they’re even considered young and hip to some. In comparison, Madonna is viewed as doing too much, and the media always has something to say about her. It’s time we leave her alone to be iconic.

Two more modern examples would be Beyoncé and Chappell Roan. Beyoncé is starting to be called stiff by the media, and that she’s getting too old for the industry. The last time we checked, there wasn’t an age capacity for anyone, let alone someone as impactful as Beyoncé. Just like Madonna, Beyoncé has become a global phenomenon over the past couple of decades.

For Chappell Roan, it’s the constant hate she gets for any public appearance she makes. Roan is a fairly new breakout artist, making her first real mark during the summer of 2024. Her fame happened practically overnight, and she was widely praised and received by everyone, everywhere. 

After a certain point, though, there seemed to be a switch in reactions to the new singer. What was once labeled as “courageous” and “necessary” was now perceived as “rude” and “overdramatic,” as seen in her standing up against a rude photographer on the red carpet. This cycle would only continue for Roan until her fame eventually slowed down and the public eye had moved onto a new target.  

All artists are put under a microscope by society to some extent, but female artists are watched much more carefully. Anything a female artist will do is going to be received with much more hate and reaction than if a male artist did the same. It’s not even the music industry we see this; it’s everywhere. It’s exhausting to go in circles for women. We have to stop immediately belittling women for not just pursuing what they want, but for doing anything ever. 

Stop judging women! The suffragettes didn’t do all of this work for nothing. And please, stop giving D4vd more streams, if he truly did those horrible things to a 14- year old girl, he should have no sort of a platform at all. If we want to see change within the music industry, we, as consumers, must be the first ones to act. Mic drop.