International Women’s Day 2022 – Women In Music: Katy Jackson (Tigress)

Tigress vocalist Katy Jackson has been involved in the music industry since she was 17 and in that time she’s supported the likes of Bring Me The Horizon and Green Day, played at festivals including Download Festival and Vans Warped Tour UK and this year will be back on the road supporting Billy Talent.

As part of our International Women’s Day feature specials, we caught up with Katy to find out if she feels there’s been any change in the industry and what her experience has taught her…

What women in the industry inspire you?
I am inspired by so many incredible women from all sectors of the industry, press agents, radio DJs, designers, booking agents and artists. I love nothing more than having hard working women on my projects who can relate to my struggles as an artist and help me to navigate through this industry whilst maintaining my personal boundaries. 

What women inspire you in general?
Honestly, I am so inspired by any woman who is living their best life and being true to themselves. I have a family full of strong women who are all on completely different paths through life, but all have immense respect and support for each other which has led to my own views on women and how we need to treat each other. 

Tell us your current top 3 favourite female artists and favourite tracks of theirs?
Ellie Rowsell (Wolf Alice) – Smile
Shirley Manson (Garbage) – Stupid Girl
Alanis Morissette – All I Really Want

How would you describe your experience as a woman in the music industry?
It’s been a roller-coaster. I’ve been lucky enough to be working in the music industry for the last 17 years and I’ve seen how it has progressed and become more accepting and inclusive of women. It hasn’t always been easy and I have experienced my fair share of sexism, but our voices are being heard and respected more and more each day, which gives me great hope for the future. One of the best things about the new and improved music industry is that girls are finally supporting girls, we are no longer in competition with each other and are raising each other up and we are finally being seen as valuable artists rather than gimmicks.

” Women aren’t asking for a free ride or a token slot at a festival, we are just asking to be given the same opportunities as men so we can prove we are deserving of the same festival slots, gig supports or industry opportunities.”

What needs to happen within the music industry to make it better for women?
As much as it has improved over the years, we still need to offer equal opportunities to men and women in the industry. Women aren’t asking for a free ride or a token slot at a festival, we are just asking to be given the same opportunities as men so we can prove we are deserving of the same festival slots, gig supports or industry opportunities. 

What advice would you give to aspiring female artists?
Form alliances with other women in the industry. The male and female experience is very different and there is nothing more valuable than advice and guidance from other women in the industry. It’s really important that you stick to your values and what you are comfortable with, don’t be pressured into anything that you don’t want to do, integrity is more important than record sales and likes.

“Don’t stay silent. Don’t feel like your thoughts or feelings aren’t valued or important.”

Any inspiring words you’d like to share to all women this International Women’s Day?
Don’t stay silent. Don’t feel like your thoughts or feelings aren’t valued or important. You don’t need to be afraid of being strong and asking for what you want. You got this!

What track of yours would you recommend we listen to in order to feel like empowered women?
Feel It from our debut album Pura Vida. It’s a song about self-acceptance and taking a moment to appreciate everything about yourself that makes you unique. 

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