Hi Jean & everyone,

I haven't had the chance to post here for months (computer/isp behaving badly but mostly just no time or not here at my home office).

Having started as very young child in the industry, this debate fascinates me.

In my experience Marc is right in saying that there has been a tendency for women to be pushed into vocalist roles. Sexism though I can sadly tell you in my experience is no red herring.

While I know many guys who really don't give a proverbial who's playing so long as it's good, there are still the persistent stereotypes/myths about women players being a turn on. I'd love a dollar for every time I've heard the old line, "yeah, she plays well for a girl" or variations to that effect.

Sadly the other stereotype/myth that seems linked with this is ageism. I have been told point blank that I'm too old to still be doing this. Mind you that was some years ago and I haven't let it stop me (I'm now 50) but the fact remains that I do get a lot of replies from festival organisers that say they're interested in younger performers when there's nothing mentioned about that in their application guidelines. Even more interesting when my male contemporaries are booked for same events.

Talking with other older female performers here in Australia (the few of us that still keep going) it seems that I'm not on my own and that really saddens me.

Oh, and in answer to your original post I'm an ARIA award winner, best known as a singer but play guitar well after a lot of practice and gigging. I also play percussion, bass and flute/sax. I'm putting a new cd out here at the end of the year and sadly, have to put off plans to come to the US til 2011 at least.

Take care all,

Debra

One of the finest female voices imaginable - Rock'n'Reel Magazine UK
http://debramanskey.com
http://www.facebook.com/debramanskey