Time for Change - the women making live music in the North East safer for everyone
It follows a recent Government report, looking into misogyny in the music industry, but female fronted crew teams and live events in the North East are working to change that
Last updated 8th Feb 2024
A North Tyneside crewing company are taking the lead in making the live music industry a safer place for women and minorities - following the Government's report into misogyny - released last week.
CrewGal is a qualified technical crew - open to everyone, not just women - but specialising in women's safety and inclusivity - as well as offering training and consultations to advocate for women's health and safety at work on music sites.
They tell us the team wants to revolutionise an industry with significant systemic challenges and drive home the message that eradication of identity-based harassment and discrimination within the live events industry should be a priority for crew, performers, investors, audiences, and venues alike.
CrewGal was founded by Susan French, who tells us they also act almost like a union for female and female identifying workers;
"We also look after women's health, so any women out there who are working in live music - at festival sites or in arenas where there aren't sanitary conditions;
"We will speak to these venues on their behalf to make sure that they have the facilities which are required."
The team also wear eye-catching pink boiler suits which director Susan explains - have an important meaning:
"People don't always think about it but it's also a little bit of a safety thing for us, as well,
"So we can be picked up quite easily then on CCTV if we're in pink boiler suits rather than just a big heavy flannel shirt or something like that.
"So it does have it's safety elements - but people don't recognise that - not only is it cool, funky and pink - it's also safety related!
"I think we've done it, as women, for years and years and years in live music in particular
"Having to dress like men to fit in - having to behave that way and accept toxic masculine behaviours.
"We want change - and the only way we can make that happen is by being visible at all times."
CrewGal offer training in actively tackling misogyny, discrimination and harassment within the live music industry - for crews, venue staff, promoters, venue owners and more.
But as a crew they also staff events - with their team open to anyone, but led by females. They tell us their aim is to make sure the industry is a safe place for women, LGBTQIA+ people and people from minority backgrounds.
It's a message echoed by North East performer and event organiser Thorn Faustus, who's CryptFest events are becoming a fixture of the Tyneside alternative scene.
Featuring a mix of dancers, performers and live music, Thorn - who organises and curates the events - wanted to make sure it was a place where women would feel safe to perform and be in the audience;
"I really wanted to promote a safe space for women within the alternative scene,
"When I first started going to gigs you would find not a lot of women would be there,
"But over the last couple of years you've kind of seen more women, and it's a very safe, happy scene for us to settle into."
"It's just nice to feel part of it, not like 'Oh we stand towards the back, we keep to ourselves because we're women'
"It's not like that - it's 'We are right up at the front, enjoying ourselves, you don't feel a difference, you feel included.
"There's nothing uncomfortable about it."
The first CryptFest took place last year, with the 2nd planned for February the 17th at independent venue and brewery Anarchy Brewery in Newcastle.
Thorn explains the events were created with the goal of platforming the local community and making a space for local performers, bands and vendors;
"I really believe in investing back in to the alternative scene - that we have it in Newcastle is just amazing."
As well as making sure anyone who wants to be a part of it feels safe and included.
She tells us it can seem scary to people who haven't taken part before - but she hopes that by experiencing CryptFest they will feel at home and supported;
"I think if you're not going to gigs often, you might assume it might be quite uncomfortable - or nervous to join,
"That's the feedback I've had from a lot of women, AFAB, trans and LGBTQ+ people - they'd initially been worried that it's an intense situation to walk into if you're not used to it.
"I really wanted to open people's eyes and bring more people in - make it really safe and inclusive.
"It's a full day of Goth, hectic fun!"
You can find our more about CryptFest and Thorn's work on social media.
You can also find out about CrewGal on social media, and via their website.