Presented by Diversity Arts Australia, ‘Cracking the Code’ was an International Women’s Day event you didn’t want to miss. Organised and hosted by award winning writer, journalist and host Simone Amelia Jordan, this virtual two-hour event was filled with plenty of laughs, valuable key learnings and a plethora of robust discussions. Throughout the night, we heard from the event’s guest panellists, recording artists Billymaree and Naomi Wenitong, as well as Complex Australia’s very own Editor, Rachael Evans. Each as authentic and articulate as the next, the three panellists along with Simone generously offered their time to discuss their unique experiences as women in hip-hop and R&B.
The casual, conversational atmosphere fostered by Simone meant that much of the event was spent delving into topics that made us feel all the emotions that come with engaging in these spaces as women. Those lucky enough to be in attendance went away with a deeper understanding of the differing—and at times very similar—experiences of women in hip-hop and R&B. If you missed out on the event we’ve got you—here are our five key takeaways from the evening.
Our first key takeaway from the evening was a reminder in particular for emerging artists in the Australian hip-hop and R&B scene, “don’t punish yourself while you’re still learning.” This quote was from Simone, who directed part of the conversation towards exploring the difficulties that come with harnessing your creativity, and then figuring out what exactly to do with it. What followed was a series of discussions that explored how several artists, writers, producers and creatives in general often buy into the notion that you have to progress at a face pace—not realising that it’s okay to take the time to carve out a path that is authentic to you. What Simone spoke on was how carving out your path takes time, and is something that requires you to believe in both yourself and your craft. Women in the industry can often feel a sense of internal pressure to perform, present and even promote a certain level of success to gain respect and recognition. However, Simone encourages you to be kind to yourself as you continue to learn more about yourself and your craft.
Much of the event was spent being immersed in the stories told by the panellists and listening to their respective experiences in hip-hop and R&B. As a recording artist who’s acclaimed both locally and internationally, Naomi discussed how at the beginning of her career she struggled with feelings of shame and imposter syndrome. After offering a personal anecdote of a time when she was forced to realise that her internalised shame was holding her back in her music career, Naomi offered her learnings and advice: “as women in the industry, we need to redirect our shame.” Acknowledging that “there’s a difference between big-noting and confidence,” Naomi reflected on how important it was for her to realise how she was actively impeding on her own development as an artist and individual.
Behind every successful artist and creative is a team of people in the background supporting their every move. However, it can be a long and sometimes painful process to find those people. Simone assured the group that “it’s worth [taking] the time to find the right team.” This was something that was particularly important for Rachael when she stepped into her position as the Editor of Complex Australia. Tasked with the responsibility of gathering a team of contributors, Rachael quickly learned the importance of not rushing that process, having realised that it takes time to acquire a team that aligns with your specific values and work ethic. Simone also added, “you should have a team around you that lets you focus on what you need to focus on,” so that you have more time to spend engaging creatively in your work and concentrating on your goals.
As artists and creatives there will be times when your integrity will be tested, and circumstances or people will attempt to to redirect your purpose or change your principles. “Remaining steadfast in your values and beliefs is not an easy path to walk,” said Billymaree, who told the story of a time when her morals were challenged by influential figureheads in the music industry. What we learnt from listening to the panellists’ experiences is that women in hip-hop and R&B spaces are often faced with uniquely gruelling encounters because of the expectations placed on them, largely stemming from deeply rooted patriarchal practices. The overall take home message of this discussion was to fiercely prioritise protecting yourself, and to not ignore the warning signs when it comes to people looking to capitalise on your talents or vulnerability. Mistakes are bound to be made along the way and that’s okay: “sometimes you have to bump your own head to learn about what’s happening around you,” said Simone.
All creatives have different conceptions of what success looks like, and for many talented artists in the hip-hop and R&B space, the scope of opportunities available often seem enticing. However, not all that glitters is gold. Billymaree put it best, “sometimes what you think you want is not what you [need], and you have to trust that [by saying no] you’re being redirected to a place that better suits who you are, especially if you’re someone that’s willing to hold on to your integrity and fight for that.” It can be a difficult process deciphering what’s best for you and what isn’t, but sometimes it can be as simple as looking out for signs that you’re on the right path. As Rachael mentioned, “there have been small signs along the way that remind me I chose the right career and path.” By comparison, for Naomi, at a point in her journey she had to sit herself down and decide if she was going to choose creative control or fame. Collectively, the ladies reminded us that no matter where you sit in the industry and whatever point you’re at in your career—be discerning, and always honour yourself and your artistry when it comes to making the tough decisions.
Diversity Arts Australia receives core support from Australia Council for the Arts and Create NSW.
