It is no tale that I often get requests to work with some women because they have problems with men hounding them in the studio environment. Some in tears, and sadly led to believe that their careers are based on their bodies and not their respective creative abilities. They’ve indicated that these men don’t take their art serious and have their eyes and minds else places.

As we know this type of thing is common and has been going on for years; it has also proven why some women have fallen victim to working with people who had no real interest in developing their careers unless they gave up the goods which resulted in some pretty shady dilemmas.

In my own studio environment, I’ve remained focused on providing a comfortable experience to both men and women. Sure I’ve had some men try to take things a step further… but nipping that in the bud in the beginning is what kept everything in perspective. Can you imagine the turmoil that never escapes if this continued to escalate?

I’ve also had insecure females who had significant others work with me and assumed we were doing more than making music. I’ve had to address this issue in a delicate manner to keep peace, however, I’ve also found in these type of situations, some people are going to believe what they want (and who knows what dude is taking home in making his companion feel uncomfortable or jealous?), therefore, if I feel the work relationship is unhealthy and/or the issue is hindering the music-making process, I simply remove myself from the situation. Who really has time for all that drama?

We as women in this music profession are obligated to hold our own and we can set the tone as to how we choose to be treated in this male dominated arena. I realize even when visiting other studios that I as a woman get out of the experience what I put into it. (You’ve heard me say this a ton of times)

We all know that some men will try. However, in most cases, they will highly respect you more when they’ve found that you highly respect you more. I personally know of women that went to work and were kicked out without laying one track because other things went on, friction was caused and they ended up with a reputation of being just another piece of… well you know what I mean.

So in essence, my ladies if you are concerned about some men that want to get with you in a ‘pleasure before business’ arrangement, you should leave that environment altogether. Don’t entertain one aspect of it. It’s not going to get any better and please know you are not the only female to go through it, and surely won’t be the last.

Even if you feel working with a female is more suitable, you must know there are men out there who are serious about the artwork of their profession and will work with you and provide an enjoyable business experience. I know this first hand and are best friends with several and their families, and because of our music relationship, we can’t imagine taking things to ‘that’ level.

And to my ladies with significant others that work with us; please develop some security and know that not all of us are trying to creep up on your dude, even if he tries first. If you doubt him, then you deal with him. If you doubt us, then you’ve already doubted him.

Sure, we are not all blind to what really goes on out there, but the ultimate outcome of our studio experience is based on how we as women choose to conduct ourselves.