Safety in the Scene Leads Movement to Promote Safety and Consent in the Music Scene
With the surge of sexual assault, rape, and abuse allegations inside the scene, it may feel as if the whole genre is falling apart. Many fans feel unsafe, anxiously hoping their favorite band is not one of the many to fall in line with the accused. Instead of living in fear, a few fans who are sexual assault survivors themselves formed an anonymous Twitter account called Safety In The Scene, essentially starting a movement for a safer scene. It is no secret that the music scene as a whole needs reform, and it all starts with one group with one mission: make the scene as safe as possible through education.
Safety In The Scene formed yesterday, July 28, with the intent to promote safety inside the alternative scene as well as music as a whole, their bio reading “Promoting safety and consent education in the music scene. Amplifying victim's voices." Last night a pledge was created by the page, marking the beginning of their active stance in fighting sexual assault and abuse within the music industry and community. Accompanying the pledge was a note which explained the reasoning behind it.
“We at Safety In The Scene are asking bands to pledge to make our music scene a safer place. With all the negative experiences being shared, we believe that artists should be held accountable in making music a safe place, both in-person and online. We are asking artists to help put a stop to the discrimination and abuse that has become all-too normalized in touring culture. From pledging to educate themselves on consent, to calling out discriminatory behavior, to ensuring everyone on tour is safe and respected, these artists will agree to do their part in creating a safer scene.”
The note also encouraged bands/artists to sign the safety pledge tag three other bands/artists to sign as well, hence creating a chain and a strong start to a movement. Within 24 hours, 44 bands (and counting) have signed the pledge, agreeing to educate themselves in power imbalances and consented as well to do their part to keep the scene a safe place for all. Some of these bands include Makeout, Heart Attack Man, and Super Whatever. While much still needs to be done within the music community on these matters, this is a crucial first step to reforming the industry. If you are a band/artist and want to join the Safety In The Scene movement, you can do so by signing the petition here.