Boston musician Ruby Rose Fox is a badass. Most people around here know this, and after touring with Martha Davis and The Motels earlier this spring, the rest of the country is starting to get hip to the singer’s powerful soul-driven rock and roll gospel.
This morning, Ruby posted a letter she wrote in response to a group’s private inquiry about her band performing, presumably at a college. We don’t know the details about who pitched her; but that’s not really important in this context.
What is important is Ruby’s message, and you can read the letter in full below. One specific dynamite pull quote reads: “My thought when I get these emails is…if a woman’s group is not willing to pay its female musicians than who is?” The other points are just as vital.
Check it out…
Dear XXX,
I was just about to send your event to our manager who handles all our band booking but noticed this gig is not compensated.
I completely understand your limitations. Although, as a group that is specifically there to promote woman especially on campuses around the country I’m surprised and disappointed that you are not offering to pay anything to your female musicians. I’m sure you know about wage disparity between men and woman already. My thought when I get these emails is…if a woman’s group is not willing to pay its female musicians than who is?
Budgets are not made for this kind of thing because women do not ask for them. I’m sure you will find women who want to do this for “exposure” but I hope when next years budget comes around you will reconsider. I don’t think most women actually want exposure…they want to be valued.
I wish you all the best and I hope your event is vibrant and successful.
Best,
Ruby Rose Fox
In the meantime, you can catch Ruby Rose Fox performing live next Friday, August 28 at the Sinclair in Cambridge, with Sidewalk Driver, Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents, and the Lights Out, then again at the Vanyaland-curated Sound Of Our Town music festival, September 24 at the Lawn On D. She and her band will be compensated for both appearances. Details on the gigs below…
[Above flyer by Daykamp Creative]
[Above flyer by Redefined]