Annie told the House of Commons committee that an alarming number of stories have yet to emerge. Her further comments on the music industry were that it was a “boys club” and “the system is kind of rigged against women.”

Author of the new book The Mess We’re In, Annie Mac, gave evidence to the committee at the House of Commons, where she told them of a young singer and a record producer who kept asking her not to go home, and “then when they go out in the street, he sexually assaulted her,” she said.

@itvnews DJ Annie Mac says music industry has ‘tidal wave’ of sexual abuse cases and is ‘boys’ club’ #itvnews #anniemac #music ♬ original sound – itvnews

Musicians Union published survey evidence to UK Parliament in 2022, were the idea of the music sector being a “boys club” was reported in the latest stats. They MU published this statement, “Respondents to the MU 2022 snapshot survey commented on the lack of women in workplaces across the sector and a distinct lack of female role models and women in leadership positions. More than one participant commented “it’s a boys club”. This emerged as a main theme and one of the reasons why respondents felt that many cultures and working environments in the music industry are misogynistic by nature” “The 2020 UK Music Diversity Taskforce survey found that in there is an underrepresentation of women in senior positions within the sector. Women represent 40.4% of the sector at senior level. “

Musicians Union is the UK’s trade union for all musicians across the UK, working in all sectors of the music business. They help members negotiate with major employers in the industry and offer a range of support services for musicians; however, most are unaware of them.

Annie further comments, “There needs to be some sort of a shift in women feeling like they’re able to speak out without their careers being compromised.”

Further reports from the MU snapshot survey presented statistics on sexual harassment. At 48%, almost half of the 800 musicians surveyed reported sexual harassment; 58% said they had witnessed sexual harassment; 85% had experienced sexual harassment but did not report it; and 40% did not report it for fear of losing work.

Macmanus told the MP’s “That is that women, especially young women in the music industry, are consistently underestimated and undermined, and freelance women are consistently put in situations where they are unsafe.”

Findings by the Musician Union allegedly found that there were power imbalance’s between freelancers and the people who engage them. The common views of many members during the survey said “When a freelancer relies on an individual for work, they are less likely to speak out.”

Misogyny in the music industry, suggests it may spread further than just alleged claims of a sexual nature but to supposed pay gaps, mental health, a lack of access to professional training and development, and being passed over for promotions. These alleged claims come from Be The Change case study of sexual harassment in the music industry in 2023.

The UK Parliament Women and Equalities Committee launched its ‘Misogyny in Music’. This brought in evidence from the BBC, that last year only one in ten headliners were female at the UK’s top music festivals. It also has MP’s asking questions about the safety of female musicians at UK music festivals.

Annie Mac said she has not “experienced or witnessed any sexual misconduct firsthand.” and believes her 19 years working with the BBC provided her with a “shield of protection to talk about such issues.” but most concerning she added “The thing that worries me the most is the rapes that are going unreported. That’s what concerns me the most – the fact that women feel like they can’t speak up.”

To purchase Annie Macmanus’s new book click the link here.

Annie Mac, former BBC Radio 1 DJ turned writer, has been confirmed to announce the winner of the prestigious accolade; the cultural figure is also on the judging panel and will take on the role of guest presenter. Fellow DJ Lauren Laverne has been bestowed the title of the primary host at the upcoming London-held ceremony; best known for her show Desert Island Discs, Laverne was announced as the show’s master of ceremonies earlier this Summer.

Two days to go until we find out the overall winner of the 2022 Album of the Year.

Watch the Awards Show for the 2022 Mercury Prize with @FreeNow_UK on Thursday 8th September at 9pm on BBC Four and iPlayer.#MercuryPrize pic.twitter.com/FjN6xyK0zx

— Mercury Prize (@MercuryPrize) September 6, 2022

Information concerning the ceremony’s performers were also revealed among the various announcements confirming details of the upcoming event. Set to perform at the star-studded awards show are eleven of the twelve shortlisted artists; Sam Fender, Wet Leg, Fergus McCreadie, Gwenno, Jessie Buckley and Bernard Butler, Joy Crookes, Kojey Radical, Little Simz, Nova Twins, Yard Act and Self Esteem.

This year marks Harry Styles’ first entry in the acclaimed shortlist, the award-winning singer’s recent album Harry’s House has been included within the 12 shortlisted albums. Due to his extensive touring schedule across the pond, Styles will not be able to perform at the event. In Lieu of a physical presence, the singer has pre-recorded a very special performance that will celebrate his album and be aired during the ceremony.

Those also in the running to win the Mercury Prize include eleven more albums; Fergus McCreadie for Forest Floor, Gwenno for Tresor, Jessie Buckley and Bernard Butler’s For All Our Days That Tear the Heart, Skin by Joy Crookes, Kojey Radical’s Reason To Smile, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert by Little Simz, Supernova by Nova Twins, Sam Fender’s Seventeen Going Under, Prioritise Pleasure by Self Esteem, Wet Leg for Wet Leg and The Overload by Yard Act.

The Shortlist for the 2022 Mercury Prize with @FreeNow_UK has been revealed! @fergusmccreadie@gwennosaunders@Harry_Styles@buckleyxbutler@JoyCrookes@KojeyRadical@LittleSimz@NovaTwinsMusic@SamFenderMusic@SELFESTEEM___ @wetlegband@YardActBand#MercuryPrize pic.twitter.com/VbIV8nubON

— Mercury Prize (@MercuryPrize) July 26, 2022

Along with Mac, the judging panel also consists of jazz pianist Jamie Cullum, singer-songwriter Anna Calvi and musician Loyle Carner as well as many others. The panel of esteemed professionals is chaired by Jeff Smith, the Head of Music, 6 Music and Radio 2 has given the following statement, “Getting down to 12 albums this year was not easy, simply because there were so many remarkable ones to choose from. That serves as proof that British and Irish music thrives during unsettled periods in history, with the albums chosen covering everything from imaginative pop to pioneering rap to Cornish language folk-rock. We feel that these 12 amazing albums each have something to say artistically and socially, all in their own unique, enriching ways. Now comes the really hard part… choosing only one overall winner.”

Right up until the end of the ceremony, the award show’s digital partner Amazon Music will be supplying programming and specially curated playlists to music fans. The Mercury Prize with FREE NOW Awards Show’s long-time broadcast partner BBC Music will also keep music fans in the loop with up-to-date coverage of the ceremony across the channels BBC TV and BBC Radio 6 Music, as well as content and coverage being made available via social media and online.

The Mercury Prize took to their Instagram to announce the news whilst counting down until next week’s event.

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A post shared by Mercury Prize (@mercuryprize)

The prize will be rewarded to the winner chosen from the shortlist of 12 nominees and the album which garnered their nomination and inclusion. Along with the winner announcement, the ceremony will also include short films by SAULT and Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & the LSO which concern their albums. The event’s website provides the following description for the Mercury Prize. “The Hyundai Mercury Prize promotes the best of UK and Irish music and the artists who produce it. This is done through the celebration of the 12 ‘Albums of the Year’, recognising artistic achievement across a range of contemporary music genres. It is the music equivalent to the Booker Prize for literature and the Turner Prize for art. The main objectives of the Prize are to recognise and celebrate artistic achievement, provide a snapshot of the year in music and to help introduce new albums from a range of music genres to a wider audience.”

The celebrated DJ and industry figure will take the stage at London’s Eventim Apollo on 9th September 2021 to hand the prestigious award to the winner of this year’s prize.  The former BBC Radio 1 DJ will be joined by fellow BBC broadcaster Lauren Laverne who will be responsible for hosting this year’s event. Mac has spoken on her involvement within this year’s ceremony and expresses the hard decision to choose a winner from the shortlist full of high calibre albums. “This year’s Hyundai Mercury Prize shortlist highlights how remarkably creative and diverse British music is at the moment. Choosing one overall winner from these 12 outstanding albums will be a tough challenge for the judging team. I’m looking forward to announcing our decision at the Awards Show.”

Mac will also be joining the judging panel; the award’s panel are comprised of top industry experts and professionals as well as last year’s winner Michael Kiwanuka who won the Mercury prize for his third studio album Kiwanuka. Joining the singer-songwriter on the judging panel includes famed musician Jamie Cullum and three-time Mercury prize nominee Anna Calvi. Heading the judging panel is the head of Music at stations 6 Music and Radio 2, Jeff Smith who is also the chair of the judging committee. Also included within the respected list of music professionals is Broadcaster and DJ Danielle Perry, presenter and writer Gemma Cairney, Music consultant Mike Walsh, Lanterns on the Lake band-member Hazel Wilde, editorial director for Vice.com Tshepo Mokoena, creative director for Kerrang! and contributing editor of Mojo Phil Alexander and Will Hodgkinson, known as the top rock and pop critic for The Times.

The judges for this year’s event have provided the following statement concerning their involvement in the process. “It is testament to the strength of British music that, during a year which saw musicians face the toughest challenges of their lives, so many remarkable albums came out nonetheless. There was an embarrassment of riches for this year’s Hyundai Mercury Prize judges to choose from, but the final twelve show how diverse, vibrant and far-reaching British music continues to be. Choosing one winner out of twelve albums that bring so much hope for the future will be a challenge indeed.”

The twelve shortlisted albums for the 2021 Mercury prize include Collapsed in Sunbeams by Alro Parks, DEMOTAPE/VEGA released by BERWYN, For the First Time by Black Country, New Road, Celeste’s album Not Your Muse, Promises by Floating Points, Pharaoh Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra, Conflict of Interest by Ghetts, Fir Wave released by Hannah Peel, Pink Noise by Laura Mvula, As the Love Continues by Mogwai, SOURCE by Nubya Garcia, Untitled (Rise) released by SAULT and Blue Weekend by Wolf Alice.

Radio coverage will be available via the event’s partner, fans will be able to listen to the ceremony on BBC four and BBC radio 6 music. The featured segments will include live performances from the nominees and will countdown live to the event’s winner. From 9 pm until 10:15 pm BBC Four will feature Hyundai Mercury Prize 2021 Live: Album of the Year and Tom Ravenscroft will host the coverage entitled The Mercury Prize on BBC Radio 6 Music via BBC Radio 6 Music from 8 pm until 12 am. Two days before the event BBC Radio 6 Music will also provide a nostalgic look back at past winners entitled The Mercury Prize: Winners’ Playlist from 4 am until 5 am. BBC Sounds will also include the station’s programme as well as information regarding this year’s shortlist.

Following the latest government announcement, London remains in Tier 4 and even more cities and counties are going under tougher restrictions, meaning millions of people this year will have to spend their New Year’s Evening at home, tuning in to various livestreams and online celebrations. Moreover, with widespread weather warnings and freezing temperatures expected in the following days, isolated home parties are currently trending as the preferred, and in the fact the only, choice to say goodbye to 2020.

It’s the return of the Rave Shed! Join @TODDLAT and I this NYE for a party !! Streaming live from 10.30pm on all our channels! pic.twitter.com/8u6eqLNVuU

— Annie Mac (@AnnieMac) December 30, 2020

Various DJs, musicians and media outlets are all hosting NYE celebration livestream from various points around the globe. Earlier today, Swedish pop icon Robyn announced she is hosting the exclusive radio show at BBC Radio 6 from 7pm tomorrow. Alternatively, YouTube Originals will broadcast a special stelar virtual show, featuring Aitch, AJ Tracey and Dua Lipa.

With well-established reputation certainly preceding both Annie Mac and Toodla T, their ‘Rave Shed’ NYE party sure sounds like a great option to wave a final goodbye to 2020 and meet the new year in style. In case a night of “classics and party bangers in [their] rave shed at the end of the garden” still isn’t convincing enough, the DJ family are officially supporting the Shelter Charity, donating “as much money as possible” to help people struggling with bad housing or homelessness.

It’s the return of the rave shed Myself and @AnnieMac will be djing classics and party bangers in our rave shed at the end of the garden this New Year’s Eve, 10.30pm sharp live stream. We want to donate as much money as possible to charity in the process for @shelter x pic.twitter.com/jsv4WLwUIA — toddlat (@TODDLAT) December 30, 2020

Aside from building a widely acclaimed career as a club DJ, Annie Mac has been a BBC Radio 1 presenter since 2004. Few weeks ago, she shared the Hottest Record of the Year on her ‘Future Sounds’ show. Following a public vote, the most popular song of 2020 was revealed to be the surprising yet powerful collaboration between Bring Me The Horizon and Yungblud for ‘Obey‘. The electric track won against Rina Sawayama’s ‘Bad Friend‘ and IDLES’ ‘Model Village‘ that came the closest amongst the 20 track in the competition.

Alongside her busy personal and professional life as a mother, DJ, radio presenter and host of the podcast Changes, Annie Mac has recently announced her novel ‘Mother Mother‘ will be published soon in 2021 through Wildfire Books. Making the most of being locked down for third time, she has been spending more time writing, with the following personal excerpt shared last week just in time for Christmas.

Вижте тази публикация в Instagram.

Публикация, споделена от Annie Mac (@anniemacmanus)

In a detailed statement on their website, Fabric organisers are keen to acknowledge the tragic deaths and insist they will “always be committed to caring for our customers and operating within the law.”

We are fabric.

This is not how it ends.

The police have revoked our licence to present music, art and culture; something we have been doing with great pride for nearly two decades. They abused archaic licencing laws in order to close us down and they will continue to do so if we do not come together and take action now.

This is about more than fabric – an entire way of life is under threat.

Mxdwn has followed the closure since it was first announced in August (see our article here) and more recently when it was announced Fabric was to be permanently closed (see the follow up article here). But now, as well as private donations and donations provided by the London music scene, famous DJs have now joined in to help save Fabric.

Club owners and managing director, Gary Kilbey, are now heavily into preparation to try and overturn the decision to revoke their licence forcing the permanent closure of Fabric by Islington Borough Council.

One of the bigger names sad about the closure of Fabric is Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac. Interviewed in the London Evening Standard (Friday 23 September) Annie Mac – whose AMP night began at Fabric and she had also held her 30th birthday party there – said:

“When it closed I was overwhelmed. They gave us a chance at the very start. I grew up there as a DJ, spent many, many nights there both DJing and watching other people, learning.

Annie Mac is keen to echo the sadness about the two tragic deaths but sees Fabric as an institution to the regular music scene:

“. . . if somewhere like Fabric is gonna be shut down, it sends a message to anyone trying to open a club or put on a dance music event that life is gonna be really tough – and if it’s gonna be very hard to do it, people just won’t do it.”

It seems the closure of Fabric has had a huge effect on the music scene and Fabric will have the last words in order to raise awareness of this and to welcome further generous donations:

Do you realise how much London has suffered already, and just what’s at stake if we stand by and do nothing? If the answer’s yes, join the fight to save our culture.