WHAT THE SOCAL INDEPENDENT MUSIC SCENE HAS IN COMMON WITH THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
When considering what defines the independent music scenes of Southern California, the idea of violence and abuse may not immediately come to mind.
However, the conversation surrounding the issue seems to be on the rise.
An Instagram story was what first caught my attention to a situation that has been unraveling since February of 2024. Text from a story that was shared by members of Integra Pink, a band based in Southern California, along with other groups involved in the Inland Empire and Los Angeles music scene, pointed to the alleged spreading of misinformation by Orange Peel Magazine.
“this incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent biases that undermine women’s credibility and perpetuate a culture of silence.”
-Jamali, Natalie. (2024). Unmasking Toxic Masculinity in the Music Industry. Orange Peel Magazine.
OPM is an online publication that reviews music and interviews bands in the Orange County and local music scene. The founder of the publication, Natalie Jamali, wrote an article that was posted in March of 2024 on the website regarding power dynamics within the music industry, and the pervasiveness of toxic masculinity in the music scene.
The article concludes with somewhat of a final reveal of an incident involving a member of OPM’s staff and a band member that is based in the Inland Empire.
The incident that occurred is not described, but the staff member was said to be met with disbelief when she shared her story. While the circumstances of this “incident” are not clear, the events the author refers to may imply that the staff member may have experienced sexual assault/violence.
Jamali’s piece also discussed Burger Records, an independent label that had multiple artists they represented as well as staff accused of misconduct and sexual assault allegations. Many of the victims used social media to share their stories.
The events hosted by Burger Records welcomed audiences of all ages. This introduced a power dynamic driven by an environment in which younger audiences (14+) are able to mingle with band members who are older at shows. The indulgence of alcohol and substances in such environments aggravates the entire situation.
In an address from the Burger Records label, it reads:
“We understand that we will never be able to comprehend the trauma that women have experienced while trying to find a place in the music scene. We are profoundly saddened and sickened by the pain suffered at the hands of a toxic male music culture that does not value women as equals.”
-Minsker, Evan. (2020). Burger Records President Resigns as Label Addresses “Culture of Toxic Masculinity”. Pitchfork. https://pitchfork.com/news/burger-records-president-resigns-as-label-addresses-culture-of-toxic-masculinity/
A lack of regulations and accountability in the label led to groups exploiting and committing acts of violence against many young women. When power dynamics are left unchecked, those who are considered to be more vulnerable are at risk of experiencing some form of injustice.
In Jamali’s article it also states that the band’s manager became involved by sending a video to the staff member in which “he sought to diminish her experience through gaslighting tactics” (Jamali, 2024).
The article has since been removed from the website, along with a complete redesign of the platform as a whole. However, the incident described in the article would begin coming to light in the months that followed.
Integra Pink was supposed to participate in a show at the Fox Theater that was hosted by the Cal Poly Pomona music department. The day before the event, they were asked to not participate by the department.
“We didn’t understand why they weren’t cooperating, and we had every right to know why we weren’t performing.”
-ANONYMOUS SOURCE
The music department was said to have taken this action due to recent allegations, but hadn't said much else about the matter. The group was notified by “one of the bigger people in the scene” who is also connected to the music department that the founder had been making false sexual assault allegations.
The band’s involvement in “No Panic Fest”, hosted by Reckless Magazine in April of 2024, led to a photographer doing the photo exhibition during the event to not participate. The photographer attributed his decision to information he uncovered that specifically related to Burger Records.
The group began to suspect that the founder of the magazine was spreading false allegations due to the photographer’s statement. This was later supported by what their connection revealed following the CPP music department’s actions.
“Professionally, its looming over us. It feels like everywhere, there’s going to be some band or venue that references that whole incident.”
-ANONYMOUS SOURCE
Orange Peel Magazine continues to work with bands and grow their platform as an online publication. Integra Pink continues to play shows and release music.
With lawyers involved, and a case that is still developing, it is not entirely clear what will come from this situation.
Just in viewing stories seen on @thebackyard.ig on Instagram, there are instances of sexual violence and abuse that are being vocalized at present.
Social media remains a place in which users are able to share their experiences to mass audiences. This has allowed for social movements to exist and for people to mobilize.
Using social media as a tool to communicate injustice and violence that occurs in many communities; something that is even seen in the entertainment industry.
With the unveiling of sexual violence and abuse at the hands of some of the most powerful people in the music and entertainment industry, it is crucial to recognize those that pose threats of such acts as this relate to the well being of independent artists.
There are so many who are affected by power dynamics that currently dominate most, if not all industries. However, it is interesting to consider that this phenomenon could exist at all levels, including independent identities in the Southern California music scene.
