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Candid: Conversations on Women in the Music Industry
From best-selling author and respected music journalist Sammy Stein comes Candid, a book that relates the experiences of women from many genres and with different roles in the music industry. It includes more than forty internationally acclaimed figures, including Dame Evelyn Glennie, Debbie Wiseman OBE, Jennifer Batten, Judi Silvano, Badi Assad, Liona Boyd, and more. Men too have their say in their chapter.
“Once I was contacted by people who wanted to hire me because they said they liked the way I looked in my photos—it was not clear if they were interested in my music or wanted me to work in a brothel!” Marilyn Crispell
“Listen to yourself, know the industry that you are in, believe in yourself.” Dame Evelyn Glennie
“I had to deal with men getting their appendages out, being accosted in dressing rooms, a sound engineer getting in my bunk on the bus [...] having to change and shower in the same rooms—you learn some funny dressing skills.” Jo Ellul
The women (along with selected male contributors) discuss their positive and negative experiences and their ongoing journeys in music, presenting the reader with an in-depth, honest view of the music industry today. The conversational manner of the book is both compelling and utterly engaging.
Sammy Stein instigates heartfelt conversations that are rich in insight. The book addresses sexism, misogyny, unequal pay, and the challenging situations women encounter, but also a wealth of uplifting positive experiences and sound advice. It astutely delves into the need for change and how those working daily in the business can help facilitate this.
The reader is invited into the dialogue. They may be shocked, or find some of the experiences amusing, but they will experience candid, honest conversations between global stars of music that discuss a still-evolving industry reconciling its past, navigating the present, and looking toward the future.
“I am proud to endorse this book as it gives voice to a diverse array of women in the music industry across different generations, genres, and sectors with fascinating insights as well as solutions toward a more inclusive music industry.” Bushra El-Turk, Composer
Praise for Sammy
“Best-selling author Sammy Stein stands at the forefront of excellence, commanding international acclaim for her authoritative prose and exceptional journalism.” 8th House Publishing
“…the author's signature style, a feature of her pieces being a willingness to give a voice to musicians’ views on their own work alongside her own well thought through perspectives.” Phil Barnes, journalist
“She is a deft interviewer, and as in her previous books, this one seeks insight and opinion from many musicians, academics, and others close to the music.” Deb Grant, radio host, DJ and author
About Sammy Stein
Multiple award-winning author Sammy Stein is internationally acclaimed. She has won a Jazz Times Distaff Award, a Literary Titan Gold Award, written for Reader’s Digest and other publications, and has been commissioned twice by the Library of Congress. One commentator said, “She gives clear facts, yet does not try to force the reader’s opinion. The depth of research is incredible”.
These are the conversations of women in the music industry. They are unfiltered. Some are funny, some shocking, some include wonderfully uplifting tales of support.
“Once I was contacted by people who wanted to hire me because they said they liked the way I looked in my photos—it was not clear if they were interested in my music or wanted me to work in a brothel!” Marilyn Crispell
“Listen to yourself, know the industry that you are in, believe in yourself.” Dame Evelyn Glennie
“I had to deal with men getting their appendages out, being accosted in dressing rooms, a sound engineer getting in my bunk on the bus [...] having to change and shower in the same rooms—you learn some funny dressing skills.” Jo Ellul
The women (along with selected male contributors) discuss their positive and negative experiences and their ongoing journeys in music, presenting the reader with an in-depth, honest view of the music industry today. The conversational manner of the book is both compelling and utterly engaging.
Sammy Stein instigates heartfelt conversations that are rich in insight. The book addresses sexism, misogyny, unequal pay, and the challenging situations women encounter, but also a wealth of uplifting positive experiences and sound advice. It astutely delves into the need for change and how those working daily in the business can help facilitate this.
The reader is invited into the dialogue. They may be shocked, or find some of the experiences amusing, but they will experience candid, honest conversations between global stars of music that discuss a still-evolving industry reconciling its past, navigating the present, and looking toward the future.
“I am proud to endorse this book as it gives voice to a diverse array of women in the music industry across different generations, genres, and sectors with fascinating insights as well as solutions toward a more inclusive music industry.” Bushra El-Turk, Composer
Praise for Sammy
“Best-selling author Sammy Stein stands at the forefront of excellence, commanding international acclaim for her authoritative prose and exceptional journalism.” 8th House Publishing
“…the author's signature style, a feature of her pieces being a willingness to give a voice to musicians’ views on their own work alongside her own well thought through perspectives.” Phil Barnes, journalist
“She is a deft interviewer, and as in her previous books, this one seeks insight and opinion from many musicians, academics, and others close to the music.” Deb Grant, radio host, DJ and author
About Sammy Stein
Multiple award-winning author Sammy Stein is internationally acclaimed. She has won a Jazz Times Distaff Award, a Literary Titan Gold Award, written for Reader’s Digest and other publications, and has been commissioned twice by the Library of Congress. One commentator said, “She gives clear facts, yet does not try to force the reader’s opinion. The depth of research is incredible”.
These are the conversations of women in the music industry. They are unfiltered. Some are funny, some shocking, some include wonderfully uplifting tales of support.
Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 11, 2025
A real eye-opener. When I go and watch a concert, or hear a recording, I don't really consider the things in this bookNow I definitely will. A well put together journey through some difficult things, but I found it a positive book too. I liked the male perspective and will definitely reconsider my attitude now. Not that it was bad, but there was so much I never knew. Thank you, for this important book.
November 2, 2024
Proper written review coming to joyzine.org soon
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews