Jada “Data“ Watson | Women in Media

Sarah Burke interviews musicologist, assistant professor and researcher Jada Watson. Jada shares her background in classical music and her transition to researching gender representation in the music industry. She talks about her published research, participating in a recent panel at CRS in Nashville (Country Radio Seminar) and the controversy surrounding Beyoncé song ’Texas Hold ’em.’ She also shares surprising findings about the song and its impact on new listeners. The conversation then shifts to the lack of representation at festivals, particularly in headlining positions. The Ottawa Blues Fest lineup is examined as an example. Jada emphasizes the importance of actively supporting underrepresented artists through streaming, buying music, attending shows, and sharing their work. She also highlights the need for intersectional representation and creating safe spaces in the industry. Find more works discussed in this episode: