So recently my band Witch Cult were on the bill with a band whose name and lyrics were disgustingly sexist and anti-female. After refusing to play the show unless the band were removed, that band are now off the bill.
Both Dom and I sent messages to the band explaining why, and they replied with an apology, which is a credit to them.
So this is a open letter to any band in punk / hardcore whatever who think it is funny and cool to write lyrics or treat women like they are lower beings.
So, Im Lizzy, I play bass in Witch Cult. So, my band are pulling out of the Sheffield show because your band and lyrics have no place in our scene.
I understand you maybe think your lyrics are funny because they are so base and perhaps what you consider to ‘punk’.
You have absolutely no place in the scene.
Would you say those lyrics to my face? Come to one of our shows and say that to me.
The way you have de-humanised women and laughed at their sexuality doesn’t even make me mad – I really wanna just tell you some things.
Rape is a huge issue in our culture, and labelling any girl as a slut is not yours, or anyone’s decision. I know it is only a song you have written, but you have no idea how much shit like this perpetuates the idea that women are inferior, sexualised beings. Domestic Violence, pay gaps, and stereotyping all stem from things like this.
Use Punk music to push things forward boys, and don’t think that attitudes like yours will ever survive.
Some things it would be worth you checking out:
http://slutmeansspeakup.org.uk/
http://www.fromthebackoftheroom.com/home.htm
http://raperevengeband.tumblr.com/
Unfortunately Witch Cult will not be able to play this show.
As you may or may not be aware, we are a band driven by what we believe; especially equality between all races and genders.
Sadly it seems that you do not see eye to eye with us on attitudes towards women and that is something we cannot tolerate.
Their music is the antithesis to what we try to put across and we would not feel comfortable playing with them.
Peace, love, powerviolence,