Girl Power: Women Paving The Way In The Reno Music Scene
In light of the Supreme Court overturning Roe V. Wade in June, many women were left with mixed emotions. Activists across the nation turned out to march on federal courthouse steps, protesting their right to essential healthcare. Religious activists praised the Supreme Court’s decision, defending the protections of the unborn. Wherever you fall on the matter, the times we live in have been feeling especially turbulent lately, dividing the country even further on either side of a philosophical issue.
Placing my personal feelings about this groundbreaking decision aside, I decided in the midst of chaos to redirect my energy into what I do best: reach out to the community and uplift their voices.
During my 20+ years in Reno, I’ve witnessed and have received quite a lot of misogyny in the music scene. I’ve heard story after story, but I think predators definitely take advantage of women in music spaces, whether they are performing or in attendance, because by nature it is vulnerable, raw and typically, adult.
But I’ve also seen people, regardless of their genders, be incredibly loving to one another in the Biggest Little City as well. I’ve connected with beautiful humans, shared wonderful memories and have received kindness from caring, empathetic and talented men and women alike. Just as there is a dark side of Reno, there is plenty of light and warmth to go around too.
So, I thought of a project to give the musical women of Reno a platform, a place where they could showcase their gifts, vent their woes and shine in their triumphs — a place where no matter our differences, we could come together under a common cause: our love of song. I conducted a survey asking some prevalent musicians in the community what their experiences have been, what inspires them to keep going and what wisdom they could impart with others.
These are their answers. This list is a living document — and I will be sure to add to it as I receive more responses. These members were nominated by other music organizers and aficionados like myself. I hope throughout the troubling state of the world, you’re able to find some solace in their music and their insight.
Sahara Harrington
Associated Bands or Groups:
Ozymandias, Fuin, Heavy Magdalene, occasionally Reno PyratePunx
Length of time in Reno:
12 years
Sounds Like:
“Ozy is a form of doom, somewhere in between Sleep and Sabbath. Fuin is more crusty-sludge and Heavy Magdalene is acoustic.”
Reno is Rad because:
“I love how tight-knit it usually is. I think that for the most part, people are willing to work hard to put on shows just for the community. Recently, we had the destruction of almost all of our all-ages venues, so as we are starting to get more back… it's amazing to see the community rally for that. I also feel like we have lots of bands in so many different genres considering we are such a tiny city.”
What Reno needs:
“I think we need to explore more all-ages venues. It's really hard because there is a ton of liability involved with all-ages, but it's super important. Additionally, we have to be diligent about the types of messages we allow to perforate the community. Personally, I believe messages of hate, be them based on race or sexual orientation, etc., should never be allowed in our spaces.”
Takeaways:
“I am lucky to have had the support system I did when I first started out and most of the people I've worked with or played with are incredible! Of course, as a woman there are always naysayers. I've definitely seen women enter into the community who are then berated with the age-old ‘they're just in it to pick up dudes’ or ‘they don't even like X genre, name three songs’ and it's wack AF. The elitism can run pretty rampant if you don't check it. I guess it comes as a surprise to some people, but women like dope stuff too.”
A Nod to Other Women:
“If you have a desire to do something (like start a band, book a show, etc.) absolutely DO IT. If you need a helping hand I have your back and will happily pass along the things I've learned. Like I said before, most of the people are stoked to help out or give you advice. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and be confident in your abilities. Of course, things like playing instruments is going to take practice, but don't be afraid to just grab something cheap and give it a shot. You can find a ton of stuff online for way cheaper than you see at a retailer. Practice makes perfect, and if you're anything like me, writing is a serious means of catharsis.”
Connect:
Stephanie Jones (Jonesy)
Photo by Entertainment Photography by Jens.
Associated Bands or Groups:
Arnold Mitchem Band, Moxy Ruckus, Bourgeois Gypsies, Moon Muses
Length of time in Reno:
Whole life
Sounds Like:
Alternative folk rock
Reno is Rad because:
“I have been in or around the music scene for a long time, starting back at punk rock and alternative shows at dive bars or venues that existed at the time. The scene has always been odd and fragmented. I love the new opportunities and places that have opened up. It gives a musician a non-smoke or non-casino option. This wasn't always the case. I think we are starting to have a ‘scene’ that an artist would want to be a part of. People seem very open and wanting to help each other and collaborate. It took many years and many failed venues and attempts to create some kind of corridor, but I think we have a lot of infrastructure now, a lot of choices of where to play and share visual art.”
What Reno needs:
“I think movement can be improvement. People creating the art they want to see and putting work in and making it happen by continuing to revamp and make new venues or new music. I am going to be sad when the 60's rockers have left us if there is no new thing to come pick up the reins. There are a lot of open mics and things like that, which is the starting ground for the new. So, I guess if everybody just continues to work at it like they are, it will develop.”
Takeaways:
“I think finding others to fill in for you can be difficult as a lady. There's just not a lot of us, especially bass players or drummers. There is a lot of musicians around, but I see mostly older men gigging — I know and love many of them. There seems to be very few lady musicians as I run into the same ones. Most of them are my friends!”
A Nod to Other Women:
”Do it! I love when people get inspired by music… I would say to figure out what you want to get better at and work on that. Whether it be performing or writing, or playing and technical skill, just chip away at it. If you are afraid to be on stage, you must get up there and do it more! If you want to play an instrument, get one and be disciplined and learn. So many people say they want to learn, but then they let things stop them. Get a teacher, go on You Tube, just keep working at it, don't give up. Let it help you develop your personality and personal strength. Don't let fear defeat you.”
Connect:
Jen Scaffidi
Photo by Melody Jane Photo.
Associated Bands or Groups:
BLUNDERBUSST, WIZARD COLORS
Length of time in Reno:
From Carson City, been involved in Reno music scene since mid 90s.
Sounds Like:
”Blunderbusst: heartfelt psychedelic indie rock. Wizard Colors: ambient improvised noise.”
Reno is Rad because:
”I love that thing where we mix genres and ages and skill levels.”
What Reno needs:
”More venues first and foremost, particularly all-ages or performance-based venues — the ‘bar with a stage’ is the bulk of what we have here and that has its place for sure! Some of my favorite places to play are our smaller dive bars! But dedicated performance spaces - like the Infinity Room in Salem or Musiclandria in Sacramento or the Holland Project here in Reno — can put performers in front of audiences they wouldn't normally see in the bar scene. We don't just need the spaces, we need to cultivate the community to support these kinds of venues too.
Along those same lines, we need multiple rooms with larger capacities. Venues that bridge the gap between what, say, Holland can book versus what Cargo or the GSR can book. That would allow us to entice more touring acts to play here and give local bands places to grow.
And finally... Reno's fierce DIY ethic is a point of pride for sure, but the result of that independent spirit can be that we don't necessarily hold ourselves to very high standards in terms of execution. I think that can keep a scene from greatness overall, not just on stage, but behind-the-scenes and in the audience too. We can do it ourselves and have higher standards, and we could be a real powerhouse of a regional scene if we leveled up a little bit.”
Takeaways:
”I've been very fortunate to have had mostly positive experiences in all my years making music here and it's been a very long time since I had anyone mansplain my own gear to me, or act like a turd at a show, or offer me ‘constructive criticism’ (flirting disguised as advice negging, what the hell), but I think my luck is a product of the overall democratization of music-making, combined with younger artists really not giving a shit about gender. It's so much more normal now for women to make music than it was when I was in high school and even though I know there are jerks everywhere, the industry really seems to be evolving in the direction of equality.”
A Nod to Other Women:
”Do your thing. Work with people who support and actually like your vision/ideas/aesthetic. Ask trusted co-conspirators for feedback, but remember that we're all making it up, and things are just, like, your opinion, man. It's never too late to learn to play or write or perform and fear is a silly reason to keep yourself from trying (most) new things. Practice, practice, practice, then practice some more. Get the best gear you can afford. Be on time, say please and thank you, and put on a good show. Never stop adding to your body of work.”
Connect:
Rachael McElhiney
Photo by Michaelyn McElhiney.
Associated Bands or Groups:
Spencer Kilpatrick & the Sand Gators, Buffalo Moses and His Ex-Wives, Mike Clark and the Sugar Sounds, Subtle Lovers, Oh Lonesome Ana, Killer Whale, and her own band (name TBD)
Length of time in Reno:
15 years
Sounds Like:
“Lullaby-rage.”
Reno is Rad because:
“The genuine friendships I've made over the years, memories of Gremfest, the Holland project!, Loud As Folk, KWNK.”
What Reno needs:
“Continuing to grow and support inclusivity, always. Lose any egos that may arise, never any need for those.”
Takeaways:
“As a woman, I've been greatly affected by meeting and growing musical friendships with the other women and feminine energies of this scene. I've been fortunate enough to work with many amazing lady-identifying musicians here and all over the west coast and my takeaway is to never let that stop. Never lose fire or patience for my craft when negative experiences tell me otherwise. There is just no time to be anything other than the most badass we can be. We each have such different qualities, creativities, talents and skills to share with one another. No competition, always support!'“
A Nod to Other Women:
“Freakin’ go for it! Don't take judgement, don't take shit! You can do this!”
