Sex Sells...But It Doesn't Have To.

By Megan O'Kane 

This year there has been a media frenzy surrounding sexism in the music industry. There was the “Blurred Lines” fiasco - where Robin Thicke’s summer smash hit was branded “sexist,” “misogynistic” and subsequently banned in nightclubs and universities across the country. The song then went on to hold the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 weeks, selling more than 6 million tracks. Then there was Miley-Gate, and we all know what happened there! Miss Cyrus’ latest album “Bangerz” has sold an impressive 270,000 units in its first week.

Even more recently Charlotte Church has spoken out- slamming the music industry for forcing female artists to sell themselves as sex objects. UK chart-topper Dido disagrees with this point, stating that not once in her 18-year musical career was she asked to act or dress more provocatively to boost sales. She says:

 “If people are proud of the way they look and want to get their kit off, more power to them. I’ve never ever felt that pressure. To me, the two don’t go hand in hand. I make music, I don’t know if I would sell more music if I got my kit off.”

For all of the Rihannas and the Mileys out there, there are the Taylor Swifts, the Kelly Clarksons and the Adeles (who sell just as many records). In fact, in 2012 Adele became the first female solo artist to have three singles in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time. Singer VV Brown argues that “The two biggest female acts in recent history, from the UK and the USA are Adele and Sade. They didn't have to get their kit off''

There is no denying that the music industry, and music videos in particular, have become more sexually provocative in recent years. But this doesn’t mean that female artists need to be sexy to sell records. The world needs to start celebrating talent and all of the artists I’ve mentioned in this article are talented, clothes on or clothes off.

I would also like to draw attention to this point, which I haven’t seen raised anywhere else: all 6 of Miley Cyrus’ albums which she released under the pseudonym of “Hannah Montana” have been certified Platinum at least twice, with “Hannah Montana 2” certified “x4 platinum” by the Recording Industry Association of America. Hannah Montana was marketed as a “girl next door, cookie-cutter pop sensation,” which is far from the reputation Miley holds today. Yet still, Hannah sold a phenomenal number of records.

In conclusion, yes taking your clothes off will give you publicity which may lead to sales. But artists like Adele, Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson are proof that you can sell just as many by keeping your clothes on.  I’m not saying that wearing skimpy outfits is wrong, far from it, but young women in the music industry should not feel that they need to appear naked in their music videos and performances to become a successful artist. I have said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again: feminism is about women being allowed to CHOOSE how they act, without being oppressed by society. So let’s celebrate talent instead of focusing on whether or not they’re wearing clothes.