The 2018 festival season is off to a rocky start with a slew of lineup announcements that have been met with derision and criticism. Whether its the artists featured on the lineup or some broader issue with a festival itself, fans don’t seem to be happy. (Some festivals have definitely bucked this trend and it’s only January, so we’re not that worried for the rest of the year.)
While we were excited for the lineup just announced for Firefly Music Festival, Halsey, who performed in 2015, was quick to point out the lack of female performers on the lineup. “Damn guys come onnnnnn. Where the women at,” she maligned. “This was one of my favorite festivals I’ve ever played and it’s a shame there’s not more females on the bill. With the exception of (the amazing) Sza, the first like 20 acts on the bill are men. It’s 2018, do better!!!”
Counting down on the lineup, it does actually take 20 acts until you reach the first act with a female member, Marian Hill. Other acts with female members or solo female acts on the lineup include Alice Merton, Middle Kids, Lucy Dacus, Charlotte Cardin, Jade Bird, and Lights. 
Damn guys come onnnnnn. Where the women at. This was one of my favorite festivals I’ve ever played and it’s a shame there’s not more females on the bill. With the exception of (the amazing) Sza, the first like 20 acts on the bill are men. It’s 2018, do better!!! https://t.co/8tmeac8mVu
— h (@halsey) January 11, 2018
One of her followers, who has since deleted their tweet, suggested she should complain to the organizers of Firefly – she replied:
Who am I supposed to “go off on” haha. Festivals ASK artists to play. Artists don’t ASK festivals if they can come. I’m just raising a point! So many dope women in music right now! https://t.co/WGtVO7u2xg
— h (@halsey) January 11, 2018
Festival lineups will never please everyone, but organizers can always do more to make lineups more inclusive and representative of the audience who will be coming to their events.
Photo via Rukes.com
