Punk goddess of Paramore Hayley Williams has opened up in a recent interview about why she “doesn’t dare” play guitar on stage. The music industry is unfortunately no stranger to sexism, which is the main reason behind Williams’ decision. Williams discussed the higher standards that are set upon women in the music world.
The Wet Leg interviewer Rhian Teasdale commented on the discouraging accusations that female artists often get when performing, stating that a frequent comment she’s heard is “oh, she’s holding that guitar but she’s not actually playing it” or that “women shouldn’t play guitar…it’s so dated but it’s still there!” Williams agreed and connected with Teasdale’s frustrations, herself stating “I just hate that people even need to point it out. I don’t even really think about my gender at all, when we play the music especially. It’s just not part of the picture. I’m trying to lean into femininity and empower that part of myself more in this era of my career, but do you ever get on stage and feel ‘other’? You feel like this alien thing that’s powerful and beautiful” (NME).
Williams is still making an effort to assert her femininity despite these challenges, as she was recently featured in Rodarte fashion campaign. She’s also been busy with Paramore, releasing new music and planning to go on tour through the UK and Ireland in 2023.
(Photo Credit: Jenna Houchin)
Leave a Comment