Although controversy arose over the low number of female musicians at the Última Rock, BBK live or Hatortxu Rock festival in Vitoria-Gasteiz, they say that the egalitarian music scene is beyond visibility. However, it is pointed out in the joint note of the two portals that this sample shows that we are far from equality.

Here are some of the most interesting quotes from the interview:

Reasons for Fewer Women on the Stage

“Being a man gives a lot of privileges to boys. Why don't we get the women to step on the stage? People often think I’m a member of a group. For what reason? Because when we return to the stage, all are boys, and by inertia we think all are boys.” (Olatz Salvador)

“There are many more female musicians out there than on stage. For what reason? I don't know, but there are a lot of groups of guys who cheer up without sounding good. How many boys have you seen singing badly? They asked me, and there were many. But a girl singing badly? I'll never do it. In fact, boys are allowed to make mistakes, but girls are not. And when that vision changes, a lot of groups of girls will come out. Because there are a lot of girls that we want to get on stage, that we are waiting to get out.” (by Izaro Andres)

“There is no preference for being a girl, and if we are here it is because of our work and because we deserve it. And we have to believe that.” (by Ane Bastida)

Criticisms received for being a woman

“The audience values us as well as our music, and our insecurities increase. We have had to empower ourselves not to think so much about what so many people will say about us. But the reality is that there has not been a single concert that has not reminded us that we are more girls in the group. You’re a musician, but first you’re a woman, and they remind you at all times.” (Courtesy of Rojas)

“I get criticisms that the guys in my group don’t get, not just from a musical point of view: what hair color, how I’m dressed... we’ve had to listen to a lot of other criticisms.” (by Ane Bastida)

“The moment you get on stage as a woman, there’s a musical judgment on the one hand, but on the other hand there’s always a sexual judgment, always: the way you’re dressed... And my fellow guys don’t have to endure that. We have the right to be on stage and to be as we want: pretty, ugly, playing well or badly.” (by Izaro Andres)

Of masculine scenes and attitudes

“There are many styles that we haven’t addressed yet and we follow the pattern of punk bands, their patterns. We have had to masculinize many times to get into the scene. We need a more feminine way of making music.” (Assisted by Olatz Salvador)

“I’ve felt compelled to adopt more masculine attitudes. Sometimes I’m the only person in the group of 16. We’ve had some very uncomfortable moments.” (by Izaro Andres)

“The problem, however, is not just being a woman or a man, free zones are necessary for all those bodies that do not enter the norm. And we have to free up all the spaces, yes. But in the meantime it is necessary to create some free spaces.” (Courtesy of Rojas)

Lack of models and referents

Most of the songs are written by children. Women’s lives are not on stage. Personally, I had to look for women who create music, otherwise I would feel very alone.” (Assisted by Olatz Salvador)

“I agree with Kris’s article on the Sponge. I don’t go up to the stage to proclaim anything, but to make music. But it is true that referents are needed, and that is also our responsibility. We have to make ourselves aware that we have to take the boards. There are a lot of girls that we want to get on stage, that we are waiting to get out.” (by Izaro Andres)

“If we don’t go our own way, they won’t leave us room. We need to be encouraged.” (by Ane Bastida)