Courtney Love recently interviewed gay hit songwriter Justin Tranter for Out, and the two discussed why they think the music industry and alternative rock has rampant sexism and homophobia.
Justin Tranter said, “Alternative radio is nothing but white straight men.”
Courtney Love responded, “Once in a while, I’ll hear myself on KROQ radio, and I’m like, Wait, I gave birth to you, what are you doing? [Laughs] I think my band was integral to KROQ crossing over and becoming a monster power, and now they barely play Hole or any women anymore.”
Love also discussed the ‘bro’ culture in rock.
“I never dressed like a dude. I never pretended I was a dude. I had girlfriends who were totally butching it out, and they fit in really well or tried to, but that didn’t last. It’s so hard… those bros.”
Tranter said, “There are systemic problems in our culture when it comes to things that are behind the scenes and viewed as somewhat technical. Even though songwriting isn’t technical, the behind-the-scenes songwriter is viewed as a technical position. Queer people are born into a world where we’re told those kinds of jobs probably aren’t for us.”
Love responded, “Like sound techs and engineers… You have a real point. I’ve never known a queer roadie that was out.”
She also said, “On the road, it’s such a sexist dude culture.”
