shesaid.so ALLIES: Q&A with Native Instruments
On being an active ally and strengthening the community
Following a partnership for the Alternative Power Music 100 List in 2020, we are excited to welcome Native Instruments to the shesaid.so community as an ALLIES member. As the leading manufacturer of software and hardware for computer-based audio production and DJ’ing, Native Instruments has been at the heart of musical innovation for over twenty years.
Today, driven by their mission to make music creation more inclusive and accessible, Native hardware, software, and digital services provide fully-integrated solutions for musicians, producers, and DJs of all genres and levels of experience.
We asked what allyship in the music industry means to them.
shesaid.so: Why is diversity & inclusion important to Native Instruments?
NI (Native Instruments): We believe that our differences are our strengths, and we therefore want to facilitate music-making across the widest possible range of cultures and backgrounds. We value individuality and the collective, and we believe that diversity brings innovation, both in the workplace and in music creation. Our position as an industry leader in music production technology gives us a platform to contribute to a progressive society. We want to do more to engage with those who have been underrepresented in music production until now, and we want more balanced representation in our team to achieve that goal.
shesaid.so: What would you say are the particular barriers to inclusivity or greater representation in your sector?
NI: Music technology is a field strongly dominated by those who identify as male. It can be much more challenging for those who are woman-identifying to break in to, and to progress. In general there is still a lingering stigma that women are not intellectually capable of working in hard science. Paired with the issues of predatory behavior that plague the music industry, it can feel like an unwelcoming or unsafe place.
shesaid.so: How are you active allies?
NI: The hard work is just beginning for us. Realizing our own shortcomings is key to becoming as diverse and inclusive as we can be. So far we have established an internal diversity and inclusion committee, and have partnered with an external consultancy (Peoplism) to carry out an extensive audit of our product portfolio, working practices, and culture. With Peoplism we also ran a company-wide Allyship & Inclusion training. We are currently working to set guidelines on how we market our products that reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
shesaidso: In five years how do you want the industry to have changed to be more inclusive?
NI: It is encouraging to see more and more individuals and organizations speak openly about issues of inclusivity and diversity. I would hope that in five years we will have made substantial progress in creating actionable plans to address the roots of these issues in our sector. We must hold ourselves accountable for living what we believe, even if this means a lot of hard work and some tough decisions along the way.
shesaid.so: What can people do/change to be better allies today?
NI: Listen to people around you who are communicating their negative experiences or struggling with a situation of discrimination or harassment. Educate yourself on an ongoing basis, and take it upon yourself to find ways to contribute. Do not place the burden of development on those who are facing discrimination — they are not your tutors.
shesaid.so: In one sentence what does allyship mean to you?
NI: Strengthening the collective by taking action to ensure that each individual is provided the same opportunities to thrive.
shesaid.so: How do you think the industry can do better?
NI: Be honest about areas of improvement and approach the work with humility. Create actionable plans with concrete steps, and hold yourself accountable to the results. Operate with transparency to help others around you learn from your successes and mistakes.
shesaid.so: What would you say to someone who doesn’t know how to be an ally?
NI: Everyone needs to start somewhere and it is never too late. Approach the topic with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Treat those around you with kindness and respect, and be open to feedback.
Read more about shesaid.so ALLIES membership here.
