![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Alice-Wilder-horizontal_web-1-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFacing Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As Alice gained experience, they encountered the familiar struggles many women in the audio industry face. \u201cI\u2019m very good at my job,” Alice asserts, “but I\u2019ve seen other engineers\u2019 careers launch right past mine, and I know it has nothing to do with mixing abilities and everything to do with gender. Cis men are just trusted inherently without question.\u201d This reality has been a consistent obstacle in Alice\u2019s 15-year career, but they continue to push forward with confidence and skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One recurring frustration is being overlooked after a successful mix. \u201cI\u2019ve crushed a mix for a show, and then the lighting designer (LD) gets thanked repeatedly in front of me. If the LD is non-binary or a woman, the confusion definitely sets in.\u201d The subtle yet constant undermining of their contributions adds to the daily hurdles Alice faces. \u201cGuys being overly nice and asking questions they wouldn\u2019t ask a man\u2014\u2018Where are you from?\u2019 or \u2018Where\u2019s the next stop?\u2019\u2014it gets exhausting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Breaking Down Barriers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When asked why there aren\u2019t more women in the pro audio industry, Alice points to the lack of a support system and the gender polarization still prevalent in the field. \u201cA lot of it is due to less inclusivity and discrimination. If we want to change things, we need to even the playing field and work together to support each other.\u201d Alice stresses the importance of eliminating gatekeeping, offering access to tools, and providing spaces for self-care as vital steps toward progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alice also highlights the importance of mental health in the industry, a topic that often gets overlooked. “I\u2019d like to see mental care and self-care at the forefront. No one\u2019s having an easy time out there, and talking about things is helpful.” They advocate for better communication between management and crew to ensure well-being on tour, as well as respecting scheduled days off to prevent burnout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finding Joy in the Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Throughout their career, Alice Wilder has been fortunate to work on a variety of shows and productions that have left a lasting impact. \u201cI loved working for M.I.A. \u2013 always entertaining,\u201d Alice recalls enthusiastically. Another standout experience has been with the band Big Thief. \u201cThey\u2019re so stripped down and raw, true to themselves no matter what. And who does that any more? Everyone\u2019s always trying to top the last act or go bigger or harder\u2014it seems kinda silly sometimes to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond their work on individual shows, Alice has found resources that help elevate their career growth. They turn to Instagram, finding inspiration from professionals who openly share their knowledge. \u201cFor production, I like @andrewismusic, and for mixing, @aubreywhitfield,\u201d Alice says. These professionals, Alice notes, are committed to not gatekeeping information and instead offer thoughtful tips and insights that anyone can access. This openness and willingness to share knowledge aligns with Alice\u2019s belief in inclusivity and support within the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By engaging with these resources and staying connected to the broader audio community, Alice continues to sharpen their skills while supporting a culture of shared growth and collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regarding advice for others entering the industry, Alice emphasizes the importance of finding a support system and not feeling the need to prove oneself. \u201cDon\u2019t feel like you have anything to prove. It\u2019s all in the mix.” They also encourage others to “rely on your ears over an RTA.\u201d And to keep things as analog as possible at the start, staying true to the sonic core of a mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking Toward the Future<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Alice remains optimistic about the future of live events. \u201cConcerts are timeless,\u201d they state, though they acknowledge the pandemic brought some uncertainty to the industry. Alice hopes the changes brought by the pandemic will lead to a deeper appreciation for live events. More than that: a consideration for those working behind the scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Alice continues their career in audio, they remain a powerful advocate for inclusivity, mental health, and collaboration. Their story is an inspiration for women and non-binary individuals looking to make their mark in professional audio. It reminds everyone that perseverance, passion, and a commitment to one’s craft can break down even the toughest barriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To keep up with Alice, follow them on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a>Read last month’s Women in Pro Audio interview here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Check out this month’s Women in Pro Audio with Alice Wilder, an inspiring front-of-house (FOH) engineer, mixing engineer, and producer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":245135,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"news_tags":"","footnotes":""},"news-tag":[],"class_list":["post-432928","story","type-story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Alice-Wilder_Mixing-Console_web-768x1024.jpg\")
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