Dubai needs to do more to get women performing in clubs, says Stereo Arcade’s resident singer Jessica Cotton of band Sound City, who attended the prestigious BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, where she studied in the same classrooms as Amy Winehouse, Adele and Jessie J.
Since moving to Dubai five years ago, Cotton has seen the music industry expand organically from a relatively underground scene to something that has not only grown in size, but also in quality and cultural diversity. This is no more evident than from a quick look at the incredible live music venues making their mark across Dubai as well as the newfound love Dubai residents are showing for music festivals.
“Years ago, the only place to get good live music was in old Dubai; however, as it grows, venues such as Stereo Arcade are bringing it up to date and allowing local talent the opportunity to thrive,” she said.
Cotton has a wealth of musical talent that she now displays to her loyal fans. “I try to make each song my own, to tell the story and connect with my audience.” Her current musical mindset includes Billy Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin.
It is the present scene for women who want to perform in Dubai that also makes Cotton want to sing the blues.
Cotton wants to shine a spotlight on the up-and-coming female musicians, but there is a lack of opportunities.
As demand for talent increases, this is perhaps the area that needs the most support. With the vision of opening an all-female “diva showcase” in theatre-style venues across Dubai, the future could be much more attractive for women.
According to a new survey carried out by Professional Women’s Community, Hopscotch, 6 out of 10 women believe the UAE still has work to do to achieve gender equality. The survey was released to understand the views of women and the ways in which they feel empowerment and gender equality could be improved in the UAE. Cotton couldn’t agree more.
While Dubai has made great strides in many areas, it has fallen short in other respects.
“In just the several years I have lived in Dubai, I have seen the music scene grow exponentially. There used to be just a handful of us on the circuit, but now there is a real community of artists and, particularly, a slew of homegrown acts that are making a name for themselves both in Dubai and internationally.”
“We have always been drawn to Stereo Arcade as a venue as it gives people in Dubai musical variety and the bands that play are top notch, which I think people in Dubai really appreciate.” Stereo Arcade is dedicated to showcasing emerging artists by having a different live band perform every night, which has led to great exposure for Sound City and enabled Cotton to support fellow acts in the tight-knit community.
But now is the time for the women to receive the attention they deserve.
Cotton knows there are other talented women in the city who are desperate for a chance to prove they can perform. Dubai, she says, needs to help them take that next step.
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