ARTICLE: Coven Conduct
Rock Coven is a music blog. You know that, it's why you're here. But what you might not know is why we're here, or what we stand for.
We strive to bring you the best in new, independent rock music. That is - and always will be - our number one aim. We never gas up artists or tracks we don't believe in, we don't charge for posts, and we don't publish negative reviews - we're here to help you find great tracks, rather than wasting everyone's time by tearing down stuff that isn't our flavour.
Of course, those are just the basics, so how is the Coven different from every other music publication out there? We're glad you asked.
Our fundamental core belief is equality. We seek to promote marginalised voices within the (incredibly broad) rock genre. For far too long, the music industry has been a perfect reflection of a patriarchal society's prejudice, hatred and exclusion of women, people of colour, LGBTQIA+ and other minority groups. We'd like to change that (and society too, but we'll start with the music first).
If you read our Femmes Fatales post, you'll know that female under-representation in music is a huge issue, along with objectification, tokenism, dismissal, and normalisation of violence. It's not easy, but there are still a fuck-tonne of kick-ass women out there jumping over those hurdles, and making some of the most brilliant noise in the process - so it's only fair that we give them all the hype they deserve.
This has been a terrible week for women. What started with International Women's Day has ended in abduction, murder, fear, mourning, police brutality and political silencing. The disappearance of Sarah Everard has so deeply affected all of us - we've all walked home, keys in fist, prepared for the worst. It could have been any of us. As a publication run by two young women, we are enraged. We are terrified. We've been to gigs alone. We've walked home alone late at night. We shouldn't have to fear for our fucking lives every time we leave the house, is that asking too much?
Unfortunately, smashing the patriarchy isn't the only thing on our agenda, either. Our Black Rock Matters post highlighted the importance of amplifying POC voices specifically within rock music. Black artists face constant appropriation and exclusion - plus barriers created by a society of systemic racism make it astronomically harder for them to succeed.
We aren't perfect, but we are constantly analysing and criticising our own listening habits, and what we choose to write about. There's always gonna be more work to be done, and we're happy to do it. We'd like Rock Coven to be a safe space for everyone to indulge their fuzz-fuelled interests. We want to create a community of like-minded individuals who share the same passion for dirty rock and equal rights.
Women deserve to feel safe in the mosh pit, as well as walking home.
Article by Courtney Myers
