Jessie Ware thinks ageism is still an issue in the music industry.
Jessie Ware thinks ageism is still a problem
The 41-year-old singer believes radio is a “bit ageist” and sexist – but she doesn’t allow the situation to bother her too much.
Speaking to People, Jessie explained: “Ageism is still, I think, an issue in some spaces, but I think that I pay less attention to it.
“I still think it’s a bit ageist in radio. And sexist. Not every radio. But I do think it’s changed.”
Jessie believes the music industry was less image-obsessed during her younger years.
The pop star – who released her debut album, Devotion, in 2012 – explained: “The people that I was looking at and inspired by were the people that had longevity — Annie Lennox, Sade, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan. It didn’t feel like there was a shelf life on them, their music and what they could give. Probably because it was led by the vocals and the song. And so whilst I really enjoy the pop elements of my shows, I think first and foremost, I’m a singer, and that hopefully will stand the test of time. But I’m still going to have fun in pop.”
Jessie co-hosts the Table Manners podcast alongside her mother Lennie, and she’s admitted to being amazed by her own success with the venture.
The singer – who launched the podcast in 2018 – shared: “I didn’t know what a f****** podcast was 10 years ago.
“I love the job satisfaction that I get. It’s a rollercoaster being a musician, and it changes every time you put a record out. But also the challenge of that, I seem to be able to accept each time, even if I’m more of a shadow of my former self.
“I love my life. I don’t mean to sound smug. I love it. I appreciate that I’m a businesswoman. I appreciate that I’m a creative. I appreciate that I’m a mother. I take none of that for granted.
“I want to celebrate that I’ve been able to make that happen while still living an incredibly normal life.”
