When Sarah McLachlan co-founded the Lilith Fair music festival in the 1990s, her aim was to combat gender bias in the music industry and spotlight female performers. The new documentary “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery” delves into its pioneering impact, particularly at a time when radio stations hesitated to play women artists consecutively, and festival organizers doubted the drawing power of female headliners compared to men.
The all-female festival made history as the most lucrative event of the 1990s, breaking barriers by empowering not just the female musicians on stage but also the crew members and attendees. Here are some key insights from the film:
1. Emerging artists like Tegan and Sara, Nelly Furtado, and Christina Aguilera, alongside established figures such as McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, and Tracy Chapman, found a platform at Lilith Fair. Missy Elliott’s debut solo performance outside the U.S. was at Lilith in 1998, leading to critical acclaim despite initial setbacks.
2. The festival faced criticism for its lack of diversity, particularly in the predominantly white lineup of the inaugural 1997 edition. Efforts were made in subsequent years to include a more diverse range of genres and artists, like Erykah Badu, broadening the festival’s appeal and audience.
3. Lilith Fair donated a portion of ticket sales to local women’s charities, supporting causes like breast cancer research and women’s shelters. This philanthropic aspect became a driving force for McLachlan, raising over $7 million by the end of the festival’s three-year run.
4. Controversy erupted over Lilith Fair’s pro-choice stance, notably in Houston where Planned Parenthood was initially excluded. Joan Osborne and others protested against restrictions on discussing reproductive health on stage, highlighting the festival’s commitment to supporting women’s rights.
5. The festival also paved the way for women to excel in technical roles behind the scenes, challenging the male-dominated norms in the industry. By providing opportunities for female sound engineers and technicians, Lilith Fair fostered inclusivity and diversity in traditionally male-centric roles.
“Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery” is now available for viewing on CBC Gem starting September 17.