Award-winning singer and producer Alicia Keys has opened up about the structural challenges women continue to face in the music industry, describing it as a space that can still operate like a “boys’ club,” particularly behind the scenes.

In a recent interview with The Times of London, Keys pointed to the limited access women have in technical and production roles, noting that female engineers and producers are often excluded from opportunities. She highlighted the stark gender imbalance, stating that women make up only a small fraction—around two percent—of the industry’s production and engineering workforce. For Keys, who has long been involved in producing her own music, the statistic underscores a deeper systemic issue.

Rather than dwell solely on frustration, she explained that her response has been to actively create opportunities and open doors for other women. Her comments reflect a broader push within the industry to address longstanding disparities in representation and recognition, especially in roles that shape the sound and direction of music.

Keys also touched on the themes within her own work, clarifying that while many of her songs resonate with empowerment and feminist undertones, they were not always written with that explicit intention. Instead, she described them as personal reflections—moments where she used music to encourage herself during periods of self-doubt. Over time, that introspective approach has formed a consistent thread throughout her catalogue.

Beyond advocacy, Keys offered practical advice to emerging artists, stressing the importance of ownership and self-advocacy in navigating the business side of music. She urged creatives to think beyond performance and songwriting, encouraging them to understand how to retain control over their work and careers.

Drawing from her own experience as a 17-time Grammy winner, she warned that many artists enter the industry without adequate guidance, often finding themselves surrounded by executives and legal professionals who prioritise their own financial interests. According to Keys, these structures rarely prioritise the long-term sustainability of the artist, making it essential for musicians to educate themselves and take an active role in protecting their careers.

Her remarks add to ongoing conversations about equity, representation, and financial literacy in the global music business—issues that continue to shape how the next generation of artists approaches both creativity and commerce.