Grace Chatto Opens Up About Sexism in the Music Industry: Clean Bandit’s Sole Female Member Speaks Out

A Voice Against Bias

Grace Chatto, the cellist and vocalist of the Grammy-winning group Clean Bandit, has candidly addressed the gender-based discrimination she has encountered throughout her career. In a revealing interview with Voir magazine, the 38-year-old musician shared how being the only female member of the band has shaped her experience in the music industry.

“Being the only girl in the band, you notice different treatment of us individually,” Chatto explained. “At first, I was completely unaware of it, but over the years I noticed certain differences.” Her comments shed light on the subtle and overt biases that persist in the entertainment world, especially for women in male-dominated spaces.

A Career Defined by Hits

Since forming in 2008, Clean Bandit has become a global phenomenon, blending classical instrumentation with electronic pop. Their breakthrough single “Rather Be” featuring Jess Glynne won a Grammy and topped charts worldwide. The group, which also includes brothers Jack and Luke Patterson, has collaborated with a who’s who of pop stars: Demi Lovato, Julia Michaels, Anne-Marie, Zara Larsson, Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding, Craig David, and Charli XCX.

Despite the commercial success, Chatto’s experience behind the scenes has been far from equal. She is the only woman in the core lineup, and her treatment by industry professionals has often been markedly different from her male bandmates. This disparity is a recurring theme in the music business, where female artists frequently report being overlooked, underestimated, or sexualized.

Teasing a New Era

Alongside her revelations about sexism, Chatto offered an exciting update for fans: Clean Bandit is about to drop a new single with a mystery artist they have worked with before. While she remained tight-lipped about the collaborator’s identity, her enthusiasm was palpable.

“I can’t really reveal the singer that we’re about to release with,” Chatto said, “but I can say it’s someone we worked with before, which is amazing, because that last time was one of the best experiences of my whole career. I’m really excited about this. We love the song more than any other song we’ve released in many years. Our energy is fully renewed every time we hear it.”

Given the band’s history of reuniting with past collaborators, speculation is rife. Could it be a return of Jess Glynne or Demi Lovato? Or perhaps a fresh pairing with Julia Michaels, with whom Chatto had a particularly organic writing experience? The group’s last studio album, What Is Love?, was released in 2018, so the new music marks a long-awaited return.

The Art of Creative Control

Chatto also discussed the band’s hands-on approach to their music videos, a hallmark of Clean Bandit’s visual identity. Many fans may not realize that the members—especially Chatto and Jack Patterson—are deeply involved in the directing and editing process.

“I think a lot of people think we just direct them and don’t have that much to do with it,” she said, “but we have been really hands on with every element, and we edit them ourselves as well.” This level of creative control is rare in the industry, where artists often hand over the visual side to external directors. For Clean Bandit, their music videos are an extension of their music, often featuring intricate choreography, classical motifs, and cinematic storytelling.

Their video for “Rather Be,” set in Tokyo and showcasing the band’s signature style, has amassed over 800 million views on YouTube. Other notable clips, such as “Symphony” featuring Zara Larsson and “Rockabye” featuring Sean Paul and Anne-Marie, have also garnered massive streaming numbers.

Sexism in the Music Industry: A Broader Issue

Chatto’s experience is not unique. The music industry has long been criticized for its treatment of women. Studies show that women represent only about one in five artists on festival lineups and are often paid less than their male counterparts. Female producers and engineers are even rarer. In recent years, artists like Taylor Swift, Fiona Apple, and Kesha have publicly called out sexism, inspiring a growing movement for change.

Clean Bandit’s diverse sound has often blurred genre lines, but the band’s internal dynamics reflect the same imbalances seen across the industry. Chatto’s decision to speak out is a powerful reminder that even successful women in the spotlight face systemic barriers.

Looking Ahead

While Chatto continues to navigate the industry with grace and determination, Clean Bandit’s upcoming single promises to reignite the excitement around the band. With a fresh collaboration on the horizon and a renewed sense of purpose, the group is poised to deliver what may become their next anthem.

For now, fans can only wait and wonder who the mystery collaborator might be. One thing is certain: Grace Chatto’s voice—both as a musician and as a commentator on sexism—is more important than ever.

As the music world evolves, conversations like these ensure that the industry becomes more inclusive, not just for artists but for everyone behind the scenes. Chatto’s candor in the Voir interview adds to a growing chorus demanding change, and her story, as documented in Screenshot (550).png, highlights the persistent challenges women face—even when they’re at the top of their game.

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