Listen Out Headliner Triggers Backlash W/ Past Blowjob Pic

This time last year, US artist Getter posted a trés risqué photo of himself copping a blowie from an unnamed woman (who he later tagged into a tweet thread), and turned it into a limited-run shirt on his site, Trippy Burger. 

Getter’s now been included in the Listen Out lineup for this year’s event, despite saying on his Twitter earlier this year that he was “leaving the ‘industry’” as soon as he finishes his next album.

His inclusion on the lineup has gotten people within the Aussie music industry talking about how men who have previously behaved grossly can somehow get off scot-free and continue to tour, make money, and be popular among the punters.

At the time of the tweet from Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), Getter spoke out about the image and shirt, saying that the woman in the photo consented to the image being posted, and he was splitting the shirt’s profits with her.

For me, the image is gross because yes, it’s consensual – at least according to Getter – but an image like that, when it’s viewed out of context and with no knowledge that the woman in the photo agreed to have it shared online, sends all types of potentially problematic messages that can be misinterpreted by impressionable young males. It could easily imply the idea that there’s a connection between being a high-profile DJ and getting your dick sucked on demand.

Multiple sources within the EDM scene who are uncomfortable with the perpetual praise of problematic artists tipped off PEDESTRIAN.TV that a lot of discussions within the industry are raising concerns about the imbalanced treatment of people within the scene. 

Artists that have spoken to us about the double standards have wished to remain anonymous due to a fear of being blacklisted, which speaks volumes about how fragile the egos of others are.

One highly-regarded DJ who regularly plays the festival cycle told us that a lot of the issue lies in white dudes being able to act inappropriately – like making money off a lewd selfie – further promoting a hyper-masculine, degrading culture and not cop much – if any – flack for it. 

Turning a blind eye to behaviour that can be construed as gross and in poor taste normalises the bro culture that is damaging creative industries, and has the potential to lead to women feeling uncomfortable or unsafe in spaces where these artists hold power and dominance, like live gigs and festivals.

As discussion around safety at festivals continues to grow and get louder, and festival organisers take measures to make sure that punters feel safe and included at their events (like Laneway Festival and Camp Cope with the harassment hotline), there’s still a place for behaviour like Getter’s – and that’s what has some people in the Aussie music industry raising their eyebrows.

Gross behaviour is absolutely a spectrum, but should we not keep everyone accountable to their actions?