The TRNSMT Festival is once again facing scrutiny over its lack of female headliners. Music journalist Lisa-Marie Ferla highlights ongoing concerns regarding diversity within the festival’s lineup. She points out that while major music tours are being led by female artists, such as Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, and Sabrina Carpenter, TRNSMT’s selections seem uninspired.
Calls for Greater Diversity at TRNSMT Festival
Ferla expressed her frustration at the festival’s consistent failure to include prominent female acts as headliners. She noted that the current festival lineup has sparked conversations about representation in the music industry. This issue has become an annual discussion point since the festival’s inception.
Uninspired Lineup Choices
Despite local favorite Lewis Capaldi being part of the lineup, questions remain about the appeal of bands like Kasabian as headliners for 2026. Ferla argues that these choices do not reflect what is current or exciting in the music scene.
The Pipeline Problem
Festival promoters have often cited a “pipeline problem” for the lack of female representation. However, there have been evident efforts over the years to diversify the acts featured in secondary positions on the festival poster.
- Notable Female Artists: Artists like Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, and Sabrina Carpenter lead major tours.
- Critique of Headliners: Lewis Capaldi praised for local connection; Kasabian questioned for freshness.
- Annual Conversations: Diversity in music remains a key topic during TRNSMT announcements.
As conversations around diversity continue, it remains to be seen how future lineups at the TRNSMT Festival will evolve. The music community is urging for changes that reflect a broader spectrum of talent while promoting inclusivity.
