Pop’s glass ceiling: why new female stars can’t break through

From Anne-Marie to Zara Larsson, the music industry is promoting more women than ever – but few seem to be making it to stardom. Is it because labels treat them differently to their male counterparts?In December 2008, the Guardian declared that the music industry was in midst of a new era of female pop star. The emergence of La Roux, Little Boots, Marina and the Diamonds, Ladyhawke and Lady Gaga signalled a significant – if limited – shift in the zeitgeist: synthy, futurist sta