The Evolution Of Women In The Global Dance Music Scene

Today we celebrate International Women's Day. It’s a global day that marks the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. We’ve come along way since the first IWD in 1908 but in some ways, there has been a backtrack of progress. Last year, women’s march’s took place around the world and portrayed a burning passion within female-identifying individuals to come together and move forward both politically and socially, particularly in a time of political turmoil.

More than ever, women have been spurred on to highlight gender inequality and bring dark subjects like sexual harassment to light, from the #MeToo movement to exposing gender pay gaps throughout a wide range of industries.

Electronic music provides an escape from the grim realities that have born an ugly truth in today’s society, yet the music industry itself is very part of the problem. There’s still an embarrassing lack of gender balance on festival and club line-ups, which is sometimes brushed off as the artist ‘not fitting’ the type of music on offer - not really a valid excuse considering a festival usually has at least one type of genre on the bill.

In the electronic music industry, gender inequality is nothing new. There’s been an increasing shift of female-identifying artists appearing on event line-ups but there’s still a long way to go.

Further afield, however, positive projects like the ‘Australian Women in Music Awards’ take place to shine a light on the valuable contributions women have made in the industry. It’s a well overdue occasion to acknowledge the backbone of the music realm, many of whom are female and working as managers, liaisons, artists, promoters and journalists amongst others. ‘Press for Progress’ is another movement which urges a strong call to 'press forward’ and progress gender parity - it’s to motivate and unite friends, colleagues and communities to think, act and be gender inclusive.

It’s a core part of International Women’s Day to push onwards with global advocacy, activism and support. To honour International Women’s Day here at Egg, we spoke to some of our favourite electronic producers and selectors who will return to the club or make their Egg LDN debut later in the year.

The likes of Manumission co-founder/creative director Claire McKay, Beste Modus label boss Cinthie, Capital XTRA’s Coco Cole and lots more exceptionally talented creators share their advice for all genders who are looking to break into the music industry and for the day that’s in it, a celebration of the women who have influenced them the most thoughout their sonic career...

Claire - Manumission

What advice would you give to female artists who wish to enter the music industry?

There is no doubt that this is a male-oriented industry.  As a woman, you will need to prove your worth, stand your ground and bring something to the table that is uniquely you. Do not be afraid of your femininity, the balance it brings is a necessity.  Be strong, mentally and physically, but embrace your creativity, draw from your emotions and your experiences - good & bad.  Love what you do.  Be compassionate.  And most of all be you.

Who is the most influential woman in your life?

My mother, and our 2 daughters.  All keep me balanced, humble (ie not too big-headed), protected and loved.

Sam Divine

What advice would you give to female artists who wish to enter the music industry?

The same advice I would give anyone, make sure you are ready to play out before you take your first gig because if you haven't got the basics nailed, then it could be your last. I've heard some cringe mixes from warm-up DJ's in the past, playing on a club sound system is completely different to playing on your speakers in your bedroom.

Put regular mixes up on Soundcloud and Mixcloud and ask for feedback from your mates. NETWORK!! Study the genre you want to play, do your homework, go back to the back catalogue of the labels you love.

Watch music history documentaries on Youtube - It's so important that you have knowledge of the music you are playing. You could teach a monkey to download some tracks and play them. Experience is knowledge and knowledge is power!

Who is the most influential woman in your life?

My mum has brought me up with manners and morals and taught me to be brave when decisions have been scary. I've had many game-changing moments in my career and that’s because I took a leap of faith so that makes my mum my hero!! 

Coco Cole

What advice would you give to female artists who wish to enter the music industry?  Unless your brand actively addresses gender, sex and sexuality (think Mykki Blanco), definitely don't market yourself on it. I often see people using #FemaleDJ and it's such a bummer. That hashtag only gives off the impression that you want people to think "oh they're good...for a female", which is the exact ideology we need to eradicate.  So this is advice for everyone, however, you identify: work hard, constantly improve your skill set, don't expect everything yesterday, stand your ground and know your value but stay humble and decent to people.

Juliet Sikora

What advice would you give to female artists who wish to enter the music industry?

For newcomers, this industry is still very male-dominated, but at the end of the day, it's the credibility and the love of the music that wins. If you believe in yourself and stay true to your dream it won't matter if you're a man or a woman.

Joyce Muniz

What advice would you give to fellow females who wish to get involved in the music/club industry?

No matter if you are a woman or a man - you have to develop your own style and try not to copy someone. Of course, it’s always been an issue that women do not get as many chances as men in the music industry but if you create a unique style and offer quality then doors will open.

It’s important to keep the ball rolling, never stop and always stay ahead of the time. Women shouldn’t place themselves on just female lineups for the reason they are female - but instead for their musical quality.  My personal wish would be that all lineups are 50/50 women/men. It is still hard work. 

Who is the most influential woman in your life?

Might sound cheesy but my mother has always been the role model of a modern woman for me. She is lovely, independent and a fun person. But she also has a strong will - this has been an important inspiration for me. As a black divorced woman, it was not easy for her to raise a kid in the 90’s in Brazil - she never gave up her dreams and kept her reputation. I could probably mention many more influential names but my mother is the first and most important inspiration for me. 

Cinthie

What advice would you give to female artists who wish to enter the music industry?

I believe that skills are the key to success. So even if you want to only play music with a CDJ, I can only highly recommend learning the skills of a vinyl DJ. People will take you more seriously then and also you learn much more about how a track is built and how to mix in at the right time. Also if you can mix vinyl, you can mix everything. But bear in mind this might take a while to learn properly. But it’s absolutely worth it and if you are planning a long career in the music business, you will have all the time in the world.

It’s better to have a solid base with skills than being hyped for nothing. Also since there are a lot of DJs out there these days, learn how to produce music. If you also release stuff, your career will reach another level and as I said before, no one can take the skills you've learnt in the studio. But learning how to produce will also take its time, so don’t worry if your tracks don’t sound like you want them to sound immediately.

The journey of improving your skills and getting better is in my humble opinion the best part of the journey in the music business. Also always stay friendly and humble, cause let’s be honest, pressing a few buttons doesn’t make the next Mozart out of you.

It’s electronic music, pretty much everyone can do it these days. That’s why I’m saying, be special, have special skills, don’t be scared to fail. You can only learn from your mistakes and never be to shy to ask for help. If you work hard, you will shine. 

Who is the most influential woman in your life?

My mom has always been the most influential woman to me. Unfortunately, she passed away way to young around 4 years ago. But she was the loveliest, most vivacious person I know. Always in a good mood, always holding the family together, teaching us 3 girls that we own the world if we work hard and if we are not scared. Funny to say that we all work in more male-dominated jobs. I’m a software developer in real life, and my sister is a mechatronic. When my mom started her trainee program, they had to build an extra toilet for her as she was the first woman doing this job. So for us, it has always been normal to do what we want. And that’s also what I’m trying to teach my 8 years old daughter. Just do what you want no matter if people say it’s not the job girls usually look for.

Fidelity Kastrow

What advice would you give to fellow females who wish to get involved in the music/club industry?

Make sure you have the right intentions, because if you just want to get famous or make lots of money there are many easier ways to accomplish these things. With a lot less work and a lot less trouble.

Though if you are a complete freak about music, if you can’t breathe unless you can do this then it’s the right choice for you. Be aware it’s a very rocky road with ridiculous working hours that’s physically and emotionally exhausting, full of aggressive bullies and arrogant wanna-be-gatekeepers.

So work hard, learn your craft, work with people you can trust and don’t let anyone tell you what can’t be done or how you have to do it. Do what you feel is right and be persistent. Then you will be working in a profession where you can be yourself, wear what you like, be applauded for successes and people will send you kind messages if you’ve somehow touched them with your music and you will cry from happiness when things work out.

No matter how well you do in any other profession, you might get money, fame, recognition etc. but there aren’t many professions where strangers will be coming up to you telling you you’ve changed their lives or even saved them somehow. Just remember, there are no shortcuts to any place you’re going. And to build something sustainable you have to build it on strong foundations, brick by brick from the ground up.

There will be tempting offers made by people promising overnight successes and some of them will be able to deliver, however what goes up must come down and if you didn’t understand how you went up, it will be hard to repeat on your own. However, if you’ve done it yourself you will remember how you did it the first time and be able to do it again, on your own terms.

Lauren Lane

What advice would you give to fellow females who wish to get involved in the music/club industry?

Entering the music industry would be to just be yourself and don’t let gender help or hurt you. Follow your creative intuition and don’t give up if you’re doing what you love.

Who is the most influential woman in your life?

My mom is the woman I look up to most because she is the strongest, most caring and selfless, hardworking individual I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.

Eveline Fink

What advice would you give to fellow females who wish to get involved in the music/club industry? 

Personally, I think everyone - whether male or female - should follow his passion. When your heart beats for something, we should not worry too much, but implement that passion with a lot of persistence and common sense.

Life is a roller coaster ride, and only those who do not get off will be able to experience this path with all the ups and downs to the finish. It's not a gender issue, in my opinion, even though women may be a little more "gentle" by nature, and this may be perceived as "too shy” in a tough business like the music industry.

My advice is to believe in yourself, to continue to enjoy every little step forward and to keep the love of music in your heart. 

Who is the most influential woman in your life? 

There are many women who influence me in my life and I cannot and do not want to reduce this to a single woman. Musically impress me strong women from the past such as Hildegard Knef, Marlene Dietrich, Nancy Sinatra. In the electronic field, the “amazons" alias, Sonja Moonear or Margret Dygas were for me.

Of course, in the family environment as well as in the closest circle of friends, women inspire and influence you. I think that everything in life evolves and so does the individual influences.

Carlota

What advice would you give to fellow females who wish to get involved in the music/club industry? 

I think it's very important to establish an intimate relationship with yourself, where essential factors such as constantly trusting yourself, mastering your skills and not being afraid  of breaking the rules play a major role. Also making sure that whatever you transmit when performing comes from your soul. 

Who is the most influential woman in your life? 

My mother.

Franzi (Common Sense Booking)

What advice would you give to fellow females who wish to get involved in the music/club industry? 

Let’s no longer talk about shame according to which women always do something wrong or not good enough and they can not be given a stage. Every woman doubting herself is more powerful than she might thinks. This includes myself, once in a while.

Who is the most influential woman in your life?

I adore my grandmothers. Both have always conveyed me in the most loving and pragmatic way that I can do anything. Even without understanding sometimes my work in this business!

Margherita D'Aguì

What advice would you give to female artists who wish to enter the music industry?

What I suggest is not to take anything for granted. Often we are overlooked, as the beauty could win the talent. Many times this is true. But a talented woman will always have an edge. Therefore, always bring your "A" game.

Who is the most influential woman in your life?

The woman who I admire and every day is my point of reference is Rosa, and she is my mother. She is a woman with an extreme sweetness, humility and kindness. You immediately notice the goodness that hides behind her blue eyes. The most important thing that I understood - thanks to her - is that the life is not only a party at night. God doesn't pay on Saturday’s and sleeping with a clear conscience is a pleasure that nobody will never get over.

Juliet Fox

What advice would you give to female artists who wish to enter the music industry?

Just like any artist, it's important to stay true to yourself, to be yourself at all times, and make sure you approach anyone that you work with as an equal. Don't let yourself or others use the fact you are a female as an excuse/advantage, as it can be a challenging industry that we all need to work hard for at times, regardless of your sex. Keep focused, stand up for yourself, but most importantly let all of your actions come from the heart.

Who is the most influential woman in your life?

My beautiful Mum... She was always singing out loud and dancing around while I was growing up...full of life. I know this definitely influenced me to want to express my own music and song lyrics, and without her, I wouldn't be the person I am today.

Deborah DeLuca

What advice would you give to female artists who wish to enter the music industry?

We know that the music industry is purely masculine. To female who want to enter this world, I suggest to be hard and strong as a man, but never to lose their femininity!

Who is the most influential woman in your life?

The most influential woman in my life has been and continues to be my grandmother. I published a picture of us together a few days ago. When I was a child, she saw everything in my eyes ... all that I am today, she believed in me before That I had dreams...

Zøe

What advice would you give to female artists who wish to enter the music industry?

Be stronger and determined, follow your dreams and never give up!!!!

Who is the most influential woman in your life?

Without a doubt the most influential woman in my life is my mother.