WHERE ARE THE WOMEN IN PRODUCTION?
Have you ever wondered why there's a glaring lack of women in music production? It's a topic that has been on our minds for a long time, and for good reason. The music industry, especially in technical roles like engineering, mixing, and production, has been heavily male-dominated for far too long. Shockingly, a recent study by the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism found that women make up only between 2% and 5% of music producers - a statistic that is both alarming and unacceptable.
One reason for this imbalance could be traced back to the historical gendered perceptions of technology. Music production has traditionally been developed and accessed in professional music studios, which were often perceived as male spaces of creativity. This perception may have discouraged women from pursuing careers in music production, or worse, excluded them altogether. However, times are changing, and it's about time. Women in tech fields have long been underestimated, but the tide is slowly turning. It's high time to encourage young girls and educate them that all career paths are open to them. Music production is no exception.
As more and more women break into this male-dominated industry, GIRLSofGRIME is proud to highlight some of the UK's exceptional female producers who are paving the way in music production below. In addition to this, we had the privilege of interviewing K4CIE, Emmavie, and Ronavella for a more in-depth look at what it's like to be a woman in production. These talented and dedicated women are not only making waves but also inspiring a new generation of aspiring female creators.
Engineer and co-producer for our recent official International Women’s Day track ‘Crop Tops & Hoodies’, Ronavella is also a London based dark/alt R&B artist. She started her journey into Production after struggling to translate what was in her head to other producers & engineers and decided to learn how to produce music herself. Her diverse music influences are evident throughout both her sound & image, from metal groups such as Letlive and The Architects to R&B legends Usher and Alicia Keys. She is trying to break into different genres, touching on more electronic sound like Garage and House as she feels like there is a huge demand for it, especially the UK scene. Today, she is breaking the barriers and becoming one of the prominent dark R&B artists pushing the sound forward.
CEEBEATS
At just 19 years old, Ceebeats established herself as a female producer in the UK hip-hop scene who got a lot of recognition for her contribution to Digga D’s chart-topping single, ‘Woi’. Signed to Warner Chappel music, she is proving to be one of the most exciting producers in the UK right now. She has a bright future ahead of her as she is planning to produce a platinum record and work with the biggest artists. Without a doubt, she is a very inspirational figure to women looking to make their mark in the music industry as female producers.
Emmavie, a talented producer, singer- songwriter and DJ from London who was recently listed as one of BET’s Rising Black Artists To Watch in 2022. As a music and dance lover, she got into a production at a very young age, mixing tracks that she would enjoy dancing to. She is now specialising mainly in limitless, soulful, alternative R&B sound and her music has jumped onto the screen since the release of her debut album 'Honeymoon' in 2019. Trying to take over the world, she is proving to be a confident artist who is not afraid to take risks in order to make great music.
NIA ARCHIVES
Nia Archives has become a pioneer in the jungle scene bringing further progression for black women making black music. As a singer, songwriter, producer, and visual artist, she is trying to be authentic and involved in her ideas coming alive. She wants her music to be around and not forgotten, therefore she is focusing on making music that she loves. Nia recently won last years NME Producer of the Year Award and became the winner of the MOBO’s first ever Best Electronic/Dance Award, supported by Mixmag.
K4CIE, a DJ, radio host, studio owner (644 studios), and producer from Glasgow whose passion for music has been a deep-rooted love of hers since she can remember. With the feeling that the music she loves was being let down by a notable lack of female presence, she founded a nightclub called 'Peach’ where she encourages an inclusive space for women both on the line-up and in the club. Throughout the years, she managed to build a great reputation and name for herself as a radio host & DJ. As a producer, she is specialising in making trap/rap beats not just for rappers but also singers. With her drive, she is now ready to release new music that she worked on in previous years.
LAUGHTA
Meet Laughta - the multi-talented music producer, artist, and radio show presenter. Laughta started producing during the 2020 pandemic, learning to engineer, produce, mix, and master for herself. She now collaborates with a range of UK artists and is passionate about sharing her knowledge through various Music Production industry workshops. Laughta has collaborated with various organizations such as Marshall, LCCM, and Spitfire Audio. With her roots in Grime, Laughta recently released her latest project 'Dar3 2 B3 Diff3r3nt' and has just completed her debut UK tour. In addition to her own success, Laughta is a proud founding member of Women in CTRL, championing diversity and gender balance across the industry.
These female music producers are the true game-changers and it's time for the music industry to recognise their talents and contribution. Let’s celebrate these inspiring women who are leading the way and empowering the next generation of young female producers to dream big and make their mark in the music industry!! Their stories are a testament to the power of creativity, hard work, and determination. They prove that anyone can make music with the right mindset and a burning passion for their craft. Let their stories inspire you to chase your dreams, no matter what obstacles you may face.
