Electronic artists reflect on women in the music industry that inspire them and have influenced their journeys to celebrate Women’s History Month.
Whether it’s sensational vocalists, talented lyricists, powerhouse producers, or those working behind the scenes, women are pillars upon which the music industry stands. Countless top-charting hits, innovations in sound, and broken barriers are due to the women who dare to pursue their dreams and use their gifts to create the music we love so much. And aren’t we the luckiest for it? With March being Women’s History Month, we spoke to some artists who reflected on the women that have touched their lives, inspiring their own artistry and creative journey.
Though the industry is still working toward better gender inclusivity and representation, the rise of women in electronic dance music is inspiring and hopeful. More women are being booked at festivals. More are paving their own lane in their respective genres and making a name for themselves. But more work can be done to serve underrepresented communities and intersectionalities that coexist with gender. For dynamic bass artist A Hundred Drums – whose powerful, thunderous productions will shake you to your core – this means raising up black and LGBTQ+ voices as well. An artist that began this work was none other than singer Nina Simone.
“She was a beautiful, powerful outspoken woman and powerful singer and piano player. She took black lives very seriously. She made people like me feel included in a world were we were under-represented and unwanted. May she Rest In Peace,” said A Hundred Drums. “And I vow to do my part in supporting the black community, the he/she/theys (lgbtq+) non-binary, and women across the world as much as I best can with my platforms.
For other dance music artists, women introduced them to styles that would open up their world and set them on their own path in music.
Techno producer DJ Dee is gaining traction from China to Los Angeles, even recently being featured on Drumcode’s Elevate compilation with her single “Freakout Out.” Her love for the infectious sub-genre was sparked when she stumbled upon an Amelie Lens set. “Although I have been studying music since I was young, I never imagined becoming a music producer. It wasn’t until one day when I saw Amelie Lens playing turntables on YouTube, I was struck by her talent and passion for techno music. Her unique style left a deep impression on me, igniting my own interest and love for techno,” she said. “From that moment on, my aspiration has been to become a skilled and respected techno DJ/producer like her. I am grateful to Amelie for inspiring me to pursue my passion for music and for opening my eyes to the exciting world of techno.”
Looking to make his break in the Dubstep scene is Dr. Ushūu, who thanks a number of women, both within electronic and out, for shaping him. “I’ve always been heavily influenced by female artists, whether through their special vocal range and raw emotion or through the uniqueness in their music. A few names who helped me become the artist I am now have to be Krewella as they are pioneers of this beautiful genre, Rezz because of her uniqueness, and Missy Elliot as she marked a whole generation,” he said.
Inspiration can even be found for more alternative and ambient stylings, like those of Aether, from pioneers in more unique spaces. His tracks often incorporate live instrumentation and atmospheric elements. He’ll sometimes switch it up with some psychedelic sounds or breakbeat. For him, one artist sticks out as a musical influence. “Yvette Young is one of my biggest inspirations. She was the reason I decided to explore alternative tunings in the first place,” he shared. “I remember watching videos of her teaching different techniques, and she would always include the many benefits of exploring open tunings, viewing it as starting with a pre-existing colour on your canvas.”
Inspiration goes deeper than genre. Women are examples of stellar performers, people who own their confidence and authenticity, and impact their listeners in positive ways.
Oftentimes, we as women are told to make ourselves smaller, not to speak up or out, or not bring 100% of ourselves in the things we do. As more and more women rise in the industry, we see that those outdated expectations can and should be broken, and that our voices are valid and needed. Marie Vaunt – self-proclaimed Acid Alchemist and another recently featured artist on Drumcode’s Elevate – learned this from Jack Off Jill’s Jessicka and hopes to carry the torch to inspire more girls.
“Jessicka from Jack Off Jill was a massive inspiration growing up. Not only did her music and lyrics help me get through tough times, but her energy and assertiveness showed me that we, as women, can be loud, proud, and true to ourselves,” she said. “She broke down barriers and helped create a world where female artists are respected for their craft, and I believe in keeping that flame alive and helping to inspire future generations.”
Women in the industry also are role models in business, often being their own biggest advocates. Fellow Elevate artist Anna Reusch shines a light on German DJ Monika Kruse, as someone she wants to emulate. “She has always managed everything on her own. In addition, she always keeps her finger on the pulse with her sound, is super professional and exudes a lot of dignity,” Reusch explains.
And, of course, women are some of the hardest working and best performers out there.
They put on captivating sets, unafraid to show their authentic selves and show us anything is possible. Look no further than Anna Lunoe performing at Coachella while pregnant, or now Alison Wonderland, who is set to do the same, or Rihanna at the Super Bowl. Women are unstoppable. WHIPPED CREAM especially loves and has always been inspired by Florence Welch of Florence and The Machine, sharing, “she is authentically herself, writes truly from soul and lives truly from soul. She is a natural born performer shedding love and light to everyone who she encounters through her art form, music.”
Taking her experience as an open-format DJ to create her own sounds dubbed “future trap,” SKYLER has a penchant for melodic-driven bass productions that hit hard but also touch on a whole range of emotions. She credits a host of artists from varying genres that are also able to tap into those emotions and make their listeners feel deeply. SKYLER also credits other bass mavens, like the aforementioned WHIPPED CREAM, for inspiring her sonic identity.
“It’s always been hard for me to communicate my feelings and unpack complex, heavier emotions which is why I gravitate towards artists who are emotionally impactful and articulate lyricists such as Lana del Rey, Billie Eilish and SZA. When I started my project, these artists gave me a ton of inspiration on how I wanted my music to impact people on a sonic level through the earlier future/melodic bass tunes I used to make. Within my own genre of electronic music; I’d say Alison Wonderland, WHIPPED CREAM and Rezz are women who inspire me creatively. They are huge innovators who have carved out a space for women to make an impact in the industry.”
– SKYLER
As we look to the future of music, we hope that women continue to inspire, create change, and bring never-before-seen interpretations of music to the scene. And we hope that every little girl out there who aspires to be an artist or enter the music industry never runs out of women to look up to.
That’s it for our amazing 2023 Women’s History Month stories. Please go check out the others for the best advice from industry moms and advice from artists to be successful in the scene.
