If you open Google and search “Top DJs of All Time,” you might notice something. Then, if you searched “Top Music Producers of All Time,” you’d see it again. Do you notice the pattern?
It’s no surprise to any of us that men have dominated the workforce throughout history. The entertainment sector has been no different. Thankfully, over the course of the last century, women have made leaps and bounds in attaining more freedom as well as stature in society. However, there is still a long way to go.
Even today in 2023, men predominantly make up the majority of highest-paid executives, CEOs, musicians, actors — the list goes on. One question remains: where is all the equity?
There is one organization that has made it their mission to create more opportunities for women, the gender expansive, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ people in the music industry.
Femme House seeks to lift up underrepresented communities in EDM
Femme House is a nonprofit that was founded in 2019 by Portland-based LP Giobbi and Hermixalot. Both of them are musicians that come from these underrepresented communities. This being the case, it’s no surprise that they’ve experienced their own difficulties in shattering the glass ceiling of the music industry.
Consequently, the two teamed up to use their expertise and stature to do something about the lack of equality that exists in music and entertainment.
The mission of Femme House is quoted on their website;
“Femme House creates opportunities for women, gender-expansive, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ creatives in the technical and behind the scenes areas of music….”
Femme House provides courses, scholarships, online workshops, showcases and programs to build up opportunities for those who have a passion but may not have the resources. Education, networking, mentorship, and internships are all an integral part to beginning a new career in the music sector. Whether you’re a DJ, a producer, or a soon-to-be label executive, Femme House is there to help those along the way.
Are you interested to start making your own beats, but have no idea where to start? A few of the courses provided are Art of Synthesis, She Is the Producer, and Introduction to Ableton.
How about an intimate fire-side style chat with music industry executives and their experiences in diversity? If this interests you, you can tune in to bi-monthly session hosted by Femme House, “Backstage Pass.”
Education on DJing, sound design, live performance and many more topics are provided by Femme House. Certain courses are free, and other resources are available for a small fee. However, don’t feel turned away if money is tight right now. Femme House also provides scholarship applications to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ creators.
They also host a weekly Twitch stream called Femme House Friday. This Twitch stream is dedicated to giving exposure opportunities to those who need it most.
All in all, it’s awesome to see women and those within underrepresented communities come together to forge a new path. This organization was only founded in 2019 and have accomplished so much to amplify usually ignored voices. Equity and representation is so important. It’s time for a change.
Get involved with Femme House and support their work
Are you a creative? Are you femme or gender expansive? If so, do yourself a favor and go check out Femme House today. Attend their workshops, watch their Twitch stream, and get involved! Spread the word! It’s time to diversify our stages and our industry one and for all!
There is so much more to Femme House than what was mentioned in this article. Follow this link to learn more and scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up for the Femme House Newsletter: https://www.thisisfemmehouse.com/
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