Discwoman Are Changing Electronic Music's Gender Problem [Interview]

It is no secret that there is an issue with gender in the music industry. Women are underrepresented at all levels of music from the upper levels of the business to the biggest bands around the world. This is especially apparent in electronic music where lineups, especially major festival lineups can feel like the male section of an Abercrombie & Fitch catalog. New York City booking and event collective Discwoman, founded by Frankie Hutchinson, Emma Burgess-Olsen and Christine Tran, is looking to change that by throwing parties with all women, trans woman and genderqueer talent DJs in the electronic space.

They each bring their own experience in the electronic space with backgrounds in booking, the business side of things and producing / DJing. The idea for Discwoman started with a two-day festival in September 2014 at the Bossa Nova Civic Club and has since spawned a movement that has taken them to over 15 cities and multiple countries. They have worked with over 150 different DJs ranging from more established names like Tokimonsta and The Black Madonna to local acts who might be playing their first gig.

We had the chance to catch up with them before a Discwoman showcase earlier this month to discuss their mission, the progress they have seen and what the future holds for their brand, which includes potential trips to many other countries like Thailand, Japan and Chile. Watch their recent documentary done by Smirnoff Sound Collective here and the sets from the night here.