This Sunday is International Women’s Day.
”mum, why is there a women’s day?”
Legit question from my daughter last week.
I stumbled to find the right words. Trying to explain to an 8yo why we need to set a day aside to raise the voices of women, worldwide. Why that isn’t just an everyday thing. Why women aren’t equal.
I told her that I hope that, by the time she’s my age, we don’t need it anymore. That women are treated equally to men in all areas of life and work, and have access to everything that men do. That having an International Women’s Day seems as redundant as having an International Man’s Day today (seriously. imagine that…)
But now, more than ever, as the world continues to shift on its tectonic plates, we need it. We need this day to raise the voices of women worldwide. We need it as a marker to silence the dominant patriarchal voice that rules the western world. We need it as a day of action. And a day of understanding and kindness.
This Sunday as part of a special International Women’s Day on PBS-FM, I am truly humbled be co-hosting a special edition of “Soak” with one of Naarm/Melbourne’s best loved local musicians; pianist, composer and label boss, Nat Bartsch. We’ll be playing a live set together, collaborating on each other’s songs, then interviewing each other in studio about our influences. It’s going to be pretty special.
More info on the PBS website and tune in from 7pm AEST (or stream anytime after that). They’re also filming it. Stay tuned for that in coming weeks…
Working with Nat this week on our set has been so lovely. Working with women musicians is so lovely. It’s a totally different experience to working with men. It’s supportive. Nurturing.
I’ve worked with hundreds of exceptionally talented musicians, producers, audio and mastering engineers, conductors and lighting technicians over the past three or so decades of making music and until recently, most of them had been male.
It’s not a bad thing. It’s just a fact. I exist in a very male dominated ecosystem. Music is a largely male dominated industry. On every level. And often, their world makes us women feel like we don’t belong.
You see, guys have a different way of making music. Of relating to one another. It’s just how they are. There’s usually some level of bravado, one up-manship or simply, trying to out-geek one another. It’s almost like a sport rather than an artform. I mean, they literally call each other out when they make a mistake on stage. It’s kinda funny and childish but also pretty mean.
A woman would never do that.
Whether it was sitting behind a producer and mixing engineer, watching them try to impress each other; or seeing my jazz band try to out-play one another with solos, music was always a competition. A way to show off their toys, and how good they are at playing with them.
Most women don’t work like that.
In the years between 1999 and 2018 playing with a dozen different bands, other than my beautiful keys player Monique Boggia who played with me for 6+ years in Phoebe and the Night Creatures, I can’t think of a single, woman who I worked with. Producers, musicians, mixing and mastering engineers… All guys. Lovely guys (most of them), but still – guys. Competitive, alienating guys.
I never felt totally comfortable in that energy. I did it for decades but I never really felt that I belonged. I always felt like I was trying to fit into a role that wasn’t natural for me.
In a band it was one thing but it was hardest in the studio. I worked with lovely people but again – it was a massive, boys club, and I didn’t fit in.
I was petrified about stepping out as a producer. I never thought I could step up. I couldn’t compete.
I thought I’d be eaten alive.
But stumbling into the ambient music realm has been a godsend. I’ve felt so supported by some incredible female producers who I’ve met over the last 8 years as IKSRE. Boss ladies, each and every one of them, who lift one another up. Collaborate with each other. And celebrate each other’s successes.
None more so than soul sis marine eyes – who has worked so hard for years, championing female-led ambient music, beginning with her magnificent “Women of Ambient” series and subsequent “Healing Together” compilation and now, her cloud collecting label. She, along with equally brilliant Anita Tatlow of Echoes Blue, paired together 10 duos of females to come up with brand new songs for a compilation called “Gentle Voices”. I’ve just finished the listening party for the release and without a doubt, this album is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard. Everyone in the party agreed. The response was overwhelming – artists supporting artists.
That’s how women make music. They support one another. They raise one another up.
I was lucky enough to be put together with the unbelievably talented Collette Andrea Gollden, and our song “eclipses” is out for previewing now. The rest of the album will be out this Friday 6 March. You can preorder the album here.
I know this might be controversial but after that party I decided that women definitely make the best ambient music. Maybe it’s because we know how to connect with other human beings, heart to heart. Or maybe it’s because we understand our inner landscape and our emotions better than most men. Or maybe we just approach things in a different way. Whatever it is, this compilation is unequivocal proof of women working better together, and making truly world-changing music for healing.
To any female ambient producers out there who might be nervous about taking the next step?
Go for it.
There’s a community of kind hearted women, who are ready to champion your work and help lift you up.
Happy International Women’s Day, sisters. I’m so proud to be walking along, side by side with you, towards the day when we don’t even need this date.
xx P
