By Clara Bullock – BBC News, Somerset
Women and Non-Binary Individuals in Electronic Music
Despite operating in a predominantly male-dominated industry, women and non-binary individuals are carving out successful careers in the electronic music scene. The charity Saffron, based in Bristol, has played a pivotal role in this movement by providing training and mentorship for aspiring DJs and those interested in music technology.
As Saffron celebrates its 10th anniversary, we spotlight three influential women from Bristol who have significantly contributed to the local music scene over the past decade.
Rising Talents: Marla Mbemba
At the age of 12, Marla Mbemba found her passion for music through a love for Guitar Hero 5, which led her to pick up the bass. By participating in Saffron’s Artist Development programme in 2021, she launched her career, despite the ongoing underrepresentation of gender minorities in electronic music. “Despite efforts to improve equality, gender minorities are still underrepresented on lineups – particularly in the electronic music world,” remarked Mbemba.
Currently, she is the recipient of the 2024 Youth Music Producer Award, and her debut EP features remixes from women and non-binary producers she met through Saffron.
Faith Morton: A Late Bloomer
At 51, Faith Morton embarked on her DJ journey, feeling invigorated by the new skills she acquired. “The first time I actually got behind the deck was two years ago,” she noted, attributing her late entry to the need to focus on her children’s upbringing.
After her children became more independent, she performed at renowned music festivals such as Glastonbury and Boomtown. “There’s still work to do; the industry remains predominantly male,” Morton observed. Yet, she acknowledged the remarkable strides made in recent years, attributing some of that change to the opportunities Saffron has created for women and non-binary artists.
Marley Small: Broadcasting Success
Marley Small, who has been a music producer since she was 18, now serves as a radio broadcast tutor at Saffron. She emphasizes the importance of music as an emotional outlet, sharing, “For me, it’s how I express myself.” After completing a Saffron course in 2021, she gained confidence and connected with mentors.
Small also advocates for increased representation of women in leadership roles within the industry, expressing gratitude for the supportive network she found at Saffron. “Just knowing there’s a group of people who are like me that I can talk to is priceless,” she added.
