Over the last few years, Discwoman have grown to become a positive, powerful force in dance music culture.
Their members, who are spread across the globe and comprise cis woman, trans women and non binary individuals, are engaged in a movement that challenges the insidious forces of white supremacy and patriarchy. Mobilising artists and creatives, Discwoman’s chief aim is to join together to reclaim the dancefloor for those whose space has been minimised and to ensure members – and all female-identifying people – will have their voices heard and their creativity rewarded. A sentiment perfectly summed up with their slogan which is emblazoned across their merch and online presence: ‘Amplify Each Other’.
Following this month’s Crack Magazine cover feature in which we spoke to the three founders, Frankie Decaiza Hutchinson, Christine McCharen-Tran and Emma Burgess-Olson, it felt right to cast a spotlight on the extended Discwoman family because, as always, there is power in numbers.
BEARCAT
What does “amplify each other” mean to you?
That term is very broad for me, when I think about it in terms of my immediate community it could mean anything from showing face and money at an event to booking someone for my own. But amplifying one another should be endless and should reach to strangers too.
How have Discwoman changed the game?
We’re not operating under the male gaze.
Best Discwoman-related memory?
Being in Mexico together was super sweet.
What does the future of Discwoman look like to you?
I see the roster quadrupling.
Anyone in electronic music you would like to shout out?
Jasmine Infinity!!!
Mobilegirl
What does “amplify each other” mean to you?
To me, that means showing really constructive support. Helping each other to thrive, bringing the best out in each other by being there for each other, by working together, pulling on one string.
How have Discwoman changed the game?
I feel like they’ve made the issue around equality in music more tangible for more people. Since it’s a small collective that does a lot, the work feels compressed, making it easier to grasp the idea around the collective at once. Compared to bigger platforms that aim for the same thing but have less of a sense of togetherness, thus making things more abstract. It’s easier to look at, let’s say, ten women/non-binary people and check out their agenda and follow their work and see that change is possible.
Best Discwoman-related memory?
We don’t see each other too much unfortunately because I live an ocean apart from them but I’d say the time where they brought me over to NYC last summer all in all is my favorite memory. It was really welcoming and heartwearming. The crew is the sweetest </3
What does the future of Discwoman look like to you?
Ideally Discwoman and the topic around gender disparity in electronic music won’t have to be of discussion anymore because [change] will be normalised. Then it’s solely about focusing on each individual artist’s work.
Ziúr
What does “amplify each other” mean to you?
To see people and be seen for who they/you are. For me, this phrase translates to an open invitation to a grassroots support structure. I’ve experienced it first hand in terms of feeling supported and understood when the system often caters to the same old same old. Apart from being supported, I always love to actively support people as well. This is no one way street.
How have Discwoman changed the game?
Discwoman have kicked off a long overdue discussion while coming from a place from within, which is not a given since often times it feels like these sort of discussions are worn as some sort of hood ornament to make people look good without actually believing in the thing itself. Discwoman is not a trend, it’s a necessity.
What does the future of Discwoman look like to you?
World domination, lol.
Anyone in electronic music you would like to shout out?
Shouts to all weirdos, outcasts and nerds who are shaking it up, basically.
SHYBOI
What does “amplify each other” mean to you?
Discourse. The ability to come under the tangential unifying factor of all the members being part of DW, and to then use it as a momentum as however they see fit. We want our voices heard, we want to hear yours too.
How have Discwoman changed the game?
The bar is being raised for woman-identified and GNC [gender non-conforming] DJs. We’d always make it known that line-ups would often include only white males, whether they were talented or not. Or women would be on the bill and get paid less or not get treated properly by staff and/or promoters. The list goes on. But now, having an entity like Discwoman to point to, people are listening more or taking things a bit more seriously. Of course we’re nowhere near to getting what we want and deserve, but it’s slowly happening and that’s inspiring.
Best Discwoman-related memory?
This is hard seeing as how we don’t all live in same city or country. But whenever someone from the EU like Mobilegirl or Ziur is in New York we usually have a dinner and laugh and scream for a few hours. The moments of self care and vibing outside of the club is very important to me.
What does the future of Discwoman look like to you?
That’s a secret. But it will be loud.
Anyone in electronic music you would like to shout out?
Ash Lauryn, Jayda G for that set at Sustain-Release that blew my head off, FBI WARNING, SCRAATCH, Serena Jara, False Witness, The House Crew, Kilbourne, Epic B, Rizzla, Vybz Kartel.
Praises to the most high Jah Rastafari.
Juana
What does “amplify each other” mean to you?
I visualise a literal amp when I hear or read that phrase. When you amplify others in music, you share your talents and platform to empower, support, and energise each other where you can. The Technofeminism events embody this perfectly I think.
How have Discwoman changed the game?
The diversity within the collective, musically and in terms of member backgrounds and defining experiences, is a powerful and beautiful thing. It is it’s own form of activism that is truly disruptive, and I think/hope it can be an inspiration to other crews.
Best Discwoman-related memory?
Meeting Frankie, Umfang and Volvox for the first time after the Women’s March in DC. There was so much love and respect and excitement in that room. I felt very amplified.
Anyone in electronic music you would like to shout out?
Ne/re/a and Katie Rex in Brooklyn, Jett Chandon and Lisa Frank here in DC, Bastet in Baltimore, and Shiva aka Noncompliant in Indiana. I really dig what they do and how they do it, and they’re quality people.
Volvox
How have Discwoman changed the game?
By positioning female-identified artists as leading the charge for a new generation of electronic music fans. By embracing the divine feminine they feel within them and channelling those energies through music, these artists transform dancefloors into a space for self-discovery and healing.
Best Discwoman-related memory?
My best Discwoman memory was the first trip to Puerto Rico. Everyone that came on that trip had this exciting sense of being part of something that would be really powerful, whose intention would reach every part of the globe.
Anyone in electronic music you would like to shout out?
I’d like to send shoutouts to the Interdimensional Transmissions and Sustain-Release crews for putting together the most beautiful and spiritual events I’ve ever experienced. America understands the essential shamanic nature of electronic music and these events really take it there.
stud1nt
What does “amplify each other” mean to you?
Resist the fear of scarcity so you can believe in yourself enough to believe in others.
How has Discwoman changed the game?
Discwoman recognised a representative void in music and decided to address it directly – no excuses. I think our roster of talent speaks for itself. It’s easy to critique but difficult to create meaningful change in systems that are not designed for you, if not against you.
What does the future of Discwoman look like to you?
Plural and ambivalent.
Anyone in electronic music you would like to shout out?
700 Bliss, YATTA and Arca keep me guessing.
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