Artist Spotlight: Cosha

Born in Indiana and raised in Ireland, Cosha grew up surrounded by music. Her father was a drummer, her mother a singer, and her older brother introduced her to the UK's underground scenes. “I liked performing from a really young age,” Cosha recalls. She began writing music at nine, encouraged by her godmother. Cosha honed her songwriting skills, touring Dublin's pubs as a teen before moving to London, where she immersed herself in electronic and dance music.

Cosha is no stranger to the music industry. The singer-songwriter-producer has toured the world playing festivals from Coachella to Primavera to Glastonbury, collaborated with the likes of Shygirl, Coby Sey and Koreless and lent her pop pen to artists such as Charli XCX and Mura Masa, as well as releasing her critically-acclaimed debut solo record Mt. Pleasant in 2021, produced with Rostam Batmangalij (Solange, Frank Ocean) and Emile Haynie (SZA, Lana Del Rey, FKA Twigs).

In the worlds of fashion and art, she’s soundtracked two Sinead O'Dwyer shows at London Fashion Week, and been synced by Dior and Victoria’s Secret. She’s had featured write ups in the likes of Vogue, i-D, Interlope Magazine, The Guardian, Billboard, Dazed, Crack, Schön and The Sunday Times, while also collecting co-signs from Bjork, Arca, Clairo and Mary Anne Hobbs. “Cosha paints a picture characterised as much by unflinching vulnerability as by soulful optimism, with the rawness of the emotional insights it provides accentuated by the potent frankness of her voice” - i-D 

Her new EP, MurMurs, explores grief and renewal, with tracks like ‘Fire Me Up’ and ‘Sun Back’ capturing her emotional journey and blending vulnerability with optimism. Throughout the project, nature imagery grounds the listener, offering a therapeutic experience. “I like making music to put a call out into the world,” says Cosha, hoping her work can be a source of comfort and connection for others.

Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind your latest project "MurMurs"?

So "MurMurs" was kind of like my little chrysalis moment where I was in my shell trying to work through a shift in atmosphere, to mould into the new person that would be and eventually come out of that shell as a butterfly, which is where I am right now.

When I was making MurMurs, I was very much in that cocoon, trying to work through a lot of big changes. For anyone who's going through some big changes, or just in general, maybe life is a bit tricky, and you need some motivation, these songs may resonate with you. This was me trying to motivate myself and realize how beautiful life can be and spread that message.

Were there any memorable moments during the recording process?

I started the beat for Fire Me Up on the plane from London to LA, I had to just left my partner and the home we built together & I was subletting from a friend while I worked things out. I went to Joshua tree with two friends/ producers to make some music. We started looking at Fire Me Up, but the breakup was still so raw & I kept choking up trying to sing the lyrics (eventually I got a full take out & that’s the one on the record) - but the boys were so tender & caring with me, they consoled me and supported me through the day and then make us all a bbq :)

In recent years, you've undergone significant personal and artistic transformations, including leaving behind your major record label and management. How have these changes influenced your approach to creating music?

It really meant that for the first time since I started making music, I had absolutely no safety net. Absolutely no team. It was just me. I've done this whole project self managed, self funded, self promoted, did all the creative direction etc which was very scary when I first was looking at it, trying to figure out how I would get it done. But now that I'm at the other side of it, I'm really proud of what I made. It's been really important for me to see the boundlessness of my tenacity, to see how I can show up for myself. It's really important for me now even just in my career, but as a person growing in life. It's been nice to know that anything is possible. You can get through anything. They'll always be light at the end of the tunnel.

Could you tell us about your approach to songwriting?

I like making music while I’m travelling, on planes or trains ect. I like that there’s no Wi-Fi distraction & there’s an end point. I usually start ideas on GarageBand then transfer them into ableton. Making beats on my phone in GarageBand just feels like a game and is more fun for me, I want making music to stay fun even though it’s my job.

What's your favorite/least favorite thing about making music?

Least favourite- Mixing. I worked with fantastic mix engineers who made the process as good as it could be but it just kills the music for me a little having to listen to it with a mix ear in mind.

Favourite- getting into that unconscious free space where things just flow out of you uninterrupted, like you almost black out for a moment and go somewhere else, it’s so relaxing & satisfying when you can get there.

Describe your morning routine

I do a 10 minute gratitude meditation, a 5 minute stretch with a hot water and lemon. Then I cycle to the gym, workout, quick sauna, a cold shower & sing in the shower.

Your top advice for young people wanting to become singer-songwriters.

Stay silly when you’re writing - try not to think about wether something is good or not, save the nit picking for later down the line & just enjoy the expression. If you’re releasing your own music - your opinion is the most important one, if you love it & your excited by it, then that’s all the matters!

3 artists you’re listening to right now 

Cartola. Björk. Cindy Lee

  • Interview by ninakeh for shesaid.so


Member Spotlight: Stef Pascual

Stef Pascual is Digital Marketing Director for the UK and Europe at Concord Label Group. She works on frontline and catalogue campaigns across the Concord roster, that includes artists like Chelsea Wolfe, Killer Mike, NOISY, Pierce The Veil, Evanescence, Hermanos Gutierrez, HEALTH and many more. She’s also one half of the independent label Silent Cult, home to artists like Mimi Barks and Miss Vincent.

Stef started in the music industry as an intern at a record label in Barcelona, and when she moved to London she found in state51 the perfect company to develop her career and push for innovation, fairness and change in the industry. Afterwards, she headed the Digital department at Essential / Sony Red, working on marketing and strategy for labels like Cooking Vinyl, Full Time Hobby and FatCat, and campaigns for Skepta and Alter Bridge.

She became Head of Digital at Crown Talent / Talent Everywhere in 2017, working with clients like Becky Hill, Ella Henderson, Fusion Festival and 9 to 5 the Musical. In 2021 she joined the marketing agency Deviate Digital, and as their General Manager she led campaigns for PIAS, AWAL, Kilimanjaro and Various Artists Management to name a few.

How did you get your start in music? 

I found out pretty early in life that sadly I don’t have any musical talent whatsoever, but music was my biggest passion, and I was adamant I was going to work in the industry somehow.

Back in my hometown, Zaragoza, I started a music fanzine with friends and helped book a couple of gigs, but it wasn’t until I was 18 and moved to Barcelona that I landed an internship in an independent record label, and did every job that they threw at me. Literally EVERY JOB: from preparing riders backstage to packing orders, from data entry to flyering at gigs and selling records at festivals.

Then I moved to London and after a year working at a Virgin Megastores shop (still a music job I guess!) I was hired as an intern at The state51 Conspiracy, which was a dream company to land on, as I learned a lot and ended up becoming their Head of Digital. 

I owe a lot to these 2 internship opportunities at the beginning of my career.

What inspired you to pursue a career in digital marketing within the music industry?

Back in Barcelona in the early 2000s I was lucky enough to attend a conference where Scott Cohen spoke about digital distribution, and it blew my mind. It sounded fresh and new, with plenty of opportunities to innovate and be creative.

I think that because it was so new not many people cared about it, so there was space for the new generations to jump in. 

My days were spent in IRC chats, Audiogalaxy and MySpace, and with my academic background being Marketing, PR and Advertising, I developed a skillset that seemed to fit right into the digital marketing world. I find it’s the perfect playground for you if you are a bit of a data nerd with a creative heart! 

What key skills or qualities are essential for success in your sector?

I’d say that curiosity is definitely a key trait to work in Digital Marketing. Always being in learning mode will help you to stay up to date with the daily changes in the industry, but also to nurture your creativity with findings from different industries. 

You also want to be a people person, and learn from different audiences, getting to know other types of people outside your music industry bubble. Most people are not thinking about music 24/7 (I know, shocking!) and we need to know how to reach them and get their attention.

Another skill that definitely comes in handy is data analysis. You’ll need to deal with data from socials, advertising and consumption daily, and if you are not keen on handling numbers and finding insights this job will definitely be a drag.

What aspect of your work brings you the most joy, and conversely, what aspect presents the greatest challenge for you?

Due to the nature of Digital Marketing, we can assess the results of our efforts almost immediately. I find it incredibly rewarding when an artist improves their KPIs on socials following my recommendations, or when a specific creative asset I requested performs much better than other ones provided, for example. Especially if my ideas sounded a bit risky or out-there at first, seeing positive results attributable to my input is the best form of validation.

I find one of the biggest challenges we face in Digital Marketing is to justify certain strategies. Some artists and management teams want to stick to the devil they know and spend on advertising for example, when they really should be focusing resources on content creation or audience growth. I approach my campaigns as a long-term effort when possible, and it is very rare that one specific advertising campaign or activation leads to success, but it’s something that is sometimes expected from us and can be very challenging.

What are your top 2 strategies when it comes to creating a successful campaign?

It is key to have as much visibility as possible of the full campaign and collaborate with all teams involved. There’s no point in doing a great digital activation if the artist can’t support on socials, or to define audiences for advertising based on consumption and engagement if the PR team is trying to reposition an artist and targeting new media outlets. Everything needs to work in sync for a successful campaign.

I also think that all innovation should be guided by data insights and the specific needs of each campaign. It also means we need to push ourselves further to be more creative when there are goals to meet and restrictions on what can be done, for example in terms of resources.

Tips for anyone who wants to get into your industry

Compared to other industries, I think that Digital Marketing has low barriers to entry as there is plenty of knowledge freely available online, and you don’t need much to get started.

I am very grateful for my formal qualifications, but in this world it is definitely more valuable to have up-to-date knowledge and experience.

Learn how to edit videos, use different social platforms to understand what works, open ad accounts to start testing small spends and connect with developing artists that would be keen on collaborating with you to get you started.

Once you think you are ready for an internship or an entry-level job, do your research about campaigns that caught your eye and find out who was behind them in order to approach them. Remember that networking should be about connection, not so much about hustling, so reach out to people that you’ve done your research on politely, and ask for a quick call or a piece of specific advice. Think about building up relationships and not just emailing your CV, as if there’s no vacancies available your email will end up straight in the bin.


Tips for staying grounded on a tough day

I learned the value of working on my wellbeing the hard way. It’s easy to get excited, put more hours in, say yes to everything and get lost in the madness.

My best piece of advice to stay grounded and avoid burning-out  is to make sure you check in with yourself at least once per day - How are you feeling today? Is there anything that can wait for tomorrow? Have you planned something on your day that makes you feel good?

Also don’t underestimate the value of exercise, even light mobility workouts or stretching will do wonders for our mental health and anxiety.


Connect with Stef Pascual on Instagram & LinkedIn

Music Insider: Sarah McBriar

Sarah McBriar | Photo Credit: Sarah Ellis (TellYourMumITookPhotos)

Sarah McBriar is the Founder & Creative Director of AVA & UP Productions, specializing in large-scale festival and conference creation, production design, and programming across the audio-visual arts (AVA) sector. Her extensive experience spans over 12 years across live entertainment, events, and cultural sectors.

Sarah's achievements include partnering with high-profile brands like the BBC, Avant Arte, Boiler Room, and Broadwick Live. She's been nominated for the title of ‘Underground Hero’ in DJ Mag’s Best of British Awards for championing grassroots UK music communities.

Sarah's notable projects include pioneering and project managing a large-scale tourism development project for Manchester City FC between 2012-2015, securing international investment and achieving leading attraction status in the city. She has also collaborated with Glastonbury's Block 9, the Manchester International Festival, and the Warehouse Project in Greater Manchester.

Recognized for her innovative and bold approach, Sarah was the first creative producer to receive the CET (Commercial Enterprise Trust) award. She's a guest lecturer at the Central School of Speech and Drama, where she developed the University’s first online Creative Producing course. Additionally, Sarah is a member of the Belfast Music Steering Group that secured UNESCO City of Music Status for Belfast in 2021. She actively lobbied for government support for the music and events industry during the pandemic.

In 2020, Sarah became one of 16 newly appointed Creative Entrepreneur Experts at the Säid Business School, University of Oxford, where she mentors MBA students and small businesses.

How did you get your start in music?

My first experience in music was helping friends run parties, then I got an artist liaison volunteer role at the Warehouse Project in Manchester then a volunteer role at MIF, Manchester International Festival which really opened my eyes to collaboration, commission and boundary pushing art and music. After this experience, I started an MA in Creative Producing, and did a placement with Block9 at Glastonbury for 6 months, where I learnt a lot, and this opened my eyes to the scale & detail needed in running a music festival.

How did you grow AVA from its beginnings in Belfast to hosting events in multiple cities?

Developing relationships with other promoters in London, Glasgow, Dublin, Amsterdam and the many other cities we have taken it to. This was through attending events, speaking at summits and conferences, hosting promoters and other partners at our festival in Belfast. We also developed our International reputation, from the early years of AVA through our broadcasts, our programming and our campaigns. This led to international cities and promoters approaching us too.

Sarah McBriar | Photo Credit: Sarah Ellis (TellYourMumITookPhotos)

Describe a day in your life as a Founder & Creative Director at AVA/Up Productions?

Few days are the same. I usually get up around 6.30/7am, work out, have a coffee, go to the office, and then do emails, meetings, meet with partners, potentially clients, visit new venues, design work, do more emails and meetings, and then finish around 6-7pm. During the event period my time will be split between on-site and office work, discussing exciting projects and the programme with the media, and promoting everything that we are doing! When I go on holiday, I really try to switch off. Recently I have gotten into Surfing, as it is a form of meditation and beautiful focus whilst in the water, you have no option to think about anything else but the waves and the water! You surrender to the sea, and I love that.

From your diverse career journey, spanning roles in arts production, academia,project management etc, what core principles or values have consistently guided your decision-making process?

The quality of the work is essential. Paying close attention to the content, the presentation, the design, and building relationships with artists and industry professionals all leads to great work. I think the biggest lesson I have learnt along my career, spanning all facets, is that it takes time. We live in a very instant world, where expectations aren't really aligned with the reality of how long it takes to build relationships, a reputation and reach a point where you can deliver a project of scale. If you understand this principle, and work on building the right relationships and reputation, then you can almost guarantee you will reach the point you want to reach, if you continue down the right path, building each step with integrity and respect.

How does it feel to reflect on the journey of AVA as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary?

It feels great and strange in equal measures. I can’t really believe that it is 10 years. It doesn’t feel like it. Reflecting on the journey I feel proud to have played a role in shaping culture and promoting and developing talent, and enabling artists particularly in Northern Ireland to reach for the stars and obtain what some may have felt unattainable.

What do you see as the most significant milestones or achievements during this decade-long journey?

Surviving Covid, and delivering one of our best Festival’s to date out the other side.

Surviving three major site changes, and settling in at the Titanic Slipways.

Surviving licensing challenges.

Growing an incredible team, and watching them develop.

Reaching ten years of AVA.

What's something about your work that fills you with joy and excitement, and conversely, what's something you find less enjoyable or challenging?

Joy & Excitement > Creative Collaborations, commissioning or debuting new work, seeing new artists break through the barriers and rise up, and helping to support them.

Less Enjoyable > Writing funding reports, working on audits, social media in general (not my bag, so I do much less of that now)

One piece of advice you'd give your younger self

For every 10+ fails, there will come a win. Celebrate the wins, and accept the failures, it is part of it. Every ‘wrong turn’ usually leads you to somewhere you are meant to be, so go with it!

Tips for anyone who wants to get into your industry

Put yourself out there, get jobs and experience as much as possible. Building your reputation and relationships are the most important thing you can do, focus on that, and your craft & the direction you want to go in.


AVA Festival runs from Friday 31st May – Saturday 1st June at the Titanic Slipways in Belfast.


Win a One Year shesaid.so Membership

To celebrate our 10th anniversary, shesaid.so is teaming up with Marshall to give away memberships that unlock access to 20 music makers based in the US, Canada or Mexico to the shesaid.so community for one year. The selected participants will also each receive a pair of Marshall headphones.

How it works

The membership giveaway will take place on shesaid.so’s social media channels - with support from Marshall. The participants will be asked to share why they should be selected and tag a friend either on IG. The opportunity will be limited to music makers based in the US, Canada or Mexico - artists, producers, singer/songwriters, instrumentalists etc.

The shesaid.so team will select 20 people at random, who will be offered one year worth of shesaid.so membership plus a pair of Marshall headphones

Head to shesaid.so’s Instagram page to access the competition.

Follow these steps to enter:

  1. FOLLOW @shesaid.so & @marshallheadphones on Instagram

  2. LIKE this post

  3. Comment and respond to the question “How can shesaid.so help your career in music?”

  4. TAG a friend who you think should join shesaid.so. They will be able to follow the same steps. 

Terms & Conditions:

  • Open to artists and other music creatives based in the US, Canada or Mexico

  • 20 winners will receive 1 year worth of shesaid.so memberships 

  • Each winner will also receive a pair of Marshall headphones

  • The Giveaway ends on X TIME PST

  • The Winner will be picked at random and announced on our stories on X date

Up Next: Jay Kent

Hailing from Angeles, Philippines, 22-year-old Jay Kent is unapologetically queer and occupies the intersection of R&B and pop.

Alongside EP Entertainment, she’s developing her eclectic debut project with the likes of AyoTheProducer (Cardi B/Lil Wayne), Imani (City Girls/Quavo), ClickNPress  Alessia Cara/Dreamville), and Soko7 (Beyoncé), amongst others. Her unique tone has helped her garner over 130k followers and 1.2 million likes on TikTok.

Jay’s single “Texting” was released earlier this year and it’s an homage to the ever-opaque sapphic situationship. “Texting” finds Jay caught in a chronically online romance complicated by broken-down communication, yet oozing with irresistible sensuality. 

What's the story behind your single "Texting"? 

"'Texting' is a story about a relationship that avoids confrontation, people nowadays do everything online. They text and FaceTime. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen relationships start and end that way. This song was to talk about how people shouldn’t be afraid to talk in person."

What was a moment you loved while working on your debut project? 

Working on my music with so many talented and incredible people is definitely the “stand out” for me. I love being able to learn new things and absorb knowledge about something I love to do. Being surrounded by people with such good energy and good vibes."

What challenges have you faced as a young artist in the industry, and how have you overcome them? 

I can’t count how many times I’ve been put down for the way I look and my sexuality. I’ve been told that the norm is the only way to go and I guess embracing who you are is the only way to overcome all that. I’ve learned that we should stop caring about what people think, it’s either they like you or they don’t. It’s better to keep the people that matter the most and continue doing what you love to do without caring about what people say about you.

What's your favorite/least favorite thing about making music? 

It’s very difficult for me to have a favorite thing about music when I enjoy every bit of it. The process of making it, the end of the track when you finally get to hear the result, the reactions people make when they hear it. That’s the joy for me. I guess if I were to have a least favorite thing, maybe the lack of sleep? Haha. That’s on me though.

What is your top networking tip for connecting with the right people in music e.g. a manager or a record label? 

I don’t actually know the answer to this one, I never really looked for them. I just keep uploading content and try to make videos that I think people would enjoy. Something light and easy but different. I was incredibly lucky to have been found by EP Entertainment and I’ll forever be grateful to them. They’ve really opened a lot of doors for me when it comes to music.

How do you use social media to connect with your audience/share your music? 

For me, social media is just a fun way to express yourself. You have total control over what you do and I guess at the end of the day, you attract people that love what you do. I’m not really good at the whole marketing perspective on that. I just be me and hope for the best."

If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be and why? 

I would love to do a song with Beyonce. That’s if I don’t get rushed to the ER just being near her presence. I’m in love with her. Absolutely in love.

What's the most unexpected source of inspiration you've drawn from for your music? 

I get inspired at the most random times, like I noticed most of them is when I’m in the shower. Haha, though my emotions play a big part. Especially when I’m in love or when I’m sad. That’s when I end up pouring my heart out the most."


Connect with Jay Kent

TikTok & Instagram

shesaid.so LA Radio: Sarah Harrison

Elyn Kazarian is back in the dublab studio for another episode of the shesaid.so LA Radio. Elyn’s guest for this episode is Sarah Harrison.

With over a decade of experience as a music professional, Sarah’s journey began in the vibrant world of DJing and broadcasting, eventually transitioning into a music executive role. This multifaceted career path has firmly established her as a global tastemaker within the music industry.

The shesaid.so's Alternative Power 100 Music List 2020 honoree is known for her contributions to the the Hip-Hop genre. Sarah has built a global reputation for breaking new records and facilitating transatlantic musical discoveries.

“The Sarah Harrison Show” has been a cornerstone of her career, broadcasting across several prominent UK radio stations including The Beat 103.6 FM, Radar, and Rinse 106.8 FM, while also securing mixshow positions on international giants like Hot 97 and BBC 1Xtra. Sarah co-hosted podcasts alongside respected figures in the music industry, notably “Unlock The Podcast,” featuring a wide palette of esteemed guests, from G-Unit to Salaam Remi.

This platform has been instrumental in introducing a plethora of US artists to the UK market, often premiering their songs or interviews for the first time in the region. The show boasts an impressive alumni list of hundreds. Her efforts in the industry have been recognized with a “Contribution to Hip-Hop” award by Sony Music and Nas.


Listen to the Archive

TRACKLIST:


Jon Dixon, L’Renee – Feel Your Touch
Shygirl, SG Lewis – mr useless
Dua Lipa – Houdini
Peggy Gou – It Makes You Forget (Itgehane)
The Blessed Madonna, Joy Anonymous, Danielle Ponder – Carry Me Higher
Charli XCX, Sam Smith – In The City
HAI-LIFE – ALL I WANNA
Tyla – Water
Kehlani – After Hours
Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!
Arooj Aftab – Raat Ki Rani
Lola Young – Conceited
Little Simz – Venom
Killumantii – Black Wall Street
Megan Thee Stallion – Her
Rah Digga – What They Call Me
Lil’ Kim – The Jump Off


Artist Spotlight: MËSTIZA

Spanish DJ/producer duo MËSTIZA have created a fusion sound that blends electronic music and the origins of Flamenco with African, Arabic, and Latin rhythms.

After more than 10 years of DJing separately, they decided to join forces to explore their roots and create a new experience for their audience through their own branded event named SACRO - where live musicians and professional dancers join them on stage.

Their debut album, QUËRELES was released a few months ago under their own record label Sacro Music. ‘QUËRELES’ is a harmonious fusion of flamenco roots and sophisticated electronics.

The duo collaborated with flamenco and roots artists Reyes Carrasco on the track ‘ESTRELLA,’ Argentina on ‘LÁGRIMAS,’ Chambao on ‘MIS OJOS,’ and emerging talent Jose del Curro on ‘SOLEÁ DE LAS CAVILACIONES.’ Additionally, they join forces with Aaron Sevilla for the track ‘EL FLAMENCO.’

Your debut album 'QUËRELES' features collaborations with traditional flamenco vocalists as well as avant-garde electronic music artists. Can you share some insights into the creative process?

We are very proud to have collaborated with all the artists that appear on the album. They have given us musical ideas outside the context of electronic music production and that gives a lot of meaning to an album that talks about fusion. In the process, we have worked with them on different flamenco concepts adapted to our style and this has been the best part of the musical creative process of the album.

How did the idea of fusing electronic music with traditional Flamenco elements come about?

Traditional Spanish music is in itself a fusion of different cultures, for example Hindu and Arabic. That is why, when we were inspired by flamenco, we had to take into account the idea of ​​the fusion of music from the beginning.

If you had to create a mixtape that represents MËSTIZA's musical journey so far, which three tracks from 'QUËRELES' would be essential?

Compañera: This song is a representation of our relationship. It’s about friendship and sorority between women, and that has been the basis of our project.

Soleá de las cavilaciones: We loved the creative process of this song, and we collaborated with a great flamenco artist, José del Curro.

La tarara: The lyrics are from a very old Spanish children's song that our grandmothers sang and that we remember with great affection.

Can you share a source of inspiration that played a role in making music?

For us, a creative moment can occur in any circumstance, but above all we are inspired by cinema, fashion, listening to music or going to art exhibitions. Depending on the project we look for more references in one area or another, but we certainly believe that it is very important to leave the comfort zone and find other artistic worlds to do something original.

Your visual presentation is striking. Does fashion play a role in MËSTIZA's identity?

From the beginning of the project we knew that not only music was important, we wanted to create a project that offered something more than music, so we turned to our background in fashion based on the references of our folklore but reinterpreting it today.

How do you stay grounded and focused on your music on a challenging day? 

Normally we wake up in a hotel and we usually work or have meetings with our team, then we usually work on music production and in the afternoon we train but we used to have time to visit the city.

There is an incredible and mysterious force on the stage that pushes you to do your best. We have sometimes been sick or simply had a bad day, but when we go out to the booth, we have become other people. Being an artist is a very big responsibility that you have to deal with to always give the best show to your audience.

When you're doing what you love, how do you feel inside?

There is always a moment, especially when we are DJing, when we realize how much people enjoy our music, and that moment is what gives meaning to everything we do, and we feel proud of ourselves. We have been working in the industry for more than ten years, and it has taken us a lot of effort to get to where we are, but just for these moments where you realize that you make people happy, it is all worth it.

Finally, do you have any advice for young people wanting to become music producers/DJs?

Have an identity, be consistent daily and believe a lot in yourself.

Connect with MËSTIZA

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter: A Celebration of Black Legacy in Country Music

Beyoncé's new album"Cowboy Carter" celebrates Black cultural influence within the country music genre. The album celebrates Black culture and music while addressing issues of erasure and discrimination while showcasing impressive collaborations (Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and more).

We're exploring the album's powerful message of identity and resilience, and delve into Beyoncé's strategic approach in the industry.

Beyoncé's latest album, "Cowboy Carter," breaks genre boundaries and celebrates Black culture and music while addressing issues of erasure and discrimination. The album has the most incredible list of collaborators and contributors Including Dolly Parton, Post Malone, Miley Cyrus, Rumi Carter, Willie Jones, Linda Martell, Willie Nelson, Shaboozey, Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, Reyna Roberts and Pharrell Williams. 

The album's name, 'Cowboy Carter,' is inspired by the original Black cowboys of the American West, as stated by Beyoncé's Parkwood Entertainment. The character of Cowboy Carter symbolizes the 'Western fortitude' displayed by Black cowboys, aiming to reclaim the term 'cowboy' from its derogatory historical connotations. Additionally, 'Cowboy Carter' draws inspiration from Western films, with Beyoncé screening movies like 'Urban Cowboy,' 'The Hateful Eight,' and 'Space Cowboys' during the recording process.

"Cowboy Carter" has been in development since before Beyoncé's “Renaissance” album. Initially planned for release before Renaissance, it has been a long process with Beyoncé recording around 100 songs before finalizing the album. The delay in its release was attributed to the heaviness of the world during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with Beyoncé wanting to bring joy to listeners when the time was right. She expressed gratitude for having the time and space to work on the album, ultimately trusting in divine timing for its release.

With a diverse range of sounds and collaborations with Black country artists, Beyoncé explores her family's ancestry and the Black roots of country music. Through spoken interludes and reinterpretations of classics like "Jolene," she highlights the challenges faced by Black musicians in the country genre. The album serves as a bold statement against critics who doubted her place in country music. It reflects Beyoncé's personal experiences, including her 2016 Country Music Awards performance, which faced racist backlash. It also references the historical mistreatment of Black Americans, symbolized by her reclaiming of her family's surname.

The album includes a tribute to Linda Martell, a pioneering Black country music singer. Martell's historic contributions to the genre, including her groundbreaking 1970 album "Color Me Country," paved the way for future Black artists in country music. Despite facing obstacles and setbacks in her career, Martell's legacy is being recognized and celebrated, with Beyoncé's homage marking another acknowledgment of her impact.

Beyoncé's rendition of Dolly Parton's classic song, Jolene, has sparked both praise and criticism. While some compare it unfavorably to the original, citing a perceived lack of vulnerability, others appreciate its departure from convention. 

 According to Dr Kadian Pow (Lecturer in Sociology and Black Studies, Birmingham City University), Parton's version embodies traditional white southern femininity, characterized by charm and demureness, contrasted with Jolene's fiery persona. “Beyoncé's interpretation, rooted in African American Women's Language, portrays a different narrative. She warns rather than pleads, asserting her multilayered Black identity and experiences. The song reflects a matured perspective on infidelity, with Beyoncé's husband standing by her side against the threat posed by Jolene. The differences in their approaches to the same theme highlight the intersectionality of age, race, and womanhood’.

As "Cowboy Carter" addresses themes of identity and resilience, it offers hope for a more inclusive future in the country music industry. While Beyoncé herself has clarified that her album isn't strictly country, its influence on the genre is undeniable. Beyoncé is paving the way for artists like Tanner Adell, Willie Jones, Tiera Kennedy, Linda Martell, Reyna Roberts, Brittney Spencer, and alt-country artist Shaboozey. Among those inspired by Beyoncé's impact are groups like The BoykinZ, a quartet of sisters from Atlanta suburbs, who see her creativity as a catalyst for their own artistic expression. Similarly, artists like RVSHVD, Ashlie Amber, The Kentucky Gentleman, and Chapel Hart are finding inspiration and encouragement in Beyoncé's approach to country music, ushering in a new era of diversity and inclusivity within the genre. 

A new CNN FlashDoc titled "Call Me Country: Beyoncé and Nashville’s Renaissance" explores this topic further (to be released on April 26), examining how high-profile artists like Beyoncé and Lil Nas X are challenging the genre's status quo. The film features interviews with artists like Rhiannon Giddens and Brothers Osborne, as well as commentary from experts and co-directors of the Black Opry.

Beyoncé’s artistic endeavors are approached with strategic precision to amplify her impact and effectively convey her message in major events like at the Superbowl with the Beyoncé & Verizon Commercial or by channelling glam cowgirl style at the 2024 Grammy Awards. All the while, she considers the broader impact that her work has on those looking up to her and following in her footsteps.  

Beyoncé's experience navigating exclusion in the music industry offers valuable insights. Following the backlash she faced after her performance at the 2016 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, Beyoncé took a strategic approach in responding to exclusionary treatment. She chose not to directly address the incident at the time but instead focused on promoting her albums and expanding her representation in Black culture.

“This is not a country album,” she announced. “This is a Beyoncé album.” This suggests that her goal was not acceptance but to show that her work goes beyond the genre-limited thoughts. We should all find inspiration in her strategic approach: from letting the attacks go in the moment to finding collaborators keen to diversify the genre to developing her very own Queen Bey enterprise in Country Music. 

Up Next: Britney Manson

Photo Credit: Milena Zara

Multi-talented artist, model, influencer, and provocateur, Britney Manson began her music career in 2021 with the release of several singles, including collaborations with Bill Kaulitz (Tokio Hotel) and Tubegirl.

As a trans model and influencer, Britney earned opportunities on prestigious runways, including Paris and Berlin Fashion Week, and campaigns with Italian fashion houses Valentino and Etro. Britney has a rapidly growing fanbase boasting 2.5M followers on TikTok and over 4M monthly Spotify listeners.

Britney Manson, has released her latest single ‘American Dream,’ which will be accompanied by her first-ever music video (out April 19). The single follows her viral hit ‘FASHION,’ which to date has garnered over 120M streams globally.

Drawing from her own experiences and aspirations, ‘American Dream’ channels the relentless pursuit of success. Reflecting on her journey, Britney explained: “I want to be the most mainstream from the underground artists and most underground from the mainstream ones, that’s Britney fucking Manson!”

What’s the story behind your latest single ‘American Dream’?

This song is all about the dreams of being successful! It’s all about being unstoppable, “do or die” when it comes to your goals. I wanted to create the whole song as if it was a crazy insomnia, telling you “hold me…what you are waiting for? You can get me, but you need to work so hard! I am your dream!

‘American Dream’ nods to the sounds of the late 2000s and early 2010s. Aside from Britney Spears's 'Blackout' album what are 3 things that inspire you from that era?

At first, the one and only, Tokio Hotel- Humanoid album. It’s so underrated, but it’s one of my top-3 albums so far, even the best one. Up next is “Born This Way” album by Lady Gaga, it has a crazy influence on me as an artist. Kazaky, Far East Movement, Robyn, Will.i.am, Nicola Formichetti, Gareth Pugh…there’s a lot of inspiration! Early 2010s are so underrated, so lemme bring it back xx 

You’ve walked prestigious runways and worked with top fashion houses. How does your experience in the fashion world influence your approach to music and performance?

I’m addicted to the fashion industry since I can remember myself. I mean it’s not only about the clothes- it’s a different world, and you can be whatever you want, just create your own outfit and put some glitter on! I’d like to describe my music as a fashion core- I want to bring all the fashion energy into the music world. 

If you were to send a message to new fans to know you and your music better, what would that message be?

At first- thank you for listening, and welcome to my world! And Up next-Please read my lyrics, they’re so meaningful! Read every single word, it’s there for a reason.

A moment in your career that had the most impact on your work.

The morning when I was reached by Billboard and had a Vogue article. I’ll never forget this day.

What is your most valuable piece of advice for new artists?


 Stay on your side. Do what YOU want, the time will come!

3 women who inspire you

Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Natasha Poly

What would a dream music collaboration be?

Lady Gaga and Tokio Hotel. 

3 things you can't live without in your bag

My lipgloss, cigarettes and AirPods 

What's one genre or style of music you haven't explored yet but would love to experiment with in the future?

Unpopular fact, but I’m listening to rock music during my whole life! Green Day, Linkin Park, Blind Channel, Evanescence, Quantic…it’s so unexpected, ikr :) not sure I’d like to switch my genre to rock only, but I’d love to try at least once!


Listen to American Dream

Britney Manson in social media: TikTok & Instagram

Website: https://britneymanson.com

Music Insider: Linda Walker

Linda Walker is a music industry executive with a commitment to integrity and a passion for nurturing talent. She is known for her success in forming partnerships with top artists such as Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, and Dua Lipa.

Linda’s adept communication and stakeholder engagement have facilitated collaborations with major digital music platforms like Apple, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok and Amazon, driving successful campaigns worldwide.

She has been recognized as a prominent advocate for Women in the Music Industry, earning her a place in Music Week's Women in Music, Roll of Honour in 2020.

How did you get your start in music?

I used to spend all my spare time (and money!) in a local Indie Record Store. They got so used to me being in there, one day they offered me a job. I was working in a law office at the time, but I handed my notice in that same day, started in the record store the following week, and absolutely loved my job from day one. Through working in the store, I met many sales reps that worked for the record labels, and I basically drove them all crazy by asking them to get me a job! Eventually, through continually plugging away, I got an interview at Warner Music to be part of their sales team. I really thought I had messed up the interview, but I got the job and never looked back.

Your career has been marked by successful partnerships with globally renowned artists like Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, and Dua Lipa. Can you share some key strategies you’ve employed to cultivate these creative commercial partnerships? 

Partnership is the keyword when you are working on campaigns such as these. Great relationships and a clear understanding of how your commercial partners work is essential to building a strong, commercially, and creatively impactful partnership. The starting point for me has always been to dig into the key objectives for a project from the artist, management and label’s perspective, and then to build a commercial strategy and partnership plan that achieves these objectives. With huge global artists like Ed, Coldplay and Dua, you must approach everything you do with a global mindset, building plans that are truly global in their ambition and reach.

Can you provide insights into how you approach and build strong relationships in the music industry - e.g. with stakeholders or music companies?

Relationships are a two-way thing and need to be nurtured, so be an active listener and remember, if you are building anything, you must keep coming back to it. I also think it’s important to be your true self, people will respect you for that and will generally see through you if you put on an act.

As a leader in transforming a music business into a predominantly digital operation, what challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

I remember when as a business, we first started speaking about digital music platforms, there was a slightly reluctant and fearful attitude towards the change. I always felt that we just needed to embrace the change and actively look for the positive impact it would have on our business. I jumped at the chance to work with iTunes when they first launched a store in the UK, as it just felt so exciting to be involved with something new and future facing. My point is, embrace the change!

What advice would you give to independent artists or smaller labels looking to optimize their strategies for a successful music release?

I don’t think there has ever been a better time to be an independent artist or label. You now have the tools to do so much for yourselves and you understand your audience better than anyone. There is an overwhelming amount of music released onto streaming platforms every single day, and it’s hard to get cut through, however, I would say focus your energy on what you can control, rather than what you can’t. Actively help your audience to find your music, they are your audience and your fans, not the streaming platforms’ so build that fan relationship and allow them to be part of your journey. This relationship goes beyond just streaming consumption so build a commercial strategy that encompasses all the elements that speaks to your audience.

What are some key trends or changes you currently observe in the music industry? - e.g. AI or anything else?

Well, leading on from the previous question, there is certainly an exciting time ahead for the independent sector. My old school record store self is delighted to see how well vinyl is doing and to see the indie retail sector so strong. AI is here to stay and will continually evolve, so as an industry, we need to grow with it, embrace the change and not be scared. There are going to be positive impacts, as well as negative, so the industry needs to pull together to harness the positives and work with legislators to protect against the negatives.

In your journey, how have you effectively balanced the creative aspects of the music industry with the necessary business acumen? 

Creativity is at the heart of the music industry, and I hope that never changes! Having a clear commercial strategy that delivers on short, mid and long-term goals, can easily weave together creative ideas alongside business ambition. One is not exclusive of the other.

What tips can you share with aspiring professionals to strike a harmonious balance between artistic vision and commercial success?

Understand what success means to you, it’s actually quite an individual thing to measure. Understanding this helps you to map out the steps needed to achieve your goals and how your artistry feeds into these plans. You should always remember why you do what you do and be your authentic self. Your passion, authenticity and purpose will drive you forward.

Tips on finding your first music job?

Work hard on building out your network and never be afraid to reach out to people who you find interesting and whom you think you could learn from. I can’t tell you how many people that I’ve never met before, have agreed to jump on a call or meet me for a coffee. The worst that can happen is that they don’t reply or say no, but you’ll probably be surprised by how many people will say yes. Also, don’t shut yourself off to one specific type of role, learn as much as you can about the industry (from your newly formed network) as there may be roles that you didn’t even know existed that spark your interest.

Tips for anyone who wants to get into your industry

Learn as much as you can about how the industry works. You have many resources available to you, so use them. And remember, music is a broad industry so don’t be afraid to explore all options.

Connect with Linda Walker

Artist Spotlight: Salle

Nigerian artist Salle has amassed a growing fan base with her debut track "Icon," which gained viral attention on TikTok and Spotify. Following the success of the song, Salle released her second single, 'Countdown.'

Produced by Monro and mixed by JAE5, 'Countdown' serves as a preview of Salle's upcoming debut EP. The song is a reflective exploration of impermanence and the significance of embracing the present. Salle's vocals dazzle on this track, cementing her status as an emerging talent worth keeping an eye on.

How did your viral street performance in Lagos influence your decision to pursue music professionally?

It made me grow passionate about music as I’ve neglected and never believed in my talent, after the video went viral I Dre so much strength from everyone who supported me and believed in me.

What 1 valuable lesson have you learned as an emerging artist?

One valuable lesson I’ve learned as an artist is not to acknowledge any kind of pressure whatsoever. It’s me versus me and I’m doing my best to be the best version of myself.

What is your top advice for new music artists 

Be yourself, acknowledge every feeling and every experience you may meet positive or negative and in all improve your craft it’s the only thing that makes us artists.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

I’d love to collaborate with lots of amazing artist but since I have to pick one off my list it’ll be “Rema” because of his mysterious tune that I enjoy.

Can you share a favorite moment from your journey in the music industry so far?

A favorite moment from my journey in the music industry so far will be the when I put out “ICON” it was the most liberating and remarkable so far.

What are your goals for the future as you continue to pursue your music career?

My goal for the future is to keep improving in my sound and in all aspect of my life.

3 things I can’t live without in my bag

Sunglasses, perfume and cash.


Artist Spotlight: Kelly Moran

Kelly Moran, shot by Brandon Bowen

New York-based composer and producer Kelly Moran has spent the past decade challenging traditional piano conventions with an experimental approach.

Moran has collaborated with artists such as Oneohtrix Point Never and FKA Twigs, composing for classical musician Margaret Leng Tan and working with contemporaries like Kelsey Lu and Yves Tumor. Her solo albums, "Bloodroot" and "Ultraviolet," have explored extended piano techniques and received critical acclaim across various genres.

Her upcoming album, "Moves in the Field," moves away from prepared piano techniques and instead focuses on a more experimental use of the instrument, similar to her previous work on "Ultraviolet."

The inspiration for "Moves in the Field" originated from Moran's experience composing a piano duet with Missy Mazzoli in early 2020. During this collaboration, Yamaha Music loaned her a Disklavier—a state-of-the-art player piano, capable of surpassing human capabilities in composition.

During the pandemic, Moran began composing with the Disklavier as her duet partner in isolation. The duets between Moran and the Yamaha Disklavier embody her pursuit of both technical precision and emotional resonance, creating an interplay between human performance and the Disklavier's automation, resulting in multi-layered compositions.

Influenced by both classical minimalism and contemporary electronic music, "Moves in the Field" serves as a bridge between two distinct musical worlds. Mixed and recorded by Dan Bora (known for his collaborations with Philip Glass), and mastered by Joshua Eustis of Telefon Tel Aviv, the album exemplifies Moran's bold artistic vision and technical prowess.

"Moves in the Field" marks a departure from Moran's previous works, positioning her in a compositional league of her own. The album explores themes of humanity versus technology and the interplay between technicality and musicality. Released under Warp Records, it firmly establishes Kelly Moran as a leading figure in modern music.

What sparked your transition from prepared piano to the Disklavier piano, and how did it inspire the new direction for "Moves in the Field"?

My last record was music for prepared piano and electronics that was based heavily in improvisation. When I set out to make a new record, I intended to make another album exploring prepared piano, but this time with more repetitive song structures and loop-based grooves to evolve the rhythmic feel of the previous record. All the music from Ultraviolet was so loose and unmetered, and I wanted to create music people could dance to. But unfortunately after I began writing the record in this direction, I became bored and uninspired by the prepared piano because the pandemic hit. I needed fresh inspiration to feel motivated, and working with the familiar sound of the prepared piano wasn’t doing it for me.

Around this time, Yamaha loaned me a disklavier player piano, and it provided a new way for me to compose and interact with the piano. I suddenly had a flood of new ideas that I wanted to explore, and it was then when I decided to abandon the prepared piano music and head in a fresh direction. 

The album title draws a connection to skating rudiments. How does this thematic element tie into the music and what role did the Disklavier play in bringing these movements to life?

I started figure skating as a hobby a few years ago, and all skaters learn basic patterns to master control over your blade edge. These patterns are called Moves in the Field, as the ice rink is often referred to as the field. You’re supposed to practice small simple patterns so you can build up your skills to achieve more intricate, difficult moves. I saw a lot of parallels in the process of learning to skate and learning how to play music - moves in the field are like scales and arpeggios for musicians.

When I started working with the disklavier, I would often record a simple pattern and then complicate it by adding layers, so it reminded me a lot of the practice of building up skating skills so you can skate more difficult elements.

How did you use the Disklavier in these compositions?

A Disklavier is a player piano that allows you to record your performance and have the piano play it back with expressive and dynamic accuracy. It uses an advanced system of MIDI to translate the touch of a pianist to MIDI information and have the playback sound identical to the performance that was played into it.

One of my favorite aspects of working with this piano is being able to listen to my music being played on the piano from the listener’s perspective. As a pianist, I can be very emotional and get swept up in the music I’m playing because it feels so good physically. But this doesn’t always sound the best from the listener’s perspective - some songs need more sensitivity and control, and I wouldn’t realize this if I weren’t able to listen back to my playing the way the disklavier plays back my performances. 

Did you encounter any challenges or revelations during the compositional process?

When working with a player piano, it’s very tempting to want to over-correct in the editing process. You have the ability to record a take and then delete all your wrong notes, or correct your dynamics. But the more you edit your playing, the less human it sounds, and I had to find a middle ground between perfection and expression.

Moves in the Field seems to bridge classical minimalism with modernized and synthesized textures found in electronic music. How did you balance these influences?

I like to write a lot of dancey patterns that might be found in techno or other dance music - I was working a lot with my synth arpeggiator on early versions of the music. It was fun sending these MIDI patterns to an acoustic piano because it’s the kind of music I would never physically play on the piano, but still sounds very satisfying to listen to. I used a sub bass as the only non-piano sound on the album just to add a bit of weight to the low end because I wanted to keep the focus on the purity of the acoustic piano sound.

The album is mixed and recorded by Dan Bora, known as Philip Glass' sound engineer. How did this collaboration impact the overall sound of Moves in the Field?

Philip Glass has been a huge inspiration for me as a composer and his music always sounds incredible. Because this record is more reliant on the acoustic piano sound and less on electronic elements (than a low of my past works) I wanted to try to work with an engineer who was very experienced in mixing classical music. Dan was extremely thorough and mathematical in his mixing, which is very different from my approach, but I learned so much from him about all the little ways you can make a piano sound better on a recording!

Kelly Moran, shot by Brandon Bowen

Does this album mark a departure from your previous works, defining a new sound? 

It doesn’t feel like a total departure to me, honestly. I’ve made a lot of records and most of them exist in their own unique sound world. This record felt like going back to my roots as a pianist, because piano was the first instrument I ever learned and so much of my experience as a composer has been about combining the piano with other sounds, or manipulating its sound in some way. I tried to restrain myself in some way by working only with the acoustic, natural sound of the piano as the main basis for the pieces, instead of relying on electronic or synthesized sounds.

As a musician, do you draw inspiration from other genres?

I listen to a lot of music, and most of it is not in the vein of music I write. I think I get most of my inspiration from artists who make music completely different to what I make. 

How do you tap into your creativity on particularly tough days?

Get out of your house, get your body moving. I like going on runs to clear my head and reset my energy. Make contact with a friend if you’ve been home alone all day. Even though I make most of my music alone, I don’t recommend letting yourself get too isolated from the world. It’s important to connect with other people and find purpose outside of your own creative practice.

What’s your top advice for artists who want to enter this industry?

In order to pursue music for a living, it has to be your main passion. I never allowed myself to entertain the possibility of doing anything but music for a living because I knew I would be miserable. You have to be in it for the right reasons.


  • Interview by ninakeh for shesaid.so


Moves in the Field is out now on Warp Records

How to Find the Right Music Distributor

Choosing the right distributor is crucial for your music. In this short guide, we'll explore key factors to consider when selecting a distributor that aligns with your needs and maximizes your potential for success in the music industry.

1- Choosing the Right Distributor

Your distributor is your gateway to numerous platforms and services, but not all distributors are the same. Whether you're a solo artist or part of a larger teamonsider factors like team size, personalized support, and seamless collaboration to ensure they meet your needs.

2- Broad Distribution Reach

Choose a distributor with preferred partner status at major DSPs like Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. Verify they provide music at the highest standards and offer leading licensing terms across various digital music services.

3- Clarifying Objectives and Deal Structures

What kind of deal are you looking for? Whether it's starting your own label, seeking an artist direct deal, or launching a brand, clarify your objectives. Negotiate terms that align with your goals, whether it's exclusivity or a more open arrangement.

4- Efficient Content Management

Look for a music distributor with a comprehensive content management system that streamlines your digital supply chain. Ensure they offer real-time deliveries and complete control over your catalog and new releases.

5- Time Zones and Support

A distributor that offers round-the-clock support or aligns their operating hours with yours can significantly enhance your overall experience and streamline distribution operations.

Ensure that they align with your schedule to expedite communication and problem-solving. Assess their availability for customer support to ensure timely assistance with any challenges you encounter

6- Flexibility in Partnerships

A distributor that understands and supports your existing partnerships can contribute to the success and growth of your music across multiple platforms.

If maintaining direct deals with DSPs, consider a distributor's flexibility in accommodating existing partnerships while offering additional services to enhance your distribution efforts.

7- Audience Strategy Expertise

When evaluating a music distributor, consider their audience strategy capabilities. Look for a distributor that thinks like a fan, artist, creative, and marketer all at once. Assess whether their Audience Strategy team can collaborate with you to shape, nurture, and grow your artist's audience across all media and digital platforms.

8- Media Strategy

Seek for a distributor with a global network of press, radio, and TV partners to position your music effectively. Look for tailored publicity campaigns covering premieres, bios, translations, exclusives, interviews, and live performances. Ensure they plug into commercial and speciality stations for maximum exposure and impact.


This guide is based on a recent workshop on "Music Distribution Strategies" led by Connie Chow (FUGA), exclusively designed for shesaid.so members and allies.

Gain exclusive insights directly from music industry executives and artists.

Become a shesaid.so Member

As a NINA member, you can re-watch educational content, access music business workshops and talks, gain insights from artists and music executives, attend networking events, and enjoy additional perks.

Up Next: Kito

Australian-born, LA-based producer, DJ, and songwriter Kito has steadily ascended in electronic, indie, and pop genres for over a decade.

Her notable collaborations include working with Skrillex and Aluna on 'Inhale Exhale' from Skrillex's Grammy-nominated album, QUEST FOR FIRE (Best Dance/Electronic Album) and a Grimes endorsed official release of 'Gold Touch,' marking Kito's first AI-generated vocal track.

Kito’s first official release came through Skream’s label Disfigured Dubs, with future releases on Mad Decent, Ed Banger, and Astralwerks.

Producing for a range of artists including Banks, Jeremih, ZHU, Channel Tres, Hudson Mohawke, Jorja Smith, and Fletcher, whom she received a Gold Record for her work on ‘Bitter’, Kito’s work has also landed her performances for Luxury brands like Gucci and Fendi. 

In 2024, Kito is returning to Mad Decent for upcoming solo releases and collaborations set for spring and summer, reflecting her London club scene upbringing.

"COLD TOUCH" released in 2023 featured A.I.-generated vocals from Grimes. What excites you about the intersection of AI and artistic expression?

The thing that excites me the most is the possibilities of cutting out tedious parts of the creative process. I’m not so excited about using AI to come with ideas - more about leveraging it as a tool to help me see my ideas through. 

As an artist who has worked across various labels, what insights can you share about getting in touch with record labels?

I’m not entirely sure if I have any secret tips here! I think labels are less and less important for artists starting out. For me, I had my heart set on a few labels to begin with and sent demos through social media. In my opinion, the best way to get a labels attention is to create a world with your music and audience yourself. 

Share a memorable behind-the-scenes moment while working on a collaborative project

I have so many! Doing a writing camp at Shangri La was pretty memorable. Just knowing so many amazing albums were made in the space we were working felt special. 

3 women who inspire you

My mum and my sisters.

Tips for finding your creativity on a tough day

Get outside and move your body! Or tap in a friend to share the burden of breaking through a block on your own. 

Your top advice for young people wanting to become music producers/singer-songwriters etc.

Have fun, and perhaps don’t quit your day job until you have to? I know that once I had to make money from music, it did limit my creativity for a little bit but once I found financial stability it opened up my creativity again as I felt less afraid to take risks. 

What's your favorite and least favorite thing about making music?

Favourite thing is the buzz you get when you make something you love with people you love, and least favourite thing is the self doubt. 

3 things you can't live without in your bag

paw paw ointment because I’m Australian, orange blossom perfume, a little chocolate treat 

An artist or album that's changed your life

Burial changed my life. I may not have started making music if it wasn’t for Burial.

Describe your morning routine

I love to get outside and get a coffee! 


Kito will be debuting her new project IS U IS U with Chrome Sparks with their first single 'All I Need' out on March 27th via Mad Decent.

Connect with Kito

A Conversation In: Journalism & Media

Red Bull Records and shesaid.so. are hosting an evening exploring the evolving landscape of music journalism.

This event will take place on Thursday, March 28th, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

The landscape of music journalism is constantly changing, with publications shifting to new models and mediums, while digital platforms continue to rise in influence.

Join us to hear prominent music & culture writers discuss how they're preserving the art of storytelling and shaping the future of modern media.

The discussion, moderated by Andreea Magdalina, founder of shesaid.so, promises insightful perspectives and dialogue. 

✦ Doors will open promptly at 6:00pm, with the panel commencing at 7:00pm. 

✦ Following the discussion, join us for drinks and DJ sets until 10:00pm.

Panelists:

⋆ Sandra Song

⋆ Rachel Brodsky

⋆ Lina Abascal

Moderated By:

⋆ Andreea Magdalina, shesaid.so Founder

DJ Sets: Sadé & Chloëdees

Hosted by: Red Bull Records & shesaid.so

Location: Hotel Ziggy 8462 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA, 90069

Please RSVP to secure your spot and receive location details.

RSVP HERE

Artist Spotlight: Crystal Murray

Crystal Murray, Photo by Ottilie Landmark

Parisian musician Crystal Murray has achieved notable success in her music career. She founded her own label, Spin Desire, providing a platform for up-and-coming artists. Additionally, she kickstarted a residency and club night at the renowned Paris venue, Silencio, and has appeared in campaigns for Vogue, Dazed, Paco Rabanne, and Diesel.

But with teenage years intertwined with the industry, Crystal felt stifled. “I got pushed in the ‘neo soul’ direction,” she says. “I was contending with this cliche of the ‘neo-soul woman’ – she's a Black girl with an afro. loved it, but it scared me too. At 16, I was trying to fit a box that wasn't mine – I wanted to rock shit out too.”

Emerging as a mercurial star with the 2020 EP "I Was Wrong," she expanded neo-soul boundaries with mature lyricism. Her 2021 hit "BOSS" and the 2022 EP "Twisted Bases" showcase her evolution in themes of messy relationships and vulnerability.

Crystal declared her revenge in the fierce song "PAYBACK," a preview of her debut album, Sad Lovers And Giants. At 22, Crystal rejects expectations, emphasizing a move towards authenticity in her music, described as tragic, theatrical, and cinematic.

Accompanying the album announcement is a visually stunning Charlotte Wales-directed music video for the new single "STARMANIAK" (out now), described as an anthem for those who feel walked over. Crystal is also set to host a special night at Beaubeaus, London in association with shesaid.so.

As Crystal embarks on this new phase of her career, the album promises to be a transformative experience, weaving together her lived experiences and offering a powerful narrative of emotional strength and release.

Your latest single, "STARMANIAK," addresses the challenges women face in today's society. Can you share more about the inspiration behind this song?

I wanted to highlights the struggles and challenges that many women face in today's society, particularly the pervasive issue of being over-sexualized, disrespected, and mistreated. My acknowledgment of the toxicity that some individuals, can perpetuate is important. Im talking about my own experiences but also shedding light on broader societal issues that need to be addressed.

What was it like collaborating with Charlotte Wales on the music video?

It was amazing, the idea of doing something bizarre came from Stephy Galvani my artistic director and myself. The song came from somewhere so pure and real that I didn’t want to make a visual just to look good, we wanted something that makes you uncomfortable and makes you re-watch the video to understand where it comes from. We pitched the idea to Charlotte and she brought it to a whole other level, that was visual, smart and slick.

Was there a memorable moment during the creation of your debut album, SAD LOVERS & GIANTS?

The whole making of the album was a moment really, when I’m focusing on something I enter this tunnel in my head and can’t get out. It was a lot of soul searching, rage turned to maturity, answers. It was a whole awakening for me. I think something really changed when Kyu Steed came in, I had worked for a little year already but it really helped me find the right direction for it.

What's your top networking tip to connect with a record label?

Mmmm, I think really try to understand if they understand your work and your vision. Ask yourself if you’re ready or if you need a little more time without a label. Cause once you have a whole team, to have the result you need, you need to know exactly where you want to go.

What's your favourite/least favourite thing about making music?

My favourite thing is going on stage, I love the connection I get to have with the public and my musicians and that’s where I really find answers, it’s like therapy for me. And I know exactly why Im making music, I love it.

My least favourite thing is promoting my work. I find it sometimes hard to explain 2 years of work through few questions - and answers, it can get a bit frustrating. Sometimes it feels a bit meaningless. When you try to make it as clear as possible in your music and visuals and give 100% of your emotions in it. But It’s a part of the game, I guess.

How do you overcome creative blocks?

By surrounding myself with the right minds, I believe if you federate yourself around beautifully artistic people, your creative mind will always flow. Being in an environment where people appreciate and engage in artistic expression can help stimulate your imagination and encourage innovative thinking. I always try to surround myself with people or circles where I feel energized and inspired by the creativity around me.

Tips for musicians/songwriters who are just starting in the industry?

Follow your guts, and surround yourself with the right people who understand where you want to go. And really have fun with your music, we do this for art, for emotions, for feelings. If you’re doing it for something else just don’t do it.

3 women that influenced your music

ESG, this group of women that really made me get out of my comfort zone, on stage I always had this punk rock energy and could never find it in the studio. ESG made me get this part out of me.

Ouri riou is an artist, musician, and producer that worked on my album. I really love her because I would start some songs and she would finish them with such warmth, we would finish with some really crazy pop/ rock songs but with so much air and light.

And Macy Gray will always be my one and only (since I was a little girl).

3 things you can't live without in your bag

My vogues, my block note, my swords ( I have these little silver swords, they’re very tiny) they’re my lucky charms. Everything is little cause I like little bags lol.

STARMANIAK Out Now

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM “SAD LOVERS AND GIANTS”,

OUT MAY 31st


CRYSTAL MURRAY & SHESAID.SO 

Presents STARMANIAK RELEASE PARTY

In conversation with Charlotte Wales 

Plus live performances (Crystal Murray) & DJ sets (Emma Korantema, Broodooramses)

BeauBeaus 4 - 6 Gravel Lane, E1 7AW

The event is free but guests must RSVP via this link.

Panel discussion will start at 6:30 pm sharp so make sure you are there to grab your seat.

Crystal Murray & shesaid.so Presents 'STARMANIAK' Release Party

Paris-hailing and London-dwelling musician and creative Crystal Murray is set to host an extra special night at Beaubeaus, London in association with shesaid.so.

The event will celebrate the upcoming release of her new single, 'STARMANIAK’ [out March 15th] that lands alongside an incredible video directed by Charlotte Wales (the British fashion photographer and filmmaker who has become a signature eye for some of the world’s biggest fashion houses and campaigns) that will be screened on the night.

The evening will kick off with a panel discussion featuring Crystal, Charlotte Wales, Julie Mathieu Moreau (executive producer of the video), and creative director Stephy Galvini. The panel will be moderated by Tara Joshi and will cover themes reflected in the music video and broader topics relating to the female creative industry experience.

Following the discussion, there will be an opportunity for guests to ask our panel questions and then we party with DJ sets from Emma Korantema, Broodooramses and a live performance from Crystal. 

Speaking of the single, which is an anthem for anyone who feels they’ve been walked over, Crystal says:

"I wanted to highlight the struggles and challenges that many women face in today's society, particularly the pervasive issue of being over-sexualized, disrespected, and mistreated. My acknowledgement of the toxicity that some individuals can perpetuate is important. I'm talking about my own experiences but also shedding light on broader societal issues that need to be addressed."

The event is free but guests must RSVP via this link.

Panel discussion will start at 6:30 pm sharp so make sure you are there to grab your seat.


CRYSTAL MURRAY & SHESAID.SO 

Presents STARMANIAK RELEASE PARTY

In conversation with Charlotte Wales 

Plus live performances (Crystal Murray) & DJ sets (Emma Korantema, Broodooramses)

BeauBeaus 4 - 6 Gravel Lane, E1 7AW

Date: Wednesday 20 March

Time: 6pm – 11pm


STARMANIAK Out Now

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM “SAD LOVERS AND GIANTS”,

OUT MAY 31st


Alt List 2024: Women’s History Month Edition

In celebration of Women’s History Month, IWD, and a decade of our community’s existence, shesaid.so is featuring a list of honorees for 2024. This list, curated by the shesaid.so team, comprises individuals who have made a significant impact on our community and the music industry at large.

The Alternative Power 100 Music List was created in 2017 as a response to Billboard’s Power 100 List with the aim to challenge conventional music industry standards. Over the years the Alt List has evolved from a symbolic stance in defiance of its original counterpart to a celebration for traditionally underrepresented communities such as women, people of color, with disabilities, people from emerging markets, LGBTQ and so on.

Alternative Power 100 Music List: Previous Editions


Nur Özdamar

Nur Özdamar is an entertainment industry executive committed to nurturing artists and creators through technology and education. Originally born in Turkey, the shesaid.so Alternative Power 100 honoree has built a global career that encompasses brand agencies, record labels, and tech companies.

Nur's active engagement with music communities reflects her dedication to fostering discussions on overcoming barriers in the music industry and providing ways to share insights and practical advice.

Currently, she’s based in London as YouTube’s Artist & Label Development Lead for Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) spearheading a regional team that champions the careers of 300+ artists and supporting 150+ labels.

Nur has been the driving force behind Foundry in EMEA – YouTube Music’s global artist development program, which aids independent artists in building careers on their own terms. To date, Foundry has assisted more than 150+ artists across 15 countries including alumni like Tems, Dua Lipa, Rosalia, Omar Apollo, Gunna, andHARDY, and others.

Nur has actively participated in various shesaid.so events, notably joining founder Andreea Magdalina at the we.challenge roundtable in 2021 - a discussion that aimed to unpack the challenges faced by women in the music industry, addressing both pre-existing social and systemic barriers as well as new challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic - with artist and producer Tems, Oksi Odedina of 5k Records, Jacqueline Eyewe, Marketing Director of 0207 Def Jam, and Ali Raymond, who played a pivotal role in elevating Arlo Parks to new heights in recent years.


Phiona Okumu

Phiona Okumu, the Head of Music for the Sub-Saharan region at Spotify, has played a pivotal role in elevating emerging African artists.

DJing, curating new music, and blogging about global African pop culture way back in 2009 is what led Phiona Okumu down the path of streaming, starting first at Apple Music. As the editorial, label & artist relations lead for Africa, where the service had just launched, she went about the work of amplifying music creators from the region. 

Three years later she joined Spotify, at first as the Artist and Label Partnerships manager focusing on South Africa, the sole Sub-Saharan country where Spotify had a presence at the time, and later on when the brand expanded to nearly 40 more African countries in February 2021, Okumu was promoted to head of music for the Sub-Saharan region.

In this current role, she is in charge of the strategy via which the region’s music teams engage artists, labels and other industry stakeholders, and execute editorial on platform.

The long-time shesaid.so member (Phiona joined our community in 2015 while running Afripop Mag as an editor and writing for The Guardian, among other outlets) is passionate about uplifting emerging African artists.

Okumu repetitively highlighted the explosive growth of Afrobeats, emphasizing the genre's global recognition and the significant influence of African music on pop culture - with Rema, a leading Afrobeats artist, achieving a billion streams, signaling the genre's increasing popularity among both African and international audiences.

Phiona’s passion for music discovery, culture and storytelling remain the core of her day-to-day as well as her long-term vision. She emphasizes strategy, innovation, and culture to propel African music forward and stresses the importance of authenticity and the need to understand the business side of the industry.


Jyoty

Considered at the forefront of her own movement, Jyoty has emerged as a global trailblazer in dance music. Over eight years on London's Rinse FM, she has evolved from radio to headlining festivals and hosting sold-out stages worldwide. Recognized for her skills as a DJ, musical selector, curator, and interviewer, the Alt-List 2020 Honoree has garnered a devoted following.

Her journey began with Boiler Room, where her personality managing the door led to hosting shows. A regular on Rinse FM, she showcased her ability to discover new music and connect with guests, amassing thousands of global listeners. Beyond headline shows at renowned venues and festivals like KOKO, Paradiso, and Glastonbury, Jyoty uses her platform to give back; from hosting DJ workshops for women in Calcutta to teaching courses for young British Asian women, she knows the importance of sharing knowledge.

“Make sure you count and celebrate each and every achievement, and don’t let anybody make you feel like you shouldn’t or your can’t, because you should and you can!” (Jyoty during shesaid.so x TikTok 2021 Mentor Moments)

In just a few years, Jyoty has become an industry force, with sold-out headline tours, collaborations with fashion brands like Burberry and Prada, and an unwavering commitment to representing good music without limitations. She continues to break barriers and make a lasting impact on the music scene.


Cherie Hu

Cherie Hu, an award-winning researcher, founder, and educator in music, technology, and business, has been an active member, an ALT LIST 2020 Ambassador and Alternative Power 100 Music List 2018 Honoree.

Excitingly, she is set to join Syracuse University's Bandier Program for Recording and Entertainment Industries in Fall 2024 as a Professor of Practice, focusing on teaching emerging music business models and technologies. Concurrently, she serves as an Adjunct Professor, teaching social media marketing for the music business at Bandier.

Since 2019, Cherie has been the driving force behind Water & Music, a global innovation platform for the music business. Through data-driven market research, online courses, consulting projects, and live events, she empowers industry professionals to navigate emergent music-tech trends for transformative opportunities in business and culture.

Probably the most cliché-but-true tip I have for those who want to carve out their own path in music media is to own a niche that you’re passionate about. (Cherie Hu, Member Spotlight 2021)

Cherie's extensive background in writing, editing, and reporting on the music business includes contributions to reputable publications such as Billboard, Forbes, NPR Music, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Variety, and DJ Mag. Recognized as a go-to source for music-industry trends, she has provided insights for publications like CNBC, WIRED, CoinDesk, The Ringer, and Bloomberg. Additionally, Cherie has been a featured panelist or keynote speaker at over 40 conferences worldwide.

In her free time, Cherie enjoys dancing, particularly in the realms of house and hip-hop, exploring modern art museums, relishing good food, and indulging in cratedigging. Her diverse expertise and passion for pushing creative boundaries make her a prominent figure shaping the intersection of music, technology, and business.


Skin

Skin is an acclaimed rock singer known for her groundbreaking presence since the mid-'90s with Skunk Anansie.

Born and raised in Brixton, South London, she ventured into hardcore rock, rejecting the conventional path of soul/R&B session singing. Apart from fronting Skunk Anansie, one of the UK's most successful underground bands, she is recognized as a fashion icon, actress, and activist, showcasing versatility and impact across various creative fields.

Skin's solo journey continued with various gigs around Europe, including supporting Robbie Williams' and Placebo's world tours. Driven by her love for electronic music, Skin transitioned into the DJ world thanks to her friend Damian Lazarus.

Skin has collaborated with various artists including Timo Maas, Martin Buttrich and Nicole Moudaber and has been DJing at renowned venues worldwide, including Output in New York, Sound Nightclub in LA, and Fabric in London and at events like Carl Cox's Revolution in Ibiza and Coachella. In 2020 Skin published her memoir, "It Takes Blood and Guts," co-written with Lucy O'Brien.

Skin's notable appearences with shesaid.so was during the shesaid.so presents “Investigating Intersectionality” event at IMS 2019 when she shared her experiences alongside other influential figures in the music industry, including Detroit-born and raised techno/house DJ and producer Kelli Hand, German-based DJ and producer Loco Dice, Palestinian DJ and producers DJ Dar and DJ Darbak, and Spain's Paco Osuna.


Liz Miller

Liz Miller is a longtime behind-the-scenes music industry figure with active participation in our community and a commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the electronic music industry.

Originally from Colorado, Liz played a foundational role at Beatport in 2003, where she spent six years managing over 3000 label accounts. In 2009, she launched her own digital marketing service, working with artists like Richie Hawtin and Seth Troxler. A significant opportunity arose in 2010 when she became the General Manager for Atlantic's Big Beat Records, overseeing the relaunch and nurturing a roster that included Skrillex, Martin Solveig, and David Guetta.

In 2012, Skrillex won three Grammy Awards for his breakthrough album "Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites" and acknowledged Liz Miller, then the head of his record label Big Beat, in his acceptance speech.

In 2014, Miller returned to Beatport under SFX, taking on the role of VP of Artist Relations and contributing to the development of a department focused on supporting electronic music artists through the Beatport/SFX platform. Since 2018 has been involved in Artist Partnerships at Meta, collaborating with artists across various genres to enhance their presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Threads, WhatsApp, and more.

Liz Miller joined our community in 2017, and her introduction stood out for its generous offer to assist fellow members. She provided her contact details and encouraged everyone to reach out for professional or informal conversations. In 2023, she further extended her support by becoming a mentor in our we.grow mentoring program at ADE.


Wendy Ong

Serving as the Global Co-President/Head of Marketing at TaP Music, Wendy Ong expertly oversees a diverse roster of artists, including Lana Del Rey, Ellie Goulding, Caroline Polachek, Noah Cyrus, Dermot Kennedy, Mabel, and more.

Her unparalleled track record of breaking artists in every corner of the globe, coupled with her personal journey from Singapore to leadership posts at the music industry's top companies, establishes her as the preeminent modern music executive.

“Living in so many different places and collaborating with such a wide variety of people allows you to be in tune with the pulse of what’s happening globally,” she says. “In my career, I’ve also had the rare opportunity to work in nearly every genre of music from hip hop to classical. I draw from all of that when working to realize my artist’s vision.”

Her first job was at BMG Singapore, specializing in Soundtracks, Jazz, and New Age. After two years she moved to Hong Kong where she took on supervising pop releases for Asia Pacific.

Upon relocating to NYC she embarked on the seminal role of International Marketing at Clive Davis’s Arista Records. Over the next decade, she went on to launch OutKast worldwide and worked extensively with artists such as P!nk, Alicia Keys and The Strokes. Following Arista, she joined the Metropolitan Opera before EMI sought her out as Head of Classical in 2011.

Following stints at Capitol Music (where she led the Marketing team to break Sam Smith) and Interscope Records, she joined Roc Nation as Head of Marketing where she drove campaigns for JAY-Z, Rihanna, Jaden Smith and more. In late 2018, she became Tap Music’s Head of Marketing  and was promoted to Global Co-President of TaP Music a year later helping to drive the success of Dua Lipa globally.


Kanya King

Kanya King MBE, the CEO, founder, and visionary behind the MOBO Awards, has played a pivotal role in transforming black music from the fringes of British popular culture to a central position on the global stage. Over the organization's twenty-year journey, Kanya's exceptional leadership has made MOBO a globally respected brand, championing diversity, inclusion, and recognition for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) talent across various fields.

Born out of Kanya's determination and entrepreneurial spirit, the MOBO Awards started in 1996, defying industry trends and celebrating black music at a time when it was overshadowed by Britpop. Kanya's relentless efforts and financial commitment, including re-mortgaging her house, led to the success of the inaugural event, setting the stage for MOBO to become a driving force in British urban music.

Under Kanya's guidance, MOBO not only became a prestigious awards ceremony but evolved into an iconic brand with year-round initiatives, including the MOBO UnSung talent competition and an artist development program. Kanya's dynamic approach has been instrumental in supporting the growth of British urban music, providing a platform for artists like Stormzy, Amy Winehouse, and Skepta.

In 2009, Kanya took the bold step of moving the MOBO Awards outside London, showcasing its adaptability and resonance with diverse audiences across the UK. MOBO's impact is not limited to entertainment; it incorporates the MOBO Trust, contributing to social and cultural change through talent development programs and educational opportunities.

Kanya's commitment to positive change is evident in MOBO's partnerships and initiatives. In 2021, she collaborated with shesaid.so and TikTok to share 'mentor moments,' providing quick-fire video tips and support for aspiring women in the music industry. Kanya King's journey exemplifies not only entrepreneurial success but also a dedication to fostering diversity, inclusion, and excellence in arts, culture, and society.


Suzy Ryoo

Suzy Ryoo is the Co-Founder and President of Venice Music, an inclusive, pioneering global distribution platform and artist/label services company that offers the tools, education and community an independent music entrepreneur needs to grow and succeed in their careers.

Suzy Ryoo served as a shesaid.so ALT LIST 2021 Business and Technology Ambassador. Her role was instrumental in aligning with shesaid.so's vision and introducing special awards and ten brand new categories covering industry areas such as Artists, Community, Record Labels, and more.

In a parallel universe to music in venture capital, Suzy's an investor in software enabled, culture leading companies including Therabody, FaZe Clan, Liquid Death, Seed, OurPlace, Yumi and Blueland. Born in Seoul, raised in LA and now across Miami and beyond, Suzy was blessed by her entrepreneurial family and their immigrant hustle.


Emily Lazar

Emily Lazar, a leading mastering engineer that started her musical journey in a household immersed in music. Her early experiences as an artist and songwriter drove her pursuit of understanding the intricacies of the recording process.

With a background in engineering and classical training, Emily honed her mastering skills, working with industry giants and eventually founding her own studio, The Lodge, in downtown New York.

The walls of The Lodge studio are lined with classic platinum records and music memorabilia. As a hub that has hosted renowned artists like Dave Grohl, the B-52s and Garbage, the studio remains a finishing school for major albums in music history. Lazar set up shop in 1997 and her mastering skills soon brought in a clientele as eclectic as the genres in the industry, from Wu-Tang Clan and Linkin Park to The Shins.

Emily Lazar has garnered two Grammy nominations for her outstanding work in the final stages of preparing albums for release. Her first nomination was for the Foo Fighters' "Wasting Light" in 2011, and in 2015, she is nominated for her contribution to Sia's widely recognized pop hit, "Chandelier."


In 2019, Lazar made history as the first female mastering engineer to win a Grammy for Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical) with Beck's "Colors." In 2021, she achieved another milestone by securing three Grammy nominations for Album of the Year, earning praise from Chris Martin of Coldplay for her crucial role in enhancing their latest album's sound.

As a mastering engineer, Emily views her work as a creative process, emphasizing collaboration with artists to preserve the integrity of their mixes.

She pioneered "stem mastering," working with separate files for mix elements, to provide greater flexibility and control in achieving desired results.

Emily navigates the challenges of the loudness wars, emphasizing the importance of maintaining artistic intent while meeting distribution requirements. Beyond technical aspects, Emily prioritizes conversations about vibe, color, and storytelling in her work. For her, mastering is like midwifery, facilitating the birth of a musical creation. Emily's commitment to helping artists realize their vision is reflected in her approach, making her a sought-after figure in the industry.

shesaid.so Guide to SXSW 2024

We compiled a guide to SXSW 2024 featuring a selection of talks, parties, panels, interviews, and showcases curated by our community.

SXSW is an essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music and comedy showcases, film and television screenings, world-class exhibitions, professional development and networking opportunities, tech competitions, awards ceremonies, and much more.

March 8-16 in Austin, Texas for the

2024 SXSW Conference & Festivals.

Update: Artists are pulling out from SXSW

Bands, including Belfast hip-hop trio Kneecap, have withdrawn from the South by Southwest due to the event's sponsorship with the US Army, which they link to the military's support for Israel in the Gaza conflict. Kneecap expressed solidarity with Palestine and emphasized the unacceptable ties between the festival and the military. Other artists, such as Lambrini Girls, Scowl, Sprints, Okay Shalom, and Squirrel Flower, have also canceled performances at SXSW, citing objections to the festival's association with defense contractors and the US Army's sponsorship. The artists mentioned financial impacts but asserted their stance against war profiteering and support for the Palestinian cause. The festival, celebrating film, comedy, and music, has not commented on the withdrawals.

NME and BBC articles.


MARCH 10

Poolsuite & Yahoo proudly present DISCO(NNECT) at SXSW

Date & Time: Sunday March 10 at 2pm 'til midnight | Location: Hotel Van Zandt and open to all

An all-day, all-night rooftop disco affair featuring THE KNOCKS (DJ SET), SOUL CLAP, SHUBOSTAR and WONDEROSSO.

With free cover, complimentary cocktails, exclusive merchandise & gifts from the esteemed Vacation® sunscreen corporation.

RSVP HERE


Mindfulness Over Perfection: Getting Real On Mental Health

Date: Mar 10, 2024 | Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm CT

Location: Austin Convention Center, Ballroom D (Mental Health)

In this panel session, Wondermind co-founders Selena Gomez and Mandy Teefey will explore the importance of bringing mental health conversations into the light alongside Solomon Thomas and Dr. Corey Yeager - not just for decreasing stigma and building awareness, but as a way to deal in hard times. Moderated by Dr. Jessica Stern, the conversation will cover the importance of flexibility over strict routines in mental healthcare, dealing with negative self-talk, and getting real about when you’re not feeling OK.

Info Here


MARCH 11

A Ridiculous Boat Party

Date: March 11

The Ridiculous Boat with Ridiculous Biz returns during SXSW 2024 for a second year on Lady Bird Lake with two events; a dockside lounge and our very special sunset cruise. Join this unique event space where a curated guest list of innovative music industry and tech delegates can attend, network and enjoy musical performances.

Very limited capacity! Please register your interest for a chance to secure your ticket.

*Please note that due to high demand, registering doesn't guarantee you a place. Those that have been successfully allocated a ticket will be contacted via email on Friday 8th March 2024 with event start time and address

RSVP HERE


SXSW panel: New markets in Europe - How Cities Become Music Incubators

Date: Monday, March 11

Time: 4 - 5pm CDT

Location: Parkside, 301 East 6th Street, Austin, TX, USA

Are you curious about the emerging music scenes in Europe? This panel will dive into the fascinating topic of how cities across the continent are transforming into music incubators.

Speakers:

Ruth Koleva: Representing SoAlive Music Conference, Sofia Live Festival, Prophon Bulgaria; Board Member of IMPALA.
Vasil Anastasov: From ANMIP-BG and Muze Records.
Mila Georgieva: Vice President of the Bulgarian Music Association; Board Member of the European Music Council

Info & RSVP


MARCH 12

VibeLab at SXSW

How can Nightlife go towards greener future and what role does AI play

Date: Tuesday, March 12th, 2024

Time: 18:00 – 20:00 CST

Location: Thompson Hotel, 506 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Details: Two sessions will explore the intersection of technology, culture, and sustainability within the nightlife and live entertainment industry.

Panel 1: Community Perspectives on AI in Nightlife and Live Entertainment

Time: 18:30 – 19:10 CST

Understanding the ethical dimensions of Artificial Intelligence in nightlife. Join moderator Mirik Milan, along with speakers Andreea Magdalina, Max Penk, Jess Reia, Jameson Thomas, and Lorrain da Silva.

Panel 2: Transformation of Nightlife for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Time: 19:15 – 20:00 CST

The urgency for sustainable development in urban nightlife requires a collaborative effort. Explore strategies with moderator Lutz Leichsenring and speakers Kady Yellow, Niklas Effenberger, Eli Goldstein, and DJ SHANI.

NIGHT SCHOOL launch and first open call

Time: 18:20 – 18:30 CST

In addition to the panels at SXSW, VibeLab is launching the NIGHT SCHOOL project, a pioneering program aimed at shaping the future leaders of night culture and an open call for 15 candidates to become part of the 2024 NIGHT SCHOOL alumni.

More Information


African Music's Mainstream Impact on Culture & Community

Date: Mar 12, 2024 | Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm CT | Location: Austin Convention Center, Room 18AB

Speakers: Liz Agyeman (TuneCore), Denisha Kuhlor (Stan), Melanie McClain (Blurred Lines), Christine Osazuwa (Shoobs / Measure of Music)

Join this dynamic discussion as we explore the significance of African music's journey to the mainstream. With the GRAMMYs now recognizing Afrobeats, Uncle Waffles groundbreaking Coachella performance, Burna Boy's historic UK stadium headline, and Ckay's billion-stream hit "Love Nwantiti," – the influence is undeniable. Discover the path that led us here and the immense value of African music audiences worldwide, all shaping the future of the global music industry. From streaming's impact to the transformative power of live shows, let's envision the exciting future for music from the diaspora.


The Artist Creative Process

Date: Mar 12, 2024 | Time 2:30pm – 3:30pm CT

Location: Austin Convention Center, Room 16AB c

In this session, join singer, songwriter, orator, model, actress, visual artist, entrepreneur, and activist Kam Franklin, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Buffalo Nichols, singer, songwriter, guitarist and Jackie Venson, and moderator, emcee, television reporter, Writer-at-Large at Texas Monthly and Host of the National Podcast of Texas Andy Langer for a conversation about the artist creative process and how each artist approaches their process in creating music.

Info Here


Mothland, Fair Enough & M for Montreal present M for Mothland SXSW official showcase

Date: Tuesday, March 12

Location: Swan Dive, Red River Street, Austin, TX, USA 615 Red River Street Austin, TX 78701 United States

Info & RSVP


March 13

POP Montreal & M for Montreal Official SXSW Showcase

Date: Wed, Mar 13, 2024 | Time: 6:30 PM CDT

Location: Swan Dive 615 Red River Street Austin, TX 78701 United States

More than 12 Quebec and Canadian artists will share Swan Dive's two stages, presented by M for Montreal and POP Montréal.

DJ set by La Sécurité : 6:30 p.m.

Showcases: 8 p.m.

Full Line Up & RSVP


Symphonic Shindig

Date: Wed, March 13 | Time: 6:00pm-9pm

Location: Malverde, 400-B W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701

Symphonic - one of the leading independent music distribution and marketing companies in the industry - is hosting an event to celebrate the festivities and meet up with like-minded creatives.

Make sure to snag some of Symphonic merch while you're there!

SXSW Badge is required.

RSVP & Info


Showcase: Sofia Kourtesis Presented by Electronic Music from Germany

Date: Mar 13, 2024 |. Time 2:30am — 2:00am

Location: Coconut Club Rooftop

Kourtesis’ music is the melding of her Berlin home and her South American upbringing, two
cultures that really couldn’t be further apart. Her debut album Madres, was released on Ninja Tune in October 2023.

Info Here


Showcase: Bathe Alone

Date Mar 13, 2024 9:00pm – 9:40pm CT | Location: Esther's Follies

Bathe Alone is the dream-pop moniker of multi-instrumentalist Bailey Crone. Taking shape in Atlanta, her haunting approach to songwriting and delicate vocal deliveries often draw comparisons to Beach House, Clairo, and The xx.

Her 2023 double EP, Fall With The Lights Down, is a sonic expression of nostalgic longing — with each part dedicated to one of Bailey’s great-grandmothers whom she never met. The release has been praised by media outlets like Under The Radar, FLOOD, Atwood Magazine, Ones to Watch, and notable fellow musicians like Sharon Van Etten. Bathe Alone has also recently opened for artists like Beabadoobee, Jadu Heart, Vacations, and Last Dinosaurs.

Info Here


LUKSO x Refraction: Austin with DJ D.DEE, SaliYah

Date: Wednesday, Mar 13 8:00pm

Venue: LoLo. 1504 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

Refraction and LUKSO invite you to explore the exclusive experience by Berlin-based visual artists Cibelle Cavalli Bastos and Tabitha Swanson inspired by themes of identity and creativity in an interactive exhibition designed by Craig Barrow.

Exhibited digital artworks will be distributed exclusively to all event attendees on their very own Universal Profiles, powered by LUKSO blockchain.

RSVP & Info


MARSHALL FUNHOUSE SXSW 2024

Dates: March 13-15, 2024 | Time: 12pm-6pm, 7pm-2am | Location: Parish, 501 Brushy Street, March 13-15, 2024

Come for the live music. Stay for the legendary memories. Soak in the SXSW festival atmosphere you’ve come to know and love, but this time with a twist. Enjoy the music icons of today and tomorrow in our offbeat carnival world. Get ready to turn up the good times. Check back soon for more band and DJ announcements.

RSVP & Info


ROSKILDE FESTIVAL PRESENTS SXSW Official Music Showcase

Dated: 13th March | Time: 8pm-2am | Location: Empire Control Room

Roskilde Festival, one of Europe’s largest music festivals, is hosting a SXSW showcase with Music Export Denmark. 

The line-up features some of Denmark's most promising acts: Ivan$ito, Lucky Lo and Mina Okabe. International names Cumgirl8, Dry Cleaning and Kari Faux will also perform. 

 Roskilde Festival, is an 8-day event with an extensive music, art and activism program. 

For those 8 days the festival is Denmark’s 4th largest city with 130,000 inhabitants. 

Roskilde Festival is a non-profit event produced by 30,000 volunteers and every year ALL proceeds are donated.

The showcase is supported by Danish Ministry of Culture and Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Info here


Canada House Music at SXSW: Day 1 & 2!

Join Canada House’s LIVE performances of up-and-coming independent bands from all across Canada.

Dates: Wednesday, March 13 · 12 - 5:30pm CDT & Thursday, March 14 · 12 - 5:30pm CDT

Location: Swan Dive 615 Red River Street Austin, TX 78701 United States

This March, Swan Dive (615 Red River Street) will be your one-stop shop for all things Canadian as it transforms into Canada House at SXSW 2024. CIMA will be back for two full days of showcases on March 13 and 14 and will present 24 acts from all across the country.

Get there early because showcases will kick off at noon on both days and delegates are invited to join us beforehand for some delicious BBQ and the opportunity to mingle with the Canadians. Both days of showcases will start after the BBQ and will run through 5:30PM.

Info & RSVP


MARCH 14

How to Break Your International Artist in the US

Date: Mar 14, 2024 | Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm CT | Location: Austin Convention Center, Room 15

Speakers: Hallie Anderson (RAREFORM), Marshall Betts (TBA Agency), Nick O'Byrne (Look Out Kid), Alice Young (Virgin Music Group)

The US is one of the biggest and most competitive markets globally so how can independent international artists break-in and build an American fanbase. Through their experiences, each of these panelists have helped develop many successful international artist careers through touring, management, and marketing. This panel will address how to first enter the market and get started on a path to building an audience; how can you measure success; and how can “breaking” in a market be measured.

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Showcase: Miranda Joan Presented by SubmitHub Selects

Date: Mar 14, 2024 | Time: 10:00pm – 10:40pm CT | Location: Esther's Follies, 25 E 6th St. Austin TX 78751

Currently on tour with The Killers and fresh from performances this summer with Kylie Minogue, Orchestre National de Jazz at Montréal Jazz Festival and with CARRTOONS. Miranda has performed on national tours, played sold-out and headline shows at well-known New York venues. ‘Overstimulated’ is her highly anticipated new album, co-produced by herself and multi-instrumentalist, and bass extraordinaire CARRTOONS. “It is an album book-ended by songs of affirmation, of rooting, of returning to and loving oneself, intertwined with the messy, chaotic and interconnected web of my hopes, dreams, imagination, love, and heartach.

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WOMEX AT SXSW 2024

Date: Thursday, 14 March | Location: Flamingo Cantina, 515 East 6th Street, Austin, Texas, USA

WOMEX once again returns to Austin, Texas, USA, to present the annual WOMEX Night at the SXSW festival.

The WOMEX Night is part of a bilateral, longterm partnership between WOMEX and SXSW: South By Southwest, designed to showcase upcoming talent on a global stage and open new networking avenues between artists and music professionals of the two events.

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The International Touring Boom for Artists

Date Mar 14, 2024 | Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm CT | Location: Austin Convention Center, Room 16AB (Music)

Speakers: Jon Lieberberg (Baron Management), Hans Schafer (Live Nation)

How does the live entertainment industry keep up with the perceived 'overnight' success of rising artists? Does skyrocketing on streaming platforms and social channels equate to selling out massive venues? Experts dive into these topics while discussing how the globalization of music turned into some of the most successful global tours for artists like RBD, Karol G, Peso Pluma, Kali Uchis and others from all over the world.

Where did the demand come from, how does touring fill the demand for these artists, what's next, and what is fueling this momentum?

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SELECTOR AT SXSW 2024

Date: FRIDAY 15 MARCH 2024, 20.00 (CT) – THE VELVEETA ROOM

Selector Radio is back and they are back at SXSW with another line-up of incredible and fast-rising UK talent: queer-led dance-pop outfit Porij, musician and DJ Nabihah Iqbal, experimental duo O., noise-punk mob Enola Gay, rapper and grime artist Chiedu Oraka, and singer songwriter Eleni Drake.

SELECTOR AT SXSW 2024

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MARCH 15

Presented by Houndstooth / MUTEK

Showcase: Aïsha Devi at Central Presbyterian Church

Date: Mar 15, 2024 | Time: 11:00pm – 11:50pm CT

No one on this planet sounds like Aïsha Devi. Her voice is her most powerful tool in a repertoire that includes thumping beats and rave stabs, seraphic and guttural singing, mystical linguistics and corporeal sonics.

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Showcase: Hinako Omori at Empire Control Room

Date: Mar 15, 2024 | Time: 3:00pm – 3:40pm CT

Since 2022’s critically acclaimed debut album “a journey…”, Hinako Omori has fast become one of the UK’s most compelling breakthrough musicians, blurring the lines between classical, electronic & ambient.

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Alice Longyu Gao Presented by Jaded | FRIENDS:FOREVER

Date: Mar 15, 2024

Time: 10:00pm – 10:40pm CT

Location: Empire Garage

Alice Longyu Gao is a Chinese singer, songwriter, DJ, and performance artist currently based in New York City and Los Angeles. Her music has been noted for its "bold hyperpop" production. Her music has been featured on BBC Radio as "Tune of The Week", and "Women of Choice" by Lady Gaga on Apple Music.

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Amber Lang Presented by CareFreeBlackGirl Cookout

Date: Mar 15, 2024

Time: 8:00pm – 8:30pm CT

Location: Palm Door on Sixth Patio

Fusing together various genres while blending an array of sounds from hip hop. pop and house music Amber Lang curates vibes that command the attention of audiences and fans alike. With an unforgettable persona and distinct style that brings high energy vibes that ignite crowds and connect with audiences. Amber Lang brings a notable a performance making for memorable moments.

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Father/Daughter + The Luna Collective Official SXSW Showcase

Date & Time: Friday, March 15 at 7pm CDT | Location: 301 East 8th Street Austin, TX 78701 United States

Father/Daughter is co-presenting an official showcase with The Luna Collective where every artist on the lineup is non-male.

The showcase is featuring: Limbo, Kaleah Lee, mui zyu, Asha Jefferies, Mia June & Madeleine Mayi.

RSVP


BMI Brunch at Geraldine's

Date: Friday, March 15th

Location: Geraldine's at the Hotel Van Zandt

Time: 10AM-3:00PM

One of the most anticipated events during SXSW 2024, the BMI Brunch, hosted by THEBROSFRESH, is taking place at Geraldine’s at the Hotel Van Zandt (605 Davis Street, Austin, TX).

The BMI Brunch is sponsored by George Dickel Bourbon, First Horizon Bank, ONErpm, The MLC, Liquid Death, Texas Music Office, Austin Music Movement, and the BMI Foundation.


Behind The Billboard Charts

Date: Mar 15, 2024

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am CT

Location: Austin Convention Center, Room 16AB (Technology/Music)

Billboard’s first national music chart launched over 80 years ago, and the Billboard rankings - including industry standards the Hot 100 and Billboard 200 - remain the definitive measurement of success in music, tracking the world’s most popular songs, albums, and artists. From The Beatles to Beyonce and everyone in between, Billboard has ranked the hits for decades across countless charts. In this session, hear from Managing Director of Charts & Data Operations at Billboard Keith Caulfield, senior music executive and founder of 10:22PM Celine Joshua, and Executive Vice President of Charts & Data Partnerships at Billboard Silvio Pietroluongo to find out how the Billboard Charts have been modernized and globalized to reflect the many means of music consumption in an ever-evolving borderless digital and social age.

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Baby Kahlo Presented by CareFreeBlackGirl Cookout

Date: Mar 15, 2024

Time: 10:15pm – 10:30pm CT

Location: Palm Door on Sixth Patio

Baby Kahlo, also known as Kahlo Muerto, is one of Baltimore’s rising, female rappers. Inspired by the style and art of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, she commands attention from everyone anytime she enters a room.

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Creating Vibrant Cities Through Nightlife Entrepreneurship

Date & Time: Mar 15, 2024 | 11:30am – 12:30pm CT | Location: Austin Convention Center, Room 9AB

Speakers: Brian Block (City of Austin), Lauren Goshinski, Raheem Manning (City of Philadelphia), Ben Van Houten (City and County of San Francisco)

In an increasingly homogenized world, a city’s independent nighttime economy–its bars, restaurants, nightclubs and music venues–is uniquely able to provide the authentic local experiences that nourish diverse communities, create meaningful experiences, and make our cities great places to live, work, and visit. A series of case studies from cities around the US will showcase policies, economic development tools, programs and placemaking strategies to attract and retain the independent music, culture and hospitality businesses that make our neighborhoods, downtowns, and cities unique and vibrant

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MARCH 16

Abby Sage at The Creek and the Cave Backyard - Presented by Nettwerk x GRRRL Music Backyard Bash

Date: Mar 16, 2024

Time: 12:30am — 1:00am

Location: The Creek and the Cave Backyard, 611 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701

Part of growing into adulthood means tearing down and reconstructing your narrative. This is what introspective performer Abby Sage has done on her striking, intensely personal debut album, The Rot, arriving March 1 via Nettwerk.

Info Here


Money Power Series with Reffsin Financial: Invest with Confidence

Ready to unravel the mysteries of investing and take command of your financial future?

Join us for the Money Power Series, a 4-part workshop collaboration with Reffsin Financial designed to equip you with practical financial skills.

Next Up: Investment 101

This workshop, scheduled for March 20th (via Zoom), will empower you with the knowledge to:

  1. Define Your Investment Goals: Whether building wealth, planning for retirement, or funding a dream project, discover how to set clear and achievable investment objectives.

  2. Understand Market Basics: Grasp the essentials of how financial markets function, enabling you to make informed decisions.

  3. Create a Diversified Portfolio: Learn how to spread your investments across various assets to manage risk effectively.

  4. Adapt Your Investment Strategy: Life is dynamic, and so should your investment approach. Gain insights on adjusting your strategy to align with changing circumstances.

This series is tailored for individuals eager to gain investment confidence, regardless of their experience level. Join us and lay the groundwork for financial security and prosperity.

Date: 20th March 

Time: 11am PDT / 2PM EDT / 6PM GMT / 7PM CET

STAY TUNED FOR UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:

THE MONEY POWER SERIES

Workshop 3: Navigating the Road to Retirement

Workshop 4: TBC - Stay tuned for an exciting workshop focused on securing your financial future!


Reffsin Financial | One Blue Hill Plaza, Lobby Level Suite 1509 , Pearl River, NY 10965 | (845) 474-8430 | Fax: (845) 474-8431 | ReffsinFinancial.com

Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth.


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