Why the fuck do I still have to call out misogyny?
Because it’s deep-rooted.
Because there are still gender-based expectations.
Because in order for there to be any real change, misogynists must take on an undesired challenge—to think beyond their usual way of thinking—and, it seems, that’s too much of a disruption.
I feel these misogynists really believe that “what has always been, will always be.”
Fuck that shit.
Here is a womxn-centric playlist of producers, beat-makers, and composers—I will always feature dope womxn creating dope art.
Recently, I had the pleasure of listening to three of these creators on the same night for a concert series in the round, where the stage is set in the middle of the venue and the audience is able to surround the performance. It’s a great concept and creates a more intimate, shared space.
This particular show had a super lineup featuring Molly Nilsson, Club Music, and Warm Human. As a newbie to their music, I had no expectations. In the end, I left the show starry-eyed and inspired.
I especially appreciated that they each used their platform to discuss, among other things, abortion, society, love, and current events. It motivated me to put together this sampling of similar music makers.
I hope these producers inspire more womxn to get into production, since, like most everything else, it’s a male-dominated industry. And beyond that, I hope these music selections bring you joy, along with an awareness that we are out here.
Hay que brillar.
Ela Minus
https://youtu.be/HieNrNNvfcE
New York-based Colombian musician Ela Minus refers to her work as “bright music for dark times.” Her synthy dance music is badass and definitely not like the kind that makes your heart thump unnecessarily out of control. It’s deep but light and doesn’t give in to mainstream dance music for drunk people, a.k.a. that “ponchis-ponchis” crap.
In August, Ela announced on Instagram that she would be taking a break from social media to spend time on her new album.
Most recently, she debuted a collaborative EP with DJ Python titled the ♡ (corazón/heart).
Pahua
I’ve written about Pahua before, and over the summer I was finally able to catch her electronic folk solo set. She did not disappoint.
Her tropical sounds—combined with lyrics that are introspective and speak about femininity, being fearless, and self-love—are transformative. She is also proud of her cultural roots and includes sound elements and rhythms that highlight the richness of her country and las Américas.
Pahua’s latest release is the Dieguru remix of her song, “La Cura.”
Lyzza
With an aesthetic that is bold and powerful, Amsterdam-based Brazilian producer Lyzza creates a unique blend of radical electronic, alt-pop, and Latin rhythms. She also sings in Portuguese, Spanish, and English.
She just dropped the super catchy mixtape, MOSQUITO, which includes rapper Backxwash and trap artist La Zowi.
Mula
This Dominican trio includes twin sisters Anabel and Cris Acevedo and producer Rachel Rojas, who combine electronic music with Caribbean rhythms. In their latest single, “Ven Vamos,” they’ve enhanced traditional genres like dancehall, street merengue, and Dominican salve, with their unique approach to music-making. This is the first release since the debut of their album Mundos in 2020.
In press material, the trio explains that the song “tells the magic behind the fleeting and unpredictable. It invites us to let go for a while and be aware of the infinite possibilities behind the unforeseen. It tells us that regardless of whether a situation is ‘perhaps fleeting or perhaps life-changing,’ we can have fun with it for a while and let the magic behind each moment, however ephemeral it may be, catch us.”
Tsha
This London-based hotshot delivers an emotive mix of electronica and pop in her debut album, Capricorn Sun. Released on Ninja Tune, the album includes “Giving Up,” a song created during a tense period shared with her partner, Mafro, who is also featured on the single.
Her latest video, “Running,” is AI-inspired.
La Chica
This French Venezuelan is a pianist, composer, artist, and all-around empowering art force. Her most recent production is La Loba, an album that explores her experience dealing with grief—she lost her brother in a tragic accident—and the effort to rise above the sadness. She has created an extraordinary mix of piano-centric, riveting, fearless electronic music with dashes of Latin rhythms, pop, and abstract surprises.
She doesn’t just sing, she howls like a true loba.
Molly Nillson
As I mentioned, I am new to Molly Nillson’s music and first heard her in concert—tt’s a totally different experience listening in person versus playing an artist’s album, but it’s always good when the music captures your attention.
Molly’s vibe, dancing, and synth-pop sounds are wonderful to experience. I especially love that she speaks out for women during her set. I appreciate her storytelling and the inspiration for certain songs, like being empowered by Cindy Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.”
Her latest album, Extreme, is described as her “biggest, boldest, and most vital album to date.”
May she continue subverting the patriarchy through her art.
Caro Arroba
Inspired by the Indigenous people of Ecuador, musician and producer Caro Arroba creates what she calls “tech-house Andino—exploring the relation between mind, nature and machines.”
You can fully understand what she means by catching her live sets via Twitch.
Xenia Rubinos
I don’t think Xenia is specifically electronic music, but she creates funky beats and compositions with her sweet R&B intonations, synths, and maquinitas. She is a beast at producing her own music so she is a must for this list.
Her last album, Una Rosa, continues to fascinate me because of her range—those quirky combinations, the unexpected elements, her unique voice. She is in another dimension and shines magnificently, together with her musical partner Marco Buccelli.
Featured image: Mula
