Mitxoda Weekly #25: Women Voices, The Industry Speaks

Song of the Week : Rattlesnakes by Tori Amos (released in 2001).

Hello Dear Friend!

Welcome to Mitxoda Weekly #25! …and if it’s your first time, glad to have you here!

March 8 was International Women’s Rights Day. And today, this Mitxoda Weekly belongs entirely to women in the music industry.

I won't take up too much space here. Instead, I step back and let the voices that deserve to be heard speak freely. Women artists, producers, sound engineers, managers, and passionate creatives who shape the independent music scene every day.

Their words, their experiences, their perspectives.

This is Women Voices.

I wish you a happy reading, once again!

✨ Somewhere in the indie universe… ✨

26 weeks. No breaks. No shortcuts. Just the same relentless indie spirit, week after week. Next week marks 6 months of Mitxoda Weekly… something’s brewing. Maybe you’ll want to be part of it? 🚀 (Drop me an email if you're curious.)

Meanwhile, sending a shoutout to Nick Luddite, still locked in Facebook jail just as he was about to drop his next single after Cavalcade Of The Dead. And wondering how Justin Ride is doing, he’s been quiet lately, maybe too quiet.

Thinking of them both—hope to hear good news soon and celebrate together next week!

Long Read: Women in the Music Industry

The Invisible Labor in Bands

"The place of women in the music industry. Will it ever just be ‘People in the music industry’?"

Lizzie raises a powerful question before diving into the often-invisible labor women take on in mixed-gender bands, the ‘housekeeping’ that keeps things running but is rarely acknowledged.

"After speaking with many other girls in the scene, here’s a summary of the common narrative:"

• Social media:
  "Despite my bandmates spending a lot of time looking at their phones, I have to ask them to read & like our band posts. That basically sums up why I’ve ended up being responsible for all our socials."

• Emails & DMs to the band’s meta-account:
  "I check them daily and DM a screenshot to the band chat. Then I usually have to follow up on the band chat or someone’s personal DM to get a response so I can answer the initial contact."

• Rehearsals:
  "I initiate the conversations and have to synthesize the info the members provide to narrow the dates down, or the conversation stops. I often have to chase at least one member for a response. Once we set up a date, I email calendar invitations to everyone’s personal account and usually have to prompt at least one, sometimes all, to accept. I then ask the person responsible for booking the space to book it, or it won’t happen. I usually have to chase that up a few days later because we have missed out on the rehearsal space before. I also remind everybody in the band chat in the lead-up to the rehearsal to avoid, ‘I forgot and organized something else.’"

Lizzie highlights how these responsibilities mirror traditional gender roles at home and in workplaces. Even when bands discuss these dynamics and attempt to redistribute tasks, the changes are often short-lived.

"1925 vs 2025? There's definitely room to grow!"

Many anonymous testimonies received for this issue echoed similar experiences, women in bands, in studios, in production teams, all taking on the organizational work that keeps things moving forward, while facing resistance or lack of recognition for it.

Imposter Syndrome & the Pressure to Be Perfect

Alix of Tomorrow describes the weight of perfectionism in her career as a singer-songwriter:

"I always felt like my work had to be perfect before it was shared, that I had to think through every detail of a project before responding to open calls, and had to constantly exceed expectations. Meanwhile, others got their name out simply because they took the chance, ready or not."

Her advice? Dare more. Share the demo. Apply to the program. Take up space.

Recognition & Representation

The issue of visibility remains a significant challenge for many women in the industry.

• Mia'Nell notes that male singers often receive more recognition, though this hasn’t hindered her creativity.

• Angelina Greene (The bad girl from RockStar-Radio Underground) shares the struggle of being taken seriously as a woman owning an online radio station:
  "As a show host, people seem fine with it. But as the owner? Brutality. The struggle is real."

• Liz Arcane highlights the deeper issue: "Not enough women are seen in music as an industry by younger generations. The problem is, if they don’t see themselves in these roles—especially in technical jobs—they assume it’s not for them, perpetuating the idea that music is male-centered."

• Amba Shepherd reinforces this with industry statistics: "Only 21.6% of artists, 14% of songwriters, and 3.4% of producers in the music industry are women. We have a long way to go, but we’re making noise, breaking barriers, and lifting each other up."

Breaking Stereotypes in Music Production

For Nadine de Macedo, as a music producer, the challenges come from deep-rooted stereotypes:

"People look at my picture and assume I’m a pop vocalist before reading my profile or listening to my work. I often receive positive comments for my singing, though the credits clearly state that somebody else did the vocals. I lost count of how many collaboration requests I received for ethereal pop vocals—even though most people don’t even know what I sound like."

She emphasizes that we can all help shift these biases: Read the credits. Recognize all contributors. Normalize women in all roles: producers, bassists, drummers,...

Internal Struggles & Overcoming Barriers

Not all challenges are external. Lillycue Dragon of Darkness shares her battle with mental health:

"I've had depression, anxiety, and ADHD all my life. I got psilocybin therapy later in life, and that helped break some of the chains holding me up. But even before that, I always had the will to succeed. My advice? Search inside yourself, focus on your desires, and push forward. We are stronger than we think."

Many other anonymous voices echoed this: the mental strain of constantly proving oneself, the self-doubt, the pressure to work twice as hard for half the recognition.

Gender discrimination remains a daily reality.

Taylor D states it plainly: "Definitely gender discrimination."

A simple, yet heavy truth reflected in countless testimonies.

Resilience, Self-Reliance, and the Power of Women in Music

Leighann Dorough highlights an often-overlooked strength of women in the music industry: adaptability and self-reliance.

"The biggest thing about women in the industry is that so many are so very talented and wear so many hats with regards to music, creation, production, and marketing. I feel like that is a result of women being used to being very self-reliant. We have to be because we don’t carry the same power and aren't always taken as seriously. We very quickly learn how to take what we're given and make more from it. It’s a superpower because it helps the creative process. That passion and drive translate into some amazing moments that you can feel in the music and the lyrics."

The Industry’s Gatekeepers and Internal Struggles

For Stefani from Synthetik Blonde, the music industry remains a “man’s world”, despite progress.

"You look at all the major music labels and driving forces in the music world, and the majority of people running the show, deciding what’s hot, are still men. The fact that when a woman does rise to the top, it’s such an event there’s a celebration, says it all… but these are the times."

She references the book “Nobody Ever Asked Me About the Girls: Women, Music and Fame” by Lisa Robinson, which dives deep into the challenges women in music have faced—sexism, motherhood, addiction, hypocrisy, abuse, and assault.

While legendary women like Dolly Parton, Patti Smith, Pat Benatar, Joni Mitchell, Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks, and Beyoncé paved the way, many of the same struggles persist: underrepresentation, unequal pay, and abuse. But beyond these systemic barriers, Stefani raises another important issue: competition among women.

"With the rise of social media, I’ve noticed a fierce competition among women, cutthroat, like there is an ‘only room for one’ kind of mindset. Maybe it’s always been there, but now it’s highly visible on public platforms. So now, not only do women have to swim upstream fighting stereotypes like ‘we can’t balance motherhood and stardom,’ ‘slut shaming,’ or ‘not having the right body type’… now the fight is amongst each other."

She advocates for a culture of lifting each other up instead of tearing each other down, particularly in the indie music scene.

"I write music for women, yet most of my audience is men… why is that?"

Her latest album, PIECES, playfully and boldly pushes back on societal norms, encouraging women to embrace their full selves.

"I’m hoping that I can put a small ripple of change into the female indie music scene where it’s less cutthroat and more about supporting each other."

Where Are the Women?

The indie music scene is full of talent, yet it remains overwhelmingly male-dominated. Laura Delson perfectly captures this reality, sharing her experience as a solo rock artist navigating a world where most venues—pubs, bars, breweries—are packed with male audiences. While she’s never faced inappropriate behavior, the challenge of holding attention on stage as a lone woman is undeniable. Her observations echo across the industry: radio shows, concert venues, networking platforms, and even the majority of music influencers—almost all run by men. It’s not a matter of hostility, but of numbers. And that’s the real question: where are the women? Even in bands, female musicians are the exception rather than the norm. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s time to amplify these voices and create more space for women in music—not just as performers, but as producers, bookers, and decision-makers.

A Collective Reality: Insights from Anonymous Voices

The music industry is constantly evolving, creating new trends and expanding means of expression. Yet, it still struggles to progress on crucial issues like gender equality. While icons like Madonna or Aretha Franklin have left undeniable marks, the reality remains that women in the industry continue to face systemic challenges. A 2021 report by Berklee’s Institute for Creative Entrepreneurship and Women In Music (WIM) revealed that 45% of women surveyed cited gender discrimination and sexual harassment as their biggest challenges in the industry. Change must happen at all levels, from decision-making executives to the everyday listeners who shape demand, if we are to build a truly inclusive and diverse music world.

Amplifying Voices: Empowering Women in Music and Sound

The ALSO Festival (Warwickshire, UK) is making waves in the music industry with its ALSO Future Music program and Women in Sound initiative, offering a powerful boost to grassroots musicians and aspiring sound technicians. Thanks to funding from Arts Council England, this program is a celebration of talent, diversity, and solidarity in the music world. Twelve emerging artists and six early-career sound technicians will receive paid opportunities, hands-on workshops, and professional mentorship to sharpen their skills and take their craft to the next level. The Women in Sound initiative, in particular, is a game-changer, fostering a supportive space where women in audio engineering can learn from experts like Juliet Russell, vocal coach from The Voice. It’s a movement that uplifts, connects, and strengthens the future of music through collective empowerment.

More info here!

Artist Spotlight: To Die in Beauty Follows an Echo…

In the pure tradition of To Die In Beauty previous tracks, Follow the Echo once again weaves an irresistible melody, the kind you never want to end. The interplay of the two voices remains as mesmerizing as ever, carried by a production that is nothing short of immense. The songwriting is crafted to perfection, an echo that starts as a whisper, then builds, gaining energy, drawing you in, urging you to follow it further and further… never quite reaching the end.

It’s a journey with no clear destination, a loop between night and dawn, a moment suspended in time. Is it the last breath of darkness, or the first spark of daylight? I can’t tell anymore. What I do know is that this track lingers, haunts, and refuses to let go.

A stunning piece, one final echo before their full album emerges.

Breaking Boundaries: Roberta Flack and the Women Who Redefine Music

Roberta Flack’s story is one of resilience, talent, and a refusal to be boxed into a single genre—qualities that many women in the music industry continue to embody today. A classically trained pianist with a voice as versatile as it was powerful, she seamlessly navigated jazz, soul, folk, and even Broadway melodies. Her breakthrough came when she reinterpreted Killing Me Softly with His Song, originally performed by Lori Lieberman, and transformed it into a timeless anthem. But beyond this hit, she was a true innovator, collaborating with icons like Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, and Miles Davis while maintaining a sound that was uniquely hers.

Her reluctance to conform to a single label may have kept her from mainstream stardom in the way Aretha Franklin or Barbra Streisand achieved, but it also cemented her legacy as an artist whose influence transcends generations. Much like Roberta Flack, many women in music today continue to defy expectations, crafting careers on their own terms, blending genres, and refusing to be confined by the industry’s often rigid classifications. Their stories, like hers, deserve to be celebrated, remembered, and amplified.

(Source: Very Good Trip, France Inter – March 6, 2025, hosted by Michka Assayas)

Playlist of the Week: Voice of Love 

33 tracks, 2h of music around the best Indie love songs.

Quick Indie News

Alix of Tomorrow is a French pop singer-songwriter based in Brussels, blending her classical violin and vocal training with an eccentric artistic universe. Her debut single Butterfly explores her first breakup with honest lyrics, a catchy chorus, and an experimental synth-driven sound.

🔗 Listen to Butterfly here | More links

• The Way I Feel by Ataraxia Music - Electronic/Dance (US) - 14 March 2025. A stunning piano-driven melody with intricate variations. Let it move you!

• Hell by Sargas - Metal (Iran) - 7 March 2025. A brutal, gut-wrenching anthem inspired by the 2023 Iranian protests. An unfiltered scream against oppression. Listen now!

• No Time for Romance by David Fl'y - Instrumental (France) - 20 February 2025. Inspired by John Barry’s legendary James Bond compositions, this instrumental is pure cinematic magic. Listen now!

• You Still Left Me by Behind the Beach House - Rock (Australia) - 7 March 2025. A deeply emotional track reflecting on love, loss, and heartbreak. Listen now!

• Dharma Space by Greg Soma - Electronic/Dance (Puerto Rico) - 12 February 2021. A cosmic blend of ethereal melodies and pulsating rhythms. Embark on this transformative voyage!

• Ghosted by The Ineffectuals - Rock (United States) - 9 March 2025. A rebellious anthem fusing punk, grunge, and alternative rock. Stand up and fight back!

• Secrets by Around 7 - Alternative (Scotland) - 11 March 2025. A relentless “Trash Punk” anthem digging deep into guilt, paranoia, and hidden truths. Listen now!

• Hyperdancesongpop by Psy-Lounge - Electronic/Dance (United States) - 15 November 2024. A vibrant collection of dance gems, both thought-provoking and uplifting. Listen now!

• Dix In The Air by Von Loop - Alternative (Ireland) - 13 March 2025. A high-energy, chant-driven anthem with pure, unfiltered chaos. Get your “dix” up! 

If you'd like to introduce your latest release, just click here to submit all the details. I’d love to hear about it! 😇 Submit your track here.

Until Next Week: Raising the Volume, Raising the Bar

No big conclusion needed from me—these words speak for themselves.

Thank you to all the women who shared their insights, and to all those who fight daily to make the music industry a fairer place.

The voices shared in this edition of Mitxoda Weekly are a powerful reminder that the music industry is still evolving—but the fight for visibility, recognition, and equal footing isn’t over. From the invisible labor in bands to breaking industry stereotypes, women in music continue to push boundaries, challenge norms, and uplift each other.

This conversation doesn’t end here. Let’s keep amplifying these voices, supporting artists in all roles, and ensuring the next generation sees a more balanced, inclusive industry.

Until next week, keep listening, keep creating, and most importantly—keep making noise. 🎶💜

Love, Mitxoda

END 😆