Photo Credit: Craig Dennis
This year, the International Women’s Day campaign is asking people everywhere to #BeBoldForChange and with that, RaverRafting is paying respect to female electronic dance music artists out there that have been bold enough to step up to the decks and play a killer show. For many, music becomes a space in which equality reigns and bass-heads can rave without discrimination, prejudice or being stereotyped – and that should go for everyone, regardless of gender. Some may believe that the electronic industry is one that is dominated by men, but it’s safe to say that there are some immensely talented women in this arena and they are definitely making their mark. Here’s a list of our favorite females in celebration of International Women’s Day 2017.
Bianca Benjamin
Artist: Nicole Moudaber
This list would be incomplete without the queen of techno herself, Nicole Moudaber. The Nigerian-born Lebanese producer first stepped into the music scene as a club promoter in Lebanon and London. After a long self-apprenticeship in her studio, she gained recognition from fellow techno heir, Carl Cox, as he told DJ Mag that she was “the most underrated DJ” in 2009. She has cataloged releases on some of techno’s most prominent labels, such as Carl Cox’s Intec, Adam Beyer’s Drumcode, and Jamie Jone’s Hot Creations. In 2013, she was able to showcase her dark fierce techno style on her own personal imprint, Mood Records. She has taken the stage at festivals all around the world, like Glastonbury, WMC, BPM, TomorrowWorld,Electric Daisy Carnival, as well as some of the most well known clubs worldwide. She is also known to curate her own events, MoodRAW and In The Mood, where she transforms the typical club environment to a more intimidate underground setting. Her hosting skills do not end at events, as she also hosts a weekly radio show, In The MOOD. The show is amongst my favorites because it feels very personal, as she includes her recent festival sets in the episodes, and even as of late, based her last show on her vacation as it was titled “Reflections…inspired by the sunsets of Phuket, Thailand.” I have had the pleasure of catching Moudaber at EDC Las Vegas and Nocturnal Wonderland 2016, and her sets and overall ambience are truly one-of-a-kind. If you happen to be heading to Miami for Miami Music Week, make sure to add her MoodDay event to your schedule.
Get In The MOOD on International Women’s Day with one of Moudaber’s more recent episodes, live from Wonderfruit Festival in Thailand.
Brian Schultz
Artist: Nora En Pure
The South African-born Switzerland raised producer and DJ Daniela Niederer, aka Nora En Pure has been gracing electronic music, or more precisely indie and deep house since 2011. She’s been quite the force since hitting her stardom and has played numerous festivals along with her own tour stops across the globe. I first heard Nora En Pure with her remix to Klingande’s “Jubel,” and was obsessed for months. I’ve seen her progress grow immensely since then, along with her success equally. She can play and lead any set or venue without batting an eye. Intertwining most of her tracks with classical instruments, she creates soothing tracks, with an overlaid beat that will have you shuffling and grooving for hours. She effortlessly creates a perfect storm of the two. Nora is one of many talented artists that make up the Helvetic Nerds of Switzerland, comprised of other house killers like EDX and Croatia Squad to name a few. I had the lucky opportunity to meet her in Florida in 2016, and she was incredibly humble. Her radio show “Purified Radio” just hit it’s 50th episode and is still going strong, clearly showing she is not only a producer, but someone to keep watching as she continues to dominate the globe.
Check out our review of her newest Conquer Yosemite EP that recently dropped and check out her newest episode of Purified Radio below.
Maggie Forbes
Artist: Mija
If I was to choose one female artist who I draw inspiration from consistently it would be Amber Giles. From one end of the EDM spectrum to the other, Amber Giles aka. Mija covers it all. The creative and eclectic Mija preaches no boundaries or labels when it comes to her music. In a predominately male genre, she does not want to be labeled or limited. Starting as a rave promoter in Phoenix, Arizona she worked her way to become a world-wide known DJ with grace and ease. The creativity that flows through this bar raising heroine is spread thickly throughout every project she takes on. Mija has played with the greats and is an unstoppable force when it comes to where her career has gone and where it will go. The unsigned artist not only is a DJ, but maintains and designs a clothing line. Mija’s recently released new song “Secrets” has racked up over 202k plays on Soundcloud, and the video has over 50k views on YouTube since being released eight days ago. The future is bright for Mija who is a great example of a strong woman who takes her life and situation, and creates magic.
Brie French-Sorgini
Artist: Julia Govor
When I think of the phrase “Girl Power“ the first artist that comes to mind is Julia Govor. This Russian born, Brooklyn-based DJ and producer never ceases to be a badass both on and off the decks. From Moscow’s underground scene to the biggest stages around the world, she’s worked her way to become the authority of new-age techno, and rightfully so. There is an art to each and every track Julia Govor creates; she’s developed almost a sub-genre of her own made up of deep and compelling beats strung along by trippy, acid tones that are hypnotic in every sense of the word. Whether it’s producing music or playing one of her entrancing sets, she does her thing with a purpose and passion that’s seemingly unparalleled to many of her male counterparts. Always rocking her hair oh so tight, Julia Govor’s already made her mark on some of the most prominent decks known like those at Awakenings, Time Warp, Electric Daisy Carnival, Electric Zoo, Boiler Room, Mixmag’s Lab, and many more. Her latest EP 5000 Moments reaffirms what we’ve already known for some time now— this is only the beginning of what’s to be a bold and bright future for one of Techno’s leading women.
Madhvi Mavadiya
Artist: Maya Jane Coles
Maya Jane Coles is nothing short of an EDM enigma. She has the ability of transforming recently released dance and house hits into transcendental, almost holy, remixes. The dedication she puts into her music is why she is a standout artist in this day and age, which also stems from Coles being involved in every step of any track she produces, including designing her EP artwork. As an artist that could be described as a new legend in the electronic space, the London DJ shot to fame extremely quickly with the release of her debut album Comfort on her label I/AM/ME, and from there, she played the biggest and coolest of shows, including at the Tate Modern, BBC Electric Proms and Bestival. Her original, increasingly subdued bass-electronic work, under the pseudonym Nocturnal Sunshine gained her a strong following, alongside her partnership with Lena Cullen to form She Is Danger. With Creamfields, Coachella, Ultra, Sonar and Exit already under her belt while she’s in her 20’s, it’s safe to say that there is much more to expect from the powerhouse that is Maya.
Joshua Schellhammer
Artist: Anna Lunoe
I can remember the first time that I heard the track “Breathe” and I knew I was hooked with Anna Lunoe’s unique sound. As a producer, vocalist, songwriter, and DJ from downunder, this female mastermind has traveled the globe playing clubs worldwide, along with smashing main stages at festivals such as EDC Las Vegas as one of the first solo female artists to do so. In 2014 I had the privilege of interviewing her at HARD Day of the Dead and not only is she talented, but she’s funny and down to earth. So celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day by jamming out to Anna’s most recent BBC Diplo & Friends mix.
Rebecca Victory
Artist: REZZ
REZZ began producing in 2013, and quickly made her way to the top. She has performed at Day of the Dead, Mysteryland, Holy Ship, Shambhala and so many more. She mesmerizes crowds with her heavy bass and upbeat tunes with her signature hat and light-up goggles combo. She never disappoints her audience and continues to produce bangers. Her Something Wrong Here Tour hits every major point in the US, as well as making its way into France and Canada. If you want to experience a great time and some amazing music, add one of her tour stops to your schedule and you will not be disappointed.
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