Great female producers have always been around, but always overshadowed – despite bringing to life magnificent works.

From the early electronic experimentations of Johanna Magdalena Beyer and Suzanne Ciani, the role of women in electronic music has been crucial, to say the least.

For the last couple of decades, the genre has tried to avoid being typecast as elitist and male-centric, highlighting the output of female producers in the sonic landscape.

Despite the mixed results of this orchestrated effort, there’s no doubt the role of female music producers is much more out in the open than it used to be.

Sill today, though, it seems the only way to trespass the invisible barrier that prevents female producers from achieving the recognition they deserve is by being artistes of undeniable talent in their field (see Linda Perry or Lady Gaga) or by being extremely attractive (this works really well in the EDM and techno scenes).

Regardless of the difficulties and challenges faced in fully recognising the value of women in music, to me, it feels as if Pandora’s Box is now open, and the actual impact of female music producers, especially in the electronic scene, is now widely recognised and appreciated.

So today, I want to talk about the female artistes who, I think, are defining the sound of the future. They bring a fresh, more profound approach to electronic music, as well as having expanded the existing sonic palette.

KAITLYN AURELIA SMITH

The intricate electronic tapestries arranged by American composer Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith result from an organic approach to heavily synthesised music.

In Smith’s music, orchestral textures and the unpredictability of analogue synthesisers come together in a delicate coalescence that expands the possibilities of modern electronic music as a medium to express feelings.

Her critically-acclaimed Ears, released in 2016, serves as a perfect introduction to her unique sound, with the vibrant and colourful arrangements further enhanced by her hypnotic voice.

KARA LIS COVERDALE

The sublime sound textures created by Canadian artiste Kara Lis Coverdale are the result of her interest in technology and rigorous classical training, blending together in an exploration of ambient and minimalism through constantly evolving and enveloping melodies.

I fell in love with her work as soon as I listened to her 2017 album Grafts.

A piece in three parts, it features immersive tonal structures and a multi-layered soundscape that combines electronic and acoustic elements seamlessly: 23 minutes of pure bliss and sonic uniqueness.

HAAI

The eclectic techno crafted by Australian producer Haai (Teneil Throssell) reveals an unabated need for exploration and sonic expansion.

Since her arrival in the UK, Haai has been immersed in the club culture of the UK capital, performing at iconic clubs such as Phonox and Coconut Beats, eventually receiving an award from BBC Radio 1 for the “Best Mix of the Year” in 2018.

Since 2019, Throssell has been releasing EPs regularly: her 2020’s Put Your Head Above The Parakeets is a striking example of her ability to create evocative soundscapes with a minimalist approach.

Catchy yet unpredictable beats, together with meticulously-designed ambient tapestries and depth, make her songs perfect for both the dance floor and the privacy of one’s thoughts.

KELLY LEE OWENS

Welsh artiste Kelly Lee Owens is as versatile as they come. Initially the bass player in an indie rock band, she was then introduced to the realm of electronic music by Daniel Avery and Ghost Culture, who became mentors in the early stages of her career.

Owens’ relentless music research becomes evident in her DJ sets, which feature carefully-crafted mixes with songs from all genres and eras.

Released in 2017, her self-titled album features elements of elegant dream pop and minimalist techno: a powerful combination that elevates her tracks and gives them a soul.

Owen will further refine her thrilling sound with her second LP, Inner Song, creating an intimate and complex sonic texture that pushes the boundaries of music for the dance floor.

Her final release to date, LP.8, moves away from her dance-oriented sound to focus on exploring more conceptual, experimental soundscapes. Here, the perfect balance between dark atmospheres, hypnotic beats and ambient layers reveals the sound of futuristic electronic music.

PRETTY GIRL

Pretty Girl became one of the most exciting acts in the Australian underground dance scene thanks to a series of high-quality singles that ignited the local clubs.

In 2021, her first official single, Sun Phase, legitimised her as one of the world’s rising stars in the club scene, thanks to a careful mix of analogue gear, sound design, and warm vocals by Pretty Girl herself.

What distinguishes Pretty Girl’s sound from the plethora of other dance producers is the emotional impact her music conveys, thanks to the ethereal vocals and the subtle retro beat that permeates her discography. Inspirational dance music at its finest.

KARYYN

When Karyyn started releasing music that’d become part of her Quanta Series, I was transfixed.

Her combination of classical vibes, low drones, icy atmospheres, and ethereal voices bring to life a poignant electronic experience that I had never heard before.

Not unlike Burial’s finest works, Karyyn’s music seems to depict a sonic dimension beyond our understanding, exploring the boundaries of electronic music and magnifying its spiritual characteristics.

CATERINA BARBIERI

Over the past five years, Italian-born composer Caterina Barbieri has become one of the most courageous and multifaceted electronic producers of her generation, with soundscapes that range from ambient, electroacoustic, minimalism and techno.

What impresses the most about Barbieri's music is her ability to create sonic tapestries that are stripped down to their most basic structure, while still being evocative or even enhanced by their essentiality.

Her second and third LPs, respectively Patterns Of Consciousness and Ecstatic Computation, were critically acclaimed for the variety and unpredictability of Barbieri’s sonic palette.

Her latest album to date, Spirit Exit, features more elements compared to Barbieri’s standard set-up, such as strings, guitars and vocals.

ANZ

Inspired by the rich history of Manchester’s electronic scene, Anz combines elements of UK garage, jungle, and electro to create infectious tracks.

Anz’s music is vibrant and propulsive, with a pinch of nostalgia that magnifies the depth of her electronic compositions.

What I love about Anz’s music is her ability to draw inspiration from endless genres and combine them together in a sonic experience that sounds unique. Her latest EP, All Hours, is the perfect example of tomorrow’s dance music.

KALI MALONE

At first, the timeless, slowly-evolving soundscapes composed by Kali Malone reminded me of Tim Hecker’s magnificent Ravedeath, 1972. Then I realised the textures developed by the American-born, Stockholm-based composer are amplified by a fluidity and wholeness I’ve never encountered before.

The Sacrificial Code, her 2019 pipe organ album which is already a classic, shows Malone’s ability to create indelible melodies, bringing the listeners on a sonic journey through space and time.

Her works often feature a careful blend of classical and electronic instruments that further magnifies the depth of her music.

In her other works, including her latest Does Spring Hide Its Joy, Malone refines electroacoustic atmospheres to create immersive, post-minimalist compositions.

JULIANNA BARWICK

The profundity and variety of Julianna Barwick’s works are reminiscent of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s discography, showcasing the artiste’s constant research for emotional experiences through different sonic narratives.

Barwick’s reflective soundscapes comprise graceful vocals, minimal ambient tapestries and haunting acoustic melodies.

However, it’s her voice that truly stands out, which is used to create captivating ambient soundscapes rather than dominating her compositions.

Listen to the tunes by these amazing women electronic music producers:

For more inspiring women in the arts, read:

• Trailblazing Women in Hip-Hop
• Hannah Wilke: The Feminist Artist That 70s Feminism Rejected
• How Frida Kahlo Broke All Conventions And Shaped Feminism

Cover: Photo by Forman Ahmed, edit by Chin Zien/Sound of Life

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Writer | Marco Sebastiano Alessi

Marco is an Italian music producer, composer and writer. He’s the founder of Naviar Records, a music community and record label exploring the connection between experimental electronic music and traditional Japanese poetry.