London producer E.M.M.A. is teaming up with Radar Radio, Image Line (makers of FL Studio), and a dream team of beatmakers to offer a free introductory workshop on production to girls in London. Tuition will be provided courtesy of E.M.M.A. herself together with Hyperdub artist Ikonika, and grime producers Dexplicit (the mind behind "POW" among many others) and P Jam. Thanks to Image Line's involvement, FL Studio 12 software will be provided to participants for free.
"This is for girls who've ever heard a shit tune in the club and thought, 'I can do better than that,'" E.M.M.A. told The FADER over email. "If we create a fun environment together with the tools, expertise and support needed to get people off the starting blocks, I think we could be onto a good thing. Everyone will get four months full access to FL Studio software for free so that they can make a few bangers before summer.”
Harriet Taylor, Studio Manager at Radar, added: "As someone who works in the music industry and has always had an interest in producing, I think a lot of people just need an incentive to start. Having someone there to explain the basics is such an amazing opportunity for the next wave of DJs and aspiring producers who are looking to get involved, but are lacking the confidence to do so. Things like this are of course applicable for all genders, but it’s nice to see someone like E.M.M.A. championing workshops for young females in London."
Anyone interested in applying should register their interest by emailing emmaproducer@radarradio.com before Friday March 11. Spaces are limited. Participants will need to bring their own laptop, USB drive, and headphones.
For more on the gender imbalance in electronic production, read 13 female producers on how to challenge male-dominated studio culture.
Update 04/29/16 8.29 a.m.: The workshop is now open for applications for the second edition on June 4.
E.M.M.A. told The FADER over email: "Given the huge response we had to the last workshop, we've been keen to get another one in place, which is on Saturday June 4. We're already starting to see the first tunes come through from the first round of girls who attended the last one so it's going to be really cool to see what the next group will come up with!
"We're re-launching the application process today. Anyone who has already emailed us for the last workshop will be contacted directly with the new application form, but if you haven't already emailed make you sure drop us an email by May 8 and we'll send it on."
See the flyer above for information on how to apply, and click here to see photos from inside the first workshop.
