Who run the world? Apparently, not girls, according to Geigling co-founder's Konstantin, who much like fellow crowd displeaser Ten Walls, has dropped himself in it just a tiny bit and upset a whole load of people in the industry with some sexist comments. Did anyone say De Ja Vu?
One of the editors over at Mixmag, Harrison Williams, wrote a story paraphrasing a commentary piece published in a German music magazine. The writer of the German article essentially met Konstantin on a train, where the German DJ and producer off the record told him that "women are usually worse at DJing than men" and that he finds it "unfair that women are so heavily promoted". Eeessssshhhh. Konstantin has since released a statement defending his words, but as we all know, once they're out there it is extremely hard to take them back. Since, those behind London's Sunfall Festival have even cancelled the Geigling Night Session – a portion of the event led by his label, who started life as a small club in Weimar in Germany and have six years of musical excellence behind them. Oh Boy.
Whilst Konstantin has since apologised for his words, this still deeply unsettles the masses in this industry. Whether it's a Male/Female/Alien DJ, Producer, Broadcaster, Writer, Promoter, PR, a combination of some/all of the above or just a face from the dancefloor with a huge passion for the world that is Music – there is still an obvious imbalance with regards to the male/female ratio, and unfortunately a whole load of people with some pretty prehistoric opinions.
Whilst there are many Chauvinists and Dinosaurs, there are also 100 great and supportive people in this industry for every one of those. There's also an obvious pool of female talent – a pool whose talent is agreed upon in underground circles – waves ahead of its mainstream counterpart. And although I wish I could list them all, I've hand-picked just a few of my favourites so that we can celebrate the women who are a pivotal part of this ever growing Industry.
The Black Madonna
Ahhhhh, Marea. You literally gotta see her. She's a huge online presence behind women in the music industry with serious feminist views – all backed up and ready to be used as a shut down for anyone who says otherwise. At times quite frankly a sorceress behind the decks, she is able to fuse Disco, House and Techno into a magical display Every. Single. Time. She's just finishing up a staggering 13-week residency at London club XOYO, which saw her joined by the likes of Artwork, Ellen Allien, Denis Sulta and Midland. I had the pleasure of attending one night courtesy of the Queen herself, and I can confirm it was the best night I've been to at the club in all my years of dancing.
Peggy Gou
The Korean Berlin-based underground Queen. Dominating venues with her sets of Pulsing house and Techno, Peggy is most definitely not just a pretty face. With big support from her non-prehistoric thinking peers, this girl is just going up and up and up. Jackmaster is one of Peggy's big fans and didn't make a secret of it by stressing just how good she really is when he discovered her sound, and soon after playing alongside her. Peggy is at Glastonbury this year, as well as the infamous Dekmantel and a confirmed date at Hï Ibiza. You go Peggy Gou!
Ida Engberg
Wife to Drumcode Honcho Adam Beyer, Mother to some beautiful children, International Techno Superstar. Does it really get better than that? Entrancing people worldwide with her flawless, fluid mixing and beautiful selection – Ida is the beautiful powerhouse taking the world by storm. "I play deep house, tech house, funky techno, some minimal and sometimes some electro. Everything that touches my soul basically" – can you really ask for any more from a DJ? I recently caught Ida at Junction 2, who closed her set with a four tet remix of Jamie XX, and I've never seen a crowd share a moment quite like that before.
Ellie Cocks
Ellie is one of the mainstays in the jet-setting London party family known as 'Abode'. Frequently found in the capital or Ibiza's Sankeys laying out a variety of deep and tech house whilst also trying her hand at production (her EP released in May also included a remix from tech house favourite Josh Butler), Ellie is a creative and captivating young DJ taking the world by storm. Ellie recently stole the show at Printworks, London's new super venue which has also showcased Klockworks, Drumcode and Hot Since 82's parties – as well as 'Abode'.
tINI
tINI started her musical journey at the age of 7 when she began playing drums. The blonde haired beauty was one of Ushuaia's original residents and London's ever popular and in demand Fuse events where she joins the likes of underground heroes Enzo Siragusa and Guti on a regular basis. tINI's impressive CV is a wash of intimate and mass parties alike, putting her up with there with the best and most diverse DJs around. Often found with her "Gang", tINI is a diverse and confident DJ who throws her all into every single set.
Annie Mac
How can you not love Annie? DJ, Documentary Maker (about the UK's nightlife decline) and party thrower galore – this is one woman constantly dominating the world of dance. Her AMP parties (which can be found dotted around the world) and albums are legendary, and you'll find her playing from Miami to Ibiza. Annie is a solid pillar in the festival world too – her AMP Lost & Found in Malta just celebrated its second smash year. If that wasn't enough, she holds the fort down at Radio 1 with friend and fellow DJ Pete Tong for all things Dance. She and partner Toddla T welcomed their second baby into the world at the start of this year – but that hasn't slowed her down. We love you Annie, we do.
Anja Schneider
This lovely lady isn't a new name on the scene. If being a DJ, producer and broadcaster weren't enough.. she's also the boss lady over at Mobilee Records. Starting life as a producer in the radio booth at KISS FM, Anja is now no stranger to the DJ booth. On her label Mobilee and sister imprint Leena – you'll find huge names in the likes of Maya Jane Coles, Nicole Moudaber, Pan-Pot, Solomun and Shonky. That's not mentioning her own releases on Crosstown Rebels, Get Physical and MOOD. Quite the catalogue! Anja's nonstop work ethic is well known in the industry, so it's no surprise that this portfolio is as impressive as it sounds.
Heidi
An absolute loved-by-all Legend, Heidi is what young women fighting to the top aspire to be. Building her career over the last decade, this Canada native began her journey at Koobla Records behind the counter in 2000. In 2003 she was part of the world famous team who made up Phonica. Fast forward 6 years, which included the 'In New DJs We Trust' residency, we are at 2009 and the Jackathon party series begins. A worldwide showcase of musical talent from the likes of Black Coffee, Derrick Carter, Jasper James and Maya Jane Coles – Heidi knows how to curate a serious lineup and bring the party that the people deserve.
*We could also keep this list going on and on if need be but there are only so many hours in the day…
