| Description | Women in Electronica Panel: setting up networks for female artists. Facilitated by FutureSonic, Manchester 2001, Moderated by Anne Hilde Neset (No-alt Girls). Panelists consisted of Kaffe Matthews, Vicki Bennett, Riz Maslen of Neotropic and Nadine Andrews in an open forum with the public. The discussion begins by questioning the situation of being a woman in the contemporary music scene with agreement that it is problematic, largely due to perceived isolation which the panelists consider could
be overcome by a desire for better networks. Matthews discusses the establishment of the Lapelytes in response to her perceived lack of women in Europe in electronic improvisation. Electronic music is considered through cyber feminism, and the desire for an ability to have a voice beyond gender. The panel discuss considerations about young girls & teenagers not being able to conceive of the possibility to make careers and money from electronic music, the inhibitions of technology, the lack of visible
successful female practitioners, teachers and role models and suggest a practical level of providing workshops for women and girls. There are suggestions to establish networks, and for example, allfemale compilations. Questions arise in regard to the "exotifying" of women when segregated, and of patronisation, especially when compiled by men. The group express their displeasure at being perceived as a novelty part of the industry and discuss how to change gender discrepancies without being identified or categorised as 'woman'. They suggest confronting the boys network with women's networks which leads to considerations of who controls publishing, editing etc. They address the difficulties for girls in education, especially in technology, and the lack of networks of knowledge for girls to share information and to support each other, acknowledging that more often than not, girls in technology are in an extreme minority. Matthews discusses her perceived difference of confidence between European and American women, with European women appearing to be less confident, generally. She suggests that sub-cultures in the States have been able to exist "under the radar",
enabling them to build up confidence without having to worry about access to dominant structures. 1 mini DV tape and one DVD (Edited & Transferred to DVD by H.Ingleton) |