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CELEBRATING THE WOMEN IN SOUTH WEST MUSIC: MAKING NOISE THIS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Mar 2025 by Chelsea Branch

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A live band on stage bathed in purple and white spotlights, playing to a packed, enthusiastic audience at an indoor music venue.

International Women’s Day 2025

Who’s joining us as we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025?

An opportunity to honour all the incredible female musicians in the music industry, locally and globally. Today, we reflect on women’s immense power, passion and talent in music, recognising the immeasurable talent that women bring to the stage.

Women Musicians Insight Report

According to the Women Musicians Insight Report – which gathered responses from over 2,500 women in the UK music industry – there is still a significant gender imbalance that needs to be addressed. 

However, the research also shows that positive change is happening, and there are inspiring stories of women overcoming obstacles to build successful careers in Music. 

Despite the challenges, women are creating amazing art, developing new paths and making their voices heard in ways that shape the industry’s future.

We’re seeing positive changes on the horizon. The tide is slowly shifting with the rise of female music initiatives and the ongoing push for more equitable representation in key industry spaces. More women are stepping into positions of power, as producers or label heads, and are helping lead the charge for gender equality in music.

Shining the Spotlight on South West Talent

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International Women’s Day 2025 is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable female musicians, producers and songwriters taking the industry by storm. 

Here at Involving Music, we proudly spotlight talented women in the South West music scene. These artists inspire with their music and embody the spirit of resilience and creativity.

One need look no further than the inspiring women we’ve previously spotlighted at Involving Music: Moya Silk, Kitty Crocker and Saff Juno. We’ve also included many Southwest female musicians on our Monthly Spotify Playlist, including Emily Davies, Leonian Dream, Laura Kate and Riley Jane.

Click here for Involving Music Spotify Playlists

We’re always thrilled to highlight their work through our platforms, each with their unique sounds and stories to tell.

We reached out to some of these incredible women and more for their thoughts on what it means to be a woman in music, their advice for up-and-coming artists and who inspires them in the Southwest and beyond.

Insights from the Women Behind SW Music

Saff Juno

  • Saff Juno poses in a floral corset dress amidst wildflowers, her hair dyed half red, half natural, surrounded by lush greenery.
    Photo Credit: Saff Juno
  • Saff Juno sits curled on a chair, dressed in pastel pinks and purples, with platinum blonde hair, in a softly lit studio.
    Photo Credit: Saff Juno
  • Saff Juno leans on her hand wearing fluffy white earmuffs and a lavender cardigan with cloud patterns, set against a pale pink background.
    Photo Credit: Saff Juno
  • Saff Juno stands smiling against a vibrant wall painted with bold blue, pink, and red geometric shapes, wearing a silver jacket.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch

SAFF JUNO SPOTLIGHT

Being a woman in the music scene means a lot to me. At first, I was a bit nervous to start out, but now I feel like I've really found my place. I think the South West music scene is now raising awareness about equality, but I do feel we are still underrepresented. It would be amazing to see more female artists popping up this year.

– Saff Juno.

Saff Juno

Saff Juno poses in a floral corset dress amidst wildflowers, her hair dyed half red, half natural, surrounded by lush greenery.
Photo Credit: Saff Juno

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GRLBND

  • GRLBND Guitarist in motion under purple lighting, blurred dynamic effect highlighting energy and movement during live performance on stage.
    GRLBND Photo Credit: Katie @ Apertography
  • GRLBND sitting on metal stairs, posing casually in grunge style with focused expressions in dimly lit setting.
    GRLBND Photo Credit: Katie @ Apertography
  • GRLBND performing energetically with vibrant pink and purple light trails, bassist and vocalist fully engaged in lively concert atmosphere.
    GRLBND Photo Credit: Katie @ Apertography

It's really important to me being a woman in the industry. We're able to show our capability and passion for music, and sometimes, it's hard to feel seen in this industry. My advice to women wanting to get more involved is to not let others tell you what you can or can't do. Go and show people what you're capable of and enjoy the journey.

– GRLBND.

GRLBND

GRLBND sitting on metal stairs, posing casually in grunge style with focused expressions in dimly lit setting.
GRLBND Photo Credit: Katie @ Apertography

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The Maisonettes

Black-and-white portrait of The Maisonettes posing closely, each with distinct expressions and alternative fashion styles against dark backdrop.
The Maisonettes Photo Credit: Dave Goodchild

Being a woman in the music industry is cool. We're lucky to be living in a time where no one really cares.’’ “There's a lot of community and a good support system around everybody.’

– The Maisonettes.

The Maisonettes

Black-and-white portrait of The Maisonettes posing closely, each with distinct expressions and alternative fashion styles against dark backdrop.
The Maisonettes Photo Credit: Dave Goodchild

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Moya Silk

  • Dynamic stage shot of Moya Silk intensely performing, guitar in hand, expressive face, with striking red and blue light trails.
    Photo Credit: Moya Silk
  • Black-and-white portrait of Moya Silk posing confidently against curtain backdrop, wearing dark top and patterned trousers, expressive facial expression.
    Photo Credit: Moya Silk
  • Close-up live image of Moya Silk passionately playing guitar and singing, surrounded by deep red and blue stage lighting hues.
    Photo Credit: Moya Silk

MOYA SILK SPOTLIGHT

My advice is to stay true to yourself and what you want to create. Don't let others or trends sway you.

– Moya Silk.

Moya Silk

Dynamic stage shot of Moya Silk intensely performing, guitar in hand, expressive face, with striking red and blue light trails.
Photo Credit: Moya Silk

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Emily Davies

  • Emily Davies with light brown hair in light pink jacket standing against wooden background, looking thoughtfully to her right, soft natural light.
    Emily Davies Photo Credit: Abbie Barton
  • Close-up portrait of Emily Davies with shoulder-length hair leaning against rustic wooden wall, slight smile, warm tones, casual outdoor setting
    Photo Credit: Emily Davies

Be true to yourself, speak in your own voice. Recognise that the stories and your experiences that you have in the world as a woman are important to share and worth sharing; people need to hear them.’

– Emily Davies.

Emily Davies

Emily Davies with light brown hair in light pink jacket standing against wooden background, looking thoughtfully to her right, soft natural light.
Emily Davies Photo Credit: Abbie Barton

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Kitty Crocker

  • Kitty Crocker stands in front of an ornately carved wooden door, looking sideways, wearing a green cardigan and black jeans.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch
  • Kitty Crocker sits on a stone bench, wearing a green cardigan and jeans, smiling softly with greenery behind her.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch
  • Kitty Crocker stands in front of a purple BBC Radio Cornwall backdrop, smiling brightly, holding a BBC Music Introducing sign.
    Photo Credit: Kitty Crocker
  • Kitty Crocker poses on a cobbled street, facing the camera with a gentle smile, dressed in a green cardigan and jeans.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch

KITTY CROCKER SPOTLIGHT

The best advice I was given was to stay true to your artistry and not compare yourself to others in the game, it can be quite easy to do that in this industry, but have a clear vision of what you want to do with your music.

– Kitty Crocker.

Kitty Crocker

Kitty Crocker sits on a stone bench, wearing a green cardigan and jeans, smiling softly with greenery behind her.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch

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Women’s Voices: Making More Noise

The journey to gender equality in the music industry is far from over, but with each passing year, we see more women rise to prominence and make their voices heard. As a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of all musicians, we stand alongside these talented women and continue to support their efforts to create, perform and thrive in the industry.

At Involving Music, we are committed to celebrating women’s talent, creativity and resilience in music. As we continue to spotlight women in the South West, we encourage you to get involved with us. Whether you’re an emerging artist, a seasoned pro, or someone passionate about making some noise in the SW music scene, we want to hear from you.

If you’d like to be featured on our platform, whether through a premium feature or an entry-level spotlight for 2025, reach out and share your story with us. We’re here to amplify your voice and celebrate the talent you bring to the music world.

– Chelsea Branch

Chelsea Branch, a roots, rocksteady, reggae and everything in between enthusiast. First gig was to see the Ordinary Boys at the Lemon Grove (Exeter) at 16 after taking a liking to their Ska-inspired track 'Rudy's in Love' (and the frontman, Preston). After University, she spent seven years in brilliant Bristol, revelling in its dynamic music scene—a move very much inspired by a first-time visit to St Paul's Carnival. She now lives in Exeter alongside her partner Bev, embracing Devon country life and swapping sound systems for sea swimming and scriptwriting.