Both Sides Now
Both Sides Now was a project created by Brighter Sound as a response to how heavily male-dominated the music industry is. It supported, inspired, and showcased female music creators and industry professionals through an exciting programme of creative residencies, artistic commissions, training and events. One thing we pride ourselves on in Studio12 is the work we do to support women and non-binary artists to break into the music industry. Getting involved in Both Sides Now gave us a chance to push forward the agenda for women in music, reframe perceptions, challenge stereotypes, and influence lasting change.
Songwriting with Bianca Gerald
The first installment of this project took place over 5 days in 2019. Led by singer-songwriter Bianca Gerald, with support from producer Christella Litras, nine emerging female artists from Leeds wrote and produced music exploring themes of female empowerment, artistic identity, and authenticity. Ultimately, they were asking “What does it mean to be a female artist in 2019?”
Participants were treated to industry visits from leading female professionals who shared insight into their careers and experiences of working within the music industry, including Emily Pilbeam from BBC Introducing, Reggae artist Empress Imani and Henna Angus, founder of Paramount Music. A showcase at the end of the project allowed participants to showcase their work for an audience of over 30 people, as well as having it filmed and promoted online.
What people said
I have loved running my own songwriting residency. It’s been immense. The performance was amazing. I’m blown away – it was phenomenal. Absolutely Beautiful. So incredibly proud of each and every one of you. This was and always will be my honour.
Bianca Gerald
Every artist comes with their own unique stamp and this week has really allowed them to discover that – to own who they are and bring their authenticity to the table. By them doing that they can really explore who they are and how they want to portray themselves as artists… If I was A&R right now I’d be signing all of them!
Christella Litras
Film Music with Laura Rossi and Christella Litras
Participants with Sarah Liversedge (BDI Music) & Alisha Lazare (Channel 4)
We continued our work to help address the gender gap in the music industry with our Film Music project. Over 5 days 10 young women and non-binary artists created, recorded and mixed their own short film scores with guidance from award-winning composer Laura Rossi and sound designer Christella Litras. With special visits from Alisha Lazare (Channel 4) and Sarah Liversedge (BDI Music), the project aimed to give participants insight into what a career in composing music for film and TV involves, and create pathways into the industry.
The astonishing results of their work were premiered at a special event as part of Leeds INDIs Film Festival, in front of an audience of 60 people. Participants took part in a panel discussion with special guest and award winning composer Nina Humphries, treating the audience to insight into their creative processes.
Laura Rossi – Composer/Project Lead
What people said
Things are changing for women working in the film industry and this is a great opportunity to explore what it’s like as a job. Whether you know a bit about film scoring already or you’ve never even considered it before, I’m looking forward to sharing my insights and experiences with you and hope you will leave feeling inspired!
Laura Rossi, Composer/ Project Lead
What a brilliant project to be part of – the talent in the room is amazing. Also I was honoured to Chair the INDIs event for Women in Film Music… Never shared a space with so many female composers and sound designers!
Christella Litras, Composer / Project Lead
Great to meet you all yesterday and to be part of such a fantastic project! Some really interesting collaborations and it was obvious what an enjoyable and inspiring week you’ve all had. Hopefully I was able to add just a few thoughts at the end of it all, but most of all, I look forward to seeing them continuing with their chosen careers.
Nina Humphries, Leading UK Film & TV Composer
If you’re interested in being involved in similar workshops in the future, please email us at studio12@leeds.gov.uk
To find out more about the Women in Music community – see our resources within the Music Guide.