CELEBRATING THE WOMEN BEHIND THE BEAT

This Women's Day, we celebrate the women who are the heartbeat of our Electronic Dance Music universe at Spinnin’ Records. In an industry that thrives on innovation and passion, the contributions of our female employees and artists resonate beyond the dance floor, shaping the future of EDM. 

Behind the pulsating beats, the hypnotic melodies, and the extraordinary performances lie a diverse array of talented women, who are not only shaping the landscape of EDM but also breaking barriers and defying stereotypes in the process. This article goes beyond celebrating women in EDM for International Women's Day. It takes a closer look at the lives, backgrounds, inspirations, and ongoing challenges of talented women who are changing the scene and breaking stereotypes in electronic dance music.

From DJs and producers to radio show hosts, label executives, legal, and finance employees, you name it; women are making their mark across every facet of the EDM industry. Nevertheless, their journey is not just about a quest for recognition; it’s proof of their passion, resilience and determination in an industry that is still dominated by men. Despite the persistent challenge of gender norms and the fear of discrimination, each of these women nonetheless succeeds in bringing their unique story to the table.

Join us as we celebrate the fierce creativity, boundless talent, and unyielding spirit of women in the EDM industry. Their voices are not only reshaping the soundscape of the future but also inspiring generations to come. 

OUR INTERVIEWEES

Artist: NERVO

Audience Research & Insights Manager: Adineh Hosseinpanah

Executive Assistant: Natalie Waddington

Finance Director: Anet Möller

International Exploitation and Catalogue Manager: Maxime Staphorst

Manager Creator Marketing: Amanda Zacarkim

Marketing Coordinator: Simay Özmen 

Product Manager: Alva Berrgren, Lobke Sander

Senior Legal Counsel: Nathalie Zitter

If your path was a song, what would it be?

NERVO:

What’s Up? by 4 Non Blondes

Alva:

This is like answering which one is your favourite kid… but one track that describes my path the best atm: “Left to Right by Odd Mob”. Just doing whatever feels right, and if it's a vibe it's a vibe

Natalie:

You Learn (Jagged Little Pill) - Alanis Morrisette

Adineh:

The Show Must Go On - Queen

Amanda: 

Eu Sou Mais Eu, by Brazilian “super artist” Ana Mazzotti (of course I would honour the vibrant and groovy 70’s Brazilian classic  that made me who I am with this choice!)

Maxime:

Probably a mix of Bon Jovi’s “Living On a Prayer” and Drake’s “Started From The Bottom” AKA I cannot think of the perfect one. Maybe I should make it myself?

Simay:

I would say any tracks from Charles Aznavour and Eric Prydz - Opus as it’s a great track with a long build-up and change of character with every part. 

Is there a person in your life or career who has been a significant influence or support but perhaps hasn't received the recognition they deserve? What would you like people to know about their contributions? 

NERVO:

Yes, Caroline Prothero. Caroline used to manage David Guetta for many years, and managed us too for a year or so, in the early days. She taught us so much about keeping things positive, going where the love is, ruling with love and she’s still this way today! Caroline really gave us the nudge we needed to find the confidence to step out of the studio and be DJs. At the stage we launched NERVO, there were not many mainstage female DJs and we had received a lot of backlash from some DJs who we were making music for. 

Natalie:

I had a female Flight Sergeant when I was in the Royal Air Force. I worked with her from 2008-2012. She came across as a Miss Trunchbull type, especially to a young junior rank as I was. She taught me so much. My work ethic, attention to detail, working to the highest standards, being honest and responsible for my own actions. She was a kind and genuine woman, who I actually became extremely good friends with, also on a personal level. Unfortunately, she is no longer with us, but I think of her often.

Amanda:

Yes! There are two amazing leaders I was lucky enough to have as my direct managers in a previous chapter of my life as a journalist across social platforms, fashion and trends: Giuliana Tatini and Tamara Foresti (Head of Influencer Marketing at Pranamat ECO - both are capable of leading in a creative and human way and do not miss the opportunity to empower other women without losing the long-term business vision.

Maxime:

James Sammon. James or Jimmy to me, hired me for my first internship because I managed to convince him with my young enthusiasm and passion. This internship was in New York, which brought a lot of challenges like the whole visa procedure for example. It took so much paperwork for him to fill out and he told me honestly that there were times he thought it was never going to happen/get approved. The whole process was tiring, and uncertain and took months, but he believed in me enough to persevere. We always kept in touch and became sort of internet friends throughout the process. Because of both of our determination, we managed to get me a visa and I moved and we became colleagues and real friends. This not only led to me having my first music-related work experience and one of the best times in my life, but I have seen over the years that this opened doors for me to AT LEAST be invited for interviews, because what did this 20-year-old girl do in New York and how did she manage to do that? A couple of months after coming home this helped me get another internship at Warner Music, which much later also opened a door for me at Spinnin’ Records, so it is all connected and in a way also due to his perseverance and I will never forget that.

What motivated you to work in the music industry? 

NERVO:

It was just a pure love for making music, writing songs and then seeing the world.

Alva:

I know the exact moment I wanted to work with something music-related.

In 2012 when I was in middle school, I saw the official after movie of Tomorrowland and I fell in love with the music and live industry, i knew Some years had gone by and I just ended my job working in a ski resort, and I was done working with “normal” jobs, I needed some excitement. I knew that one of my best qualities was partying, so I searched for a university that had an

education in event management, found 1 in Sweden, did a late application and got in, 1 month later I started Music and Event Management. Won a scholarship on International Women's Day from Warner Music Sweden which took me into the recorded music industry and that's where I've been staying since. I Love it!

Lobke:

I’ve always been invested in music since I grew up living next to the bar of my parents where the love for music started. I started working there at a young age and started to dream of bigger events and where the music actually got discovered. I began to explore the dance music industry and new artists on Soundcloud. From that moment I honestly couldn’t wish for anything else than working in this industry, so I got my first job at a record label when I was 17 and still studying and now we are here haha.

Amanda: 

Music is a universal language, at the same time that it touches on issues that are so particular to each individual. It's fascinating to know that something we work on can inspire an aspiring music producer in another part of the world, and that motivates me to always do my best!

Simay:

I have always been involved with music since my childhood, whether it was playing instruments or being lucky enough to have relatives who were in a music band/orchestra, I grew up in quite a musical environment. During one summer holiday, I came across Tomorrowland’s livestream through a tweet. It was around 2 AM my local time and I just remember staying up until the morning, around 8 AM, just enjoying all the sets and the environment. At that moment I discovered that electronic music hit a different spot and was special for me. Ever since then, I have been passionate about the music industry and events. Now I can not imagine going to work/ office where they do not talk about music.

Do you have a personal mantra or quote that motivates you, especially in challenging times?

Maxime:  

Say “it is what it is” unhealthily often. Apart from that, my mom has taught me as a kid to talk to myself whenever I am nervous about anything at all, it’s silly but you basically just say “I am (your name) and I can do this”! Somehow, it has always helped me. I love a little “after rain comes sunshine.”

Adineh:

“And you ask, ‘What if I fall?’ Oh, but my darling, ‘What if you fly?’” (Erin Hanson)

AND

“A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.” (Virginia Woolf).

Simay

I believe that if I am in a lot of distress I try to see it as hitting an important learning point in my life. I try to take a second to first understand the situation before reacting and look into how I ended up in the situation and what it will be teaching me. 

Fill the sentences:

Anet: 

One thing I’ve learned about resilience is…your mindset determines 50% of the outcome. Learn from everything!

A challenge I’ve overcome that I never thought was possible…Finding a healthy balance between having two small kids and a challenging career

Natalie W:

A moment when I felt incredibly empowered in my career was when…I don’t recall one particular moment, but I do feel incredibly proud of myself for everything I have achieved in my career.

A challenge I’ve overcome that I never thought was possible…leaving my child when she was just 1 year old to work in the Middle East for 6 months. One of the toughest things I’ve ever done. Thank god I never had to do that again.

Nathalie Z:

A moment when I felt incredibly empowered in my career was…when I received my master’s degree in law while being the first in my family to ever graduate.

Maxime:

One thing I’ve learned about resilience is…Not giving up after a couple of no’s, to quote the ever-inspiring powerful Kris Jenner “If somebody says no, you are talking to the wrong person”. Many people have well willingly advised me to look for a job outside of the music industry because at some point it seemed impossible to get started for me and I am so happy I stood by my gut feeling and never stopped trying.

Adineh: 

One thing I’ve learned about resilience is…that it empowers you to stand taller and makes you believe in yourself more than ever.
 

Three words to reflect on different aspects of personal and professional life:

NERVO:

Dreams, Reality, Evolution

Doing music for a living has been our dream come true! And now evolving to mummas is another blessing.

Voice, Impact, Echo

The importance of empowering women to be independent and to be fierce in their

pursuit of truth and equality. It was only when we became mothers that we realized

Adineh:

Roots, Growth, Blossom

Growing up in Iran, I faced many, many barriers on my way. But fortunately, I  was surrounded by a world of books, captivated by movies that fueled my imagination, and had parents who, even though they were struggling themselves, were true examples of resilience. So, I learned that thriving isn't about staying put but about taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone. I was a dreamer who learned to turn those dreams into reality. Looking ahead, I want to use these lessons to advance in my field and encourage others to chase their dreams, embrace challenges, and explore new horizons.
 

What would you like to say to your younger self, which you think can also be a legacy for the next generation?

Lobke:

Don’t forget to enjoy the ride. ;)

Anet:

Your best will be good enough IF you are in the right place.

Alva:

This is a hard one, of all the things to say to a younger self it would still be the same things my mother already told me growing up, which is: Grow up finding your passion, try out as many different things as possible, explore new cities and jobs. The world is way too small to be enjoyed in one place in one life. Once you find something you are passionate about you will see that life is meant to be enjoyed not only survived.

When you think about International Women's Day, how does it make you feel?

Adineh:

This day brings mixed feelings for me. On one hand, it's a bit sad that we still need a special day to remind us of the gender equality battle. On the other hand, it makes me really grateful for all the hard work and sacrifices of the generations before us. They've fought through so much, allowing us to enjoy the rights we have today, though these rights vary significantly depending on where we live. March 8th reminds me that we can't take any of this for granted. It is a call to keep pushing, to win more rights not just for ourselves and the territories we live in but for others around the world and for future generations too.

NERVO:

Sad. It makes me feel sad that women are still fighting for what should be obvious - equal opportunity.

Nathalie Z: 

I have mixed feelings about International Women’s Day because it’s a good initiative but apparently still necessary… I don’t let my gender define me because I’ve proven to be a hardworking, dedicated person with a lot of love for the business I work in. I have my own goals, qualities and achievements and I see myself as equal to the men I work with (and I hope they do too).

These stories are a testament to the vibrancy and resilience that women bring to the Electronic Dance Music industry. At Spinnin’ Records, we recognize that our success is amplified by the diverse voices that compose our team. Let's continue to champion the women who set our world in motion, today and every day.