The Female Takeover is a project aimed at tackling the inequalities faced by young women who wish to be involved in the music industry. There has been research which suggests that women are underrepresented in the fields of music production and recording arts, less than 5% are women. The Warren also gathered testimonials and opinions from young females using the music services, and found that some women were put off by how male dominated the spaces appeared to be. After running previous projects and this being the 5th Female Takeover to happen, some men were initially sceptical, but became supporters of the project when they saw the discrimination first hand.
The project aims are not to discriminate against men, or make them feel unwelcome in The Warren whilst the project is happening, but more to raise the issues of gender equality with both parties and empower women to confidently use all the equipment that is at their disposal to make music and be creative.
Each time the project runs, guest female tutors from Hull and further afield are invited to mentor and support the young women to make music and enhance their performance skills. This time around sees seasoned tutor Ysabelle Wombwell return, who has in the past recorded at The Warren and is skilled in song writing. Donna Smith, a local community musician who leads African drum workshops and uses percussion and vocal techniques to engage with young people often in a variety of settings across Hull. She is also responsible for The Rhythm Pixies performance group who have performed at Humber Street Sesh and Freedom Festival and has travelled to different countries to learn some of the skills she now teaches.
Although the Female Takeover does not specialise in any particular genre or skill area in music, there is often an urban feel to the project and the women are encouraged to explore any type of music they feel they want to learn. With Laila Lazer K from Sonic Boom Six, a rapper and singer who performs with the 5 piece band from Manchester will also join the roster of local Hull ladies leading the week of activities.
The Female Takeover is happening at The Warren Young People’s project from Tuesday 21st of October (11am -8pm) to Friday 24th of October (11am -7pm), culminating in a celebration performance at the end of the week showcasing the achievements from the event.
Megany Music 