“An intersectional approach to redressing the gender imbalance in the industry”
Non-profit, Saffron are the industry-disrupting organisation forefronting equality in music. Founded in Bristol, UK back in 2015 by Laura Lewis-Paul, the platform is a place for community, education, and creativity. Offering training in everything from production to DJing, Saffron offers a safe space for women, non-binary people and other minority genders to learn and build confidence together. In a world where less than 5% of the industry is compromised of women, non-binary and trans-people – change is vital. And the key? Supporting the people, platforms and places subjugating change.
Sound designer and composer Xana is among the music tech professionals featured in the ‘zine.
Image by Latoya Okuneye.
The industry trailblazers have just started their latest project, the Saffron Zine; a small publication to go alongside 40 music tech kits for Black women, non-binary, trans and gender non-conforming creators. This is a career Kickstarter with an inspiration guidebook which will be distributed across schools and colleges (3.5k copies to be precise), with the hope to elevate awareness and uplift those interested to get involved.
Having spent the past five years organising online and in-person events, this is the natural next push, broadening the Saffron community with an intersectional approach, and ultimately, “redressing the gender imbalance in the industry”. Interested? Saffron run courses three times a year, so stay up-to-date with their mailing list and socials. Ready to begin your musical journey? Apply for the Music Tech Kit here. Or, maybe, you’re here to just get involved? Join the members club today or donate!
In a world where music is in ‘the mans’ hands, let’s be the change and watch the tide turn for a more creative, considerate space for all ❤️?
Get the zine now on Bandcamp
See more from Saffron and its many initiatives here…
Image by Latoya Okuneye for Saffron Zine
Words by Grace Powell
