Goddesses of the Turntables

 

by Misty Thomas

In this dynamic industry, it is difficult for a DJ to find an outlet for their music to be heard. It is even more difficult to make a name for yourself. This counts twofold for female DJs. Unless you're Sandra Collins or Baby Anne, female DJs have a very difficult time being recognized. For the unknown females in the industry there are many obstacles. Most people have certain expectations solely because a DJ is a woman. As it is in any industry, a strong female is usually met with hostility. Female DJs Madame Buddafly, Ariel Cybana, DJ D, DJ Gruvgirl and DJ Amber tell us what it has been like for them in the music industry, what problems or difficulties they have faced, what it feels like to be a role model for aspiring female and male DJs, and how much gender really does matter.

Madame Buddafly, the "North East techno diva," has been spinning since 1994. She started to spin out in 1995 and she said she basically had no problems getting booked. "The only reason I got booked was because I was a girl and there was an all- female lineup. Back then, I was happy to play out. I would show up and kick butt, then I would get offers for other events. Back then there were guys saying, 'Women DJs can't rock, can't mix, and I've never seen one who could,' but there were just as many men saying, 'Move over and let the sister preach." Madame Buddafly has noticed that at clubs she feels a little uncomfortable at times. "Some clubs just don't book women. When I do play clubs, the resident male DJs and the male club owners sometimes take a little time to have it sink in that I can move the floor and get the job done. Usually after they see me play, they have less prejudice." Ariel Cybana, a San Francisco DJ, said that it has been easier for her to get booked because she is a female. DJ Gruvgirl from Florida told JIVE, "Fortunately, I have had pretty good experiences working with promoters. Occasionally, I'll run across someone who is more interested in my picture and not my demo. I tend to let those types pass on by."

These women are very influential in the music industry, but how do they feel about having "role model" status? Madame Buddafly thinks that anyone who is performing on stage is a role model to someone, but especially young people. She says, "A lot of people within the music underground are very open to women DJs and producers, but they feel that it is 'being a bad role model' to embrace the fact that I am a woman. Or they think it's sluttish or wrong. I want young girls to know it's not wrong." Cybana hopes that those who are looking up to the women in the industry just realize that we are all alike and no one person is any better or worse than the next. DJ D told JIVE. "It is nice to know that you can have a positive influence on somebody's life. I've had several people come up to me and say they've learned how to spin because of me. That means a lot." DJ Amber seems to like the idea of being a role model for women and aspiring DJs, "Women who never thought of trying to DJ can get their spark of an idea when they see their first female DJ. After a set, I often have women come up just to let me know that they've never seen a female DJ before and they are excited and supportive to see a woman at the controls. What's more, female partygoers often tell me that they were especially excited to see me follow the traditional string of male DJs, because when I come on with harder tracks and more technical ability, it's really a home-run for women!"