FEATURE:
The Digital Mixtape
IN THIS PHOTO: The Ivor Novello-winning composer Hannah Peel
Amazing Work from Incredible Female Composers
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MAYBE there is more recognition…
IN THIS PHOTO: Hildur Guðnadóttir/PHOTO CREDIT: Antje Taiga Jandrig
and awareness as there was a few years ago, but I don’t think the music industry highlights the incredible and innovative female composers in music. Rather than saluting and supporting the brilliant women with unique and powerful voices, there is still too much focus on their male counterparts. I was thrilled that the amazing Hannah Peel recently won an Ivor for Best Television Soundtrack for her work on The Midwich Cuckoos’ soundtrack. I think we often think of composers as being Classical. Peel is someone who uses analogue synthesisers, tape manipulations, drones and woodwind. She is able to summon and convey these imaginative and wonderful sonic worlds one can immerse themselves in. Such nuanced and stirring music, you can tell her work because it is so distinct (as a side note: check out her series for the BBC, Night Tracks, which she hosts with Sara Mohr-Pietsch). I wanted to use her recent win as a jumping off point to celebrate other female composer. Whether they are brilliant female composers who have released studio albums, or their work is primarily in film and T.V., this is a playlist celebrating female composers – as opposed traditional artistry and songwriting. Emphasis is on their amazing compositions and textures. You will hear an array of stunning work from women that you need to know about. These are awesome and hugely inspiring talents composers who are transforming the industry and influencing women coming through. If a 2021 survey showed that there was still huge gender disparity and inequality when it comes to Classical concerts, there are these phenomenal female composers who are helping to change things. More does need to be done by those in power. Recognising forgotten women is also vital. This beautiful and captivating music below is enough to…
MOVE the senses.