Women In Music Technology

Alexa Bond
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  • Music Interviews

What does it really mean to be a woman in music technology? Join me, a sixth form student, as I speak to inspiring women working across the music and audio industry, from live sound and touring, to music production, recording, acoustics, engineering and experimental sound. Through honest conversations, I explore their career journeys, experiences, challenges, achievements and advice for the next generation. Discover the women working behind the scenes, breaking boundaries and shaping the future of music technology.

Episodes

  1. Oct 13

    S1, Ep6 - Rita Campos

    In this episode, I’m speaking to Rita Campos, an Application Engineer and Consultant Liaison for EMEA at L-Acoustics, a leading company in professional audio technology. Rather than mixing concerts herself, Rita works at the design stage of audio projects, helping acoustic consultants develop high-quality sound systems and advising on the best loudspeaker solutions for different venues. Her role includes creating and reviewing sound system designs, delivering technical workshops and demonstrations, and acting as a link between L-Acoustics and acoustic consultants across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. L-Acoustics is internationally recognised for its pioneering line array loudspeaker technology, used at major festivals, arenas, theatres and events worldwide, as well as its immersive audio technology, L-ISA. In our conversation, we talk about Rita’s journey from Portugal to the UK, her career at L-Acoustics, and what goes into designing professional sound systems before a concert or event takes place. We also discuss loudspeaker technology, working with acoustic consultants, the importance of acoustics in live sound, balancing work with a PhD, and Rita’s experiences as a woman working in music technology.

    S1, Ep6 - Rita Campos

  2. Oct 7

    S1, Ep5 - Jo Miln

    In this episode, I’m speaking to Jo Miln, Co-founder and Director of Soundgas, a Derbyshire-based company specialising in vintage and rare recording equipment. I had the opportunity to meet Jo in person as part of a work experience day, where I was able to learn more about the business and the many different roles involved in running a company within the music technology industry. Soundgas restores and supplies vintage studio equipment, including classic synthesisers, tape echoes and other rare recording equipment, while also designing modern hardware inspired by vintage technology. Their equipment is used by musicians, producers, collectors and major recording studios around the world. Alongside Tony Miln, Jo is involved in the business side of Soundgas, including finance, HR, operations, apprenticeships and staff development, helping the company continue to grow while supporting the next generation of people entering the industry. In our conversation, we talk about Jo’s journey into the music technology industry, the story behind Soundgas, restoring and working with vintage studio equipment, and what it takes to run a business within the music industry. We also discuss apprenticeships, developing skills for a career in music technology, and the different opportunities that exist beyond the more technical and creative roles. During our conversation, Jo also briefly referred to a piece performed at the Royal Albert Hall as being by Delia Derbyshire; we later realised this was a mistake, and Jo kindly apologised and clarified that the piece was actually by Daphne Oram. Please excuse some of the background noise in this episode! This conversation was recorded live during my work experience day at Soundgas, so there is some natural background noise from the working space.

    S1, Ep5 - Jo Miln

  3. Oct 2

    S1, Ep4 - Tegan Caine

    In this episode, I’m speaking to Tegan Caine, who works across live events, stage management and venue operations, with a background in live sound and music technology. Her experience combines the technical side of live events with the organisation and coordination needed to make productions happen. Tegan has experience working within live sound and music technology, as well as stage management and venue operations, giving her an insight into the different roles involved in putting on live events. Alongside her practical experience, Tegan has also explored women’s experiences within the music industry through her undergraduate thesis, looking at some of the challenges and experiences women face within the industry. In our conversation, we talk about Tegan’s journey into live events and music technology, her experiences across stage management and venue operations, the technical side of live events and what it is like working in such a fast-paced industry. We also discuss women’s experiences in the music industry, the importance of representation, and the advice she would give to someone wanting to start a career in live events and music technology.

    S1, Ep4 - Tegan Caine

  4. Sep 30

    S1, Ep3 - Caro C

    In this episode, I’m speaking to Caro C, a UK-based artist, composer, sound engineer, producer, educator, workshop leader and podcast producer and host. With strong links to Manchester’s electronic music scene since 2007, Caro has developed a career that brings together music production, sound engineering, composition, education and experimental sound. Caro works across a wide range of projects, combining vocals, piano, synthesizers, found sounds and experimental electronic processing to create music and immersive sound experiences. Her work also explores spoken word, voices, soundscapes, binaural and immersive sound, as well as composing for theatre, film and installations. Alongside her creative work, Caro runs educational and cultural projects, leading workshops and mentoring, while working to support underrepresented voices within music and the wider creative industries. She has also been involved in Delia Derbyshire Day and podcasting. In our conversation, we talk about Caro’s journey through music, sound engineering and electronic music, working across such a wide range of creative roles, and how technology can be used to experiment with sound and create immersive experiences. We also discuss education, mentoring and supporting underrepresented voices, as well as her experiences as a woman working across music technology and the advice she would give to the next generation.

    S1, Ep3 - Caro C

  5. Sep 29

    S1, Ep2 - Alessia Milo

    In this episode, I’m speaking to Dr. Alessia Milo, a Senior Computational Design and Virtual Acoustics Specialist at Treble Technologies. Originally trained as an architect, Alessia went on to specialise in acoustics, virtual reality and sound perception, completing a PhD in Soundscape Perception. Her work now sits at the intersection of architecture, acoustics, computer modelling, immersive technology and sound. Alessia specialises in virtual acoustics and computational design, developing technology that allows engineers and designers to hear what a space will sound like before it has even been built. Her work can be applied to spaces such as concert halls, theatres, recording studios, museums and classrooms, allowing designers to simulate acoustics and test different layouts and materials before construction. She also works across areas including spatial audio, VR, audio AI and architectural acoustics. In our conversation, we talk about Alessia’s journey from architecture into acoustics, what virtual acoustics actually means, real-world examples of how this technology is used, and how her work can benefit musicians, recording studios and concert venues. We also discuss the future of immersive audio and virtual acoustics, her experiences as a woman in engineering, and the advice she would give to someone wanting to enter this field.

    S1, Ep2 - Alessia Milo

  6. Sep 20

    S1, Ep1 - Gnarly

    In this episode, I’m speaking to Gnarly, a British-Sri Lankan music producer, finger drummer, live performer, educator and content creator, who is now based in the West Midlands, having previously been based in London. Gnarly is particularly known for her incredible live finger-drumming performances. Rather than simply pressing play on a backing track, she performs her music completely live using a sampler, primarily the Akai MPC. Using her fingers, she can perform drums, bass, melodies and effects in real time, creating full musical performances from the sampler. Her music brings together influences from hip hop, lo-fi, jazz, electronic music and experimental beats. In our conversation, we talk about how Gnarly developed her unique approach to finger drumming, performing live with technology, building a career as a music producer and content creator, working with major music technology companies, the importance of education, and her experiences as a woman working in music technology.

    S1, Ep1 - Gnarly
  • 6 Episodes

About

What does it really mean to be a woman in music technology? Join me, a sixth form student, as I speak to inspiring women working across the music and audio industry, from live sound and touring, to music production, recording, acoustics, engineering and experimental sound. Through honest conversations, I explore their career journeys, experiences, challenges, achievements and advice for the next generation. Discover the women working behind the scenes, breaking boundaries and shaping the future of music technology.

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