text: The perks and pains of female DJs - Armada Music
  The annual DJ Mag Top 100 results are more than enough a reason to draw the unavoidable conclusion many have been screaming out loud for years. Women are underrepresented (and underappreciated) in a music world dominated by their male counterparts. And if they do find themselves on top of the big, bad Electronic Music industry, there's no telling what crap they have to endure in order to maintain their position and success.
  The conclusion could be drawn that the success of female DJs depends heavily on their looks, rather than their skills. It would be very much like their male counterparts having to possess ridiculous amounts of charisma in order to get the crowd going. After all, being a wonderful piece of eye-candy or a charismatic leader works a charm.
  But this is also the root of the problem. It's inexplicably difficult to be taken seriously when talents are disregarded like a worn-out tablecloth, simply because 'they' only care about gorgeous long hairs, seductive smiles, and captivating winks.
  As one of the most talented female DJs of present-day society, we asked Pretty Pink about her thoughts on the matter. And she was pretty clear about whether or not looks determine the success of female DJs.
  "Looks can't make up a lack in skill, knowledge or unique creative ideas. As a matter a fact, good looks don't determine a successful career at all. In the underground Deep-House scene, looks have never been important and will never be.
  "However, female DJs getting bashed by the media is a common issue. Even if you are skilled, have great talent, and work on both releases as well as the business side of music, some people think that DJ'ing is a man's job and this overshadows a lot."
  This begs the question what would have to change in the industry. Should we alter our attitude towards female DJs in order for them to flourish themselves? Or should we treat them differently and 'help' them reach the top, which is where the problem started in the first place? Well, here's the answer…
  "It's a matter of attitude and personality. If you really believe in your work as a female DJ, you can make it to the top right now. I don't think this will ever change in the future. I'm one hundred percent sure that we don't have to force or change anything in this world right now.
  "Music is a demanding industry and you need a lot of discipline and a great team that you can trust in order to be successful. These are the exact same foundations on which successful male DJs build their careers on, and this leaves me wondering why these prejudices exist to begin with. So girls, stay strong! Work hard and believe in yourself. Make sure you accomplish everything you set out to do when you started doing what you love in the first place. If you know what you are doing, you can make it!"
  Can't wait to express your thoughts on the matter? Join the discussion below.
  I'm astounded. To this day, i only know the work of a Dj who's a friend of mine, Dj Camila.
  I do think women need way more attention in their work; have a lot more media cover.
  I only get to see new male Dj's all the time, 'cause i never have the choice at all, to hear a good female Dj. I just don't know any 🙁
  If anyone can guide me through a little in this subject, and suggest me a fine female Dj and Producer, i'm more than willing to hear their songs.
  Hugs to all the huge Trance Family.
  Oh god, don't make music an identity politics nonsense as well. Movies, comics and gaming industry has already fallen into this madness you don't want to be in. Trust me. You just don't.
  Tell me something, how many people would listen to certain music solely for author or DJ being good looking? Sure, it might work once or twice, but in the end, if you don't actually like and enjoy the music, it doesn't matter who makes it, a man or a woman, you simply won't listen to it. Maybe my perspective is entirely skewed since I'm not going to live events, but I absolutely enjoy listening to music at home or in car because it sounds good, the vocals are amazing and it just makes your day a more beautiful one.
  I know Armada will hate me for this 😛 , but I've found certain female vocalists and music authors (who also collaborated with Armin several times) who are better at doing trance mixes than Armin van Buuren himself. And he was considered to be one of the best DJ's in the world several times. I know that's just my perspective many won't agree with, but I've found those female authors through music and vocals first and their looks second after Googling them up. Yeah, those women do look good, but in the end, it's the music they make and mix and the vocals they infuse music with, that is important to me, not how they look. Every time I click PLAY button, it's because I genuinely enjoy their music, not because they look good.
  So, if you're a female author, DJ or vocalist, don't fall into the trap of feeling discriminated just because you happen to be of the "wrong" gender. There is no right or wrong gender when it comes to music. In the end, talent and products (music) you make always win over everything else. Keep on doing music with same passion and people will recognize that. Music is suppose to be a non-visual medium, lets keep it that way.