Making Space for Femxle and Queer Musicians in the Valley

A fabulous 13% of the UK population are part of the LGBTQIA+ community[i] - yet only 2% of the top 1,000 musical artists identify as LGBTQIA+.[ii] In addition, just 20% of signed recording artists are women[iii]. This figure reduces to 14% for composers[iv], and just 3% for producers[v]. The Musician’s Union says these statistics are “indicative of widespread discrimination against women in the music industry”.[vi]

As a queer, AFAB artist, I know these statistics reinforce the sense of isolation felt by minorities in music. From this data we can conclude – without doubt – that the music industry is not providing a safe or supportive space for womxn and LGBTQIA+ folk. 

This is why I’m setting up ‘The Muxic Circle’: an artist-to-artist performance space for womxn, genderqueer and LGBTQIA+ musicians. It will be an intimate and relaxed space to connect, share, cheer each other on and collaborate – away from the cis-het-male presence that dominates the music industry.

At each session, we’ll sit together (in a circle!), taking turns to share an original song or composition. It will be a completely private space for musicians, with no stage or public audience – great for sharing work-in-progress, trying out a new song for the first time, or getting feedback from friendly faces. Live performance is encouraged, but you are equally welcome to share a recording. Tea and (many) biscuits will be provided.

I’ve chosen to host these sessions at Ebor Studio, a friendly art gallery and studio space, quietly tucked away in a former mill in Littleborough. It’s a calming environment filled with natural light and old wooden floorboards. I’ve been an Ebor Associate Artist since I moved to the valley a few months ago, and the creative community there has provided me with a sense of connection and support that I wish to extend with The Muxic Circle. The space is wheelchair accessible* and sensory-friendly**.

I hope that this will become somewhere that we can feel a level of comfort and support not found in the broader music industry – and can connect across genres, levels of experience and any additional social barriers we may face***.

Why the ‘x’ in ‘muxic’? Historically, the ‘x’ in ‘womxn’ aimed to liberate and reclaim the term ‘woman’ from a patriarchal lens, allowing infinite redefinitions to occur. Similarly, The Muxic Circle is a humble attempt to reclaim ‘music’ from the patriarchy, and redefine it on our own terms. Will you join me?

Hannah 'Hunter' Hull (they/them) is an artist and singer-songwriter, releasing under the moniker 'Burning Salt'. Hull studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths, University of London, and is a self-taught guitarist and pianist. They identify as disabled and queer. hannahhull.co.uk / burningsalt.com / @burningsalt 

First event: Monday 8 May, 7pm to 8.30pm, Ebor Studio, Littleborough OL15 8JP. Free

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* Contact burningsalt@gmail.com in advance to book wheelchair access. Wheelchair access to the building is available using Ebor Studio’s portable ramp, and there is a wheelchair accessible toilet.

** The space has lots of natural light, and electronic/amplified songs will be shared at acoustic-level volume. You are welcome to bring fidget tools, cushions and blankets, and any other items to support your comfort. The session is 1.5 hours long with a break at 40 mins, and you are also welcome to move around the space / take informal breaks between performances. A photo of the space is available via the link below.

*** The Muxic Circle is an inclusive and intersectional space, and you should come prepared to respect everyone present inclusive of sexuality, gender, ethnicity, age, disability and religion. Please contact me with any queries or requests that would support your attendance.