[Image: Emily Lazar, Grammy-nominated mastering engineer, who has worked on over 2000 albums including releases by David Bowie, Björk, Goldfrapp, Moby, Paul McCartney, The Naked and Famous, Sonic Youth, Wu-Tang Clan, Tiesto, Thievery Corporation, Depeche Mode, Jedi Mind Tricks, The Prodigy, Morrissey, and many more.]
Written by Maya-Rose Torrão
Spotify has just announced their new residency program called the Equal (EQL) Studio Residency Program, a space specifically for women engineers and producers. The residency is in collaboration with Berklee College of Music and Jimi Hendrix’s legendary Electric Lady Studios and consists of three different programs, located in New York, Nashville, and London. During these paid six-month residencies, one participant in each city will work hands-on in studio and gain access to invaluable networking and mentoring opportunities to further her career.
Spotify’s Director of Cultural Impact, Kerry Steib explains that, “Women are underrepresented as artists, songwriters, engineers and producers,” and goes on to say that “We have to use our resources to create opportunities to address this, and do it with great partners across the industry. This is just the beginning.”
Lee Foster, Partner and General Manager at Electric Lady Studios expressed his excitement for the project by saying, “We are strong supporters of this movement and look forward to meeting the next generation of women engineers and producers.”
This announcement from Spotify marks an important moment for women pursuing careers in the music industry and is a wonderful move forward for women producers and engineers the world over. Applications for the EQL residency must be in by August 24 and the program will begin October 1.
Apply for this exciting opportunity here: Nashville / New York / London