Saffron announces online vinyl DJ workshop series

Saffron, the non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing gender equality within the music industry, has announced an online vinyl DJ workshop series. 

Launched in partnership with Audio-Technica, The Art of Analogue series aims to teach women, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people the art of vinyl DJing. 

The series is open worldwide to individuals of all experience levels and will comprise three online workshops accessible via Zoom, each running for 90 minutes. 

The first workshop, hosted by Darcy Archer, senior technical production specialist at Audio-Technica, will concentrate on the foundational steps of vinyl DJing and is scheduled 23rd May.

The second workshop, 24th June, will be hosted by NikNak and will cover scratch mixing and creative turntablism. The last workshop, scheduled 30th July, will be hosted by Tina Edwards and will focus on creating community through DJing and radio.

Initiatives like the Art of Analogue play a crucial role in making music more inclusive. However, earlier this year, the UK government rejected the recommendations put forth by the Misogyny In Music report, dashing hopes for urgent progress in gender equality within the music industry. 

The report shed light on the pervasive misogyny and discrimination faced by women in music, painting a picture of an industry entrenched in a "boys' club" culture where sexual harassment, unequal pay, and limited opportunities persist.

Last year, Saffron launched a fundraiser to sustain its work, noting that it has felt the negative effects of government arts cuts and the cost of living crisis on its operations. The Bristol-based non-profit also held a similar week-long digital event last year, providing workshops for women, non-binary, trans, and gender non-conforming artists.

Access to the upcoming workshop sessions is free for Sustainer and Soulmate members of Saffron’s online community, the Saffron Members Club. For non-members, individual tickets to each workshop cost £8.30, with some pay-what-you-can tickets available. For more information and to book tickets visit here.