Within the predominately male-saturated industry, major strides are still being made to ensure women’s voices are heard in this space, and GRL GANG has been doing it remarkably for the past five years! Through the array of massive achievements, whether it be releasing multiple compilations of rising artists in the scene who are now performing in big spotlights or curating stage takeovers at massive festivals. While time has quickly passed, the impact that GRL GANG has made is monumental. We sat down with the founder of GRL GANG, Jeanie, to reminisce about the incredible five-year journey that has been had!
seradopa: Let’s start by saying Happy Fifth Anniversary to GRL GANG! What are some incredible memories that have occurred through those five years? What has GRL GANG learned as a whole throughout?
Jeanie: Thank you! Some memories that stand out for me are our Christmas party with Sidewalk Talk in 2022 and our stage takeover for Lost Lands this past year. Throughout the past five years, we’ve seen the industry improve a lot, but we still have a long way to go!
seradopa: How surreal is it to see the vision of GRL GANG grow from its inception back in 2019 to the overall community now in 2024? And within the GRL GANG community – How has it grown amongst itself? It started as a one-person team, but what does GRL GANG look like now?
Jeanie: It has been insane! What started as a one-off production workshop has grown into an incredible community and record label. It has been amazing to see it continue to evolve. I started GRL GANG on my own, and while I do continue to handle the label operations, I have an incredible A&R, ALLIESUN, who curates the Spotify playlist and helps out a ton on the social media front. I also had an amazing intern who was my saving grace last year.
seradopa: GRL GANG is not only a platform for producers and DJs. It’s always been a platform empowering everyone in the music industry eco-space, from managers, publicists, journalists, label coordinators, A&Rs, promoters, and so on. How important is it to continue this network to help make the music industry more inclusive to everyone rather than it being very male-dominated?
Jeanie: Including people from all facets of the industry has always been very important to me. There is a lot more demand for equality on the artist side than there used to be, but managers, publicists, etc., still tend to be overlooked in that regard. I always have had an amazing experience working with diverse teams. I would love to see more of it!
seradopa: It’s been so heartwarming to see GRL GANG appear at festivals like Lost Lands & WAKAAN, along with in the past around the California area, Denver, and NYC. While it’s only beginning, does GRL GANG intend to expand into more festival spaces? Or maybe something even bigger curated events down the line?
Jeanie: I would love to expand into more festival spaces. Curating stage takeovers is incredibly rewarding, so I’m hoping we’ll have more opportunities to do so in the future. As for curated events, I think I’ll leave that to the experts… for now!
seradopa: In 2024, with lineup announcement season in full front, do you believe talent buyers have been broadening their realm of ensuring that lineups are a bit more equal and practicing what they preach, or do we have a little longer to go?
Jeanie: While there has been substantial progress, we still have a long way to go. There is no excuse for having an all-male lineup in 2024. The account Book More Women on Instagram does a great job of showcasing the lack of diversity that we still see from festivals regularly.
seradopa: Are there any brands/promoters/production companies you’ve loved working with that help promote a safer environment within the industry – whether on the dance floor, backstage, or FOH?
Jeanie: I want to shout out Four4Consent here. They’re an incredible team of people who are pushing to end sexual harassment and assault in music, nightlife, and gaming. We worked with them for our 2022 Christmas party, and what they’re doing is inspiring.
seradopa: It’s been a goal to see the expansion of GRL GANG becoming a label since its inception. While GRL GANG has previously been constantly releasing compilations, mixes, and more – What is different with now having the GRL GANG label? And what are the plans for the label this upcoming year?
Jeanie: After releasing a few compilations, I decided to go all in with releases in 2023. I realized we were getting so much great music that it didn’t seem right to limit the label to an annual compilation. We put out some incredible music in 2023, and I can’t wait to do the same this year. I took a few months off to focus on my project, but we’ll be back in full swing soon!
seradopa: Through the GRL GANG imprint that continues to highlight strong female/femme/non-binary energy in the male-dominated industry – Have you personally seen the impacts it’s been making amongst developing artists or even a small boost of courage it has been bringing to others?
Jeanie: Absolutely. I regularly hear from people about how GRL GANG inspires them and what it has done for them. I also see a lot of people connecting through the community, which has resulted in friendships, collaborations, and more. I’m really proud of that!
seradopa: Before signing off, any words of encouragement for women & non-binaries wanting to join the music industry?
Jeanie: Be yourself! There is no need to try and fit into an ‘industry standard’ when there shouldn’t be one in the first place.
The legacy of GRL GANG continues to inspire and strive to make changes within the EDM community!
Despite the constant obstacles that appear throughout the male-dominated industry, GRL GANG taking the stand to push through it has been inspiring others. Now, throughout the EDM sphere, more Women Owned labels appear, more educational resources to continue to teach women, and more collectives beginning to start their own movements. GRL GANG started with empowering women-identifying artists and creating an atmosphere not present five years ago. All it takes is that first step to push through and open up these conversations. We couldn’t be more grateful for GRL GANG amongst one of the firsts to start that leap into a brighter and equal future.
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