Music / saffron records
Breaking down music tech barriers
Founded in in 2015 by Laura Lewis-Paul, Saffron operates is a non-profit organisation aims to increase the number of womxn* in the music tech industry – a figure which currently stands at just five per cent.
Primarily running training in music production, sound engineering and DJing, as well as running an artist development program and record label, Saffron aims to advance gender equality in the sector by creating a safe space for womxn to learn and build confidence.
After half a decade in Bristol, Saffron is expanding its work and launching a digital member’s club on Patreon.
is needed now More than ever
Saffron Members takes the organisation beyond the city, and will provide more opportunities to womxn to connect, learn and grow,
“Here at Saffron, the ongoing repercussions of Covid-19 compelled us to look at more concrete methods of supporting our global community of women and non-binary people in music tech, as well as ways to ensure a sustainable future for our organisation,” say the team.
Homay Schmitz at Saffron’s Tech Dissect event. Photo: Lee Kirby
“We were inspired by the learning and togetherness found in the three online Tech Dissect sessions we hosted in partnership with Ableton in May and June, with sign-ups from hundreds of folks in over 30 different countries and amazing guest hosts Emmavie, object blue and Yazzus,” they add.
“We felt we had to find a way to continue… and so began the creation of Saffron Members.”
A tiered digital club, womxn can buy a monthly subscription for themselves of purchase as an anonymous ally and pay it forward. A number of free bursary subscriptions have also been made possible by Abbey Road Studios and Ableton.
There are three levels of membership at £5, £12 and £22 per month.
A £5 membership will allow access to the monthly Tech Dissect, community listening and track feedback, Q&As with guest hosts and music production and engineering masterclasses, a dedicated newsletter and discounts at music technology brands.
A Saffron workshop. Photo: Rianna Tamara
£12 memberships also include access to the Saffron Library, which includes resources such as top tips sheets and view full videos of online workshops, access to Mix Nights, monthly online masterclasses and Q&As and Creative Communications, an open surgery hour led by music PR and marketer Jenna Knight.
The top tier, which costs £22 a month, will, in addition to previous tiers, three sessions of one-to-one mentoring with a Saffron-approved music industry professional each year, 24-hour early access and 20 per cent discount on tickets for Saffron events and courses and one free item of Saffron merchandise each year.
*female-identifying and non-binary people
Main photo: Ash Reynolds
Read more: Interview: Saffron Records
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