Oakland, CA — Womxn tend to be highly overlooked in the music industry, especially the ones behind the boards. Female music producers like Missy Elliot, Linda Perry and more are responsible for implementing sounds that have forever changed music.
Womxn only account for 5% of the music industry's music producers — so it's no surprise that the industry is male-dominated in all areas but, it's 2020. It's time to change that. So to start getting you acclimated with some names you should know, here are 5 womxn producers taking over the game right now.
WondaGurl
Ebony Oshunrinde, also known by her stage name WondaGurl, is making waves in the music industry. The 23-year-old Ontario native has produced for top-charting hip-hop legends from around the world. Some of her notable works include Drake’s “Used To” featuring Lil Wayne and Jay-Z’s “Crown.” She’s also responsible for contributing writing as well as additional production on Rihanna’s hit “Bitch Better Have My Money,” co-producing Travis Scott’s hit “Antidote” and many more. It's safe to say her discography is filled with hits! Her unique style of production is in high demand as she just signed to a global co-publishing deal with Sony/ATV music this month! You can follow her on Instagram at @wondagurl.
DOT
Kate Ellwanger A.K.A. DOT from Olympia, Washington is pioneering the indie rock/r&b sound. She’s responsible for producing SZA’s “Euphraxia” as well as self-producing her own projects like her album “Retrofuture.” Not only is she a producer, but she’s also a DJ, live performer, label owner and music instructor. She is dedicated to lifting women up in the music industry by providing artist development to female artists/musicians through her label Unspeakable Records. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @dotmvsic.
Trakgirl
Shakari Boles A.K.A. TRAKGIRL out of the DMV (South Virginia), is making her way to the top. She’s worked with artists like Jhene Aiko, Omarion, Nav, Belly and more. Some of her notable works include Jhene Aiko’s “Overstimulated,” Omarion’s “Ode To Tae” and Belly’s “Maintain” featuring NAV. Not only is she a poppin’ producer but she’s also a songwriter and entrepreneur — in addition to contributing production, Trakgirl also co-wrote the hit record with Belly and NAV. To add to the list of her accomplishments, Trakgirl also created PAY US TODAY, one of her entrepreneurial ventures that advocates for fair pay for producers and creatives. Follow along with her on Instagram at @trakgirl.
Crystal Caines
Crystal Caines is a 29-year-old producer from Harlem, NY. She’s worked with artists such as A$AP FERG, Smoke DZA, BbyMutha and more. Here are some of her notable production works: “Lord” by A$AP FERG ft. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and “Hands Of Time” by Smoke DZA, but she has many production credits if you dig deep enough. Not only is Crystal Caines a fly producer, but she’s also made a career as a rapper with features from childhood friend A$AP FERG, and she also engineers. Killin' it! Keep up with her on Instagram at @crystalcaines_.
Syd
Sydney Bennett A.K.A Syd (formerly known as Syd Tha Kyd) is a 28-year-old producer from Los Angeles. You may recognize her from the band The Internet which she is a founding member of, as well as Odd Future. Some of her notable production works include Mike G’s “Stick Up” featuring Earl Sweatshirt, The Internet’s “Partners in Crime” and many of her own tracks. Not only is she recognized for production, but Syd is also an amazing singer/R&B artist whose tracks have recently been featured in the film "Queen & Slim" created by Lena Waithe. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @syd.