In 2025, shesaid.so brought together editorial features, educational sessions, live gatherings and artist-focused opportunities that supported music creators and professionals across different stages of their careers. Much of our work focused on opening up industry knowledge; breaking down music-business topics, highlighting emerging trends and sharing practical tools for artist visibility. This ran alongside our weekly industry roundups and bi-weekly newsletter, which continued to spotlight career resources, funding opportunities, events and wider community news.
Our Ask Me Anything series remained a central part of this work. Across 11 sessions, we hosted guests from UMG, Sony Music Publishing, Splice, the Music Managers Forum, PRS Foundation, terrible* merch, Platform13 and Epidemic Sound, offering direct insight into different areas of the industry and opening selected sessions to wider audiences.
Ballantine’s True Music Fund powered by shesaid.so supported artists and organisers internationally through grants, mentorship and visibility, with this year’s fund distributing £100,000 across eight recipients.
We also delivered two editions of (micro) MEETSSS in Bucharest and London, presented with the Vans Checkerboard Fund at Tides Foundation and supported by AlphaTheta, Native Instruments and local partners. Designed as a cultural exchange between the Romanian and UK music communities, each edition combined live events with studio visits, conversations and creative sessions, creating space for knowledge sharing and cross-scene collaboration.
shesaid.so Chapters
shesaid.so Amsterdam
The chapter focused on creating space for people working in music to connect, learn and slow down — without pressure, hierarchy or gatekeeping. Across panels, trainings, mentorship moments and informal drinks, the aim stayed consistent: practical support, honest conversations and access.
January:
The year opened by addressing the realities of working in music.
How to Create Healthier Habits in Nutrition, Sleep, Exercise & Relaxation focused on burnout prevention and sustainable routines.
At ESNS, Confident and How the FemTech Movement is Shaping the Music Business explored confidence, bias and innovation from lived, professional perspectives rather than theory.
February:
Borrel & Headshots offered something simple but useful: space to meet, talk and leave with a professional headshot.
With support from Downtown Music, events stayed free — a deliberate choice to keep access open.
Spring:
Safety Net (May) created room for honest discussion around safer spaces in music, grounded in real experiences rather than surface-level policy talk.
Later in the year, Unconscious Bias Training paired participants across genders, shifting the focus from individual intention to shared responsibility.
Summer: Staying Connected
Summer Solstice Drinks were exactly that — a chance to step out of work mode, reconnect and remind ourselves that community doesn’t always need an agenda.
Autumn: ADE 2025
October centred around Amsterdam Dance Event.
we.grow at ADE continued the mentorship programme in collaboration with ADE Lab.
On 22 October, shesaid.so hosted a full day at ADE Lab Village (Mossel & Gin), bringing together:
A clear breakdown of music rights with Laura van Dam & VE/RA
A practical session on freelance sustainability with The Art of the Hustle
A panel on balancing creativity and business without losing yourself
A content hub for real-time storytelling
Networking drinks that actually felt welcoming
The day closed with ADE Networking Drinks, connecting local and international members in a relaxed setting.
December:
End of Year Drinks
shesaid.so Brighton
In 2025, shesaid.so Brighton focused on a small number of well-paced, in-person moments centred on connection, reflection and practical exchange.
The year began in January with the return of the Vision Board Session at Brighton Beach House. The session offered members time and space to think through goals and intentions for the year ahead, while meeting other local music professionals in a relaxed setting.
In May, the Brighton chapter joined Brighton Music Conference with two key activations. The annual Breakfast Club took place at The Lazy Fin on Brighton seafront, bringing together shesaid.so members, BMC delegates and local industry workers for informal networking. Free professional headshots were available on site, supported by Downtown Music.
The following day, shesaid.so hosted the panel “Beyond the Buzzword: Why Community is Essential in the Music Industry”, focusing on what community actually looks like beyond marketing language, and how meaningful connections are built and sustained in today’s music industry.
Across the year, the Brighton chapter kept things intentional, local and people-led.
shesaid.so Finland
Panels, conferences & public conversations
• MARS Festival / MARS Conference (Seinäjoki, Finland in February 2025)
shesaid.so Finland hosted a panel titled EpicFail, focusing on making mistakes, learning from failure, vulnerability and growth in music industry careers.
Workshops & community events
• Women Behind the Mics x Sony Music Finland
Held at Sony Music Finland’s offices. A large-scale workshop with approximately 60 participants from across the music industry, focused on women and non-binary professionals.
The event included a big workshop (Vision board: Music industry in 2035), a catering sponsor from Joe & Juice, drinks from Vitamin Well, and career talks from:
– Jannika Nykvist, A&R Manager, Sony Music Finland
– Annika Oksanen, Head of Agency/Promoter, Live Nation Finland
• Music x Media Conference (Tampere, Finland in September 2025)
Panel titled “Rules of Equality in the Music Industry: Who Gets Access, Who Is Excluded?”, discussing power, power dynamics and allyship in the music industry, and how to actively work towards more equitable structures.
• Music x Media: Industry Awards (Tampere, Finland in September 2025)
Enjoyed drinks and got together with our community Members before the gala.
• shesaid.so Finland x Moninainen Musiikkiala Retreat
A retreat at Villa Vikan (Raasepori) focused on wellbeing, sustainability, peer support and long-term careers in the music industry, bringing together music creators and professionals from diverse backgrounds. We got a grant of 3000€ from MES (Musiikin edistämmisäätiö in the end of Spring 2025 that we used for this for example.)
End-of-year gathering
• shesaid.so Finland Holiday / Christmas Mingle
A relaxed community event with drinks, pizza and gingerbread. Guests were invited to share their wishes for the music industry in 2026, collected symbolically during the evening.
DJ set by Reenz, who was also part of the Flotilla group (Finland, 2025).
International & advocacy work
• Music Ambassadors Tour 2025 – Ukraine
Maiju Talvisto represented shesaid.so Finland in the Music Ambassadors Tour 2025, visiting Kyiv and engaging with Ukrainian music industry professionals, cultural initiatives, radio stations, art and technology spaces, as well as an art school.
January 2025
30 Jan — Vision Board Session
Format: Workshop
Location: Brighton Beach House (Rock Room), Brighton
February 2025
19 Feb, 19:30 — Meet-up shesaid.so France x Rappeuses en liberté
Format: Meet-up + speed-meeting
Location: FGO-Barbara
Partners: Rappeuses en liberté, Fédérap
Notes:Speed-meeting with rap artists (including artists from the programme)
Informal networking
In mixité choisie
Free, registration required
February (date TBC) — Masterclass #1 – Gagnons du pouvoir, parlons de légitimité
Format: Online masterclass
Location: Online (visio / Discord)
March 2025
13 Mar, 12:30–13:30 — Masterclass #2 avec Camille Jamet (@camille.music.coach)
Format: Online masterclass
Location: Online (Discord)
Theme: Accompagnement des artistes et sentiment de légitimité
Access: Free, members only, mixité choisie31 Mar, 19:00–20:00 — Masterclass #3 avec Sharouh
Format: Online masterclass
Location: Online (Discord)
April 2025
14 Apr, 19:00–20:00 — Masterclass #4 avec Pauline Le Caignec (@pauline_kcidy)
Format: Online masterclass
Location: Online (Discord)
May 2025
6 May, 18:30 — Meet-up shesaid.so Lyon
Format: Meet-up (apéritif)
Location: Le Périscope, Lyon24 May, from 14:00 — Majeur·e·s fête ses 3 ans
Format: Celebration / workshops
Location: Pannonica, Nantes
Notes:Matri Music Party
Participatory workshop on musical matrimony
Blind test + karaoke
27 May, 17:30 — Session Majeur·e·s IRL
Format: Networking session
Location: La Grenze, Strasbourg
Access: Free (with pass / concert ticket)28 May, 09:30 — Workshop: Générations au travail
Format: Workshop
Location: Espace K, Strasbourg
June 2025
2 Jun — Table ronde SHINE: Sexisme et Racismes
Format: Panel discussion
Location: La Cité Audacieuse, Paris
Partners: La Petite Égalité, HF Île-de-France17 Jun — Meet-up shesaid.so Angers
Format: Meet-up
Location: Angers
Notes: Organised by the Nantes antenna, mixité choisie19 Jun — Masterclass #5
Format: Online masterclass
Location: Online
Notes: Part of the 2025 masterclass programme20 Jun — Meet-up Saint-Leu
Format: Meet-up
Location: Saint-Leu, La Réunion
September 2025
6 Sep — La Réunion — Rencontre shesaid.so France
Format: Meet-up
Location: La Réunion16 Sep — Congrès du SMA
Format: Conference participation
Location: Rouen
Notes: shesaid.so France presence20 Sep — Plus jamais silencieuses
Format: Table ronde
Location: Paris
Notes: Linked to equality and feminist programming themes
October 2025
9 Oct — Masterclass #7 avec Mélanie Gourvès
Format: Online masterclass
Location: Online
Theme: Féminisme et industrie musicale10 Oct — Meet-up shesaid.so Lyon
Format: Meet-up
Location: Lyon17 Oct — Speed-meeting: Métiers qui recrutent
Format: Speed-meeting
Location: MaMA Music & Convention
November 2025
13 Nov, 12:30 — Masterclass avec Chloé Nataf
Format: Online masterclass
Location: Online
Theme: Légitimité18 Nov — Table ronde: Les addictions dans le secteur musical
Format: Panel discussion
Location: Pan Piper, Paris
Partner: Fédéchanson21 Nov, 15:00–23:00 — Artistes, gagnons du pouvoir, parlons de légitimité
Format: Full-day event
Location: Canal 93, Bobigny
Partners: MaAD93, Canal 93
December 2025
10 Dec — Meet-up shesaid.so Lyon
Format: Meet-up
Location: Lyon17 Dec, 18:30 — Table ronde: Quels outils pour davantage d’égalité sur les plateaux ?
Format: Panel discussion
Location: FGO-Barbara, Paris
Partner: RIF
shesaid.so Portugal
In 2025, our mission evolved beyond visibility to focus on the sustainable transformation of the music industry. By centering female and gender-dissident voices on global stages and prioritizing the mental well-being of our community, amplifying education opportunities, presence at international festivals, and safe spaces for connection through intentional visibility and structural support.
Key Impact Pillars
Educational Foundation: Our ongoing scholarship partnership with Arda Academy for the 2025/2026 term continues to bridge the technical gap, ensuring that gender-fluid and female participants have the mastery required to dominate the technical side of the industry.
Industry Leadership & Thought: highlighting the participation at Boom Festival's Liminal Village, we integrated dedicated panels and workshops focused on mental health and creative processes. By providing tools for resilience and emotional regulation, we moved the conversation from "grind culture" toward a healthier, more sustainable career model for marginalized creators
Community & Safer Spaces: Our presence at MIL Festival with Axé Festival (CA/BR) focused on the power of the collective. Through the "Affinity Circle," we established a sanctuary for union and strength, proving that professional growth in the music business is linked to emotional support and communal solidarity.
Outcome
The result of these combined efforts is a more interconnected and resilient network of non-conforming professionals (±260 community members). We have successfully moved the needle from simple representation toward a model of sustained empowerment, ensuring that our community is not just present in the industry, but leading it.
shesaid.so Sweden
30 Jan – 23 Feb — Annele-stipendiet 2025: Open Call
Format: Grant / scholarship application
Target group: Women creatives aged 18–35 (songwriters, producers, musicians, vocalists)
Amount: 50,000 SEK
Website: annelestipendiet.se6–8 Feb — Folk & Kultur
Format: Conference participation / exhibition stand
Location: Eskilstuna
Notes:shesaid.so Sweden present as part of N.O.R.M – Nätverket Organisationer för en Rättvis Musikbransch
On site with organisations including Keychange, Musikcentrum Öst, Musikerförbundets Kvinnokommitté
Focus on equality, safety and working conditions in the music industry
March 2025
1 Mar, 18:00 — Debaser Alternative: Saga Faye & Venus Anon
Format: Concert recommendation / member guest list
Location: Bar Brooklyn, Stockholm
11 Apr, 10:00–12:00 — Musiksverige Online Seminar: Inkluderande musikbransch
Format: Online seminar
Location: Online
Notes:Presentation of Musiksveriges perspective survey on equality and inclusion
Speakers and panellists from IFPI Sweden, SAMI, STIM, Sony Music Publishing, CMDS
Moderator: Elisabet Widlund Fornelius (Noi PR)
8 May — Spring Mingle & Networking Morning
Format: Networking workshop + inspiration talk
Location: STIM Music Room, Stockholm
Programme:Networking workshop with Undulate Lee (shesaid.so Sweden)
Talk on authentic leadership with Cecilia Falk (Falkflow)
Notes: Morning event, RSVP via bio
Ongoing / Online (2025)
Webinar recommendation: “How to Produce like Sabrina Carpenter”
Format: Online beginner production workshop
Part of: Female Songwriters Day 2025
Led by: Xylo Aria (Music Production for Women)
Platform: femalesongwritersday.com
Network & Partnerships (2025)
shesaid.so Sweden is part of N.O.R.M – För en rättvis musikbransch
Ongoing collaboration and presence alongside Swedish music-industry organisations working on equality, inclusion and structural change
shesaid.so Global
January 2025
Editorials
Artist Spotlight: BINA
A cinematic introduction to BINA’s soulful world and creative journey.
Read more
Music Insider: Iona Thomas
Sharing careers and opportunities in electronic music with Doors Open and Resident Advisor.
Read more
Artist Spotlight: Fi McCluskey
Raising awareness around postnatal depression through music.
Read more
Short Video: Suzi Analogue
A visual feature with the artist, songwriter and producer.
Watch here
Music Insider: Lucy Micheal
Breaking into music PR and promotion at Tru Thoughts.
Read more
Music Insider: Nikki Silva
From film to music: NYC multidisciplinary artist and producer Nikki Silva.
Read more
Day in the Life: Chinese American Bear
Inside the world of the American-Chinese Mando-English pop duo.
Watch here
Up Next: TRACE
Entering TRACE’s transgressive pop universe and upcoming album T4TEARS.
Read more
Grants/Mentoring
Ballantine’s True Music Fund ‘25 powered by shesaid.so
8 grants between £5k-30k
Explore here
February 2025
Editorials
Artist Spotlight (Video): Winny
A visual introduction to the artist’s sonic world.
Watch here
Day in the Life: Jazzie Young
Inside the daily rhythm of artist and songwriter Jazzie Young.
Watch here
Artist Spotlight: Gayance
On her new project and signing to Tru Thoughts.
Read more
Member Spotlight: Lucki Price
Artist and Global Copyright Coordinator at Sony Music Publishing.
Read more
Ballantine’s True Music Fund: Feminine Hi-Fi
Past winners share application and success tips.
Read more
ADE 2024 Throwback: Phiona Okumu
Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Watch here
AMA
Ask Me Anything: Music Managers Forum
Learn more
March 2025
AMA
Ask Me Anything: Epidemic Sound
With the Epidemic Sound team and board members.
Register here
Editorials
International Women’s Day 2025
Featuring Alba Blasi, BISHI, Dalia Ganz, Nada Alhelabi and Yewi Omo.
Read more
Music Insider: Olivia Shalhoup
Building artist visibility through Amethyst Collab.
Read more
Artist Spotlight: Empara Mi
From film scores to new album Monsters & Masochists.
Read more
Day in the Life: Dinna Summer
Artist, singer and promoter at work.
Watch here
Music Insider: Mariesa Stevens & Emma Hoser
Inside Liaison Artists with the Partner & VP and Senior Agent.
Read more
Member Spotlight: Eb Rebel
From law school to independent artist.
Read more
Artist Spotlight: MiDi KwaKwa
Read more
Music Insider: Saskhia Menendez
Founder of The Trans Charter for the Music Industry.
Read more
Queer Capita Pledge
Explore here
April 2025
AMA
AMA About Sync with Angela Mastronardi (Sony Music Publishing)
Editorials
Artist Spotlight: NYX
London-based vocal electronic collective.
Read more
Artist Spotlight: Ray Lozano
Read more
Artist Spotlight: Nadia Struiwigh
Tresor Berlin resident DJ and producer.
Read more
Trans & Ally Resource Hub
Explore here
Music Insider: Amanda Barker
Day-to-day and tour manager for Becky Hill.
Read more
Up Next: Neva Demure
Read more
Artist Spotlight: KARABA
Read more
Breaking Down the Track: 98 Poly
DIY sound breakdown and Q&A.
Read more
Member Spotlight: Camille Guitteau
Co-founder of Bye Bye Plastic Foundation.
Read more
Artist Spotlight: ILĀ
Read more
Music Insider: Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale
Read more
May 2025
Editorials
Artist Spotlight: MYCHELLE
From busking to 25m streams and debut album Good Day.
Read more
Music Insider: Ana Marković
International Marketing Manager at EXIT Festival.
Read more
Up Next: Cydnee With a C
Read more
Music Insider: Ebonie Smith
Producer, engineer and Gender Amplified co-founder.
Read more
Artist Spotlight: Nia Chennai
Read more
Artist Spotlight: Dornika
Iranian-American pop artist turning heads with Baggy Jeans.
Read more
Video Q&A: Dinamiin
Palestinian artist in conversation.
Watch here
Member Spotlight: Lois Hayes
From global campaigns to sustainable creativity.
Read more
June 2025
AMA
Ask Me Anything: Getting Your First Job at a Major
With Emma Brazeau (Verve Label Group – UMG).
In-Person Events
(micro) MEETSSS Bucharest 2025
With Alina Eremia, Linda Ayoola, Yewi Omo and Lisa Young In.
Explore here
Editorials
Video Q&A: Karma Barghothi
Jerusalem-based artist.
Watch here
Music Insider: Ms Mavy
Founder of Afroplug.
Read more
shesaid.so Pride Guide 2025
Read more
Refugee Week 2025
Spotlighting artists with refugee and migrant roots.
Read more
Music Insider: Neijah Lanae & Arniesha Williams
Read more
Artist Spotlight: Iris Gold
Read more
Member Spotlight: Ruth Daniel
CEO & Artistic Director, In Place of War.
Read more
July 2025
AMA
Ask Me Anything: PRS Foundation Grants With Tilly Fletcher.
Ask Me Anything: Diversifying Artist Revenue with Merch
With Tersha Willis (terrible*).
Editorials
Artist Spotlight: Gabriella Bongo
Hospital Records artist on Breathe and mentorship.
Read more
Artist Spotlight: Nat Oaks
Read more
Music Insider: Dina LaPolt
Street-smart lessons from the entertainment lawyer.
Read more
Up Next: Girl Group
DIY feminist pop backed by Elton John.
Read more
Music Insider: Leila Fataar
Culture-led brands and business transformation.
Read more
Member Spotlight: Rufy Ghazi
Designing the future of music tech.
Read more
Music Insider: Annie Mac & Jayda G
Motherhood, DJing and club culture.
Read more
August 2025
Editorials
Artist Spotlight: Leah Cleaver
Feminist alt-pop and taking up space.
Read more
Music Insider: Izzy Parrell
How to pitch music that stands out on DSPs.
Read more
Artist Spotlight: Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith
On modular synths and creative listening.
Read more
Day in the Life + Q&A: cami bear
Read more
Sisu Collective
Inclusive DJ culture and community-driven dancefloors.
Read more
Member Spotlight: Acantha Lang
Grammy-nominated soul artist on sustainability.
Read more
Video Q&A: Linda Ayoola
Global Head of Music, Platoon (Apple).
Watch here
September 2025
AMA
Ask Me Anything: Creative Consistency & Partnerships
With Tasya Rifalia (Splice).
Editorials
Artist Spotlight: Nectar Woode
Read more
Music Insider: Julia Afanasieva
Building a fairer digital music store with Volumo.
Read more
Artist Spotlight: Guchi
From viral breakthrough to 400m streams.
Read more
Video Q&A: Yewi Omo
Watch here
Music Insider: Kerry O’Brien
Founder of the Young Urban Arts Foundation.
Read more
Artist Spotlight: Kelli-Leigh
Read more
Member Spotlight: Johanna Pustoc’h
Senior Manager, Streaming International at BMG.
Read more
October 2025
AMA
Ask Me Anything: The Business of Brand Partnerships
With Leila Fataar.
In-Person Event
(micro) MEETSSS London 2025
With DJ MĂ-TA, Admina & Evelina.
Explore Here
Editorials
Artist Spotlight: MEGA
Read more
Artist Spotlight: Hatis Noit
Read more
Music Insider: RuthAnne
Read more
Artist Spotlight: Perera Elsewhere
Read more
Day in the Life + Q&A: Marieme
Read more
Member Spotlight: A Vibe Called B
Read more
November 2025
AMA
Ask Me Anything: The MENA Music Evolution
With Nada Alhelabi (MDLBEAST Foundation).
Editorials
Video Q&A: Lisa Young In
Watch here
Music Insider: The BLK LT$
Read more
Artist Spotlight: Kah-Lo
Read more
Music Insider: Doe Paoro
Read more
Artist Spotlight: Sophia Thakur
Read more
Member Spotlight: Jenn Barker
Read more
December 2025
Online Workshop
Intro to Orchestral Instruments for Electronic Artists
With composer and producer Helen Noir.
Editorials
Music Insider: Danielle Udogaranya
Founder & CEO of EBONIX.
Read more
Music Insider: Daphne Oram’s Centenary with Oram Trust, Nwando Ebizie, Lola de la Mata & afromerm
Read more
Artist Spotlight: BODUR
Read more
Music Insider: Mahnoor Hussain
On culture-led brand partnerships and SUP SUPPER CLUB.
Read more
Artist Spotlight: Stacey Ryan
500M-Stream Breakthrough, Debut Album ‘Blessing in Disguise’ and Her Advice for Emerging Artists
Up Next: FACTORY
The Brooklyn Collective Built on Friendship and a DIY Ethos