Festival Republic and PRS for Music Foundation have launched a project to promote female-led bands and solo acts. Titled ReBalance, the scheme aims to redress the lack of women-fronted groups in the contemporary music scene.
Earlier this year PRS Foundation published its Women Make Music report, which stated that women represent just 16% of UK songwriters and composers. It also found a lack of representation in the music recording sector.
From 2018-20 ReBalance will offer one week’s studio time each month to a female band, female musician or female solo artist. Successful acts will then receive a booking at either a Festival Republic or Live Nation event.
The project will also help develop female talent on the other side of the desk, with an apprenticeship programme for aspiring female sound engineers and producers.
“The aim of the project is to strengthen the talent pipeline and progression routes for female artists and engineers,” said Festival Republic in a statement.
Festival Republic and PRS Foundation will use a panel of experts to select ReBalance participants. Melvin Benn (managing director of Festival Republic), Vanessa Reed (chief executive of PRS for Music Foundation), Lucy Wood (talent booker at Festival Republic), Nadine Shah (songwriter and musician), Alexis Petridis (music journalist at The Guardian), Kate Hutchinson (DJ and journalist) and Mandy Parnell (mastering engineer) are among those on the panel.
Travel and accommodation costs for ReBalance participants will be covered. For more information visit Festival Republic’s website.