Amplifying Women in Dance Music: Holl3

We’ve compiled an interview series, Women in Dance Music, where we look into the struggles women in dance music face, hoping to identify what can be done to improve the scene’s landscape for women, LGBTQ+ artists, BAME artists and all disaffected backgrounds.

Our first chat is with a great friend of Transistor, Holl3, who has residencies at Stealth and Cirque du Soul and has played at prestigious festivals such as Boardmasters and Forbidden Forest in 2025.

• What are your personal thoughts and experiences with the balance of male to female bookings in dance music? 

“I don’t think anyone can deny that the balance is still heavily male-dominated. I’ve definitely felt it throughout my career – not in a ‘poor me’ way, just as a reality of the scene. Things are improving, and there are more women coming through than ever, but it’s still common to look at a lineup and see one or two women surrounded by a sea of men. Some of the biggest festivals and clubs in the world still only have male headliners or residents, with female artists being selected due to their following numbers or popularity on social media. I do feel like there are still issues underlying here.”

“For me, it’s not about wanting special treatment but more about wanting a level playing field. When you’re branded as the “token girl” in a lineup, it can feel like you’re being booked for optics rather than your actual skill. That’s the part that needs to shift.”

• In your experience, what are the main differences you’ve noticed in how promoters, the audience or the media treat male and female DJs?

“There’s definitely a difference in how people perceive you before you even touch the decks. As a woman, you’re often judged on your appearance first and your ability second. Social media makes that even louder—there's this unspoken pressure to look a certain way or present yourself in a way that I don't believe male DJs have to think about as much.”

“I’ve also had situations where bouncers don't believe I'm the DJ when I turn up to my set, or your looks get commented on during your set. Those little moments add up. Male DJs rarely have to “prove” themselves in the same way; they’re assumed competent until proven otherwise, whereas women often have to earn that respect from scratch every time.”

• What has helped you overcome these barriers that might be useful for emerging women and gender-diverse artists in the scene?

“A big part of overcoming those barriers has been building my own community rather than waiting for one to appear. That’s actually why I created Dame Game, my female‑focused DJ night. I wanted a safe space where women could play without feeling judged on anything other than their sound — no pressure to look a certain way, no assumptions about ability, just pure music and good energy. Seeing other women grow through that platform has been so rewarding.”

“On a personal level, a few things have helped me stay grounded:

• Putting music first. Reminding yourself that your love for music is the reason why you are here.

• Surround yourself with the right people. Supportive promoters, DJs, and creatives who value talent over image make a huge difference.

• Setting boundaries early. Knowing what you stand for and what you won’t tolerate protects your confidence and your creativity.”

“If I could give one piece of advice to emerging women and gender‑diverse artists, it's to find or build your own communities. Don’t wait for permission. The more we create our own platforms, the less we have to fight for space on someone else’s.”

• Do you feel you’ve seen much progress in the industry on these issues in recent years, and if so, what?

"Yes, slowly, but definitely. More women are headlining festivals, more collectives are pushing for diverse lineups, and audiences are becoming more open-minded. There’s also more conversation around safety, respect, and representation, which wasn’t happening at this level a few years ago.”

“The progress isn’t perfect, and it’s not consistent everywhere, but the shift is real. The next step is making sure it’s not just a trend but a long-term change.”

• What changes would you like to see made to the industry that would make the scene more inclusive for women and gender-diverse artists?

“Booking people for their talent, not their gender or following. True inclusivity means you’re on the lineup because you’re good, not because you tick a box.”

“Create safer environments where everyone feels comfortable on the dancefloor. Respect shouldn’t be optional. Give emerging artists real opportunities. Not just warm-up slots, giving them actual chances to shine.”

“Shift the focus away from appearance. Let DJs be DJs without feeling like they need to fit a certain aesthetic to be taken seriously.”

“If the industry can move in that direction, everyone benefits — not just women and gender-diverse artists, but the music itself.”

 

If you have any insights or ideas for improving this aspect of the scene and you'd like to share this through Transistor, email isaac@transistoruk.co.uk for a chance to be featured in a future edition of this series!