Clubs / DJs
Femmes on Decks address nightlife’s gender divide
Just 24 per cent of DJs are women. But Femmes on Decks is working to tip the balance and help Bristol’s nightlife ascend beyond the ‘boys’ club’ mentality.
With the help of organisations like Saffron in Bristol and others across the country propelling a movement to get ‘girls to the front’, behind the decks and in the studio, this grassroots collective is making strides in elevating their scene and incubating new music talent.
The collective’s founder, DJ and all round masterful community gatherer Justine Fox aka Fly Fox explained more about the Femmes’ ambitions for 2025 and why it’s important they have a presence in nightlife.
In a nutshell, what is Femmes on Decks?
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“Femmes on Decks in an intergenerational and intersectional feminist grassroots music community. We host monthly club nights, collaborate with venues and festivals and offer booking support to DJs within our group.
“Our mission is to build a supportive network and provide a platform that amplifies visibility and empowers femmes of all ages to take to the decks and celebrate sisterhood through music.
We have DJs that play a whole spectrum of sound, from reggae and lovers rock to acid house, techno and broken beat. Shout out (in no particular order) to: Whitts, Katie Novo, Eyesa, Gabby and Sas, Angel Mel and Pammy.
What drives you?
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“Our ambition is to get as many females visible behind the decks in nightclubs, DJing on the radio and at festivals. What makes us super special and different is that our age range is from early 20s to 60+.
“A lot of our DJ’s are older. Growing up in the 80s, 90s and 00s, DJing wasn’t as accessible. A lot of us came to it via brothers, boyfriends or male friends who had decks or CDJs, or later in life when incredible courses like Mixnights by Saffron came to fruition: sidenote, a lot of our cohort did this course!
“We’re also women with life experience and I want other women my age that didn’t have the same opportunities to be inspired, to get out there and get involved.
“In 2025 there are more ways into music than ever before, which is amazing, and we’re thrilled to have all ages on our lineups. We believe lack of visibility has a detrimental effect on the current and next generation’s ability to see music as a viable career option.”
Where can we find you in Bristol?
Femmes on Decks play regularly at the Star and Garter in Montpelier – photo: Star and Garter
“We have a monthly residency at The Star and Garter, but you can find Femmes DJs all over Bristol (and the country!) from The Gallimaufry to The Pipe and Slippers and Lost Horizon. Keep an eye on our Instagram for dates and mixes from our DJs. We also have a couple of festival takeovers in the pipeline for the summer too.”
“Catch us at the Wiper and True Tap Room on Friday, March 7, and at Lost Horizon for International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8.
Main image: Femmes on Decks
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