Features / electronic music
The queer artist breaking barriers in electronic music
Youth Music’s Ones to Watch lists have previously spotlighted talents such as ALT BLK ERA and JayaHadADream, who have gone on to win MOBO Awards and perform at major festivals including Glastonbury.
Selected from a pool of applicants to receive the Youth Music NextGen Fund the featured artists are recognised not only for their talent, but for their potential to reshape the industry.
Among those named on the 2026 list is Bristol-based DJ and producer The Yard Woman.
Starting her career at venues like Blue Mountain and Lakota, she has since performed at SXSW in Texas and Paris Fashion Week – marking her out as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging electronic artists.
The Yard Woman is a DJ and producer – photo: Collide
Queer female visibility
The Yard Woman’s name is a deliberate statement inspired by the lack of visibility for women in DJing and production.
“I started off playing drum n bass in Bristol, and far fewer women get involved in that genre compared to House and Techno.
“It’s important to be visible and proud. I want to inspire women, and queer women, that it can be done.”
Navigating male-dominated spaces hasn’t always been easy, but she emphasises the value of individuality and confidence.
“It’s your own experience, it’s very valuable,” she said.
She added: “Being a woman and queer, it gives you a different lens. It’s important to find the space that you’re comfortable in within that lens.
“There are stereotypes, everyone is different and uses their queerness and womanhood differently. Once you find your angle within that, use it to your advantage.
“It’s a thing that will make you stand out, so see it as a powerful thing. Never see it as a disadvantage.”
Bristol’s music scene
Bristol played a formative role in her development as an artist. For The Yard Woman, the city’s grassroots infrastructure was key.
She said: “What I love most, is that promoters and venues give you a chance to get your start.
“There’s nepotism everywhere, but Bristol breaks that mould.
“There are a lot of grassroots venues that cater to beginner DJs.
“For me, it gave me a huge push of confidence.
“I was performing to crowded rooms of students on Tuesdays, weeknights, the places were always packed.”
The Yard Woman represents a new generation of DJs and producers – photo: Jamie Noise
However, she notes that the city still has gaps – particularly for her preferred sound.
She said Bristol was missing a smaller venue that would reliably play house and techno or four on the floor.
Continuing, she said: “There’s Motion, but it was huge. You couldn’t have your first gig at Motion, it was an option for when you become more well-known.
“I would love to have a residency at a smaller venue and grow a community through it. However, I haven’t been able to find that in Bristol.”
Career highlights
Among her standout achievements is supporting internationally recognised melodic house artist Kevin De Vries at Motion.
“Melodic House was less-known as a genre at that time, so it was really special,” said The Yard Woman.
Another major milestone came with her win in the 2024 Tomorrowland Mix Competition.
“That was mind blowing,” she said. “I was in Morocco for another gig when I got the email.
“I needed to be in Belgium in 10 days to play at Tomorrowland, it was so surreal.”
Looking to the future
Now, The Yard Woman is expanding her creative focus beyond the dancefloor.
Her new focus is on writing music for picture, involving producing music for adverts, cinema and TV, noting her work with Epidemic Sound as an early step into the field.
Fashion is another growing influence.
“I love those spaces, that’s why I’m in Paris right now, I’m here for Fashion Week. I’ve started writing my own soundtrack for a runway show, which is so exciting.”
Being named among Youth Music’s 2026 Ones to Watch is “an honour” for The Yard Woman – photo: Youth Music
The Ones To Watch List
Being named on Youth Music’s Ones to Watch list is a moment of validation.
She said: “So many tracks get released and new artists emerge, I often wonder if people are actually listening to my music. Therefore, to be nominated by Youth Music, which is such an amazing music charity, I feel honoured.”
She’s equally excited to follow the journeys of her fellow nominees throughout the year.
For those hoping to break into the industry, her advice is simple: find your community.
She said: “Reach out to those spaces, try and get slots, make friends and be nice.”
You can keep up to date with The Yard Woman by following her Instagram here. The full list of Youth Music’s Ones To Watch 2026 can be found here.
Main photo: Anna Maria Parcharidou
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