DR. MARTENS PRESENTS:COME BACK BETTER WITH THE WINDMILL
We’re helping musicians of marginalised genders smash down the doors to the industry. Find out how you can too through a podcast and video below.
The Windmill is an iconic cornerstone of underground music in London. In a series of events across June, the legendary Brixton venue teamed up with Dr. Martens to launch an initiative committed to helping musicians of marginalised genders break into the industry.
The events line-up included an intimate live show and panel talk by post-punk outfit Goat Girl, a networking event with Vocal Girls, and one-to-one mentoring sessions with Raissa Pardini, Maddy O’Keefe and Holly Whitaker.
Through materials now available from these events, ‘Come Back Better’ continues to empower the community with DIY tools and advice that are critical but all too often out of reach for emerging artists of marginalised genders. Scroll down to discover a podcast recording of the panel talk and a video full of tips helping creatives smash their way into the industry.
The events line-up included an intimate live show and panel talk by post-punk outfit Goat Girl, a networking event with Vocal Girls, and one-to-one mentoring sessions with Raissa Pardini, Maddy O’Keefe and Holly Whitaker.
Through materials now available from these events, ‘Come Back Better’ continues to empower the community with DIY tools and advice that are critical but all too often out of reach for emerging artists of marginalised genders. Scroll down to discover a podcast recording of the panel talk and a video full of tips helping creatives smash their way into the industry.
THE PANEL TALK PODCAST
Anchored by post-punk four-piece Goat Girl and Vocal Girls, a group championing emerging female and LGBTQ+ artists, the panel talk focussed on providing advice and inspiration for the next generation of female changemakers in music. Recorded live and available in full below.
“I hope that people gain a sense of community spirit and confidence that can inspire them to create and experiment with music in an enjoyable way.” - Goat Girl
TOP TIPS
How can musicians of marginalised genders make their first steps in the industry? Networking? Support circles? Getting involved in new projects? We asked a host of creatives to give us their top tips:
DM’S MEETS: GOAT GIRL
What influences your work? Do you find inspiration in any unexpected places?
Everything. From nature, London, and our global social landscape. Other musicians and artists. The other members of Goat Girl constantly inspire me musically as well.
What advice would you give to young people trying to get where you are?
It’s crucial and very helpful to be inspired and admire other artists, and even collaborate alongside them, but try to not compare yourself in a self-deprecating way. Don’t put them on a pedestal, because we’re all human. They are capable in the same way that you are. We’re all on our own path; people work at different paces and have different styles. Keep your head in your creative world and it’ll blossom on its own. If you're honest with yourself and you express yourself truthfully, then it’ll radiate through your art.
Tell us about your favourite pair of Docs. And what would your dream pair of Docs look like?
I always used to wear the classic brown Chelsea boots. I’d get them from this small shop just off Brick Lane called Blackmans. My dream pair would be a leather cherry red pair of lace-up boots with a platform sole. I’m only 5 ft 3”, so a pair of platforms is just what I need.
What does Dr. Martens mean to you?
Ellie: They represent British culture in all its diversity and intricacies. Everyone wears DM’s and has done so for decades because they’re a timeless shoe that’s well-made and long-lasting.
Ellie: They represent British culture in all its diversity and intricacies. Everyone wears DM’s and has done so for decades because they’re a timeless shoe that’s well-made and long-lasting.
What does self-expression mean to you?
Ellie: Being true to yourself and how you wish to express yourself - both in your character and aesthetic. Fulfilling your own uniqueness and adapting to that as it changes over time. As a woman, it can be hard to dress how I like and for that to be safe/comfortable because unfortunately the patriarchy has its hand in women and non cis people's minds. Are we not wearing enough, and therefore are we going to attract unwanted attention as well as not being taken seriously? Are we displaying enough ‘feminine’ attributes to be treated well?
Ellie: Being true to yourself and how you wish to express yourself - both in your character and aesthetic. Fulfilling your own uniqueness and adapting to that as it changes over time. As a woman, it can be hard to dress how I like and for that to be safe/comfortable because unfortunately the patriarchy has its hand in women and non cis people's minds. Are we not wearing enough, and therefore are we going to attract unwanted attention as well as not being taken seriously? Are we displaying enough ‘feminine’ attributes to be treated well?
Check out other Dr. Martens stories of subverting the norm and putting rebelliousness centre stage.