REPORT: Global Network for Women & Non-Binary Music Producers 2025

In August Welsh producers, Malgola Gulczynska (Malgola, No!) and Natalie Roe joined a network of established international artist-producers for an intensive week of collaborative music production, led by Canada’s National Arts Centre. They were supported by Ty Cerdd’s Artist Development Manager, Freya Dooley.

Banff Center for Arts and Creativity

The week began at the renowned Banff Center, where - against a beautiful mountainous backdrop - the cohort shared new music and ideas, and engaged in supportive dialogue about the benefits and sectoral challenges faced by female, trans and non-binary producers. After a tour of the incredible recording and production facilities in the Sound and Music studios at Banff Center, the NAC invited the powerhouse mother-daughter duo, Georgina and Crystle Lightning, from Enoch Cree Nation in Treaty 6 territory, to speak to the producers. During their keynote address, the duo shared stories and experiences on how their culture, lineage, history, and connection to the land have shaped and sustained each of their celebrated cross-sectoral, internationally recognised careers.

Calgary: National Music Center, Studio Bell, and Calgary Folk Festival

From Banff, the group travelled to Calgary to spend a week recording and producing new music at Studio Bell, housed at the National Music Centre. Working collaboratively, the producers created new music across a wide range of genres, as well as working together to develop the production for existing projects. Many of these tracks are set for commercial release in 2026. Several of the producers also performed at a live showcase at Calgary’s iconic King Eddy venue, recorded from the Rolling Stones’ legendary mobile recording studio. A tour of local recording studios across the city, from genres ranging from country to hip-hop, offered a fascinating insight into Alberta’s contemporary music scene, and the week closed at Calgary Folk Festival, where several of the producers in the network performed both solo and collaborative sets.

Alongside technical and creative production, the Global Network for Women and Non-Binary Music Producers programme highlights the value of international, cross-genre collaborations. Designed in consultation with partners in countries from around the world, the programme helps to overcome barriers in the music industry, and provides ongoing opportunities for support, discussion, networking, and collaboration. The programme also serves as a resource for musicians and record labels who are looking to work with a female-identifying producer.

The Global Network for Women and Non-Binary Music Producers is an initiative to support women and non-binary music producers and help right the gender imbalance in their field.

The Global Network for Women Music Producers is a partnership with Tŷ Cerdd - Music Centre Wales, National Eisteddfod of Wales, Sounds Australia, Music Estonia, and producer liaison Belen Fasulis (Argentina). Wales’ participation in the Global Network is a collaboration between Tŷ Cerdd - Music Centre Wales and National Eisteddfod of Wales, and is supported by Wales Arts International.