Generator X International Women’s Day: Celebrating the Empowering Women in Our Community

Each year, when March rolls around and the International Women’s Day campaign is announced, there’s always a renewed spirit of celebrating the women who are making a difference across our various industries. However, once the day is over and the Instagram stories time out, you can’t help but wonder what we are left with. This year, the International Women’s Day theme is ‘Accelerate Action’, a campaign we wholeheartedly stand with as equality for all is something we should be striving for every single day.

Across the music industry, there’s a wealth of organisations out there making it their mission to help uplift female and non-binary creatives all year round, providing free 1:1 sessions, access to panels, workshops, resources, and invaluable advice. There are so many insightful organisations out there, but a few of our favourites are The Cat’s Mother, Sister Shack, Women in CTRL, The F-List, Girls I Rate, and Help Musicians. 

In continuing to spotlight the empowering women around us, we asked our team to name a woman in music who inspires them. Sharing a range of talented women from MOBO Awards Founder, Kanya King to DJ and co-founder of Music Sphere, Becky Woodcock, you can watch the full video here.

We also asked our team to share their favourite songs by a North East-based female artist. They’ve handpicked a range of talent from First Notes alum, Isabel Maria, to rising DJ, Ellie Scougall – no matter your music taste, we’ve got the perfect recommendation for you. 

1. ‘Ghost’ – Isabel Maria 

“Isabel once again enchants with a track that showcases her signature emotive songwriting, seamlessly blending a dynamic range of pop influences.” – Adam MacDonald, Senior Programme Coordinator 

2. ‘Waiting List’ – Melanie Baker 

“Melanie never fails to make you feel. Such a brilliant song writer and lyrics that cut deep. Excited to see what she has in store this year.” – Adam Cutting, A&R and Label Operations Intern, Interval Records 

3. ‘This Love’ – Ellie Scougall 

“Lighter nights are back, another great instalment of some feel-good dance music from Newcastle’s own Ellie Scougall!” – Josh Daniel, Label Lead, Interval Records 

4. ‘Simmer Down’ – Sisi 

“The smooth, gorgeous vocals mixed with the fullness of the production makes this a song that can be listened to all the time, regardless of the vibe. I love it!” – Chyaro Hylton, Programme Coordinator. 

5. ‘Holographic Sickening Love’ -Nadedja 

“Poetic and joyous, this track makes me want to dance while getting me in my feelings at the same time. And of course, such beeeautiful vocals from Nadedja.” – Emily Bowdon, Programme Coordinator 

6. ‘Lonely Shade of Blue’ – Rivkala 

“Another exquisite song full of beautiful lyrics and harmonic subtleties.” – Alice Fuller, Deputy CEO 

 7. ‘Adrenaline’ – Hayley McKay 

“Hayley’s a brilliant artist, and this new single is an extra special one. It’s raising funds for Paralympic athlete Lyndon Longhorne, who is training to become the first quadruple amputee to complete an Ironman Triathlon later this year in Liverpool.” – Thomas Bagnall, Head of Programmes 

8. ‘Common Denominator’ – Liz Corney 

“There’s a beautifully timeless quality to Liz’s arrangement and vocal choices. A rare blend of tenderness and funk.” – Nick Sheffield, Head of Education & Strategic Collaborations 

9. ‘Celestial’ – Shannon Pearl

 “An artist self-described as a ‘Witch-pop Pioneer’, she’s truly an inimitable force. If you’re a fan of ethereal vocals blended with otherworldly soundscapes, make sure to give this one a try.”  – Camilla Whitfield, Marketing Coordinator 

10. ‘IT girl’ – JADE 

“We couldn’t have an International Women’s Day playlist without ‘IT GIRL’. I am loving everything JADE releases – I feel like you can tell she waited to figure out her own brand and where she wanted to sit in the industry before her first release, making everything curated perfection.” – Jessie Mallinson, Freelance Content Creator 

11. ‘Move’ – Jodie Nicholson 

“This is a track of Jodie’s that I love and it it’s also reminiscent of her ‘soft centre’  project which I highly recommend you check out if, like me, you’re a fan of this sound.” – Ste Allen, Sonic Futures Project Manager 

12.  ‘Girl Got You Feeling Good’ – Marina Josephina 

“Listening to this track feels like driving home from the beach on a summer afternoon in a car full of your friends.” – Ella Brewster, Sonic Futures Programme Coordinator 

 13. ‘Grateful’ – Frankie Jobling 

“Frankie’s soulful vocals effortlessly glide over this track, wrapping you in warmth and nostalgia. ‘Grateful’ feels like a late-night reflection: intimate, rich, and deeply moving.” – Sam Alexander, Placement Student, Newcastle University 

14. ‘Wrapped Up’ – Cherry Blur 

“Cherry Blur’s second single, ‘Wrapped Up,’ is a soulful pop ballad with heartfelt lyrics that wrap around you like a warm duvet.” – Lucy Bridge, Programme Coordinator 

Listen to the playlist here.