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Send us a text What does it mean to keep making, caring and staying human when everything feels like it’s falling apart? In this final episode of the Girls Twiddling Knobs podcast, Isobel Anderson speaks directly and unfiltered to you, the listeners, with honesty, clarity and care. This is not a neat goodbye or a highlight reel. It is a reckoning. A permission slip. And a series of parting truths offered to women in music, male allies, music organisations and colleagues in higher education. Isobel reflects on the wider context we are living in: dark times, eroding systems, the devaluing of art and the quiet shame so many creatives carry around money, security and survival. She argues for doing less but doing it with integrity. For making more than we consume. For listening more than we shout. And for staying close to creativity not because it will save the world, but because it keeps us human. You’ll hear candid advice about: The real trade-offs between making art and making a livingWhy streaming is a dead end for most musiciansWhen to treat music like a business and when not toInvesting in skills, backing yourself and stopping the wait for permissionLetting other people own their shitWhy organisations must take digital communication seriously if they want real impactThe role men must play as active, imperfect alliesThe heartbreak and hope of higher education, and when it might be time to build something elseThe episode closes with gratitude, acknowledgements and a reflection on legacy. Girls Twiddling Knobs may be ending, but listening, making, creating and caring do not. Stay bold. Stay unapologetic. Don’t wait for permission. Stay human. --------------------------------------------------- Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here. Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection. Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here. Watch this episode on YouTube Explore more episodes here. Listen on Spotify.

Send us a text In this deeply honest and reflective conversation, Isobel Anderson is joined by musician, educator and Radical Songwriting founder Rosie Bans to talk openly about the full journey of Girls Twiddling Knobs, from its beginnings as The Female DIY Musician to the decision to close the project after five years. This episode exists because this story was too complex, emotional and important to unpack alone. Rosie has been part of Girls Twiddling Knobs as a student, collaborator, team member and peer support, making her uniquely placed to hold this conversation with care, insight and challenge. Together, they explore: Why Girls Twiddling Knobs was started in the first placeChronic illness, disability, precarity and survival as a musicianBuilding a business with no capital, no safety net and no investorsGender inequality, anger, activism and the limits of individual changeBurnout, parasocial relationships and emotional labourWhy ethical online education is so hard to sustainThe pressure to scale, promise outcomes and commodify creativityWhy Isobel chose to step away rather than compromise her valuesWhat she would do differently if she started againReconnecting with artistic practice after years awayWhat comes next, and what success now meansThis is not a takedown or a farewell filled with regret. It is a clear-eyed reflection on care, sustainability, integrity and choosing yourself. If you’ve ever run a creative business, worked in the music industry, supported women in marginalised spaces, or wondered why so many meaningful projects struggle to survive, this episode will resonate deeply. --------------------------------------------------- Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here. Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection. Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here. Watch this episode on YouTube Explore more episodes here. Listen on Spotify.

Send us a text n this Ask Me Anything episode of the Girls Twiddling Knobs podcast, Isobel Anderson answers listener questions spanning music careers, collaboration, production, business sustainability, sound art, and gender equity in the music industry. Recorded as one of the final episodes before Girls Twiddling Knobs comes to a close, this conversation is candid, thoughtful, and deeply reflective. Isobel shares hard-won insights from five years of running a feminist music tech platform, alongside practical advice for artists, producers, educators and organisers working at the grassroots. Topics covered include: How to run a creative business without burning outSetting boundaries around time, money and energyWhen collaborations are no longer serving you and how to walk away professionallyFinding a co-producer when you are not part of established music circlesMaking a living as a producer or mixer todayCreating safer, more intentional spaces for women in songwriting and musicReducing noise in field recording, contact mic and hydrophone workThe thinking behind Isobel’s recent ceramics and voice installationWhat cis men can do to actively support gender equity in musicHow the Girls Twiddling Knobs podcast will be archived for future listenersWhether you are an emerging artist, an experienced practitioner, or someone thinking about building community in music and sound, this episode offers reassurance, honesty and practical guidance for navigating creative work on your own terms. --------------------------------------------------- Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here. Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection. Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here. Watch this episode on YouTube Explore more episodes here. Listen on Spotify.

Send us a text The room glowed with warm orange light, a full house gathered to celebrate five years of Girls Twiddling Knobs and to witness a bold closing chapter. We brought a live panel to the stage to ask a deceptively simple question: are music technology skills truly crucial for women and gender-diverse artists? What followed was honest, funny, and disarmingly practical—stories about safety in studios, DIY learning, pricing your worth, and the power of choosing collaborators who actually listen. Karen Sutton (Oram Awards) mapped the tough terrain of funding and why mentoring fills the gaps that DIY routes can’t always bridge. Rooks, aka Jenny Bulcraig (2% Rising), shared how artists are rejecting microaggressions and confusion in sessions in favor of producers who offer clarity, consent, and better results. afromerm, aka Cecilia Morgan, unpacked how growing technical fluency turns doubt into calm agency on stage, even when met with patronising questions. Glade Marie (Saffron) spoke to intuition, community, and using brand gigs to bankroll creative freedom without apology. Together, we explored how tech skills change careers, why safer spaces are non-negotiable, and how to build sustainable models when institutions look away. We don’t pretend the landscape is fair. Arts funding is shaky. Industry gatekeepers still overlook what doesn’t fit a KPI. But the path forward is clear: learn the tools that center your voice, set boundaries around money and time, and build the rooms where more of us can thrive. As we prepare a short final season—answering why we’re closing and what we’ve learned—we’re archiving the work and passing the torch to the many initiatives pushing this movement forward. If you’ve ever felt othered in a studio, underpaid for your craft, or unsure how to start charging for your expertise, this conversation is a compass. Listen, share, and tell us the boundary you’re setting next. And if this resonated, subscribe, leave a review, and send the episode to a friend who needs it. --------------------------------------------------- Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here. Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection. Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here. Watch this episode on YouTube Explore more episodes here. Listen on Spotify.

Send us a text 🎧 Listen on headphones 🎧 Some of this episode is recording in binaural audio. What does it really take to compose a work for a 12-piece post-minimalist ensemble—using vintage synths, robotic bells, and tape echoes? In this immersive episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, we go behind the scenes of Time Loops, a bold and experimental project for Science Museum Group.  Follow Isobel as she documents Shiva Feshareki and Sarah Angliss' compositional journey writing new commissions for Icebreaker Ensemble and vintage instruments like the EMS VCS4 synthesiser and Watkins Copicat.  You'll journey from early rehearsals at Wysing Arts Centre to a spellbinding presentation at London’s Science Museum. 🎧 Expect binaural recordings, tape loops, behind-the-scenes conversations, and honest reflections on what it means to create—and be left out of—musical history. 🔗 Links To Go Deeper Shiva Feshareki >> Sarah Angliss >> Thelma Rose >> Gavin Bryars >> Icebreaker Ensemble >> Science Museum Group >> Goldsmiths Electronic Music Studio >>  Hugh Davies’s ShoZyg >> Digitana Electronics >>  Asa Bennett >> Aris Solomon >> Ed McKeon >> Cathy Lucas >> Wysing Arts Centre >> --------------------------------------------------- Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here. Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection. Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here. Watch this episode on YouTube Explore more episodes here. Listen on Spotify.

Send us a text 🎙️ What if classical music wasn’t meant to stay in its box? In this episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, we meet violinist, composer and loop pedal artist Rebekah Reid, who’s pushing the boundaries of what classical performance can be. Blending classical, jazz and electronic music, Rebekah uses live looping and improvisation to create layered, genre-defying performances that feel both ancient and futuristic. 🎻 We explore how she carved out her own artistic identity, the joy and vulnerability of solo performance, and how to stay creatively free in a world that often expects musicians to stay in their lane. ✨ If you’re a musician, composer or creative who’s felt the pressure to “stick to the rules,” this episode will inspire you to start breaking them—with intention. 🔗  LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 🔗  Connect with Rebekah: Website >> Instagram >> 🎛️ Beginner-Friendly Gear Links Boss RC-1 Loop Station >>TC Electronic Flashback 2 Delay Pedal >>Roland SPD::ONE Percussion Pad >>Korg microKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder >>Yamaha P-45 Digital Piano >>Logic Pro (Mac DAW) >>Valhalla Supermassive (Free Delay/Reverb Plugin) >>TAL Reverb 4 (Free Plugin) >>--------------------------------------------------- Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here. Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection. Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here. Watch this episode on YouTube Explore more episodes here. Listen on Spotify.

Send us a text If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by music PR, you’re not alone! In this episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, Isobel chats with Rachel White, music PR expert and founder of BRIC and House of DIY, to break down the real, actionable steps independent artists can take to promote their music effectively—without the stress. 🌟 Inside You’ll Learn: ✔️ What PR actually is and why it’s different from advertising ✔️ The biggest mistakes DIY artists make when pitching their music ✔️ A step-by-step guide to building your own music PR campaign ✔️ How to research the right blogs, playlists, and press outlets for your genre ✔️ The art of writing a pitch that gets noticed (and when to follow up!) ✔️ Why consistency is the secret to PR success—even if you don’t get immediate results Rachel’s insights, practical advice, and no-nonsense approach make this a must-listen for any independent artist looking to cut through the noise and get their music heard. 🎧 Hit play now and take control of your PR! 🎵 LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 📌 Brick London >> 📌 House of DIY >> 📌 Rachel’s FREE PR resources for DIY artists >> 📌 Connect with Rachel on Instagram >> --------------------------------------------------- Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here. Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection. Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here. Watch this episode on YouTube Explore more episodes here. Listen on Spotify.

Send us a text What happened to jungle music? How did a genre born from Black British culture, reggae sound systems, and 90s rave scenes become dominated by white, male audiences—and where are the women who helped shape it? In this episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, Isobel explores these questions with Julia Toppin, a lecturer, music entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed “Junglist Historian.” Julia takes us through jungle’s vibrant origins, its evolution into drum and bass, and the systemic challenges that sidelined both women and Black voices in the scene. They discuss trailblazers like DJ Rap and EQ50, the barriers women faced breaking into male-dominated spaces, and the exciting resurgence of jungle led by a new generation of diverse artists. Along the way, you’ll discover the unique sounds that define jungle and the enduring impact of reggae sound system culture. Tune in for an eye-opening exploration of jungle’s history, its cultural shifts, and its bold future—plus a playlist of tracks that showcase its iconic legacy. Listen to the What Makes Something Playlist (specially curated for GTK by Julia) >>  Find out more about Julia’s research >>  Connect with Julia on X >> Nzinga Sound >> EQ 50 Collective >> --------------------------------------------------- Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here. Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection. Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here. Watch this episode on YouTube Explore more episodes here. Listen on Spotify.

Send us a text What does it really mean to be a producer, and why do so many women hesitate to claim the title? In this episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, we sit down with Fran & Flora—an innovative violin and cello duo blending Yiddish, Romanian, and Transylvanian folk music with improvisation, electronics, and sound experimentation. We dive into their co-production journey on Precious Collection, navigating self-perception as producers, and the evolving landscape for independent artists. Expect candid insights on gender in music, creative collaboration, and the art of crafting immersive soundscapes. A must-listen for musicians, producers, and folk music lovers! Stream and download Precious Collection >>  Fran & Flora website >> Connect with Fran & Flora on Instagram >> --------------------------------------------------- Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here. Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection. Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here. Watch this episode on YouTube Explore more episodes here. Listen on Spotify.

Send us a text Are you an artist or music producer dreaming of releasing your music on vinyl? In this episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, Isobel Anderson sits down with Jenn D'Eugenio, founder of Women in Vinyl, to uncover the fascinating process behind pressing music onto records. Jenn shares expert insights on preparing your audio and artwork for vinyl, tips for selecting the right pressing plant, and how to make your vinyl release more sustainable. Whether you’re an independent artist exploring physical formats, a vinyl enthusiast curious about the behind-the-scenes craftsmanship, or someone considering a career in this exciting industry, this episode is packed with invaluable tips and actionable advice. Jenn also highlights the role of women in the vinyl industry and offers a glimpse into Women in Vinyl’s resources, from educational tools to career opportunities. Don’t miss out on this comprehensive guide to vinyl pressing, sustainability, and innovation in analog sound. Key Topics Covered: How to prepare audio and artwork for vinyl pressingThe step-by-step process of creating a vinyl recordCommon mistakes to avoid when working with pressing plantsEco-friendly options for a sustainable vinyl releaseCareer advice for women and gender-nonconforming individuals interested in the vinyl industry Links mentioned in this episode: Women in Vinyl >> Connect with Jenn on Instagram >>Infographic on the electroplating process >>Women in Vinyl podcast episode with Jett Galindo >>Women in Vinyl episode with Karyln King >>Vinyl Pressing Plant Directory >>Electroplating graphic >>--------------------------------------------------- Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here. Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection. Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here. Watch this episode on YouTube Explore more episodes here. Listen on Spotify.

Send us a text Celebrating 100 episodes of empowering women in music, Girls Twiddling Knobs host Isobel Anderson takes listeners on a reflective journey through the evolution of the podcast, revisiting its top five most popular episodes, including conversations with Kate Nash, Orla Gartland and Victoria Witjeratne.  Featuring listener Q&A, insights into key challenges for women in music technology, and plans for the future, this milestone episode highlights how the Girls Twiddling Knobs community has become a vital voice for diverse creators in music.  Tune in to celebrate and explore what's next! --------------------------------------------------- Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here. Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection. Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here. Watch this episode on YouTube Explore more episodes here. Listen on Spotify.

Send us a text What do sound and knitting have in common? You’d be forgiven for thinking not much, but both have been constant companions across the life and career of sound artist and knitter, Felicity Ford also know as Felix. Join sobel as she visits Felix in her St Leonard’s home to talk about her journey into field recording, soundscape composition and using this skillset to document the process of wool production. Felix also shares her perspective on why celebrating domestic sounds is a feminist pursuit, her maverick approach to disruption traditional notions of sonic art and how all of us can find a little magic in the everyday. In fact, isn’t that what art is all about? Felix would argue. Felix also runs her own online knitting school called Kitsonik, so it only felt right for Isobel to be taught some knitting while we were there. LINKS Listen to Felicity Ford’s sound works >> Find out more about Knitsonik >> Read Felicity Ford’s PhD Thesis on the Domestic Soundscape >> --------------------------------------------------- Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here. Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection. Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here. Watch this episode on YouTube Explore more episodes here. Listen on Spotify.

Send us a text Feeling stuck in your music production journey? Struggling with self-doubt or tempted to buy more gear in the hopes it will transform your sound? This episode is for you. In today’s episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, we’re exploring how visualisation—a powerful mental tool used by top performers—can help you: ✨ Unlock your creative confidence. 🎛️ Overcome the pressure to rely on expensive gear or others. 🎶 Take your production skills to the next level. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ The science behind visualization and how it impacts learning and performance. ✔️ Why self-belief is key for women navigating music tech spaces. ✔️ 3 easy visualization techniques to start using today. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this episode will show you how to use the power of your mind to create with confidence and ease. FREE Resource Grab The Music Tech Meltdown SOS Guided Meditation for FREE! Head to girlstwiddlingknobs.com/sos and use the code 'FREESOS' at checkout! 💬 Question for You: Have you ever used visualisation to improve your music or creative process? Share your experience with us on Instagram @girlstwiddlingknobs 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe for more empowering episodes like this. Sources mentioned in this episode:  How The Brain Rewires Itself (Time Magazine) >>Mental imagery, action observation and skill learning >>Does Mental Practice Enhance Performance? >>The Relationship Between Materialism and Personal Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis >>--------------------------------------------------- Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here. Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection. Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here. Watch this episode on YouTube Explore more episodes here. Listen on Spotify.

Send us a text Luckily, there’s far more conversations happening about musicians’ mental health these days. But how might gender impact our experience of things like depression and anxiety? And how might this differ in a music technology setting, specifically? Because, while this is something that’s often touched upon in wider conversations around gender and music technology, it’s rarely fully explored in its own right. Inside this conversation, Isobel chats with musicians’ therapist and counsellor, Denise Devenish about the intricacies and complexities of being a woman or gender minority in music tech spaces and how this can contribute to burnout specifically. They also discuss what the industry can do better to prevent these challenges, how Denise works specifically with musicians in her private practice and how you can access support if you’re affected by any of the issues we discuss in this episode. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Denise Devenish Counselling >>Follow Denise on Instagram >>  Therapy & Counselling Support Mind Charity >>The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network >> British Association of Performing Arts Medicine >> Sexual Harassment & Abuse Women’s Aid >>Help Musicians’ Bullying & Harassment Helpline >> Musicians’ Union Safe Space Scheme >> Musicians’ Mental Health Music Minds Matter >>Music Support >>Musicians’ Union Mental Health Support Line >>--------------------------------------------------- Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here. Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection. Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here. Watch this episode on YouTube Explore more episodes here. Listen on Spotify.

Send us a text In a world that’s always online, how do we stay true to ourselves as artists? This week on Girls Twiddling Knobs, we tackle this question with the fiercely original electronic music producer Maria Uzor. Growing up as a Black artist in a predominantly White area of the UK, Maria often felt like an outsider. But she turned that feeling into a sound that’s bold, raw, and unmistakably hers. Join us as we explore how Maria channels her unique experiences into a blend of basement grittiness and cosmic vision. In this episode, you’ll discover: ✨ How Maria creates from an authentic place despite social media pressures 🎛️ An inside look at her production process for her album, Soft Cuts 🎤 Why live performances help her reclaim space as a Black female artist 🎚️ The highs and lows of going solo versus releasing on a label It’s an inspiring chat about resilience, authenticity, and creating art that truly matters.  Once you’ve listened, share what you thought of the episode in a review wherever you're listening. We’d love to hear from you! 🌟 Check out Maria Uzor’s website >> Find Maria on Instagram >> Maria’s live performance gear: Ableton Push >> Novation Launch Controller >> --------------------------------------------------- Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here. Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection. Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here. Watch this episode on YouTube Explore more episodes here. Listen on Spotify.