Celebrating female DJs and musicians that should be on your radar

They say, "Behind every great man is an even greater woman". However, here at Skiddle, we believe that behind every deck is an incredible woman, and with International Women’s Day around the corner, we wanted to shine a light on women in the music industry who make it what it is today. 

With features, including Hannah Lanig, Charlie Tee, Princess Elf Bar, Nora, and more, we spoke to some of the best female DJs across the country and asked them to share what women inspire them to get out of bed in the morning and create such magic in the studio. You'll also find exclusive playlists created by some of the artists highlighting other female DJs that should be on your radar to get you into a bouncy female empowerment mood. 

Hannah Laing

First up, we have a female DJ that needs no introduction as her music speaks for itself. Brought up surrounded by unmatchable beats and two supportive raver parents, Scottish DJ Hannah Laing has created a name for herself in the scene. With her brand Doof, which has been an absolute banger in the hard dance, trance, and techno world, Hannah Laing is a DJ whose music is an instant floor filler. 

This year Hannah Laing has made a playlist filled with female DJs that, in her words, "continuously pushed boundaries and redefined the electronic music landscape." Celebrating a massive "selection of talented women in the techno, trance, and hard house scenes",  this is a playlist full of tracks that are worth adding to yours. Hannah describes it as a playlist that "not only inspires me with their unique sounds" but also "reminds us of the importance of diversity and representation in shaping the future of electronic music."

Hear Hannah’s IWD playlist below

Charlie Tee

DJ, journalist, and broadcaster; Charlie Tee is a woman who shows us we can do it all. With her keen eye for talent, Charlie Tee is always on the lookout for emerging artists, championing early breakthrough releases. Being Radio 1's first-ever full-time female drum and bass specialist, Charlie is also not afraid to journey through genres and sounds spreading her talent far and wide. With her creativity constantly flowing, Charlie Tee is always providing high-quality DJ sets no matter where she goes. We’re lucky to have somebody so passionate in the music game. 

For International Women's Day, Charlie has provided us with a stacked list of some female DJs that we definitely think have been making bass music just that bit heavier. In her playlist, she included "two of the hottest artists in drum and bass right now", with Lens being "one of the most in-demand DJs of the moment” and Emily Makis who brings “power vocals and stage presence and high energy on stage that is unmatched." They're joined by "Queen of the junglists" Nia Archives, who has achieved a career that is "nothing short of legendary." Charlie also named [IVY] a "unique artist fusing 4x4 with DnB and jungle", who's known for bringing a different type of energy to the DnB/jungle space which Charlie says "we love her for!" We agree. 

Charlie Tee’s playlists also see the likes of, the "absolute tour de force of an artist and a pioneer in her own right", Katie from Koven, whose "journey has been an inspiration to watch"; plus  "the womp don" Flava D, and so many more up and coming women in the bass game right now. 

Hear Charlie Tee’s IWD playlist below

Nora UK

A familiar face to the Manchester dance scene, we have the sensational Nora UK, who has played countless local venues. While still grinding away, Nora had success in her sound which led her to play at Radio 6 Music Festival, Boiler Room, $hotta Rave, and even being part of Nora and Friends, an intimate club night filled with up-and-coming Manchester DJs. 

Harnessing on her "genrefluidity", Nora UK’s sound is unbeatable with unreal sets that explore house, breaks, bass, and everything in between. 

For her playlist this IWD 2025, Nora has listed tracks from some of her favourite female artists that she has "on repeat at the moment to commemorate International Women’s Day." Showing up for the female and non-binary creatives, Nora said, "Remember to tell your girls you love them and to support your female and non-binary creatives forever and always!"

Acknowledging how she has had the "insane privilege to be working alongside some of these incredible people, and particularly in an industry which doesn’t always favour us", Nora takes pride in how she's "always in awe of how powerful, gracious and talented the women in my life are, and seeing parts of them within myself is something that makes me very happy and proud, particularly with people that I admire so fondly."

With a playlist that was "incredibly difficult to only choose a few as there are some very beautiful creations out there", she hopes that "you enjoy these tracks as much as I do."

Hear Nora's IWD playlist below

Princess Elf Bar

Known as the Leeds trance princess, Princess Elf Bar is a DJ that takes "cool girl" to a whole new level. While being one-third of Booty Shakin’ Besties, PEB has no issues making moves for herself, having played for some huge names including Teletech, WHP, and more. With her authentic hyperpop sounds she always manages to get the crowd in an exceptional mood to party into the early hours. 

Showing her love this IWD, Princess Elf Bar’s playlist features “some of my favourite songs right now by some incredibly talented female artists from across the world." Keeping loyal to the wonders of Soundcloud, expect the playlist to be filled with "a medley of euphoric and upbeat sounds, from trancey beats and ambient soundscapes to schranz-infused trance and girly bangers."

Hear Princess Elf Bar's IWD playlist below

Sisu X Off Peak

Sisu, a community that provides a platform for education, inspiration, and a space to showcase women and nonbinary artists, is a solid source for talent you should be aware of. With just over 60 core DJs across countless genres, Sisu helps nurture and develop DJ talent. 

“Real change requires solidarity not just on International Women’s Day, but every day”, says Sisu’s Tiffany Quinn. Another Sisu member, Sleepy Jean, speaks of being “elated to be a woman in music”, despite the “battle of wondering whether you were added to a lineup to tick a box”.

Finally, L.J. Violet told us how “It took almost 20 years to feel confident to learn and take up space as a female DJ. Decades on, it feels very different thanks to amazing communities like Sisu and other female-led/FLINTA spaces/events.” Communities like Sisu are killing it, propping up the women in the scenes. 

Grab tickets for Sisu and Off: peaK’s Liverpool IWD event - HERE

Julie McEwan from Colours

Going behind the scenes, we got to speak to Scottish events organiser Julie McEwan from Colours. Having worked on festivals to club shows, Julie is no stranger to what it's like being a woman in the music industry. Since she first started, "nearly 30 years ago", Julie says how the music industry has "evolved significantly" compared to back then when she "felt like more of a minority", which is "not as much the case today."

With more avenues for women to explore to help them pave their way into the music industry, it seems the rise of women in the industry is only going to keep growing. Julie says, "while it’s still challenging, I’ve become more comfortable embracing my identity and navigating spaces that are often male-dominated with confidence", with the ability to "speak up and stand firm in what I believe. I’ve also become more resilient and empathetic when working with other women."

With great experience in the industry, Julie takes "great pride in lifting up and mentoring others, and I’m deeply passionate about advocating for greater female representation and ensuring women’s voices are heard and respected in the industry."

When asked what changes she would like to see moving forward, Julie answered, "The change I want to see is a shift toward genuine inclusivity, where women feel empowered to own their space and contribute to the industry without limits.To all women who work in the industry, my message is simple... stay true to who you are and never let anyone dim your light."

shesaid.so

Photo: @gabixlamb - from left to right: Yuna, Andreea Magdalina (founder), Fana Hues, Baby Rose 2022 [shesaid.so LA x VANS TV]

A global community of industry pros and artists, shesaid.so is determined to help women and gender nonconforming people into the industry: “Our work - whether as artists, DJs, producers, managers, curators, label executives, or in any other sector of the industry - is driven by the belief that visibility and representation are not just important, but essential.”

shesaid.so has spent over ten years “building a community that uplifts, educates, and supports women and gender-nonconforming people.” Today, the community has grown to over 20,000 members who can access events, educational content, mentoring programs, and more. Far from finished, though, shesaid.so said, “While we’ve seen progress, the work is far from done. Being a woman in this space means navigating structural barriers that still exist - whether it's securing funding, gaining leadership opportunities, or simply being heard.”

“For real change, we need an industry that fosters accountability, transparency, and sustainable career paths for women. The future isn’t about ‘making space’ for women, it’s about recognising the space we’ve already claimed and ensuring we’re compensated and respected accordingly. "

Continuing the fight for space, respect, and fair opportunities, they also emphasise the importance of women in leadership roles where they’ll make decisions that shape the industry.

Skiddle is passionate about women getting the spotlight and chose to celebrate IWD 2025 the best way we know how - a enjoying belting tunes. With the music industry changing every day and opening more doors for women, we can't wait to see more women behind the decks, backstage, and helping to shape a more inclusive industry.  

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.