Change comes when impressed folks begin seeing obstacles as alternatives. That’s what occurred to Natalie Robehmed, the author and musician behind FeM Synth Lab — a synth lending library and workshop sequence catering to marginalized genders in Los Angeles.
Within the newest episode of Present Up, Robehmed recounts her entry into L.A.’s thriving EDM music scene, an area she describes as “freed from restriction” the place creators are inspired to experiment with boundaries and produce one thing “new and funky.” Sadly, that freedom got here with caveats. Too usually, male-dominated industries like music manufacturing hinder progress by means of gatekeeping, one thing Robehmed skilled first-hand. Bored with the gear purism, misogyny, and mansplaining, she determined to accomplice with some associates to construct a group for folks like herself — girls and nonbinary creatives wanting to make music on their very own phrases. That’s how FeM Synth Lab was born.
“There was no place to go to find out about these items that was woman-centered and type of opening and welcoming to us,” Robehmed says. The group hosted a workshop and Robehmed was blown away by her group’s urge for food for this type of artistic area. She deliberate extra lessons and opened a lending library the place folks may hire out gear — microphones, sequencers, amps, and spin tables — with a small deposit.
“It’s so costly to even get began in music manufacturing,” she explains. “The thought took place to really mortgage out devices, like library books, the place you might take it house with you.”
With assist from others within the music group who donated tools, constructed web sites, and unfold the phrase on social media, FeM Synth Lab was even capable of thrive in the course of the pandemic, when in-person workshops had been restricted and music creators lacked the monetary means to purchase their very own devices. Now, seven years after Robehmed helped launch the group’s workshop sequence, FeM Synth Lab has develop into a mecca for ladies and nonbinary artists hoping to additional their musical schooling and break into the world of music manufacturing.
“My hope and dream is that each metropolis may have a useful resource like this,” Robehmed shares. “That individuals may see this and say, ‘Hey, you realize what, I truly can exit and begin one thing with my associates.’”
To listen to extra about Robehmed and FeM Synth Lab’s journey, watch the complete episode above.
