About
EQUAL wants all creators, regardless of gender, to enjoy equal conditions in the music industry.
Equalizer was launched by Spotify in the Nordics in 2017 and is since 2022 a part of the global Spotify program EQUAL. It is a long-term program to support and raise the number of female songwriters and producers on the charts. By looking at Spotify’s own data, we could see the imbalance in clear numbers.
Vision
EQUAL’s vision is to contribute to a music industry where all creators, regardless of gender, enjoy equal conditions in which they not only succeed, but also thrive.
How
As a music industry leader, our voice counts. We want to use our platform to facilitate change through creating networking opportunities, education and inspiration.
EQUAL Nordics support women creators through three key themes: networking, education and inspiration.
Networking
EQUAL Nordics facilitates opportunities for creators to build and extend their network within the music industry, to create space for career talk and inspiration outside of the studio environment.
Education
EQUAL Nordics creates awareness within the music industry and empowers creators through courses, tools, and knowledge.
Inspiration
EQUAL Nordics highlights role models within the industry to inspire the next generation of music creators.
Resources
We are many who strive toward an equal future. Here are some of the other initiatives working for equality in the music industry and other useful resources. Are we missing any that should be listed here? Please let us know! Send us an email at equalnordics@spotify.com.
Inclusion in the Recording Studio? – An annual report on the music industry from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative that examines gender and race/ethnicity of artists and content creators across 800 popular songs.
Vem kan bli Producent – A music production and sound technology education in Sweden for under-represented groups.
Hej Søster – A grassroots movement in Denmark that started with a playlist created by artist Fallulah consisting exclusively of female Danish musicians.
She can play – A danish community where young women can develop their musical talent, seek good advice and meet like-minded people.
Upfront Producer Network – A Sweden based community of women, non-binary and trans music producers to share experiences and knowledge.
Keychange – A global network and movement working towards a total restructure of the music industry in reaching full gender equality.
What we do
Some examples of activities and events by EQUAL Nordics.
Networking Sessions
To enable opportunities for aspiring creators, we have hosted networking sessions with industry professionals since 2017.
Producer Camp
To empower artists and songwriters in the studio, we started a music production course for female and non-binary creators.
Yearly Meetups
Once a year we gather the network to connect and share experiences at a meetup at the Spotify office.
Equalizer Talks
We invite creators and music industry professionals to discussions on gender equality behind the music and more.
Partners & Supporters
EQUAL has partnered with people and brands who share our values. Shout out to Way Out West Festival, Gottefar, MXM Music, Tracklib, STIM, She Can Play, Hej Søster, Musikförläggarna, XLN, Northbound Studios and RMV Studios for supporting our cause.
Equalizer Podcast
In 2017 we launched the Equalizer podcast to give music creators a space to speak about their art and craft. Hosted by Linnea Henriksson and Evyn Redar, the show invited artists, writers and producers from a wide range of genres - Zara Larsson, Jenny Wilson, First Aid Kit and Tove Lo to name a few.
Some voices about EQUAL/Equalizer
Drag
We are all making active choices, consciously or not, to keep the existing patriarchy norms. What if we just started making other choices?
The Producer Camp gave me the luxury of people listening, answering my questions and showing me that it’s not as hard as I thought.
I left the Equalizer dinner feeling strong, hopeful and warm in my soul. Thank you for a very lovely evening.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to be part of Equalizer. Honestly, if this was 15 years ago, my life would probably looked incredibly different today.
We are all making active choices, consciously or not, to keep the existing patriarchy norms. What if we just started making other choices?
The Producer Camp gave me the luxury of people listening, answering my questions and showing me that it’s not as hard as I thought.
I left the Equalizer dinner feeling strong, hopeful and warm in my soul. Thank you for a very lovely evening.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to be part of Equalizer. Honestly, if this was 15 years ago, my life would probably looked incredibly different today.
We are all making active choices, consciously or not, to keep the existing patriarchy norms. What if we just started making other choices?
The Producer Camp gave me the luxury of people listening, answering my questions and showing me that it’s not as hard as I thought.
I left the Equalizer dinner feeling strong, hopeful and warm in my soul. Thank you for a very lovely evening.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to be part of Equalizer. Honestly, if this was 15 years ago, my life would probably looked incredibly different today.
Our definition of women recognizes all women. All people who identify as women. All trans women. Always.
Since our launch in 2017, Equalizer has involved more than 100 songwriters, producers and industry professionals in networking sessions, the podcast, producer camps and more. We’ve had the privilege of welcoming some of the world’s greatest writers and producers on board, including Noonie Bao, Veronica Maggio, Katy Perry, Max Martin, Shellback, Kygo, Mabel, Linnea Henriksson and many, many more.
Since the EQUAL launch in 2021, Spotify has shined a spotlight on over 400 ambassadors in 184 markets, adding up to 13 million hours of listening of female artists, songwriters and producers through 35 playlists. As we reflect on EQUAL’s first year, we know there’s more work to be done and Spotify is committed to fostering equity in the music industry and beyond.
If you are a female or non-binary songwriter or producer, you can apply to upcoming events on the event page. For any other inquiries, reach out to us at equalnordics@spotify.com.
EQUAL is focused on giving female and non-binary songwriters and music producers support in their careers. However, we welcome all genders to join the journey towards equality, and invite facilitators, guest speakers and/or guests to our activities – no matter their gender.
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