WOCBEATS is a space dedicated to women of color and their music. to navigate a space dominated by men is to recognize that we inhabit a profoundly gendered space, that there is much to make sense of being a woman of color making music, making anything.
women of color in all genres of music are challenged to be and not be and everything in between. much of what defines women of color creating music intersects with race, sexuality, gender, and class. much of what defines women of color in music is and has been defined by men. we are to look a certain way, dress a certain way, sing a certain way, act a certain way, live a certain way.
however, what does it mean… to “live” while having every aspect of our being dictated, controlled, surveillanced?
i sought music for relief. i’m deeply entrenched in the structures of corporate america, and my life is riddled with (what feels like) problem after problem. listening to music created by women of color has helped me get through my the long days and nights at work, the never-ending commutes home, and all the personal baggage that i carry with me.
i connected with these artists and their work, as i’m able to, if for a moment, forget about work and remember that i matter, that i should matter. i created this space for our survival. because our existence and our presence in this white-hetero-patriarchal-transmisogynistic world is a statement. women of color are worthy. WOCBEATS aims to celebrate us and i just hope that you get something out of this space.