In a powerful joint statement at the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), techno luminaries Amelie Lens and Charlotte de Witte addressed an issue that continues to plague the electronic music scene: the unfair comparisons and rivalries often drawn between female DJs.
Speaking ahead of their debut collaborative performance, the two artists sat down for an intimate discussion during a panel at ADE, the world’s leading electronic music conference. Amidst reflections on the industry’s evolution and lighthearted anecdotes, they delivered an impassioned plea for fans to stop pitting female DJs against one another.
“It’s so emotionally, creatively draining,” Lens admitted. “Honestly, no one is ever saying, ‘AIROD is better than Farrago.’ This happens to female DJs all the time. So just stop it, please.”
Charlotte de Witte echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of unity and support within the community. “We are not against each other—we are with each other,” she said firmly. “We are the sisterhood. We support each other.”
Their words shed light on a broader issue faced by women in electronic music. Unlike their male counterparts, female DJs often find themselves subjected to a unique form of scrutiny that reduces their artistry to a contest. This phenomenon not only detracts from their contributions to the genre but also perpetuates gendered biases in a field already striving for inclusivity.
While Lens and de Witte are among the most recognized names in techno, their message resonates far beyond their own careers. Female DJs such as Peggy Gou, Nina Kraviz, Honey Dijon, and The Blessed Madonna have also championed the importance of collaboration and mutual support in dismantling outdated stereotypes.
The rise of these influential artists has demonstrated that diversity in electronic music is a strength, not a challenge. Platforms like Femme House and collectives such as SISTER aim to amplify the voices of women in music, ensuring they are celebrated for their talent rather than compared against one another.
By addressing this issue at ADE, Lens and de Witte reaffirmed their commitment not just to their craft but also to the betterment of the electronic music community. Their call to action is a reminder that the industry’s progress relies on celebrating artists for their individuality and uniting to foster a more equitable future.
As Lens succinctly put it, “It’s time to let go of these comparisons and focus on the music. That’s what brought us all here in the first place.”