International Women's Day: 8 Artists Who Have Left Their Marks in The World of House & Techno

House and techno music have been dominated by men for many years, but in recent times, more and more femme-identifying artists have been making waves in these genres. Here are eight exciting artists in the house and techno genres that have left their marks in the scene.

Amelie Lens

Belgian-born Amelie Lens is a rising star in the techno scene. She has gained worldwide recognition for her energetic sets and unique blend of old-school techno and modern techno sounds. Amelie Lens has released several EPs on the prestigious Drumcode and Second State labels, and her debut album, "Fabric Presents Amelie Lens," was released in 2020. Her tracks are known for their driving beats, intense synths, and hypnotic rhythms that keep the dance floor moving.

Charlotte de Witte

Another Belgian techno artist, Charlotte de Witte, has been making waves in the scene since 2015. Her sound is dark, brooding, and intense, with heavy basslines, pounding drums, and haunting synths. Charlotte de Witte has released on labels like KNTXT, Suara, and Turbo Recordings and has collaborated with other artists like Enrico Sangiuliano and Chris Liebing. She is also a regular at festivals like Tomorrowland and Awakenings.

Peggy Gou

South Korean DJ and producer Peggy Gou is known for her infectious mix of house and techno with Korean pop and disco influences. Her music has been released on Ninja Tune, Phonica Records, and Rekids, and she has played at festivals like Coachella, Glastonbury, and Primavera Sound. Peggy Gou has also launched her own record label, Gudu Records, where she releases music from up-and-coming artists.

Ellen Allien

Ellen Allien is a Berlin-based DJ and producer who has been active in the scene since the early 1990s. She is the founder of BPitch Control, a Berlin-based record label that has released music from artists like Modeselektor, Paul Kalkbrenner, and Apparat. Ellen Allien's sound is eclectic, with influences from techno, house, and electro. Her tracks are known for their deep basslines, intricate rhythms, and otherworldly sounds.  

Honey Dijon

Honey Dijon is an American DJ, producer, and fashion icon who has made a name for herself in the house music scene. She began her music career in the early 2000s, playing clubs in her hometown of Chicago before moving to New York City. Dijon's sound is a blend of classic and contemporary house music, with influences from disco, funk, and soul. She has released several EPs and remixes on labels like Classic Music Company, Defected, and Crosstown Rebels, and has collaborated with artists like Sam Sparro and Charles McCloud. In addition to her music career, Honey Dijon is also known for her fashion sense, and has worked with brands like Alexander Wang and Louis Vuitton. She has been recognized for her contributions to music and fashion, being named one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 in 2019 and appearing on the cover of British Vogue in 2020.

Rebekah

Rebekah is a British DJ, producer, and label owner known for her hard-hitting techno sound. She began her music career in the late 1990s, playing clubs in her hometown of Birmingham, UK. Rebekah's sound is characterized by driving rhythms, heavy basslines, and industrial textures. She has released music on labels like CLR, Soma, and Mord, and has collaborated with artists like Paula Temple and Chris Liebing. In addition to her music career, Rebekah is also the founder of her own record label, Decoy Records, which focuses on releasing techno and electronic music. She has been recognized for her contributions to techno music, being named one of Mixmag's Top 20 DJs of 2016 and receiving the Best Techno DJ award at the DJ Awards in 2018.  

Helena Hauff

Hauff's sound is characterized by heavy basslines, distorted synths, and pounding rhythms that often border on the abrasive. She has released music on labels like Werkdiscs, Ninja Tune, and Dark Entries, and has performed at festivals like Sonar, Dekmantel, and Dimensions. Hauff is also the founder of her own record label, Return to Disorder, which she started in 2015. The label focuses on releasing raw and experimental electronic music and has featured releases from artists like Morah, Umwelt, and Mor Elian.Overall, Helena Hauff is a trailblazer in the techno and electro scene, pushing the boundaries of these genres with her uncompromising approach to music production and DJing.  

The Blessed Madonna

The Blessed Madonna, formerly known as DJ and producer The Black Madonna, is an American DJ, producer, and musician known for her eclectic blend of disco, house, and techno music. She began her music career in the early 2000s, playing clubs in Chicago and later moving to New York City. She has released several EPs and remixes on labels like Argot, Stripped & Chewed, and Classic Music Company, and has collaborated with artists like Robyn and Jessie Ware. The Blessed Madonna is also a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used her platform to promote inclusivity and diversity in the music industry. In 2017, she was named Mixmag's DJ of the Year, and in 2020, she was featured on the cover of Billboard Magazine as part of their annual Dance Power Players list.  

In conclusion, these five female artists are just a small sample of the many talented women who are making a name for themselves in the house and techno scene. Their unique sounds and styles are pushing the boundaries of these genres and proving that women can be just as powerful and innovative as their male counterparts.