Captivating new documentary In Ctrl highlights the future of women in music production

A brand new mini documentary is highlighting the underrepresentation of women in the area of music production, capturing the essence of the issue in raw yet optimistic video form.

In Ctrl: A Journey into Music Production premiered on Valentine's Day, 2021 and was created by Liina Turtonen of LNA Does Audio Stuff and Xylo Aria, founder of Music Production for Women (MPW).

The project takes the viewer into the journey of a woman’s first steps into music production and provides a window into the fears and insecurities she holds during the process.

The heartfelt video - featuring protagonist Hannah Coombes - aims to illustrate the issue with a positive outlook and emphasise empowerment in the field.

“It took me a long time to even consider producing music and I can’t really explain why that was, but I feel like seeing a documentary like this at that time, would definitely have given me some positive encouragement to at least take the first steps”, says Xylo.

Aria won the 2020 top 50 East London Innovators Award after launching Music Production for Women in 2019.
The online learning platform has since moved from strength to strength, and provides educational resources on production and mixing to thousands of women around the world.

Turtonen launched her Youtube channel, 'LNA Does Audio Stuff' in 2019. The platform has since grown exponentially - she currently has over 13,000 subscribers. Liina also runs her own education platform, dubbed 'Equalise Music Production'.

“When I started production I felt so alone with my fears about tech, which made me feel powerless," Liina says on the documentary's goals.

"I hope anyone who sees this documentary can realise how many of us have gone through the same path and it's normal to feel scared...and you will never be alone."

The guest appearances of MPG award winning recording engineer Olga Fitzroy and Ableton Certified Trainer Mel Uye Parker highlight the approachable way in which production is spoken about in this documentary.

Tonight's Youtube livestream Q&A on 'Confidence in Music Production' also parallels with the launch of Hannah Coombes' debut release as a self producing artist, 'Good Life'.

When asked for her advice to any woman looking to start producing, Hannah says, “There’s nothing about it (production) that’s not for you, so persist with it and keep going!”

The stunning single featuring Hannah's dreamy vocals will soon be available on all platforms.

"After speaking to numerous women in different parts of the music industry, I've found that unfortunately the vast majority of them have experienced some negative experience or other due to their gender, myself included. But to be honest (some people may disagree) I find dwelling on this to not be a great use of my time," Aria says when asked about any disparaging moments she dealt with in the industry.

"What's done is in the past and I think we should start supporting each other in the industry to look forward into a brighter and more diverse and inclusive future. "

Check out In CTRL below: