We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elleni Kempson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Elleni, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
I came up with the idea for Queenz Sounds while doing my Masters at Water Bear. Being a musician myself I have experienced the difficulties in getting anywhere in this industry if you are in any way different from the norm. Over the years I had watched many talented musicians give up due to the discrimination they experienced daily. That upset me, the idea that their musical career would die and their voice would not be heard. Art is a freedom of expression, a soul on display for the world to see. There are some specific instances etched into my brain of people needing to choose between being who they were and their career in the music industry. You shouldn’t have to choose and there is no correct answer because you end up living half a life. This is why Queenz Sounds is so important, having the support system there and people actively trying to make a difference will show artists that they are beautiful, loved, and safe, hopefully lifting a little of the strain on their mental health.
Elleni, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
QUEENZ SOUNDS is a live music Scottish Registered charity which focuses on artist growth, development and income. Our goal is to equalise the music industry and empower amazing musicians. Building a community, a strong sense of value and support between fellow musicians.
There is no doubt that there is huge inequality within the industry, with a plethora of statistics covering this. The gender divide within the music industry is roughly 70% male, 30% women with an unknown amount of LGBTQ+ members because the music diversity surveys do not recognise sexual orientation. This is why support and change is needed. This project encourages and helps women and LGBTQ+ musicians to further their careers and grow as artists. Although we will be working with artists globally, we’re based in Brighton due to its amazing music scene and modern views on equality.
The reason why “Queens Sounds” are the best team to do this, is because of their extensive knowledge and passion. Between us, we have multiple qualifications in different music sectors and have worked in and around the industry from very young. As women musicians and/or LGBTQ+ members ourselves, we have personally felt the difficulties of being minorities in the music industry and can relate to the struggles our artists are facing. We are strong believers in equality and shared opportunity. We are a valued driven group and are very passionate about bettering the industry and providing help to those normally overlooked.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Queenz Sounds was originally meant to be a business, however, I soon realised that to help people and genuinely make a difference, we needed to be a non-profit. Since then it has been a long journey to becoming a charity with many hurdles but it has been worth every second, to see what we are achieving now its comforting and I am very proud of everyone.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
You know those days when you’re going “Why me” and it seems like the whole world is against you and you are the unluckiest human alive? Well everyone feels like that and the way to overcome it is to reach out and talk to like-minded people, and build a strong foundation of dedicated individuals, it is not easy and it will keep evolving but it is always darkest before the dawn.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.queenssounds.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenzsoundscharity/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QueenszSounds/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/queenz-sounds/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/QueenzSounds
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3PFl2BZsPwmFvmlFiR-Dg