INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2023
On this International Women's Day we wanted to celebrate the many women here at Thick as Thieves and the role they play in an industry that many might think is a man's game.
We chatted to Casey Leaver, Ebony Willis, Jemima Jeffreys and Tamara Archibald about their journey into the music scene, the challenges they might’ve faced as a women, what empowers them, their role models and who they’re vibing at the moment.
As always it’s important not only that we celebrate our successes as women but also talk about the obstacles we face--and there are plenty!
#iwd202
CASEY LEAVER Thick as Thieves Agency DJ
1) How did you start out in the music industry?
2009: “Use Casey’s list at QBAR Thursdays”.
Start of 2014: Flashed myself on Boiler Room
End of 2014: Started up Disco Volante at OneSixOne
2016: Learnt how to DJ at kick ons
2017: Played my first club gig
2) Have you had any challenges you would like to share?
Too many to list here. One experience that stands out as hardcore misogyny, was when I was accused for playing a ‘pre-recorded set’ and bullied online by a male DJ on a lockdown live stream. In hindsight I’m pretty sure he was just jealous that I could mix so flawlessly “for a girl” 😎. The challenges I’ve faced have built me into the artist I am today, so I hardly take them as negatives anymore.
3) What empowers you throughout the challenges mentioned?
Music always has and will always be my #1 motivator. I also find a lot of empowerment in the continued support of those who have believed in me since day one. Same with the sweet sweet taste of revenge on the non believers 🤣
4) Do you have any advice for other women that may be experiencing the same challenges?
Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Know your worth and trust your gut instinct on gig offers.
5) Do you have a female role mode/mentor in the industry?
Yes! My cousin Keesh. Since we were young, Alicia’s always been someone I look up to and go to for advice. I love being able to share such a strong passion for music with family.
6) What Female musicians deserves the readers attention?
Sunshine and the Disco Faith Choir. They are beyond iconic!
JEMIMA JEFFREYS - Events Co-Ordinator / Customer Relations
1) How did you start out in the music industry?
Back in 2019 I was studying event management and was attending Patrick Topping at Riva. We managed to get backstage where I met Mike Toner and told him I wanted to complete my internship at Thick as Thieves. He gave me his email and I think I had to email him about 20 times before I got a response. I completed my internship and fell in love with the industry and TAT family, haven’t looked back since!
2) Have you had any challenges you would like to share?
Navigating my way as a young woman in such a male dominated industry was overwhelming at times, especially when I was starting out.
3) What empowers you throughout the challenges mentioned?
Being part of a team who are constantly evolving and having discussions about how we can be and do better for the wider community.
4) Do you have any advice for other women that may be experiencing the same challenges?
Form connections with other likeminded women within the industry! I have made friendships for life with some epic women who inspire me every day.
5) Do you have a female role mode/mentor in the industry?
With out a doubt Tamara! Having the opportunity to be mentored by such a strong, creative woman within the industry is something I will be forever grateful for.
6) What Female DJs/Producers deserves the readers attention?
Bini - it's so inspiring seeing Sabine do amazing things, whether it is musically or creatively. I can’t wait to see the work she produces for the rest of 2023 and beyond.
EBONY WILLIS - Thick as Thieves Agency DJ
1) How did you start out in the music industry?
Upon facing an extremely difficult & upsetting time in my life when I was 12 years old I decided to teach myself how write music as a way to take my mind off of things and to express how I was feeling.
2) Have you had any challenges you would like to share?
I think the biggest challenge that I face is being a perfectionist.
3) What empowers you throughout the challenges mentioned?
It sounds cliche but I guess I just remind myself to strive to be better, not perfect. I also like to reflect on where I was at a few years ago in comparison to now.
4) Do you have any advice for other women that may be experiencing the same challenges?
Just do your best, and don’t put be too hard on yourself if your productions and/or mixing aren’t where you want them to be yet. Naturally the more time you spend on developing your skills, the better you’ll become. But again… focus on being better, not perfect.
5) What Female musician deserves the readers attention?
I’d love to give a shoutout to SKNOW. I think she is incredibly underrated within our music industry. Such a talented producer and singer!
TAMARA ARCHIBALD - Head of Marketing & Events
1) How did you start out in the music industry?
I literally just went out heaps! I worked in hospo as soon as I turned 18, I would drive from Geelong to Melb 4 times a week to work in clubs, and I guess from there got to know a lot of people, then after every shift whilst managing Poof Doof at The Bottom End, I would go to Revolver and chewed the ear off everyone DJing or working there, until I got to Damon Walsh who was working at Wah Wah at the time, and from there that’s where I started in Marketing (with literally no experience) and stayed there until Damo went to Thick as Thieves, and I went with him! Fast forward 10 years and I haven’t left!
2) Have you had any challenges you would like to share?
To be completely honest I haven’t had too many as a female in this scene, I've worked hard and been given lot of great opportunities for that. I'm lucky to have always felt heard, and respected within my workplace and with others we work closely with. My two main challenges being female have both been medically, one being having stage 4 endometriosis, which is really difficult to manage in any working career let alone the music industry, taking time off when you’re in deliberating pain has been a pain in the p**sy (sorry I had to!) and now would probably be being pregnant and working quite long hours with a full time and freelance business that I find I’m tired all the time, it’s hard work and I have a newfound appreciation for expecting mums and mums in this industry (or any industry!!)
3) Do you have any advice for other women that may be experiencing the same challenges?
With endo it would have to be to educate your boss (if you’re in the position to do so of course, as periods can be a an 'awkward' subject for some to talk about, but it's real, it happens, and the more men know about it, the better !) I’m very open and honest with Mike (almost to the point where I need to add him to my flo app 😂 ) by doing that, it has helped so much when I’ve had to request days off for the pain of endo and his also learnt heaps too!
4) Do you have a female role mode/mentor in the industry?
Role Model would have to be Tara Medina, the Director at Strawberry for sure. Her passion for inclusivity and sustainability at Strawberry is something to be admired, and she throws a damn good festival!
5) What Female musician deserves the readers attention?
I’m loving anything Mabel puts out at the moment, and of course my girl Laura King, absolutely loving and inspiring watching her grow to where she is now over the years. Just hope the industry stays with hard dance for a while, once I’m back from maternity leave so I get to go for a good dance 😂