A new group has set out to pave the way towards a community of female songwriters.
Imagine you’re a new songwriter in a new city. You don’t know where to look for live shows, where to play an open mic, or who to connect with. It can feel daunting and lonesome, particularly for women singer-songwriters.
Well, Ashley Kervabon wants to change all that.
Enter #WomenCrush: a national crushing machine looking to help women artists reach their full potential through community, events, and workshop opportunities. The efforts have been enthusiastically received so far but in order to start it, founder Ashley Kervabon needed to step out to step in.
After moving from New York to Portland, Oregon, Kervabon noticed that while there was an abundance of talent and a desire to connect, there was no central community for female musicians. Those thoughts translated into efforts to put on a showcase, and #WomenCrush grew organically from there. And it doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. As, Kervabon puts it, “I’ve found my mission in life.”
It’s a mission no doubt influenced by personal female heroes, the woman she’d choose to record with if given the chance (Alicia Keys), her favorite live show (a three-way tie between Blue October, Gin Wigmore, and ZZ Ward) and her skills in PR. All together, Kervabon hopes to provide a central point for songwriters looking to share their craft.
So far, the “movement” has been noticed. “The vibe in the room was nothing but supportive and nothing short of the beginnings of a community where anyone and everyone is welcome,” Kiirstin Marilyn shared by email, a performer at the recent NYC showcase at Rockwood Music Hall.
Kervabon hopes #WomenCrush music can help provide a space for musicians looking for a place to share their work. “Artists can feel so small,” Kervabon explained, “you can feel like you don’t really know how to make a mark.”
#WomenCrush artist Jackie Paladino agrees. “In such a small, male-dominated industry we’re often forced to compete against one another for such little limelight that it becomes easy to miss out on the beauty and gifts we have to offer,” Paladino shared by email.
Let’s face it: Women are in some splendid company right now. We’ve got Wonder Woman and pantsuits, and we also have the musicians of #WomenCrush are doing exactly as the name states, thanks to their founder and the work of the group.
So, crush on.
Want to check out a showcase? #WomenCrushPDX is happening June 28th. As for NYC, head to Pianos (upstairs) on Wednesday, August 9th at 7:00pm. More info about #WomenCrush is available on their website at: http://www.womencrushmusic.com
