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🎧 Listen on headphones 🎧 Some of this episode is recording in binaural audio.

What does it really take to compose a work for a 12-piece post-minimalist ensemble—using vintage synths, robotic bells, and tape echoes?

In this immersive episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, we go behind the scenes of Time Loops, a bold and experimental project for Science Museum Group. 

Follow Isobel as she documents Shiva Feshareki and Sarah Angliss' compositional journey writing new commissions for Icebreaker Ensemble and vintage instruments like the EMS VCS4 synthesiser and Watkins Copicat. 

You'll journey from early rehearsals at Wysing Arts Centre to a spellbinding presentation at London’s Science Museum.

🎧 Expect binaural recordings, tape loops, behind-the-scenes conversations, and honest reflections on what it means to create—and be left out of—musical history.

🔗 Links To Go Deeper

Shiva Feshareki >>

Sarah Angliss >>

Thelma Rose >>

Gavin Bryars >>

Icebreaker Ensemble >>

Science Museum Group >>

Goldsmiths Electronic Music Studio >> 

Hugh Davies’s ShoZyg >>

Digitana Electronics >> 

Asa Bennett >>

Aris Solomon >>

Ed McKeon >>

Cathy Lucas >>

Wysing Arts Centre >>

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Girls Twiddling Knobs is hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey.

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🎙️ What if classical music wasn’t meant to stay in its box?

In this episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, we meet violinist, composer and loop pedal artist Rebekah Reid, who’s pushing the boundaries of what classical performance can be.

Blending classical, jazz and electronic music, Rebekah uses live looping and improvisation to create layered, genre-defying performances that feel both ancient and futuristic.

🎻 We explore how she carved out her own artistic identity, the joy and vulnerability of solo performance, and how to stay creatively free in a world that often expects musicians to stay in their lane.

✨ If you’re a musician, composer or creative who’s felt the pressure to “stick to the rules,” this episode will inspire you to start breaking them—with intention.

🔗  LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 🔗 

Connect with Rebekah:

• Website >> 
• Instagram >>
  
  

🎛️ Beginner-Friendly Gear Links

• Boss RC-1 Loop Station >>
• TC Electronic Flashback 2 Delay Pedal >>
• Roland SPD::ONE Percussion Pad >>
• Korg microKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder >>
• Yamaha P-45 Digital Piano >>
• Logic Pro (Mac DAW) >>
• Valhalla Supermassive (Free Delay/Reverb Plugin) >>
• TAL Reverb 4 (Free Plugin) >>

Ready to level up your music making with the powerful art of field recording? Download my new FREE Essential Gear Checklist to Start Field Recording With Your Smartphone >>

Love Girls Twiddling Knobs? Leave a review wherever you're listening and let me know!

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Girls Twiddling Knobs is hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey.

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Listen on Spotify.

Join the Girls Twiddling Knobs Podcast Community here >>

Send us a text

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by music PR, you’re not alone! In this episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, Isobel chats with Rachel White, music PR expert and founder of BRIC and House of DIY, to break down the real, actionable steps independent artists can take to promote their music effectively—without the stress.

🌟 Inside You’ll Learn:
✔️ What PR actually is and why it’s different from advertising
✔️ The biggest mistakes DIY artists make when pitching their music
✔️ A step-by-step guide to building your own music PR campaign
✔️ How to research the right blogs, playlists, and press outlets for your genre
✔️ The art of writing a pitch that gets noticed (and when to follow up!)
✔️ Why consistency is the secret to PR success—even if you don’t get immediate results

Rachel’s insights, practical advice, and no-nonsense approach make this a must-listen for any independent artist looking to cut through the noise and get their music heard.

🎧 Hit play now and take control of your PR! 🎵

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

📌 Brick London >>

📌 House of DIY >>

📌 Rachel’s FREE PR resources for DIY artists >>

📌 Connect with Rachel on Instagram >>

Ready to level up your music making with the powerful art of field recording? Download my new FREE Essential Gear Checklist to Start Field Recording With Your Smartphone >>

Love Girls Twiddling Knobs? Leave a review wherever you're listening and let me know!

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Girls Twiddling Knobs is hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey.

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What happened to jungle music? How did a genre born from Black British culture, reggae sound systems, and 90s rave scenes become dominated by white, male audiences—and where are the women who helped shape it?

In this episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, Isobel explores these questions with Julia Toppin, a lecturer, music entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed “Junglist Historian.” Julia takes us through jungle’s vibrant origins, its evolution into drum and bass, and the systemic challenges that sidelined both women and Black voices in the scene.

They discuss trailblazers like DJ Rap and EQ50, the barriers women faced breaking into male-dominated spaces, and the exciting resurgence of jungle led by a new generation of diverse artists. Along the way, you’ll discover the unique sounds that define jungle and the enduring impact of reggae sound system culture.

Tune in for an eye-opening exploration of jungle’s history, its cultural shifts, and its bold future—plus a playlist of tracks that showcase its iconic legacy.

Listen to the What Makes Something Playlist (specially curated for GTK by Julia) >> 

Find out more about Julia’s research >> 

Connect with Julia on X >>

Nzinga Sound >>

EQ 50 Collective >>

Ready to level up your music making with the powerful art of field recording? Download my new FREE Essential Gear Checklist to Start Field Recording With Your Smartphone >>

Love Girls Twiddling Knobs? Leave a review wherever you're listening and let me know!

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Girls Twiddling Knobs is hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey.

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What does it really mean to be a producer, and why do so many women hesitate to claim the title?

In this episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, we sit down with Fran & Flora—an innovative violin and cello duo blending Yiddish, Romanian, and Transylvanian folk music with improvisation, electronics, and sound experimentation. We dive into their co-production journey on Precious Collection, navigating self-perception as producers, and the evolving landscape for independent artists. Expect candid insights on gender in music, creative collaboration, and the art of crafting immersive soundscapes. A must-listen for musicians, producers, and folk music lovers!

Stream and download Precious Collection >> 

Fran & Flora website >>

Connect with Fran & Flora on Instagram >>

Ready to level up your music making with the powerful art of field recording? Download my new FREE Essential Gear Checklist to Start Field Recording With Your Smartphone >>

Love Girls Twiddling Knobs? Leave a review wherever you're listening and let me know!

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Girls Twiddling Knobs is hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey.

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Send us a text

Are you an artist or music producer dreaming of releasing your music on vinyl? In this episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, Isobel Anderson sits down with Jenn D'Eugenio, founder of Women in Vinyl, to uncover the fascinating process behind pressing music onto records. Jenn shares expert insights on preparing your audio and artwork for vinyl, tips for selecting the right pressing plant, and how to make your vinyl release more sustainable.

Whether you’re an independent artist exploring physical formats, a vinyl enthusiast curious about the behind-the-scenes craftsmanship, or someone considering a career in this exciting industry, this episode is packed with invaluable tips and actionable advice.

Jenn also highlights the role of women in the vinyl industry and offers a glimpse into Women in Vinyl’s resources, from educational tools to career opportunities. Don’t miss out on this comprehensive guide to vinyl pressing, sustainability, and innovation in analog sound.

Key Topics Covered:

• How to prepare audio and artwork for vinyl pressing
• The step-by-step process of creating a vinyl record
• Common mistakes to avoid when working with pressing plants
• Eco-friendly options for a sustainable vinyl release
• Career advice for women and gender-nonconforming individuals interested in the vinyl industry

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Women in Vinyl >> 
• Connect with Jenn on Instagram >>
• Infographic on the electroplating process >>
• Women in Vinyl podcast episode with Jett Galindo >>
• Women in Vinyl episode with Karyln King >>
• Vinyl Pressing Plant Directory >>
• Electroplating graphic >>

Ready to level up your music making with the powerful art of field recording? Download my new FREE Essential Gear Checklist to Start Field Recording With Your Smartphone >>

Love Girls Twiddling Knobs? Leave a review wherever you're listening and let me know!

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Girls Twiddling Knobs is hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey.

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Celebrating 100 episodes of empowering women in music, Girls Twiddling Knobs host Isobel Anderson takes listeners on a reflective journey through the evolution of the podcast, revisiting its top five most popular episodes, including conversations with Kate Nash, Orla Gartland and Victoria Witjeratne. 

Featuring listener Q&A, insights into key challenges for women in music technology, and plans for the future, this milestone episode highlights how the Girls Twiddling Knobs community has become a vital voice for diverse creators in music. 

Tune in to celebrate and explore what's next!

Ready to level up your music making with the powerful art of field recording? Download my new FREE Essential Gear Checklist to Start Field Recording With Your Smartphone >>

Love Girls Twiddling Knobs? Leave a review wherever you're listening and let me know!

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Girls Twiddling Knobs is hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey.

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Listen on Spotify.

Join the Girls Twiddling Knobs Podcast Community here >>

Send us a text

What do sound and knitting have in common? You’d be forgiven for thinking not much, but both have been constant companions across the life and career of sound artist and knitter, Felicity Ford also know as Felix.

Join sobel as she visits Felix in her St Leonard’s home to talk about her journey into field recording, soundscape composition and using this skillset to document the process of wool production. Felix also shares her perspective on why celebrating domestic sounds is a feminist pursuit, her maverick approach to disruption traditional notions of sonic art and how all of us can find a little magic in the everyday. In fact, isn’t that what art is all about? Felix would argue.

Felix also runs her own online knitting school called Kitsonik, so it only felt right for Isobel to be taught some knitting while we were there.

LINKS

• Listen to Felicity Ford’s sound works >>
  
  
• Find out more about Knitsonik >>
  
  
• Read Felicity Ford’s PhD Thesis on the Domestic Soundscape >>

Ready to level up your music making with the powerful art of field recording? Download my new FREE Essential Gear Checklist to Start Field Recording With Your Smartphone >>

Love Girls Twiddling Knobs? Leave a review wherever you're listening and let me know!

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Girls Twiddling Knobs is hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Explore more episodes here.

Listen on Spotify.

Join the Girls Twiddling Knobs Podcast Community here >>

Send us a text

Feeling stuck in your music production journey? Struggling with self-doubt or tempted to buy more gear in the hopes it will transform your sound? This episode is for you.

In today’s episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, we’re exploring how visualisation—a powerful mental tool used by top performers—can help you:
✨ Unlock your creative confidence.
🎛️ Overcome the pressure to rely on expensive gear or others.
🎶 Take your production skills to the next level.

What You’ll Learn:
✔️ The science behind visualization and how it impacts learning and performance.
✔️ Why self-belief is key for women navigating music tech spaces.
✔️ 3 easy visualization techniques to start using today.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this episode will show you how to use the power of your mind to create with confidence and ease.

FREE Resource
Grab The Music Tech Meltdown SOS Guided Meditation for FREE! Head to girlstwiddlingknobs.com/sos and use the code 'FREESOS' at checkout!

💬 Question for You: Have you ever used visualisation to improve your music or creative process? Share your experience with us on Instagram @girlstwiddlingknobs

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe for more empowering episodes like this.

Sources mentioned in this episode: 

• How The Brain Rewires Itself (Time Magazine) >>
• Mental imagery, action observation and skill learning >>
• Does Mental Practice Enhance Performance? >>
• The Relationship Between Materialism and Personal Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis >>

Ready to level up your music making with the powerful art of field recording? Download my new FREE Essential Gear Checklist to Start Field Recording With Your Smartphone >>

Love Girls Twiddling Knobs? Leave a review wherever you're listening and let me know!

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Girls Twiddling Knobs is hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey.

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Explore more episodes here.

Listen on Spotify.

Join the Girls Twiddling Knobs Podcast Community here >>

Send us a text

Luckily, there’s far more conversations happening about musicians’ mental health these days. But how might gender impact our experience of things like depression and anxiety? And how might this differ in a music technology setting, specifically? Because, while this is something that’s often touched upon in wider conversations around gender and music technology, it’s rarely fully explored in its own right.

Inside this conversation, Isobel chats with musicians’ therapist and counsellor, Denise Devenish about the intricacies and complexities of being a woman or gender minority in music tech spaces and how this can contribute to burnout specifically. They also discuss what the industry can do better to prevent these challenges, how Denise works specifically with musicians in her private practice and how you can access support if you’re affected by any of the issues we discuss in this episode.

Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

• Denise Devenish Counselling >>
• Follow Denise on Instagram >> 

Therapy & Counselling Support

• Mind Charity >>
• The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network >> 
• British Association of Performing Arts Medicine >>

Sexual Harassment & Abuse

• Women’s Aid >>
• Help Musicians’ Bullying & Harassment Helpline >> 
• Musicians’ Union Safe Space Scheme >>

Musicians’ Mental Health

• Music Minds Matter >>
• Music Support >>
• Musicians’ Union Mental Health Support Line >>

Ready to level up your music making with the powerful art of field recording? Download my new FREE Essential Gear Checklist to Start Field Recording With Your Smartphone >>

Love Girls Twiddling Knobs? Leave a review wherever you're listening and let me know!

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Girls Twiddling Knobs is hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Explore more episodes here.

Listen on Spotify.

Join the Girls Twiddling Knobs Podcast Community here >>