INTERVIEW: Alexis Benedict On Creating Safe Spaces For Women, LGBTQIA+ And POC Artists
By Shea Dawson
Tomboi Records has burst onto the Australian music scene, fostering a safe space for Women, LGBTQIA+ and POC artists.
The Naarm/Melbourne based label was officially launched during Pride Month and has already held an exciting showcase at the Toff in Town on June 30.
Now they’ve set their eyes on Eora/Sydney , with a second showcase set to take the stage at the Great Club tomorrow.
We caught up with CEO and founder Alexis Benedict about what inspired them to found Tomboi Records, and what to expect from the showcase on tomorrow!
Hey Alexis! What was the inspo behind Tomboi Records and how does the label reflect this?
I have been in the music industry for 25 plus years and have seen and been at the hands of discrimination and homophobia. Also growing up as a woman in the industry experiencing first-hand harassment. When I came out as non binary that was a whole other story. I have many artist and industry friends from different communities who have experienced the same plus racism and a whole lot more. It was important to me to create a label that was a safe label. A label that represents communities that deserve a space to be the creatives they truly are without being told how to be, what to wear, what to write, what not to say and also to BE SAFE! To not be a "token" part of a label to fit the brief. I wanted a label that was a family and a collective of creatives that supported each other from the ground up.
So we represent Women, LGBTQIA+ and POC in music as well as peoples with disability and more. To be signed to us you have to fit into these groups. We support our artists with a holistic approach and have created a "zero tolerance" for bad behaviour and unsafe behaviour. We believe it is time for change in this industry and so we are hoping by the Tomboi Records team starting this new approach, other teams will adopt the same ways regarding safe spaces.
What sets Tomboi apart in the Australian music scene? Why is this such an important point of distinction to you?
We are here to create a new ethos in the music industry. A new standard that we believe should be applied to all teams working with creatives and in music. We feel that by creating this safe label, we are a voice for creatives and artists who have been shut down and suffered at the hands of the bad parts of this industry. We want to shake it up and create hope and inclusiveness. We want to say to all the peoples who have suffered from bad experiences in the music industry - we hear you and we see you! You are not alone! We stand for you and with you. We hope that this becomes a "norm" not a rare thing in the industry. We want to be part of the change. We believe it is super important to start this and with the feedback from many, it is absolutely necessary.
What’s the response been like so far?
The response has been amazing and overwhelming! The support and love we have received has been super encouraging and inclusive. We are excited!
That’s awesome to hear. So, looking ahead – what does the future for Tomboi Records look like? Where do you see the label in five years time? Ten years time?
In 5 years time we hope to be an international label and a major. We hope to be a part of huge change in the industry and to start a ripple effect. In 10 years time we hope to have a huge roster, have different sectors under Tomboi PTY LTD and have some incredible success stories that shine bright in the industry.
What can audiences expect from the showcase in Sydney tomorrow??
A free drink on arrival! We all love a free drink! Haha. Compliments of our sponsors, Absolute Vodka. They can expect incredible and international quality performances from our super talented roster. Also first listen to unreleased songs that will be hitting the music world at the end of the year! A safe night and safe space to celebrate with us and to be part of our very first official Tomboi Records Launch. We are also selling Tomboi Records merchandise. It is going to be a night to remember.
TOMBOI RECORDS - ARTIST SHOWCASE
Naarm/Melbourne
Thursday, June 30 - The Toff
Tickets | Event Page
Eora/Sydney
Thursday, July 14 - The Great Club
Tickets | Event Page
You’ll have the chance to hear from six of the label’s already-signed artists, at what’s sure to be an exciting night of Australian talent.
