BUFFY Speaks About Creating a Female-Dominated Space When Making 'Why Don't You Stop'
‘Why Don’t You Stop’ is a single that came out of a broken personal relationship. BUFFY released this single which speaks to everyone who listens to it in all the best ways possible. While making ‘Why Don’t You Stop’ BUFFY collaborated with only women for this project. In conversation with Clique, BUFFY shared how bringing a diverse range of collaborators can only be an asset and enhance the depth of the art we create. And as women we need to empower ourselves and each other. She also shared how Inclusiveness of all genders is really undervalued. The wow factor that a dynamic team gives is beyond your wildest dreams and makes the best art.
CLIQUE: 'Why Don't You Stop' has just been released, how does it feel to have it out in the world?
BUFFY: It feels so so good! ‘Why Don’t You Stop’ has been the best thing to come out of a huge 2 years. It’s allowed me to really dig deep and search my inner self.
CLIQUE: ‘Why Don't You Stop' is described as a “danceable and infectious dance-floor anthem that also cradles the feelings of heart-break and hope”. Was that your intention all along?
BUFFY: Yes I suppose so. Although to be honest ‘Why Don’t You Stop’ came out of a broken personal relationship. A friendship gone wrong where I felt abandoned and it really hurt. It made sense to me to use a romantic love as a vehicle to explore my friendship breakdown. So in the end I chose to morph the concept into a romantic relationship. Although I write a lot about heartbreak and darker aspects of life, l always search for the light at the end of the tunnel moments and the sense that all is not lost. The sexy, cheeky empowerment through heartbreak is what intrigues me. I find it so curious, the dynamic interplay of dark and light.
CLIQUE: You collaborated with Alice Ivy and Bekki Whitton. What was that like?
BUFFY: Both of these women are trailblazers and absolute legends. Their talent is phenomenal and are the epitome of what it takes to be a woman in the music industry. We had the best time in their studios and really delved into what it would take creatively to create a killer track like ‘Why Don’t You Stop’.
“The imbalance of female representation in the industry is criminal, it’s so old fashioned to be in a boys club anymore. Everyone needs to move away from that. We need control in our music careers, so we need to create opportunities for ourselves that allow us to keep collaborating, developing and creating independently.“
CLIQUE: You make it a priority to build a safe and supportive female-dominated space to create your music. Why is this something that is so important to you?
BUFFY: I want more queens to step into their power. I think the first step is acknowledging there are just so many incredible groundbreaking women in music. Bringing a diverse range of collaborators can only be an asset and enhance the depth art we create. As women we need to empower ourselves and each other. The imbalance of female representation in the industry is criminal, it’s so old fashioned to be in a boys club anymore. Everyone needs to move away from that. We need control in our music careers, so we need to create opportunities for ourselves that allow us to keep collaborating, developing and creating independently.
CLIQUE: What differences do you notice when working in a female-dominated space versus one that is not
BUFFY: Inclusiveness of all genders is really undervalued. The wow factor that a dynamic team gives is beyond your wildest dreams and makes the best art. It’s sad that being female can still be a problem in itself with discrimination and not being taken seriously or worse, taken advantage of. No one should have to put up with these things in pursuing a career. The power and enigmatic energy women give in a room makes creativity thrive. Her creative merit shines through, you can’t deny it, women step up and work hard, rip even harder and deliver.
“The way women are treated in the music industry needs to change. Not only because of the immense talent women have, but also because of the sub-culture of ageism.”
CLIQUE: Would you consider the music industry to be primarily male-dominated? What do you think is the best way to change that so that it can be equally female dominated?
BUFFY: The industry needs to be more inclusive. There needs to be more female/LGBTQIA+ dominated projects, producers, writers, executives etc. We need to create record companies, creative outlets and opportunities for each other. Highlighting other female artists and creatives and learning the business of the music industry are really important aspects of taking yourself seriously as an artist. Be an artist, create your career and own it! We need to create our own opportunities to push and expand where our careers can go. Because others will tell us no, we have to tell ourselves yes. Sometimes several times over and over!
The way women are treated in the music industry needs to change. Not only because of the immense talent women have, but also because of the sub-culture of ageism. As if women are easily replaceable. As if our place in the industry is momentary and disposable and then so often is short lived because of the exhausting double standards or attitude in the industry that women don’t age well. Meanwhile there are men of all ages writing songs for young artists, performing well into older age and working in the industry. Female producers, songwriters, topliners need to be recognised for their brilliance and given a chance and the time and space to develop - like their male counterparts - to have long lasting careers in the music industry. There is room for everyone.
CLIQUE: When people listen to your music is there any type of feeling you wish to evoke upon them?
BUFFY: I don’t want to push my own ideas too much onto the songs I write, I’d hope my music is felt and interpreted differently for everyone. It is written as a moment in time and should shift and move. However someone feels when they hear it is wonderful. Creatively I love the idea that one person hears it and thinks ‘whoop’ let's dance while another feels the heartbreak. It all sounds very romantic, but I love romance, I love to be desired and I hope others feel the same.
CLIQUE: What does your personal process look like when you are making music?
BUFFY: It changes day to day. But so often I write a beat and walk out of the room to take a call only to hang up the phone and run to my studio to get down a topline. Sometimes it’s shit, sometimes it’s killer. I love to write over other people’s beats though and that’s when I get really excited.
CLIQUE: Is there anybody that you hope to collaborate with on a song of yours in the near future that you have not already?
BUFFY: I have soooo many people I’d love to collaborate with and so many I admire. At the moment I’m super excited because I’ve got a remix of ‘Why Don’t You Stop’ in the works with DJ Denim, a bloody awesome female Australian dj. I’d love to work with Ninajirarchi, Logic 1000, Sia, Trakgirl, TOKiMONSTA, Wondagurl, and Pinkpantheress.
CLIQUE: What do you see for yourself and your music career in the future?
BUFFY: I’m super excited to just keep creating and exploring all aspects of my art. Plus keep an eye out for my new music video for ‘Why Don’t You Stop’ and my debut EP early next year!
Listen to Buffy’s 'Why Don't You Stop' on Spotify here
