Evie Thomson
Women in Massey Music
Interviewed by Georgie Levien
You wear so many hats — photographer, radio host, and creator of a music collective/management project. What inspired you to start building spaces for artists rather than just working within existing ones?
I have always been obsessed with music, so moving down to Te Whanganui-a-Tara from a small beach town was a significant shift in environment. I knew that I always wanted to be a part of the music industry so ive kinda ended up emerging myself into as many avenues as I could, and I enjoy all of it.
As a woman working across multiple parts of the Wellington music scene, what challenges or barriers have you noticed, and how have you navigated them?
Working within such a heavily male dominated industry can be hard to navigate. I've had my experience with people not trusting my judgement, but it honestly allowed me to connect further with some amazing female musicians and industry personnel.
Your work seems really centred around community and uplifting local artists. What does a healthy and supportive music scene look like to you?
I think creating an environment where artists can share resources, contacts, and ideas is vital in such a competitive industry. Glasshead started as just a group of mates, and a year later that’s still what we are. A lot of the growth across these artists has come from openly sharing opportunities, resources, and connections that many people in the industry tend to keep close to their chest. When you come to a show where one Glasshead band is playing, nine times out of ten the rest of the collective will be there in the crowd supporting them.
For young women wanting to get involved in music — whether through performing, media, photography, radio, or management — what’s something you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?
As hard as it can be sometimes, putting yourself out there and willing to get involved with everything is so important. Reaching out to people is so important, although I still find a lot of industry professionals intimidating, it's hard to remember that they started exactly where we are.
What keeps you inspired to continue creating and supporting others, and what are your hopes for the future of women in Wellington music?
I think seeing progress and momentum is really important for me. A lot of the time I end up burning myself out, and finding a more sustainable balance is still something I’m trying to figure out.
It would also be great to see more women involved in the Wellington scene as a whole, whether that’s through bands, radio, management, photography, or any other part of the industry. I’d love to see growth across all areas; there’s always room for more people and perspectives.
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