Come Back Better

This new initiative champions rising female, trans and non-binary musical artists
By Alex James Taylor | Music | 17 June 2021

Top image: Goat Girl by Holly Whitaker

Having recently reopened after lockdown, stalwart London venue The Windmill Brixton is urging the UK live music scene to do things better than before. Launching Come Back Better, a new initiative – commissioned by Dr Martens – that aims to provide female, trans and non-binary artists with creative support.

Come Back Better was conceived in reaction to this year’s many male-heavy festival line-ups and many stories of women musicians being either ignored or worse abused. As part of the scheme, non-male musicians can apply for networking, mentorship & collaboration opportunities with established members of Windmill’s creative community. This includes London band Goat Girl, who will select an unsigned act to support them at a gig on 30th June, graphic artist Raissa Pardini, who will offer her services designing original artwork, and South London photographer Holly Whitaker will capture profile and promo shots. While Slow Dance Records’ Maddy O’Keefe will offer guidance on profile-building and promotion.

Encouraging an inclusive, safe community, the Windmill will also run a series of networking socials run by independent label Ladies Music Pub and Vocal Girls, a collective championing female and LGBTQ+ talent.

Applications to The Windmill’s Come Back Better initiative in partnership with Dr. Martens are now open, and can be made here

Register here for tickets to The Windmill & Dr. Martens Present Come Back Better live event on 30th June.


Read Next