‘You Have to Fight the Fight’: Inside Femme House’s Miami Music Week Takeover

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. Femme House: A Mission in Motion
4. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Femme House hosted its first ever Femmy Awards during Miami Music Week, spotlighting the contributions of women in the dance music scene.
• The organization, founded by LP Giobbi and Hermixalot in 2018, focuses on creating inclusive spaces for marginalized artists.
• Prominent discussions during the week addressed the systemic issues faced by Black female vocalists in dance music.

Introduction

In the vibrant streets of Miami during Music Week 2025, a rallying cry resonated among creative circles: “You have to fight the fight.” This sentiment, echoed by artists and advocates alike, underscores the necessity of continuing the push for equity within the music industry, especially for women and marginalized creatives. Central to this movement was Femme House, a nonprofit founded in 2018 by Hermixalot and LP Giobbi, whose mission is to amplify the voices of women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ individuals in the realm of electronic music. Their efforts culminated in the inaugural Femmy Awards, held on March 27, which not only celebrated dance music’s influential female pioneers but also fostered critical conversations on social justice and representation.

Femme House: A Mission in Motion

Since its inception, Femme House has cultivated an environment that champions inclusivity, education, and community engagement. With the Miami Music Week being one of the largest gatherings for electronic music enthusiasts, Femme House strategically positioned itself to facilitate meaningful interactions among artists, industry professionals, and fans.

In the lead-up to the Femmy Awards, events included panels, brunches, and parties, aimed at enhancing visibility and network-building for underrepresented voices. By bridging the gap between established and emerging talent, Femme House offered a platform for empowerment through shared experiences and mentorship.

The First Annual Femmy Awards

Hosted at the Palm Tree Club, the first Femmy Awards not only recognized the accomplishments of women in electronic music but also honored key figures who have heavily contributed to the genre. Among the esteemed recipients were DJ Minx and DJ Lady D, who received accolades for their pioneering work in the scene, alongside renowned performers like Crystal Waters and Barbara Tucker.

Each award was accompanied by heartfelt speeches reflecting on the journeys of these women and their impacts on the industry. Sara Landry, who won Producer of the Year, remarked on the empowerment she found within the community, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another. “This award means the world to me, and I will continue to support you, too,” she stated, underscoring the theme of sisterhood that permeated the event.

Honoring Pioneers of Dance Music

The Femmy Awards served as a powerful reminder of the foundational role women of color have played in the evolution of dance music. Crystal Waters articulated a crucial point regarding the historical context in which Black female artists have operated, noting the lack of acknowledgment for their contributions. "There's a lot of legal stuff that I don’t think a lot of people know or understand," she cautioned, stressing that women must ensure their voices are recognized and compensated appropriately.

As Waters and her peers shared stories of harsh realities and triumphs, it became evident that their experiences are not mere anecdotes but reflections of a broader systemic issue that continues to challenge the industry today.

Fostering Dialogue and Change

Femme House also facilitated important panel discussions designed to bring to light the ongoing challenges within the dance music scene. One notable panel featured DJ Lady D, Crystal Waters, and Kaleena Zanders, where they confronted the injustices faced by Black female artists, advocating for much-needed change in how the industry engages with its creatives.

Hermixalot moderated this impactful discussion, calling attention to the need for equity in an industry that has historically profited from the labor and creativity of marginalized groups without proper recognition. "This is about creating equity, impact, and longevity,” she stressed, encouraging those in attendance to lend their ears to the voices that have been silenced for far too long.

A Future Filled with Potential

While the Femmy Awards and related events were filled with moments of celebration, they also served as a call to action. The urgency for systemic change was palpable, with speakers emphasizing the importance of not only advocating for oneself but also creating pathways for others. This notion of solidarity was a recurring theme, encouraging those within the industry to support their peers and challenge the status quo.

In her acceptance speech, TSHA highlighted the crucial role of visibility and representation in her career journey, thanking fellow artists who have uplifted her along the way. "You've always put me on their lineups — and not as the warmup DJ," she recognized, expressing gratitude for the allies who have intentionally created space for diverse talent.

The Club Scene and Beyond

Beyond the awards, Femme House’s programming during Miami Music Week included showcases like LP Giobbi’s Yes Yes Yes label, headlined by DJ Minx. This celebration of unity and diversity extended into the night, keeping spirits high and music flowing until dawn. The club scene served as a vital space for connection, encouraging attendees to dance, celebrate, and advocate for change in an environment that echoes their values.

As the music blurred into the early hours, attendees were reminded that the fight for equity continues beyond the festival grounds. Femme House effectively ignited a passionate dialogue, inspiring artists to implement the lessons learned into their careers and communities.

The Road Ahead

The momentum generated by Femme House and the Femmy Awards sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at fostering diversity. With plans for subsequent awards and continued programming, the organization aims to build on its mission, pushing for sustained engagement and advocacy within the industry.

In this pivotal moment, as more artists rally around the cause, the landscape of dance music begins to reshape itself. With the guidance of established figures and the ambition of emerging talent, the call for inclusivity resonates deeper than ever.

FAQ

What is Femme House?

Femme House is a nonprofit organization founded in 2018 by Hermixalot and LP Giobbi. It focuses on creating opportunities and fostering visibility for women, gender-expansive individuals, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ creatives in the dance music industry.

What were the Femmy Awards?

The Femmy Awards, held for the first time in 2025 during Miami Music Week, are designed to honor and recognize the contributions of women and marginalized voices in the dance music community.

Why are the Femmy Awards significant?

The Femmy Awards highlight the historical contributions of women of color to the dance music scene and address ongoing inequities within the industry, fostering conversations around representation, visibility, and support.

Who were some notable award recipients?

Prominent figures honored at the Femmy Awards included DJ Minx, DJ Lady D, and producers like Sara Landry and TSHA, each recognized for their groundbreaking work and influence within the dance music community.

What impact are events like the Femmy Awards aiming to achieve?

Events like the Femmy Awards seek to raise awareness about systemic issues in the music industry, advocate for equitable representation, and build a supportive network among artists and industry professionals.