In celebration of Women’s History Month, the MSU Museum presents Her Sound, Her City: Detroit’s Women Shaping Electronic Music, a special two-part event on Thursday, March 20, 2025, recognizing the women who have helped define Detroit’s electronic music scene. The evening will feature a dynamic panel discussion followed by a live DJ performance, offering audiences an in-depth look at the artists shaping the past, present, and future of electronic music in Detroit.
“The MSU Museum is committed to amplifying voices that have shaped culture and creativity. This event is about celebrating the women who have influenced Detroit’s electronic music scene and beyond,” said Brittany Carter, MSU Museum Program Coordinator.
The event kicks off at 6:00 PM at WKAR Studio with a panel discussion featuring four influential DJs who have helped shape Detroit’s electronic music landscape:
- Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale – Recognized as Detroit’s first female House music artist, Hale has been a defining force in the genre, with performances at iconic venues such as the Apollo Theater and Detroit’s Fox Theatre.
- DJ Holographic – A rising star known for her electrifying fusion of House, funk, Nu-disco, and Techno, representing the next generation of Detroit’s club scene.
- DJ Minx – A driving force in the industry since the early 1990s and founder of the Women on Wax collective, DJ Minx has long championed women in electronic music.
- Jenny La Femme – An internationally recognized DJ, documentary producer, and founder of Girls Gone Vinyl, a project dedicated to highlighting women’s contributions to electronic music.
The discussion, moderated by Dr. Olivia Furman from MSU’s African American and African Studies department, will explore the DJs’ artistic journeys, the challenges they have overcome, and their influence on the evolution of electronic music.
Following the discussion, the evening continues with a live DJ set by Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale at 8:00 PM on the sixth floor of 311 Abbot in downtown East Lansing. Hale, whose career has been defined by innovation and advocacy, will deliver a set that celebrates the resilience and creativity of women in electronic music.
“Women have always been at the heart of Detroit’s music scene, but our stories don’t always get told,” said Hale. “This event is about honoring our history, celebrating our present, and inspiring the next generation of female DJs and producers.”
Presented in conjunction with Techno: The Rise of Detroit’s Machine Music, an exhibition currently on view at 311 Abbot through April 30, 2025, these events shine a spotlight on the impact of women in electronic music.
Both the panel discussion and DJ performance are free and open to the public, though registration is recommended.