In Bloom showcases the group’s powerful collective spirit & focus on community building
Very few organizations in the music industry truly champion collaboration and development that last. Most fall by the wayside or fail simply to live up to the standards they attempt to uphold. However, one such non-profit succeeds every year with a vigor that is profound. Gender Amplified is that group. The collective fosters the evolution of women and gender-expansive musicians and music producers from all across the United States.
Led by Ebonie Smith, an L.A.-based music producer, sound engineer and singer-songwriter, their mission has stood the test of time since 2007. Through production camps, in-depth music sessions and an effort of genuine community building, the initiative thrives as their numbers expand. With the release of their first truly joint EP, In Bloom fans can now listen and witness the power Gender Amplified possesses.
One of the key tracks on the EP is “Trick Mirror” with dance arts center, who makes it a goal to pleasantly electrocute listeners right off the bat. There is a soothing punch that lives in this track with its frantic instrumentation and dreamlike vocals. All the way through, it’s clear a sonic drug has been taken and it will allow for a pristine moment that lasts a worthy three minutes. The tracks that follow, “Still Got” “Time” and “Future Number”, offer an ideal tandem pairing that truly showcases the collaborative methodology that is Gender Amplified.
Ebonie laid it all out for us below.
Gender Amplified has been active on the scene, especially with the popular songwriting/production camps for several years now. What are some of your favorite memories working with these talented women and why?
The best part of these camps is watching artists and producers find their rhythm together, sometimes literally. There’s this magic that happens when you put talented women and gender-expansive creatives in a room where they feel seen and supported. What’s even more powerful is that these connections don’t stop when the camps end. Producers go on to build with each other, collaborating on projects long after, strengthening both their craft and their community. Recently, some members discovered they also share the same faith, which has deepened their bond beyond music. They continue to grow together, not just creatively, but as a body of faith, supporting each other spiritually while making incredible music. That kind of connection is what makes these camps truly special.
With this collaborative EP, what efforts went into its creation and how did all of these musicians work together? Was there a hiccup or success story you wish to share?
Producers who had never worked together came together in one day and created these tracks – it was seamless across the board for Trick Mirror, Still Got Time, and Future Number. Bringing this EP to life was all about trust, trust in the process, in the music, and in each other. We built an environment where collaboration felt natural, and everyone brought their unique strengths to the table.
What hopes do you have for Gender Amplified in 2025 and beyond as well as for the music space as a whole?
I want Gender Amplified to continue growing, not just in music production but across the industry as a whole. We’re focused on creating more opportunities for women and gender-expansive producers in leadership, ownership, and innovation. One of our biggest goals is to build a recording studio, a space designed for creativity, collaboration, and community. I hope the music space continues to evolve in a way that’s more inclusive, not just in terms of who’s in the room but in who has the influence to shape the culture. It’s about building lasting infrastructure that supports the next generation of creators.
Are there ambitions that Gender Amplified wishes to attempt next? What are they and how do you see it evolving from there?
One of our biggest ambitions is the founding of the Gender Amplified Institute, a recording studio facility designed to be more than just a workspace. It will serve as a creative hub, a community, and a landing spot for people to learn about the women in music who have shaped the industry, both the unsung producers and the legendary figures whose contributions often go unrecognized. This space will provide artists and producers with the resources to create, collaborate, and develop their skills, while also preserving and sharing the history of women in music production. As we evolve, we see this as a model that can expand; offering mentorship, education, and a true home for the next generation of innovators in music.
What advice would you give to musicians just entering the space and eager to navigate? Was there something you wished you had known prior to stepping in?
Stay curious and stay ready. Opportunities don’t always come in the way you expect, but if you’re prepared, you’ll know how to move when they do. Build your skills, build your relationships, and most importantly, build your own table if the doors don’t open for you. Have faith, believe in something bigger than yourself, and trust that the journey is bigger than any single moment. Stay grounded in your purpose, and let that guide you through the challenges.
