Milan’s electronic music scene has always been buzzing with energy, and lately, a wave of female DJs and producers is making their mark in a big way. From the best clubs in town to the mainstage festivals, these women are redefining the sound of the city, bringing fresh perspectives and creativity to the decks.
Whether it's through their unique mixes, experimental sound or the communities they've built, Milan's female artists are stepping into the spotlight. In this article, we’ll hear directly from some of the city's leading female DJs and producers, celebrating their talent and success on the occasion of International Women's Day 2025. Get to know them below.
Rossella Essence, @rossellaessence
Rossella is a DJ and producer born in Naples, living in Milan. She was supported from a young age to take piano and guitar lessons. She began her journey around the age of 16, discovering music production through hip hop, her main music genre. Over the years Rossella has worked with Italian artists like Villabanks, Beba, Vegas Jones, Jovanotti, Wayne, and Shari. She is also the official DJ of the Netflix show Nuova Scena.
Can you walk us through your creative process when producing a track—where does your inspiration come from and which are your favorite artists?
I don’t always follow the same workflow. My process is quite chaotic because I believe that when you force yourself into a specific method, it becomes less spontaneous. I usually look for something that inspires me: a sample, a sound, a riff, a groove. I start from there and build the rest around it. My all-time favorite artist is Kanye West, although lately, Bad Bunny is killing it as well.
Do you feel there’s a growing sense of community among DJs and producers in Milan? Are there any collectives or spaces that have been particularly supportive or inspiring for you?
The work we're doing at Penthouse Milano inspires me every day. It's the studio where I work, and it's a 360-degree creative environment. I meet different artists and producers every day, and that gives me the opportunity to get feedback or even collaboration opportunities.
What challenges have you faced as a young woman navigating the electronic music scene in Italy? Do you think the landscape has been changing for female artists, especially in the last few years?
Unfortunately, in our society, the challenges women face are universal, affecting all industries regardless of the type of work. In recent years, I’ve actually noticed a slight shift, with more successful female-driven projects and a growing interest in female artists. We’re still far from equality, though: for the most part, the audience for women artists is still mainly other women.
Rebecca Bernardi, @rebeccabernardi_
Rebecca is 23 years old, originally from Romagna, she has called Milan her home for the past five years. While being a big fan of silence, music has always been part of her life. Rebecca first began using music apps out of boredom, and then through social media she discovered DJing. She asked her parents for a small deck, and once she began experimenting with it, she never looked back.
How has living in Milan, with its unique blend of culture and high-fashion influence, shaped your approach to music production?
Before fully diving into music, I focused on fashion in my studies and work. I graduated in Fashion Design, later earned a degree in Fashion Styling and Creative Direction at university. The fashion world provided me with plenty of opportunities, both as an insider in the industry and later as a DJ. While my primary focus is now on music, fashion will always be a part of me. I feel the need to merge these two arts, and Milan, with its unique blend of culture and high-fashion influence, encourages and supports me in doing so.
Can you walk us through your creative process when producing a track— where does your inspiration come from and which are your favorite artists?
I don’t follow a standard process: inspiration can come from many places—whether it’s the music I listen to, a movie I watched, or a night out at the club. Once inspiration strikes, I approach it similarly to how I did with fashion: I create "moodboards" to capture the vibe, then quickly draft an outline to clarify my ideas. Then I head into the studio, where I channel all the influences I feel right for the track. Everything begins with my mind and sensibility. As a woman in the nightlife scene, Indira Paganotto was the first DJ who truly opened my eyes. I also deeply admire artists like Rosalía, Joan Thiele and Erykah Badu, whose personalities and musical styles align closely with my own approach.
Luwei, @luwei.vv
Luwei was born and raised in Chengdu (China), a city known for its spicy food and laid-back attitude, before moving to Milan about a decade ago. Her journey as a DJ began in 2020, influenced by the underground club scene in Chengdu, which is largely female-dominated. Surrounded by women in music and nightlife, Luwei was inspired to think, "I could do this too—why not?". More recently, she has begun her journey as a producer, as a natural progression in her career and a new way to express herself musically.
What challenges have you faced as a young woman navigating the electronic music scene in Italy? Do you think the landscape has been changing for female artists, especially in the last few years?
It might seem like we’re seeing more female and non-binary artists in the scene, and there are definitely more collectives and organizations led by women and queer individuals lately. But I still think there’s a glass ceiling, especially in Italy. One of the biggest challenges I face as a woman in the music industry is having to work with men in decision-making positions who can be emotionally immature when things don’t go their way. Sometimes, it feels like dealing with an abusive relationship dynamic, and I’m absolutely not into that. It’s not just about having more women in the DJ booth: we need more women in control.
Do you feel there’s a growing sense of community among DJs and producers in Milan? Are there any collectives or spaces that have been particularly supportive or inspiring for you?
Yes, absolutely! There are a lot of interesting labels coming out of Milan, and I have friends who just started their own labels and collectives last year. I also love seeing more independent collectives pushing for diversity and experimentation—whether through club nights or interdisciplinary projects. Spaces like C3, Radio Raheem, and Fritto.fm have played a big role in fostering alternative music culture here.
Plastica, @plastica.zip
Just like the material her stage name comes from, Plastica is a malleable substance able to take on ever-changing forms. DJ, producer, and musician, Plastica feels at home behind the decks in the various clubs where she has been a resident, as well as in the studios of the artists she collaborates with, like Laila Al Habash, Kaze, Splendore, and many others.
How has living in Milan, with its unique blend of culture and high-fashion influence, shaped your approach to music production?
Milan is a city where every day can bring something new: unexpected encounters, the discovery of a hidden place just around the corner, or the opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures. The possibilities are endless, and this can be a great source of inspiration. On the other hand, this constant flow of stimuli and the city’s fast pace can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why I believe it’s essential, when needed, to embrace a simpler way of living, so that our most instinctive emotions have space to emerge. After all, those raw emotions often give birth to the most genuine music. At the same time, these emotions can also be nurtured by the very same city’s stimuli, and personally, I’m always striving to find a balance between these two worlds.
What challenges have you faced as a young woman navigating the electronic music scene in Italy? Do you think the landscape has been changing for female artists, especially in the last few years?
Ever since I was a child and first started exploring music, I never had female role models. Subtly yet powerfully, this sends the message that “being a producer is not a job for women.” Still, the starting point for a girl is always lower, and the issue remains. I believe this is fundamentally a matter of education and role models: even in the most prestigious settings, like the Grammy Awards or Spotify Charts, female producers are almost nonexistent or represented in very small numbers. That’s why I believe my generation should fight not just for itself, but to become a strong point of reference for future generations, regardless of gender. And most importantly, we should strive to avoid pink-washing, instead working toward a collective and effective change.
Sole Dosi, @soledosi
Sole’s journey with music began early: she has always been fascinated by the power of music which naturally led her to DJing and producing. Over the years, her style has evolved into a deep, psychedelic, and dreamy signature, blending Deep Techno and House with influences from Detroit, Warehouse Techno, Psy-Trance, Breakbeat, and Electro. Her journey truly took off with her residency at Tempio del Futuro Perduto in Milan and the creation of her community label and event series, Dropzi Records. At the same time, Sole has had the incredible opportunity to perform at major clubs and festivals around the world, alongside iconic artists like Jeff Mills.
Do you feel there’s a growing sense of community among DJs and producers in Milan? Are there any collectives or spaces that have been particularly supportive or inspiring for you?
Unfortunately, I don't really feel there's a growing sense of community among DJs and producers in Milan. Often, I see something quite different from my vision, a scene filled with promoters fighting over small details and fake artists competing against each other in a superficial way. It's pretty sad to witness. However, Tempio del Futuro Perduto has been the one exception for my case, it was the only place in Milan that truly embraced my vision and supported what I stand for. Beyond that, I've chosen to focus on doing my own thing. Thankfully, in Italy and around the world, I've met genuine artists who have supported me and taught me incredible things. These are the people I connect with, collaborate with, and ultimately make my music with.
What’s your piece of advice for young women who would like to start a journey in music production/DJing?
My advice for young women starting music production and DJing is to embrace a vision that you genuinely believe in. Don’t get into music just because it’s cool - do it because you have a real message to communicate, because you want to change things, maybe even the world. As a young female artist, your unique perspective and authentic voice are powerful, so use them to create a new sound imprint that can resonate deeply with people. Stay committed, stay true, and your music will make a real difference.
Elasi, @elasi__
Elisa, aka Elasi, is a songwriter, producer and DJ based in Milan. Her musical journey began in childhood, when she would put on playful, Raffaella Carrà-inspired performances for her family. Her teenage years were a whirlwind of musical exploration: she started with piano and guitar at the conservatory, then she played in a punk-rock band, spent hours immersed in jazz and bossa nova, funk, afrobeat, and eventually delved into electronic music production during an apprenticeship at a score-composing studio in Los Angeles.
What challenges have you faced as a young woman navigating the electronic music scene in Italy? Do you think the landscape has been changing for female artists, especially in the last few years?
Since we are not culturally accustomed to seeing female producers in this industry, we are sometimes not taken seriously. As a result, we often have to work harder than our male colleagues to establish ourselves professionally. It also seems that opportunities for women are limited, creating a sense of competition among us. To change this dynamic in my own small way, I decided to co-found with Plastica a collective of female producers - POCHEcltv - to foster collaboration, organize networking events, and offer support to those who want to enter this field but feel lost. I believe things are slowly changing, and I am optimistic that we will achieve more equality soon.
Can you walk us through your creative process when producing a track— where does your inspiration come from and which are your favorite artists?
I love drawing inspiration from the chants, rhythms, and sounds of traditional music from Italy and around the world. I often travel (physically or virtually) and sample records, YouTube videos, and phone recordings of music from hidden corners of the Earth. My voice is also a key element in my music—I manipulate and experiment with it extensively. Our voices are the most unique instruments we have, and we can’t even begin to imagine the unexpected sounds they can produce. Lately, I’ve been creating music that works both for my live performances and DJ sets, incorporating Italian lyrics and melodies. There’s still a lack of Italian-sung house, UK garage, and electro tracks, but I hope our beautiful language will soon make people dance more than ever.
Miss Jay, @m1ssjay__
Miss Jay is a Romanian producer, DJ, and self-proclaimed "professional yapper" based in Milan with a deep love for club music. Her fascination with music goes way back—when she was around four or five years old, MTV arrived in Romania, and she became obsessed. Another major influence was Atomic, a well-known Romanian music channel. The defining moment, however, came with Guitar Hero. The game inspired her to pick up a real guitar and start taking lessons, marking the beginning of her journey into music.
What challenges have you faced as a young woman navigating the electronic music scene in Italy? Do you think the landscape has been changing for female artists, especially in the last few years?
Not only I was navigating it as a woman, but I also came from another country literally not knowing anyone, which is another challenge itself. It’s tough to approach people in a scene that is new to you, especially if you don’t speak the same language. I’ve had my fair share of dudes not really taking what I do seriously (I suspect being a woman had something to do with that too), being overlooked cause maybe I wasn’t “experimental” enough. Luckily over the years I feel like there’s been a positive shift towards the booking of female artists though. There is always more work to be done, but I see more balanced lineups and other fellow female artists rocking it right now so I’m hopeful!
Do you feel there’s a growing sense of community among DJs and producers in Milan? Are there any collectives or spaces that have been particularly supportive or inspiring for you?
Living in Milan, I’ve seen different sides of the scene. I don’t get to interact with it as much as I’d like since I’m often playing outside of the country, which is a real privilege. There is a sense of community in Milan, but it can feel a bit tricky sometimes - there’s a bit of gatekeeping from some people, but at the same time, I’ve met a lot of people who are genuinely open to collaboration and creating meaningful connections. As for collectives, Slipmode and One Shot have been particularly supportive for me, both in terms of their support and the opportunities they’ve provided. I think both collectives are about bringing something fresh, and what I appreciate the most is their openness - they just want to bring new ideas to the table and work with people who share the same vision.
Kimerica, @kkimerica
Kimerica is a producer, songwriter, and DJ from Padua, now based in Milan for the past few years. Her musical journey began at the age of six when she first started playing the piano, and she has been creating music ever since. Through her solo project, Kimerica explores the intersection of electronic music and Italian songwriting, blending the two into a unique and personal sound.
Can you walk us through your creative process when producing a track— where does your inspiration come from and which are your favorite artists?
My creative process is various, sometimes I start from the lyrics, sometimes from the production. Usually everything starts from a couple of sentences that roll around in my head for a few days and then everything comes naturally. I often write music with other artists and the process changes there, I like to follow the creative process of each of them and learn something new from them.
Do you feel there’s a growing sense of community among DJs and producers in Milan? Are there any collectives or spaces that have been particularly supportive or inspiring for you?
I believe that women working in this field strive for a sense of community. This kind of mutual support often result In something beautiful and meaningful. I can tell that because I'm experiencing it every day, in fact I'm building a wide network with other female producers and artists in Milan. Sisterhood is the key to empowerment.
Diora Madama, @dioramadama
Diora Madama is a songwriter and producer with a lifelong passion for arts. From an early age, she was drawn to creativity, starting with drawing and later taking piano lessons around the age of five. At the same time, she would invent stories and songs, often lost in her own imaginative world. Around the age of 15, she chose music as her primary artistic language and she has never looked back.
How has living in Milan, with its unique blend of culture and high-fashion influence, shaped your approach to music production?
Despite a lot of artists don’t, I love living in Milan. I love the way this city manages to be strongly European without losing its Italian identity. It inspires me a lot and influences my productions since my music is a blend of traditional southern-Italian folk and fresh urban pop. Milan is the place to be.
What challenges have you faced as a young woman navigating the electronic music scene in Italy? Do you think the landscape has been changing for female artists, especially in the last few years?
I don’t like defining myself as a “female/woman producer” - I’m Diora Madama, a producer. That means that I don’t pay attention to the ones who have weird opinions on being a woman in this industry - I just go straight as a tank would. And by the way, yes, I think that in Italy things are slowly changing because I have some female colleagues that I love to work with and I really appreciate.
IRIDE - Costanza Facchini, @____iride____
Costanza Facchini, aka IRIDE, is a DJ/Producer in the Techno scene, drawing influences from Electro-House, Progressive, and Trance. Her journey with music started at the age of six, when she asked for her first set of drums. Traveling and attending festivals around the world fueled her passion for music. At 17, Costanza began working at Goa Club in Rome, an experience that introduced her to music production and DJing, driven by curiosity. Over time, her passion has evolved into a career, and now she is fully dedicated to music as a resident DJ at GoaUltrabeat.
What challenges have you faced as a young woman navigating the electronic music scene in Italy? Do you think the landscape has been changing for female artists, especially in the last few years?
Being a female DJ today has its pros and cons. I’ve had to prove my worth over and over again in an industry that’s still very male-dominated, often dictated more by power dynamics than artistic value. At first, many didn’t take my project seriously, seeing it more as a "passing phase" rather than a real ambition. But through determination, consistency, and the quality of my work, I made it clear that what I do has real value. It’s often said that women have an advantage in terms of visibility on social media, but the reality is different. To be recognized for our skills and not just for aesthetics, we often have to work twice as hard. That said, the landscape is evolving. More and more female artists are emerging with authentic projects, and the audience is becoming more open and attentive. I believe the key is to keep building, not getting lost in unnecessary competition, but instead creating real connections and a more unified scene. That’s the only way we can contribute to the growth of electronic music—by making it more inclusive and full of fresh perspectives.
What’s your piece of advice for young women who would like to start a journey in music production/DJing?
First of all, only start this journey if you have a real passion for music—not just because “I wanna be a DJ” sounds cool. This world isn’t as effortless as it seems. It takes dedication, study, and a lot of patience. Your motivation should come from a love for music, not just the idea of standing behind the decks. If your passion is real, my advice is simple: don’t wait for the perfect moment—it doesn’t exist. Start now. Study, experiment, make mistakes and learn. Connect with other artists, and most importantly, build your own musical identity. I’m still at the beginning of my journey, with many goals ahead. I know I’m only at 1% of what I want to achieve, but I also know that ambition and consistency will take me exactly where I want to be.
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Clara Ferrati
Fashion editor and archivist based in Milan currently working as SMM/copywriter; enthusiast about fashion history & trends, music, cinema, social media.
@clarafrt