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No bands required at Womxn Pedalling series

When Lido Pimienta moved to Toronto three years ago, the singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and recent NOW cover star didn’t have a band to play with. But shortly after her arrival, she discovered loop pedals, sequencers and electronic instruments, all of which changed the game for her.

“That was very empowering, using electronic gear to replace a bunch of people in a band,” she says. “I realized I didn’t need a band to create music or perform it.”

Now the Colombian-born artist, whose second album, La Papessa, is due out later this year, is highlighting the creative work of other women. On Thursday (April 28), she launches Womxn Pedalling, a performance series showcasing female-identifying musicians who use pedal boards, samplers, sequencers, loops and voice to make music. The show takes place at the Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen W) at 9 pm.

“I want to do one every month or two, and we’ll have a workshop every month. That’s how I’m going to find out about other performers I might not know,” Pimienta explains. “It’s really about women and women-identifying folk having a safe platform to perform where we’re not the token woman [at a show] who gets disrespected.”

When Pimienta was interviewed for NOW’s racism in music issue in January, she said that often she is the only non-male, non-white performer on a bill. As Womxn Pedalling’s curator and MC, she’s made it her mission to change that.

“If you’re the one who’s booking, you need to make a point to diversify your bill. Our generation that grew up with the internet is intelligent and critical enough to understand the need for diversification of spaces,” she said. “We not only understand it, but we want it.”

The inaugural Womxn Pedalling features queer, Ethiopian-born singer/songwriter Ayo Leilani’s  Witch Prophet, Victoria Cheong’s electronic project New Chance, experimental pop vocal loop artist Kira May and looping indie musician Alissa Vox Raw.

Artists interested in participating in future shows are encouraged to contact Pimienta by sending a direct message to the Womxn Pedalling Instagram account. She’s also keen on including visual artists for things like poster art and onstage projections.

“This is very inclusive and we want to make sure we include two-spirited, trans people and queer folk,” Pimienta says. “I’m very aware of intersectionality and really interested in seeing what non-able-bodied artists are doing. I complain about not getting booked, but I know they’re not getting any spotlight. This is the perfect opportunity.”

Tickets are $10 online in advance and $15 at the door. For details, see listing.

michelled@nowtoronto.com | @michdas

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