When you think of electronic music and modular synths, the faces that often come to mind are predominantly male.
But behind the scenes, women have been quietly—and not so quietly—leading the charge in shaping the sound of modern music.
From Suzanne Ciani’s trailblazing work with sound design in advertising to Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith’s boundary-pushing album Let’s Turn It Into Sound, these women have transformed the world of electronic music, turning it into something bold, experimental, and full of soul.
Let’s take a step back and look at some of the early female pioneers. Delia Derbyshire is one of the first names that comes up when you think of female innovation in electronic music.
As a key member of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop in the 1960s, Derbyshire created the iconic Doctor Who theme—a groundbreaking piece of music that was the first ever to be made entirely with electronic sounds.
Her work with early synthesizers and tape techniques had a lasting influence on the likes of Brian Eno, Aphex Twin, and others who would go on to shape electronic music into what it is today.
Though she didn’t release commercial albums, her contribution to sound design was massive, setting the stage for future generations of artists.
Fast forward to the ‘70s, and Suzanne Ciani took modular synthesis to new heights. If you’ve ever heard that satisfying fizz and pop of a Coca-Cola ad, you’ve heard Ciani’s work.
Known for her innovative approach to sound design, Ciani transformed advertising with her use of electronic sounds, creating jingles that became instantly recognisable.
But she didn’t just stay in the commercial world—her album Seven Waves (1982) is still a masterclass in the potential of modular synthesis, blending lush, atmospheric soundscapes with experimental textures.
As one of the first women to break into the male-dominated world of sound design, Ciani opened doors for countless others to follow in her footsteps.
Lisa Bella Donna, a key player in the contemporary modular scene, has been making waves since the early 2010s. Known for her deep, immersive analog synth work, Bella Donna has built a unique sound that blends elements of ambient, drone, and experimental music.
Over the past few years, she’s released an impressive catalog of albums, often collaborating with iconic synthesizer brand Moog.
Her approach to sound design is all about texture and atmosphere, creating sprawling, immersive compositions that draw listeners into another world.
Bella Donna’s ability to take old-school synth sounds and make them feel fresh and relevant is what makes her such a standout figure in the modern modular community.
Imogen Heap, known for her work in the duo Frou Frou and her solo career, is another artist who’s been at the forefront of technological innovation in music.
While Heap’s sound has always been rooted in electronic music, her true genius lies in her ability to integrate technology into her live performances.
The Mi.Mu gloves she developed allow her to manipulate sounds in real time through gestures, adding an entirely new layer of interactivity to her shows.
Heap has become a leading figure in promoting the use of technology as an essential part of the music-making process, encouraging other artists to push the boundaries of what’s possible with sound.
Then there’s Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, who’s been steadily gaining recognition for her unique approach to modular synthesis.
Known for her ability to blend classical music with electronic sounds, Smith’s work is a seamless fusion of organic and synthetic textures.
Her most recent album, Let’s Turn It Into Sound, is a testament to her innovative spirit—incorporating elements of orchestral composition alongside cutting-edge synth techniques.
Smith’s ability to weave these two worlds together has made her a standout in the electronic music community, expanding what we think of as possible with a modular synth.
They’re not just rewriting the rules of sound—they’re showing us that music can be more than just a reflection of the times.
It’s a chance to push boundaries, break expectations, and create something that feels both new and deeply connected to who we are.
