Rebuilding: Emily Jane Read

DJ, music producer, radio host, vocalist and cultural activist, and contemporary musician Emily Jane Read wears many hats.

Working within the Western Australian contemporary music scene, Emily uses her extensive skill set as a vehicle to develop and promote opportunities for diverse and underrepresented artists.

In 2020, Emily was awarded a Cultural Trust grant to undertake professional development in the field of Music Production with the goal of disseminating her newfound knowledge through a series of workshops for emerging artists upon her return to Perth.

Emily’s development project was interrupted by the onset of COVID-19 in the United States, and, upon her return to Australia, her planned workshops and professional opportunities were stifled by social distancing and travel restrictions.

Despite these challenges, Emily continued her goal of helping others develop their creative skills. Elevating the voices of underrepresented artists in her community as a radio host, running DJ skills workshops for people living with disability, and facilitating a conference panel discussing the decolonisation of the music industry are only some of the ways she facilitates access and promotes diversity within the WA music industry.

In 2022, Emily joined the Board of Catch Music, a not-for-profit community organisation that provides opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to connect through music. “I’m looking forward to having an influence on decision-making at a strategic level”, says Emily.

Alongside this work, Emily is also making strides in developing her practice, studying the Bachelor of Contemporary Vocal Performance at Edith Cowan University. She has also been invited to participate in the inaugural Women in Music Production Perth Writers Workshop with mentorship from producer Anna Laverty, artists Rachel Claudio and ZAN.

Emily is now focused on using her vocal performance skills in upcoming projects and collaborating with other vocalists and producers.