Speakers: Rachel Alice Johnson (Kohla) & Josephine Sillars (PopGirlz Scotland)

Join Rachel Alice Johnson (“Kohla”) and Josephine Sillars as they present their research into intersectionality within Spotify algorithms, to examine how we can nurture a music scene with artist wellbeing, inclusion and equity at its heart. The session will include a case study of their Popgirlz vs Scotify campaign as well as drawing on research from Utrecht University and Universitat Pompeu Fabra into audience listening patterns, and how we can cultivate a healthier approach to digital culture. Having spoken at leading UK institutions including The University of Edinburgh, Leeds Conservatoire, and the Academy of Music Sound, Popgirlz research has been published by PRS M Magazine, as well as features in The Scots Magazine and more.

Kohla (Artist)

Rachel (Kohla) is an interdisciplinary artist; a singer, songwriter, producer, dancer, fine artist and multi-instrumentalist. She is a graduate of the Edinburgh College of Art (BA Hons, Painting) and has been working within the Scottish music scene for the last 5 years. Kohla is regularly featured on BBC Introducing, and was nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2020 Scottish Alternative Music Awards. Her most recent single 'Gorgeous' was recently play-listed on the BBC Radio 1 Introducing Hot List. Kohla has been supported by Creative Scotland, Help Musicians and PRS Foundation, and is currently working on her debut album. 

Josephine Sillars (Artist)

Josephine Sillars is a musician who writes “protest pop” music (BBC Radio Scotland). Over the past few years, she gained recognition performing with her band “The Manic Pixie Dreams”, but has since dropped her alter-egos and got personal and political with the release of her 2021 EP “Desperate Characters”, funded by Help Musicians. The EP was described as “compelling and expansive” (Tenement TV) and as “hands down one of the finest Scottish releases of 2021” (Small Music Scene), with lead single “Enemy” selected as Track of the Week for BBC Introducing in West Yorkshire and as 71 out of 100 Top Tunes in Scotland 2021 (The Herald). Inspired by trip-hop and art-pop, her new releases have been likened to Bjork and Fiona Apple. Her recent single “I’ll See You When I See You” was released via Come Play With Me on 1/12/21.