Producer, engineer, singer-songwriter and founder of Gender Amplified, Ebonie Smith has long been a champion for women and LGBTQIA+ artists in music production. With the release of In Bloom, Gender Amplified’s first-ever EP, the organization is turning its mission into a tangible, sonically rich reality. A dreamy and buoyant three-track collaboration, In Bloom is the result of Gender Amplified’s CTRL Room Series, a community-driven initiative designed to uplift and empower underrepresented voices in music. The EP’s tracks each shine in their own way, with Future Number—featuring Lyd Marie, virgogabrielle, and Olivia Reid—offering a refreshing reminder to stay present and enjoy the journey, rather than always striving for the distant future. With its beautiful vocals and production, the uplifting anthem captures the balance between ambition and appreciating the here and now.
In this interview, Ebonie dives into the creative process behind the EP, the importance of community in music production, and how Gender Amplified is actively reshaping the industry from the ground up. Plus, she shares what’s next for the organization and how projects like In Bloom are creating a lasting impact.
Thanks for chatting with us, Ebonie! It’s an absolute honor to feature your incredible work. Please introduce yourself to our readers.
I appreciate the love! I’m Ebonie Smith—producer, engineer, artist, and the founder of Gender Amplified. My work sits at the intersection of music, technology, and storytelling. I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible artists, while also building spaces that amplify the voices of women and gender-expansive producers. I’m passionate about ownership, creative autonomy, and pushing the culture forward through both my music and advocacy.
You’ve built an incredible career as a producer, engineer, and artist in a male-dominated industry. What were some pivotal moments that shaped your journey, and how did you navigate the challenges along the way?
Thank you! My journey has been shaped by persistence, curiosity, and a deep love for the craft. A pivotal moment was working with the legendary Roberta Flack—an experience that deepened my understanding of resilience through sound and the power of timeless music. But beyond those big moments, the real work has been about consistency: staying in the studio, sharpening my ears, and never letting the lack of representation shake my confidence. I learned early on that I couldn’t wait for permission to be great—I had to claim space, do the work, and let the results speak.
Gender Amplified is doing vital work in amplifying the voices of women and gender-expansive music producers. What inspired you to start this movement, and how have you seen it impact the industry since its inception?
Gender Amplified started as my senior thesis in college, but it quickly became bigger than just an academic project. I wanted to build a space where women and gender-expansive producers felt seen, heard, and valued. Since then, we’ve built a community that’s not just about conversation—it’s about real opportunities, real session work, and access. I’ve seen mentees go from learning the basics to landing major placements, becoming my mentor in the process. The industry still has a long way to go, but I can say with confidence that more doors are opening, and Gender Amplified has played a role in that shift.
The highly anticipated release of the collaborative EP In Bloom is a powerful celebration of artists creating in spaces built for them. Can you tell us about the journey of bringing In Bloom to life?
In Bloom is a testament to what happens when artists are given the freedom to create in spaces designed for them. It started with a simple idea: bring together incredible talent, foster collaboration, and let the music speak for itself. The journey was organic—everyone brought their own energy and perspective, and the result is something that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. This project isn’t just about the songs; it’s about the process, the space, and the statement it makes about who gets to create and be heard.
You’ve worked with an incredible lineup of artists, from Janelle Monáe to Cardi B. Is there a project that was particularly transformative for you as a producer?
Every project teaches me something new, but working on Dirty Computer with Janelle Monáe was transformative. That album was a masterclass in sonic storytelling. Janelle is incredibly intentional about every sound, every lyric, every texture—it challenged me.
Gender Amplified connects music with technical skills that apply to other STEM and arts-based fields. How do you see music production intersecting with science and technology in ways that could inspire future generations?
Music production is technology. The way we manipulate sound, build systems in the studio, and innovate with software is deeply connected to STEM fields. When young people understand that being a producer means being an engineer, a sound designer, a coder, in some instances—they start to see the possibilities beyond just music. This skill set translates into so many industries, from game design to film scoring to tech development. I want future generations to see production not just as an art form, but as a pathway to broader creative and technical careers.
Representation matters, but so does mentorship. Who were some of your biggest mentors or inspirations along your journey, and how do you hope to mentor the next generation of producers?
Paula Salvatore is a legend, and her mentorship taught me that a studio is more than just a space—it’s an ecosystem. She showed me how to create environments where creativity thrives, relationships matter, and legacy is built. Her ability to connect people and make every session meaningful is something I carry with me. She reinforced that success isn’t just about today’s work but about longevity, respect, and laying a foundation for future generations—something I strive to pass on in my own way.
There’s still a long way to go in achieving gender equity in music production. What misconceptions do you often encounter about women and gender-expansive producers, and how do we continue breaking down those barriers?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that women and gender-expansive producers are a rarity or a niche. We exist. We’ve always existed. The problem isn’t talent—it’s visibility and opportunity.
For young women and gender-expansive artists who are eager to break into music production but don’t know where to start, what is your biggest piece of advice?
Start where you are. You don’t need the best gear or a million connections—you just need the drive to learn and experiment. Study the greats, reverse-engineer your favorite tracks, and create as much as possible. Also, find community. Whether it’s through Gender Amplified, online forums, or local music scenes, having a network is crucial. And don’t wait for validation. The industry will catch up to your talent—but only if you keep showing up and doing the work.
A question we ask all of our interviewees – what’s your interpretation of a Raw Femme?
A Raw Femme is someone who moves with intention, creativity, and authenticity. They don’t wait for permission—they build, they disrupt, and they redefine the spaces they step into. It’s about owning your power, your story, and your art without apology.
A big thank you to Ebonie for joining us in conversation and for her incredible work empowering women in music. Please support Gender Amplified and follow their inspiring efforts on Instagram to stay connected and engaged with their mission!
All media courtesy of Gender Amplified. All rights reserved.