Meet Grace Goodwin, PhD student based in the Faculty's Music Department and learn all about her fascinating work exploring the gender and regional inequalities in the music industry.
Learn more about Grace and her research in our podcast:
I started my PhD at the University of Liverpool in 2023, focusing on gender and regional inequalities in the creative industries. My interest in this area began long before my academic journey—growing up as a female drummer, I experienced firsthand the gender gaps and stereotypes in music. That early exposure fueled my passion for creating a more equitable industry.
I began my formal training at LIPA (Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts), where I studied popular music originally aiming to become a session drummer. Though I loved performing, I quickly realized my strengths were in research and music business, which led me to complete a Master’s in Music Industry Studies at the University of Liverpool—and eventually inspired me to apply for a PhD. I’m proudly funded by the Dave Laing Scholarship.
One of my recent passion projects is GENiE (Gender Equality Networks in Europe), an online database I created that now features over 500 gender equality initiatives across the European music industry. From producer courses and radio shows to festivals and mentorship programs, GENiE is designed to be a springboard for collaboration—helping people connect across borders or find allies closer to home, all working toward gender equality in music. Since its launch, I’ve been invited to share my research everywhere from Berlin and Copenhagen to Milan, London, and Paris.
Outside of research, I still play drums regularly with my all-female group, Electro Femme, bringing Ibiza-style entertainment to events across Europe. I also work as a freelance consultant, delivering research and talks for creative businesses in Europe and the US. Thanks to my expertise, I sit on the board of the PRS Foundation, the UK’s largest funder of new music.
Up next, I’m focused on completing my PhD and developing an archive feature for GENiE to showcase initiatives that are no longer active but still hold valuable lessons for the future.