Music Producers Guild awards - introduction from Mika Sellens

10 June 2022 - Press release

Songwriter/producer/engineer and composer Mika Sellens addressed the audience on what it meant to be an MPG member.
"I've worked in audio production, sound and music for over 20 years.
I first became a member of the MPG five years ago, shortly after opening my studio in Hackney.
I think like many women in my field, I had spent many years working as both a producer and engineer, without actually calling myself either. At this point I'd been a composer, a sound designer, a sound artist, a self-producing artist; but I still didn't feel my route into all of this gave me the right to call myself a producer or an engineer.
When I was growing up, to be a producer or engineer required a specific route into the business, and I hadn't seen how I might even access this route as a young woman.
So when I joined the MPG, I did so having only recently started referring to myself as a producer; despite the fact that I had been producing music, recording and working with sound for all of my working life.
So, acceptance and recognition is something that being a part of the MPG has brought me. A strength in knowing others doing the same, and knowing there is a place for me, where I'm recognised for what it is I do.
And support; from other members and from networks I've become a part of via links I've made in the MPG; like 2% Rising, supporting female and gender minority producers and engineers; and Mamas in Music, supporting mothers working in the industry.
Since the autumn I've been a Senator for the Ivors Academy where I hope to form more links with the MPG in supporting writer/producers and music creators who span both organisations.
So I feel, the most important element of being a part of an organisation like the MPG is the sense of being a part of a community. We are all strengthened and emboldened by having those that understand and support us, by our sides. And this is how we can make change together. As a collective voice, standing up for our rights, and making positive change in this industry.
And there is still much change needed. We need more ethical working practices from those that hold the power and the money in this industry. Music creators, including engineers and producers like us need paying properly for the work we do.
And there are glass ceilings still to smash as a woman working as a producer and engineer in this business. My gender shouldn't come into the opportunities I am offered as a producer, but while I still find myself the only female producer on writing camps, or the only woman in the room, it still has to. There is much talked about, but we need equal opportunity and support across the industry as a whole. We have to look at the full picture and we have to see where a lack of diversity and opportunity still exists in this industry.
So, much change is still needed, but I believe the way we can make it happen is by being a part of organisations like the MPG, and making our voices louder together. (lightly edited)