UPLIFTING GENDER DIVERSITY IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Tone Shift Collective seeks to shift the music industry towards better gender representation and equity.
We are cultivating events and community experiences that center women, non-binary, and gender-expansive artists, producers, and music creatives, building the connections that foster collaboration and professional growth.
WHAT WE DO
By hosting physical space to intentionally listen and reflect on recorded music, we are pushing back on the extractive music streaming economy, which drastically undervalues women and queer artists.
Listening parties & artist mixers
Sharing and discussing newly released or upcoming recordings and music videos.
Focused on actually listening to the music on good sound systems!
A chance to network and foster future collaborations.
Live showcases
Live shows featuring all women and gender-expansive lineups.
A chance to build new and lasting fans.
Opportunity to sell merch.
Workshops &
feedback sessions
Skill-share within and across the TSC community!
Time to share songs in progress.
Receive feedback from artists and producers with a wide range of experience.
Freeform conversations and advice in an inviting setting.
COLLABS
Coalition building instead of competition, knowledge sharing over siloes, and authentic connection over cliques!
We partner with like-minded organizations for collaborative events and sponsorships. We believe in cross-pollinating our communities and have found this is one of the best ways to grow! We want more teams of women and gender-expansive artists inspiring and creating together, bypassing the closed doors and glass ceilings of the cis-male-dominated industry. We bring years of experience producing value aligned events in NYC and beyond.
Have an event or partnership idea?
WHO ARE WE…
and what is a “collective”?
Tone Shift Collective grew from co-founders Lyd Marie and Aviva La Viv’s separate but aligned journeys as multidisciplinary artists and singer-songwriters in Brooklyn, and their shared commitment to uplifting women and queer artists in a music scene that has long centered cis-male voices.
Lyd’s experience in the music industry and event production—including organizing the first U.S. chapter of Sonora Festival for women composers and touring internationally with her all-woman band, Ley Line—brought invaluable insight and connections. Aviva contributed design, marketing, and community organizing expertise from years of work with activist organizations, labor unions, and civil rights initiatives. In January 2025, Hudson Valley musician and creative organizer Nykia S.R. joined Tone Shift as Collective Administrator, bringing experience in LGBTQ+ mental health advocacy and organizing, alongside a passion for connecting artists and building community.
Since launching in September 2024, Tone Shift has hosted 24 events, shared over 130 new songs and music videos by women and gender-expansive producers, and featured over 150 artists.
To us, a collective is an informal community, not bound by financial dues or specific requirements. Any woman, non-binary, or trans artist or DJ that we feature, workshop leader or attendee, and any volunteer is part of the collective. While Lyd, Aviva, and Nykia are behind the scenes of this endeavor, community participation is at the heart of Tone Shift, and we encourage anyone interested in our mission to jump in!
If that’s you—please reach out!
COLLECTIVE TESTIMONIALS
“Every attendee brings a rare level of talent and shared commitment to gender diversity in music production. The conversations are genuine, the music is original, and the energy is unmistakable. At a Tone Shift event, connection isn’t forced, it flows. The room buzzes with creativity. It’s magnetic.”
VINO, Artist Manager (Oya Noire)
“In a world where uplifting spaces for nonbinary and femme musicians are hard to find, Tone Shift shows up with intention — and that makes all the difference."
YUIKA, TSC Artist
“Pursuing music can feel competitive, isolating and draining. It siphons the love of the art. Tone Shift came into my life at the perfect time when my energy around music shifted and I wanted more connective and authentic experiences. Tone Shift has been the safe healing space I needed to find supportive community in the NY music scene.”
Fairy Best Life, TSC Artist
FEATURED ARTISTS
