Saffron announce first zine, unveil music tech kits project

Saffron have launched a pair of new projects aimed at improving “visibility and access for Black women, trans and non-binary people in music technology.”

The Bristol-based music tech initiative unveiled the new projects yesterday (1 March). The first of which is a zine that spotlights Black women and non-binary professionals working in music.

The first edition, which can be purchased via Saffron’s Bandcamp, features the likes of Zakia, TAALIAH, Zana and Princess Trium. Saffron will be distributing 3,500 free copies to schools and colleges in the hopes of uplifting artists and music figures, and inspiring future generations through the resource.

Speaking on the zine in a press statement, Xana said: “To be featured in this ‘zine, encourages my hope that we can see that there are those of us living and building the future, rather than just speculating. The ancestral cycles are being healed and the tormented question of ‘Can I do this too?’ will be shifted to ask ‘When will I start?’”

The second project is focused around music technology. Saffron have curated dedicated music tech kits that offer production tools and educational resources including Ableton software and production hardware, as well as a one-year Saffron membership and 1-2-1 music production tutorials. They’ll be providing them to 40 Black women, non-binary and trans people in the UK for free. The kits will be distributed on an application basis.

Find out more about the projects and apply for a music tech kit here.