»Playing the drums is not modest. It’s not quiet. A drum kit takes up space and doesn’t apologize. Essentially, it’s a strong precondition for a ‘It’s not a woman’s thing’ (‘Ist nix für Frauen’)«, percussionist Katharina Ernst told the German newspaper Taz at the dawn of her opening concert for the Heroines of Sound Festival in Berlin. 

Since its inception in 2014, Heroines of Sound has actively worked to shift male-dominated narratives in the music scene, significantly enhancing the visibility of FLINTA* (women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, trans and agender) musicians not only by featuring 350 artists from more than 30 countries over the years, but also by fostering feminist and non-binary movements in music, engaging globally with a network of artists and festivals. Held on July 11-13, the 2024 edition collaborated with local and international organisations like Copenhagen KLANG festival and Zeitgeist Ireland 24, promising a vibrant blend of events and dialogues featuring pioneers and contemporary heroines of music genres ranging from classical contemporary music to progressive pop, with a special focus on voice, electronics and percussion. Artistic Director Bettina Wackernagel, along with co-curators Julia Mihály, Helen Heß, and Sabine Sanio implemented a diverse program of ambitious scope: panels on music and gender-cultural politics, workshops on improvisation with radio bodies and somatic rhythms, a Soundbar and a Filmbar showcasing documentaries and artist interviews that encapsulate the evolution of the festival's themes from 2021 to 2023.