On Saturday the fabulous Oxford Art Factory played host to the second instalment of the Women In Electronic Music Showcase. MusicNSW and FBi Radio hosted a stellar bill of a dozen pioneering artists, bringing together some of the best female talent from Sydney and beyond. From hip hop and African bass to electro and techno – and a vast spectrum of subgenres in between – the event showcased the best of women under the electronic umbrella.

Following a raucous early set from Brisbane’s Miss Blanks and a wonderfully absorbing performance by local girl Mookhi – during which ‘Lacunae’ was a particular highlight – it was Melbourne-based duo Alta who set things off in the main room, pivoting between footwork, techno and R&B. Vocalist Hannah Lesser’s Super Mario grunge get-up embodies Alta’s playful yet edgy songtronica style. No more so than with ‘Fix It’, a tropical burst of ghetto melancholy that gets most of the ladies in the venue moving and shaking.

Representing Western Australia was Perth’s Kučka. The critically acclaimed soloist – real name Laura Jane Lowther – was thoroughly in her element, delivering a combination of dubstep beats and atmospherics. Her pop sensibilities alongside some beautiful synthlines and clever arrangements won over the crowd with ease. Her single ‘Divinity’ really takes on a pronounced physicality during a live show – it’s emblematic of an impressive setlist that was as bewitching and thoughtful as it was down and dirty.

Behind the decks there was plenty of action too. Sports delivered a high-energy party set while FBi’s doyenne of all things dance music, Andy Garvey, guided the late-night revellers into deep and dark territory. Showing the way with stomping selections such as Silent Servant’s ‘Self Hypnosis’, Garvey kept the night train chugging into the wee hours.

The highlight behind the wheels, though, came courtesy of Linda Marigliano. The ABC and triple j presenter has DJed alongside some of the best and most diverse artists around, and her credentials were on show for all to see. Selecting an array of cuts old and new, Marigliano laid down a golden hour of discerning techno, with a route one approach that still managed to feel fresh throughout.

Dude Energy’s ‘Renee Running’ and Customer’s ‘Thirteen’ were inspired selections – off-kilter euphoria perfect for the peak time. Roll on Showcase III.

The 2017 Women In Electronic Music Showcase took over Oxford Art Factory on Saturday June 17.

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