Call it infatuation, charming captivation, or perhaps even a crush. Can you blame our obsession with WomxnCrushMusic? Started by Ashley Kervabon-Stoyanov, this non-profit is making bold moves in the music industry. Ashely started her music career as a singer & songwriter (previously going by Ashley Xtina) in NYC where she was born and raised, but it wasn't until moving to Portland in 2015 that she realized what her real mission was: helping artists advance their careers through education and collaboration. She turned her dream into reality by starting #WomxnCrushMusic, a non-profit aimed at closing the gender gap in music. By providing educational workshops, scholarships, and collaborative opportunities, #WCM is sending womxn and non-binary artists to the top of the charts. We’re excited to share our exclusive interview with Ashely Kervabon-Stoyanov with our readers and show just how much amazing work WomxnCrushMusic is doing in the music industry. Continue reading below!

Where are you based?
Portland, OR.

Where did you get the idea for #WomxnCrushMusic? When you started, what was your vision for change?
I started #WCM based on the need that I had to connect with like-minded songwriters, share resources and collaborate. My vision at first was simply just that — to facilitate genuine connections, to get each other through our creative and business challenges, and celebrate wins together. That vision changed when I realized just how much of a need this was for not just myself, but for others. That is what really propelled #WCM forward and grew the organization to 16 chapters within the first year.

What's something you have learned since starting #WCM?
SO MUCH, but if I had to point out the most important, it would be that if you feel like there is a need in your industry, chances are you aren’t the only one. Start sharing your mission and vision, and other people WILL come.

We know you have a year-long fundraising campaign happening right now called the Bold Campaign. What’s the aim of the campaign?
The aim of the campaign is to prepare #WCM for 2022. While our focus recently changed from being able to relaunch our in-person chapters, to be able to raise funds to provide grants to our community for them to record their music, we believe that this is a necessary pivot in order to be a strong support system for the artists who rely on us for opportunities. We’re hoping to make the industry more accessible for usually underrepresented songwriters and artists, and get their music heard.

What sort of positive impact do you hope to see when the fundraiser is completed?
We hope that we can provide at least five scholarships to launch at our anniversary in March 2022! These scholarships would provide funding for these songwriters to take their talent to the studio and create a radio-ready single!

Jejune loves that you have an annual fund that contributes to providing education about the industry. What sort of content has been needed in the industry that you have been able to create?
Two of our most impactful webinars have been:

Music Publishing 101 - learning about royalties + more
Music Synch 101 - learning about how to get your songs in TV, Film, etc.

I think that there are so many panels out there that are talking about the industry, but not many that show you HOW to get to where you need to be. By providing educational webinars with companies who have been specializing in this for a long time, like Songtrust, MDIIO, CD Baby, etc. we can really bring the resources to our community versus them having to filter through all the noise of Google searches to learn all of this!

What negative aspects of the music industry are often overlooked? How do you think your organization helps bring them to light?
There needs to be equal representation in the industry and that doesn’t just apply to women. I hope that our work of creating opportunities and community for the people who need it will bring us a step closer to changing the industry.

Covid has provided obstacles across all industries, but especially the arts. What obstacles have you seen for creators?
For our community specifically, their main source of income - live music - was completely shattered and is now just starting to come back. Not only is live music a huge revenue stream for artists, but it’s also where we network with industry professionals and other artists. I think that in a way it’s helped some artists find other ways to create a name for themselves and think outside the box, but for others it has caused them to become stuck and give up on making a living off of music.

How have you been able to continue to work with artists remotely?
We’ve been doing our best to be creative with our programming. In 2020 we hosted a multi-city virtual tour, and in 2021 we focused on bringing webinars and networking opportunities to our community.

How can people get involved with your organization?
My virtual door is always open, email is the best way to get a hold of me!

Can you tell us a bit about your monthly showcases? Where can we see them?
They’ll be coming back as soon as it is safe to do so, no plan yet and who knows, but we may be planning a super special one for our anniversary next year, so stay tuned!

Do you have any artists that you NEED to tell us about?
A standout is Kingsley who is an indie pop artist based in Portland, OR. Not only is she a great songwriter and vocalist but she’s also one hell of a business woman. She launched a lipstick line to go with her most recent release, and she created a cocktail book to go along with the EP to enhance the listening experience. If there’s anyone who knows how to meet her fans at where they’re at — it’s her.

Do you have any advice for people who are inspired by what you do and want to start making a change?
Yes, of course. It’s to never hold back, because you may not have the experience or funding to do something. There’s always a way, even if it takes a little longer :)

What are you most proud of with #WCM?
The community we’ve built — 100%.

How have you been staying positive during shelter in place? Are you back to normal now?
Definitely staying safe, masking up, and staying distant, but starting to venture out into the world.

What’s your motto in life?
Inspired by Frida Kahlo — paint your own reality.

Please list any websites and/or social media you would like Jejune to promote:
http://www.womxncrushmusic.com
Spotify
Instagram: womxncrushmusic

Why We’re Crushing on #WomxnCrushMusic