Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Cactus City Studio?
​
Cactus City Studio is a Community Interest Company (CIC) based in London. Primarily a feminist recording studio designed to be a safe space for women and gender minorities, but also as an organisation leading to the forefront of creating a safer music industry.
If you’d like to read more, go to our about section.
2. What was the inspiration behind the name Cactus City?
​
The cactus is our emblem as it signifies a tough exterior that exists to protect its precious water, allowing the plant to thrive in the harshest environments. This often characterises what women in the music industry need to become to preserve their creativity. No longer will this be the case. We will be the sharp exterior protecting the precious water within.
Cactus City hopes to become a long-term project dedicated to equality, the promotion of change, healing, protection and education within music as well as being a world class recording facility.
We at Cactus city believe everyone should be able to create high-quality music in a safe space regardless of sexuality, age, race, sexual orientation, disability or any other factors that make you, you. This is part of our ethos, which lays the groundwork for the things we do and the way we work.
You can find the full story in our about section.
3. Why was Cactus City needed?
​
In 2019, the Musician’s Union carried out research which showed that 48% of its members had experienced sexual harassment in the music industry, with 85% of people not reporting it because of several factors, including fears of losing work.
At Cactus City, we want to be the safe space for all gender minorities in music, so that artists can focus on producing the best art they can in a safe and welcoming environment.
We always say that we don’t want to exist, but the reality is that the industry needs somewhere like us to help make the music industry a kinder place for everyone.
Our goal is for the only pricks in the studio to be on a cactus. You can read more in our about section.
4. Who is Cactus City for?
​
We designed Cactus City Studio for women and gender minorities. There were countless reports that people of these demographics did not feel safe and respected within the music industry. However, creating better safeguarding policies for the industry will benefit everyone.
5. Where is your studio based?
​
We’re currently looking for a new home, but in the meantime, our sound team is still on hand to help you with any music enquiries. Please contact them at audio@cactuscity.org
6. Can men use Cactus City studio?
​
Yes! We are a safe space studio. Everyone is welcome as long as they adhere to safe and inclusive studio practices. However, we may have days that cater for women and gender minorities only to make sure that everyone is comfortable, but please do come back another time.
7. What is a safe space recording studio?
​
A place where everyone is treated with respect and kindness, no matter who they are. We will always do our best to make you feel safe and comfortable. We have a no tolerance policy, so if you would like to report any wrongdoings please get in touch with hello@cactuscity.org or audio@cactuscity.org.
8. What is your Charter of Good Practice?
​
The charter of good practice is a charter to create a safer and more equal environment for people in the music industry. The charter is made up of simple pledges with studios and their users to make a difference to the lives of women in the music industry.
The charter is aimed at professional studios, of any size, who want to create an environment where creativity can thrive in a positive and professional environment.
To see the charter in its entirety, head to our Cactus City Charter page. Here you can read the pledges and sign up.
9. When did your charter of good practice launch?
​
Our charter of good practice launched in November 2020. Since then, we’ve had an overwhelming response from musicians and music industry professionals get in touch about the work we are doing. If you’d like to read more about the charter, you can find it on our charter page.
10. Who has signed onto the Charter of Good Practice?
​
We have studios signed up all around the country. Full list coming soon!
11. How do I sign up for the Charter of Good Practice?
If you are a recording studio or safe space, please sign up here.
12. I’m a woman in music and would love to be featured on your blog Babes in Music. Where do I submit?
Head to our Be A Babe In Music page and fill out our submission form here.
14. Are your team musicians?
Some of us, yes! There are a large majority who are active within the music industry and have ongoing musical projects, whereas some that are huge music lovers. To find out more, go to our team page.
15. I need some guidance with my music or project! Can you help?
Of course! We’re always here to help you with any music or project, whether that is songwriting, recording, mixing, production, advice, or a friendly face. If you send all details of your project and what you need help with to audio@cactuscity.org, we will be in touch.
16. How can I apply to work for you?
We are always looking to expand our team. When we have jobs available, it will be on our website and social media. If we're not actively hiring, it's always worth introducing yourself to our team and interacting with our socials. We like to have a wide network to consider for future projects or roles.
17. How can I get involved?
There are many ways that you can get involved and support our cause. If you’d like to donate, we have a donorbox. All donations go towards our mission in making the music industry a safer place for women and gender minorities.
You can follow us on social media, and support us by sharing our posts and engaging with our content. Sending our content to people who might find it useful and helping break down the taboos of the industry.
If you would like to contribute to our blog, please submit here.
If you are a woman in the music industry and have a story to tell, we would love to feature you on our podcast, Not A Groupie.
18. Where can I go for press enquiries?
For all press enquiries, please email us at press@cactuscity.org where you will be directed to the right person.
19. How can I be a sponsor?
There are many ways that you can get involved with Cactus City, whether that is donating via our donorbox or collaborating on a project. If you’d like to get in touch with a collaboration, please contact press@cactuscity.org with your idea.
21. What services do you provide?
We have a diverse set of skills. From helping you with audio enquiries, whether that is songwriting, mixing, production, sound design, to creating safe spaces for women and gender minorities in studios, artist management. To see how we can help you, please use our contact us page and we can put you in touch with the right department.
23. I want to be on your podcast. How do I sign up?
We’re glad you’re interested in being on Not A Groupie. Our podcast is all about breaking down the barriers of the music industry. Each week we have a different guest and talk about how they got into the music industry, and what advice they’d give to people starting out. If you’d like to get involved, please contact press@cactuscity.org who can pass on your details to Molly and Sophie.