Bass n Babes Founder Abby Cooper Discusses Expansion, New Label, and Gender Diversity in Bass Music

Bass n Babes is making significant strides for the queer and femme dance community. I recently spoke with Abby Cooper, also known as Baby Kush, the founder of this dynamic collective, to get the latest updates on Bass n Babes’ initiatives.

Recently, Bass n Babes announced via Instagram Stories that they are launching a new party in the Bay Area. During our discussion, Abby also revealed plans for events in NYC and San Diego.

As for the vision for 2025, Abby stated, “We really want to bring Bass n Babes to other cities. It is a very niche space, but I think there is a demand for it in different locations. Our main goal this year is to reach other markets.”

Bass n Babes is Making Waves

In addition to expanding their events, Bass n Babes is set to launch a record label. “We’re really excited about this year — it’s something we’ve discussed for a while and we’re finally getting it going. We’ll be releasing our first compilation album,” Abby explained. “This marks a new beginning for Bass n Babes as a record label.”

This development is significant, particularly because Bass n Babes is committed to gender representation. They ensure that 100% of their show lineups feature women, queer, gender-fluid, or nonbinary artists. Establishing an LA-based record label dedicated to supporting underrepresented genders in bass music represents a crucial industry milestone.

Inclusivity is Essential

Giving back can take many forms, including through social media platforms like Instagram. In today’s world, social media plays a pivotal role in social movements, allowing for heightened visibility on important issues.

Abby’s background in women and gender studies informs her advocacy for gender representation in music through Bass n Babes’ Instagram page. She remarked, “Since my college days, I’ve focused on examining spaces and inclusion.”

As I explored Bass n Babes’ Instagram, I saw Baby Kush use Instagram’s green screen effect to highlight various festival lineups, showcasing data on the representation of femme, enby, and gender-fluid artists.

They even compiled an impressive spreadsheet at the end of 2024, surveying gender representation percentages at 38 festival lineups throughout the year. The post included hashtags such as #BookMoreWomen, #RaversUnite, and #FemaleRepresentation.

Abby explained her motivation for the Reels: “There are pages like Book More Women that cover various festivals and genres, primarily mainstream. I wanted to focus specifically on bass music festivals and smaller EDM events.”

She noted that reactions to the Reels vary. “Sometimes, the Reels resonate with supporters, while others may not fully grasp the message, insisting ‘it’s not about gender, it’s about talent,’” she shared.

However, Abby embraces these conversations. Her goal is to foster awareness and stimulate dialogue about gender representation in dance music.

Abby also referenced a Threads post by VNSSA discussing the issue, which I explored further. The DJ stated: “Festivals are crucial in breaking the cycle. They shape the industry rather than just reflect it. Booking more women isn’t about numbers; it’s about amplifying the existing talent and providing visibility to inspire change.”

“Talent isn’t the issue, access is,” VNSSA added in a subsequent comment.

As the industry evolves, Abby emphasized the importance of festivals making a statement regarding inclusion. “Just as there’s progress for women in STEM fields, the same applies to music. Production and DJing are often perceived as male-dominated, so proactive measures are essential to foster a sense of inclusion for women.”

She believes that creating a more inclusive environment will ultimately empower more women artists. “It’s vital to consider behind-the-scenes inclusivity,” she noted. “Not only should we book women and queer/non-binary individuals for performances, but we must also examine inclusivity in production roles. The production side is also male-dominated, and having women involved makes performers feel safer and more secure.”

The Story Behind Bass n Babes

Curious about the origin of Bass n Babes, I asked Abby for some backstory leading up to its establishment in late 2022.

“I attended many parties and collaborated with a queer events producer who hosted parties called Hot Mess,” she recounted. “These were late-night raves featuring house music and queer pop. Morgan from Hot Mess greatly inspired me.”

While Abby wasn’t attending bass-specific parties at the time, she was well-versed in underground events in LA. “I organized two large events with Morgan and other queer individuals for Halloween and New Year’s in 2022. This experience shaped much of Bass n Babes’ aesthetic,” she explained.

“Subsequently, I connected with B-Side LA and Good Society, along with other drum and bass events like Timeless. Observing how they operated further influenced my approach,” she added.

I asked Abby for advice for someone looking to grow in the party business. She smiled and responded sincerely.

“My advice is to maintain professionalism and network. In the party scene, it’s essential to find a balance between having fun and being professional. It’s crucial to show why you’re there,” she advised.

Join the Dance for Fire Relief

Bass n Babes is hosting a 12-hour Twitch marathon this Sunday, January 26th, via CouchFam. The event will run from noon to midnight, raising funds for LA fire victims and first responders.

The fundraiser will support affected families and the South LA Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has already assisted 7,500 individuals impacted by the disaster. Bass n Babes is also open to donation recommendations via Instagram.

Baby Kush shared her thoughts on the significance of coming together for fire relief: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to strengthen the community. Feeling empowered is crucial, and being part of a community that gives back helps foster that. We hope this can uplift both the DJs performing and those participating in the stream. Even joining the stream and engaging in the chat helps, even if one cannot donate.”

Tune into the live stream on CouchFam’s Twitch channel. Donating during the stream enters you for a chance to win an iHeartRaves gift card.

Bass n Babes CouchFam Takeover Set Times:

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