QUEENSWAY: 2024 REFLECTIONS
In conversation with Tash Evans (Luna thee Frenchie) about platforming under represented DJs, Liverpool’s grassroots club scene and her Queensway journey so far.
Queensway is a CIC founded by Tash Evans in 2022 with the aim to platform female, non- binary and LGBTQIA+ people within the electronic music industry. Tash runs Queensway alongside Co-Director and twin brother Nick Evans with Mia Mai joining the team in 2024 as workshop teacher. In 2024 Queensway ran multiple events, took part in radio shows, held a workshop program to enable marginalised people to access DJing and operated as an agency for people to receive paid work through DJing.
As 2024 comes to a close, I reflect on how the year has shaped up for Liverpool. True, we’ve had a rocky year at points and our grassroots music scene needs support now more than ever, but there has undoubtedly been beautiful moments of resilience, community and exceptional artistry showcased despite these setbacks. I speak with Tash Evans, Queensway’s founder and director about our scene, taking a look at some iconic musical moments with her.
Queensway have built a supportive and safe space for their community since it was founded, offering extensive opportunities for up and coming DJs throughout the North. In 2024 the team launched a 12 week program delivering workshops to 13 female, non-binary and queer folk teaching them how to DJ. Nurturing a community during these turbulent times has been an incredible thing, “That’s been the highlight for me,” Tash tells me, “being able to give other people free access to a creative educational programme and seeing them flourish.” These opportunities are vital for sustaining a diverse and interesting music scene. “A large proportion of these artists have gone on to play their own sets,” she shares, “It’s been absolutely beautiful to witness these lovely folk play for a range of events across the city including for Switch, Lavender Nights, PLUSH, Baltic Weekender, and Dungeon Diva to name a few. A few people who graduated from the workshops earlier this year have even made it to the SISU 2025 roster which is fabulous news.” [SISU is a global community supporting female and non-binary DJs within grassroots music scenes.
These opportunities provided by organisations such as Queensway are intrinsic to strengthening a healthy creative scene within the city. Clubbing, electronic music and creatives within night time industries often face negative preconceptions towards the validity of their art. “I think the stereotype nightlife gets for being an excuse to have a messy night out off your face is super outdated,” Tash explains her passion for the industry, “In my opinion, the nightlife scene in the UK and especially in Liverpool is not valued highly enough as a contribution to culture, clubs should be acting as inspiring playgrounds to ignite curiosity, authenticity and inspiration.” Many of Liverpool’s clubs reside in the outskirts of the city, often in warehouses and old industry buildings. Interestingly these places can offer the best environment for experimentation, with the infrastructure of the buildings creating the perfect environment for harder, deeper sounds found in electronic music to bounce around the room (I recommend reading Out of Space by Jim Ottewill for more on this). These spaces are undoubtedly at risk, with venues announcing closures regularly due to funding issues or development for luxury accommodation. We begin to wonder how this reflects the priorities of our city, a place that has prided itself on its musical landscape for generations. “It’s discouraging to see venues struggling and being forced out of their spaces with the likes of Quarry announcing it’s closure in 2025,” myself and Tash are in agreement of how we urgently need to prioritise our grassroots music scene, “We need spaces which encourage experimental artists. Experimentation is the key to refinement and actualisation and this is just as applicable to DJing.”
Throughout 2024 we have seen narratives surrounding our grassroots seen riddled with anxiety and stress, and with good reason. Things, however, are not all bleak, and there are many incredible people within Liverpool pushing to better things. “The (re)opening of The Bakery has been a saviour for many local promoters and artists here in Liverpool,” Queensway’s recommendations come in thick and fast, “PLUSH is a key driver in the local scene here, and it’s been lovely to see some new promoters blooming too like Glue and Hardcore Babes – both of which platform a wider range of subgenres and non-male artists.” The importance of which is still so apparent within the music scene, “as a woman, there is less room for experimentation because experimenting is risky which can lead to “mistakes”. Women are taught to internalize mistakes into shame and guilt, a huge barrier for progressing in any walk of life.” The barriers women, non binary and trans artists continue to face are constantly being challenged and torn down by Liverpool’s grassroots community. “I am super grateful to the promoters who have booked me and supported me encouraging my experimental approach to DJing, including PLUSH and Glue,” Tash adds, “This is what motivates me to continue doing what I’m doing.”
In reflection, 2024 has brought many challenges to artist and industry professionals, within Liverpool and across the UK. As we cast our gaze to 2025 perhaps there are brighter days ahead. For Queensway, it is already set to be an amazing year, “We’ve secured funding to run an artist development programme, working with our workshop graduates from 2024,” the Queensway team’s passion never faltering, “We’ll also be running another workshop programme in 2025, for another 13 female, non-binary and/or LGBTQIA+ folk, so keep your eyes peeled on our instagram to look out for applications next summer.” And, if you are more interested in dancing than DJing make sure to come along to a Queensway party for a sweaty two step. Catch them in February for WETT (FKA Kinky Queer Icons) and be sure to follow them on socials for more exciting updates (@ queensway____).
Words by Olive Yoxall
