Published
Wed, Sep 15, 2021, 12:15
- "We are taking advantage of Dreadbox's position to speak up for such matters," cofounder Dimitra Manthou told RA.
The release of a new synthesiser has provoked backlash online from the electronic music community.
The accompanying text for the new Nymphes synth, created by Athens-based company Dreadbox, says the machine is "dedicated to all abused and oppressed women."
The text continues: "May our voices unite and bring light, joy and happiness to this world of injustice and inequality. Each time you play a note on this synthesiser, imagine that you soothe their pain away and you will become a better human being and synth player. Smash the patriarchy."
Initially shared by Future Music Magazine, the text has drawn bemused reactions on social media.
"I just took advantage of Dreadbox's position in music industry to raise awareness on this serious matter," Dimitra Manthou, creative director and cofounder of Dreadbox, told Resident Advisor. "The weird thing is that cis straight men are offended by my statement, where women, trans, abused men and women send me supportive messages and thank us for doing this."
She continued: "We cannot stand silent in front of any inequality and we are taking advantage of Dreadbox's position to speak up for such matters and we will continue doing this, no matter what."
A statement at the bottom of the Nymphes release page reads: "Support charities for abused women. We do the same."
"We did not want to use the abused women to boost sales," Manthou told RA. "That's why we did not say that a percentage of the proceeds will go to charity. We will make a donation, as we always do. And we do not want to advertise this."
Nymphes will be available in November 2021, priced at 499 Euros.