bratlash discusses power and transmutation in debut EP with all-femme production
After bratlash’s first EP release show at Obrien’s Pub in Allston, a fan approached Jett Hexx to express her excitement about their music and inquire about where she could access more of it. She had recently stopped using Spotify for ethical reasons and was curious if bratlash’s music was available on other platforms. Jett confirmed that their music was accessible everywhere except Spotify, echoing similar ethical concerns. This sparked a deeper conversation about alternative streaming services and the impact of supporting independent artists outside of mainstream platforms.
The current music scene is set against the backdrop of venues like Obrien’s closing down to make way for condominiums. In this climate, bratlash’s debut EP, entirely engineered and produced by women and queer individuals, makes a powerful statement. Nadia Lee’s contributions to guitar, mixing, co-production, and engineering, along with Natalie Bibby’s mastering, showcase a commitment to empowering marginalized voices in the music industry. The EP’s next single, “Yr Lies”, was a collaborative effort with Sarah Tudzin on production, mixing, and engineering, underscoring a dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive production chain.
Founded by Jett in Boston in 2025, bratlash’s lineup includes Jett as lead vocalist and guitarist, along with Nadia on guitar, Zack Hunhoff on guitar, Johnny Levine on bass, and Julian Hoot on drums for live performances. The band draws inspiration from a range of genres and artists, including Mannequin Pussy, Bikini Kill, Electric Wizard, and Death. Jett’s motivation behind forming bratlash stemmed from a desire to channel their frustrations with social and political systems into creating a platform for marginalized communities, including BIPOC and queer individuals.
Operating with a conscious effort to prioritize collaboration with femmes, BIPOC, and queer individuals, bratlash aims to challenge industry norms and amplify underrepresented voices. With staggering statistics showing low representation of non-cis men, especially trans and non-binary individuals, in the audio industry, bratlash stands as a beacon of inclusivity. Jett’s personal experiences in male-dominated studio environments drove their decision to pursue a career in audio engineering, seeking to create safer spaces for artists and producers alike.
The EP’s mastering engineer, Natalie Bibby, was discovered through We Are Moving The Needle, an organization supporting female, trans, and non-binary engineers. The connection between Jett and Natalie was rooted in shared values of empowerment and musical vision. Similarly, Sarah Tudzin’s involvement in producing “Yr Lies” showcased a collaborative approach, allowing for creative freedom and experimentation within the music-making process. Despite facing challenges like illness during recording, Jett’s unique vocal nuances added unexpected layers of texture to the final track, showcasing the band’s willingness to push boundaries and explore new sonic landscapes.
In a music industry dominated by homogeneity, bratlash’s commitment to diversity and creative expression serves as a beacon of hope for marginalized communities. By remaining steadfast in their principles of inclusivity and ethical production practices, bratlash continues to carve out a space for underrepresented voices to be heard and celebrated in the music world.