Words: Theo Thompson, Photos: Orson Salha
Willow, better known as Bubski, is a force within Bristol’s underground music scene. A multifaceted DJ, producer, promoter and The Underground Bristol venue manager who is as relentless in her drive for artistic expression as she is in challenging the system that often silences women. Her story is one of perseverance, from her rural roots in Dorset to curating unforgettable events in the heart of cities thriving nightlives. Throughout our conversation, her articulate reflections and candid commentary painted a picture of someone who has not only embraced her craft but has actively shaped her path, navigating both the music industry’s challenges and her own personal growth.
“I grew up in Dorset in a tiny place called Bridport… if you wanted to do more than sit around in a field, free party culture was really strong,” Willow recalls, describing her early immersion into music. A backdrop of free parties and a blend of genres from techno to UK bass shaped her formative experiences, though she was initially more focused on partying than pursuing a career in music. “It was all about the scene; the people, the freedom and the connection,” she says with nostalgia.
Her journey to Bristol, however, was not immediately about music. “I had no job to come to… I just moved to Bristol and got a job at Greggs, which was soul-destroying.” While this may sound like an unlikely beginning for someone destined to take charge of an entire scene, it was a moment of reinvention. Working behind the scenes at venues like Lost Horizon, and through that Shangri-La at Glastonbury, has helped Willow find her footing in event production. “It’s been really 360,” reflecting on her evolution from a backstage worker to a DJ, a shift that was sparked by a newfound desire to embrace her own sound.
Her deep love for music manifested itself fully after discovering the EC2A SoundCloud, which led to her purchasing a DJ mixer and starting to experiment. The creation of SIS-DEM, a collective focused on female artists, followed soon after. “We all have the most supportive men in our lives in music… but it was never accessible for us to just jump on the decks,” she notes, drawing attention to the challenges women face in getting into the DJ booth in the first place.
Informed by her time in Brazil, where she was immersed in the rhythms of Latin and Afro sounds, Willow’s music reflects a unique fusion of genres. “My sound is afro, baile, latin sounds mixed with techno and bass and UK funky… that’s the only way I can describe it.” These powerful and percussive influences, drove her toward a style that is as diverse as the cultural experiences that have shaped her.
But the world of music hasn’t been kind to Willow simply because of her talent. As she grew in prominence, she found herself on the receiving end of the industry’s gender biases, something she approached with a calm resolve that spoke volumes about her character. “I’m a strong woman in a man’s world… I manage a team of primarily men,” she says with a laugh, but the truth behind her words is stark. A story she shared about dyeing her hair dark, noting how it led to being taken more seriously, particularly resonated with me. Her composed recounting of this subtle yet revealing shift underscores the unfortunate reality of how profoundly appearance influences one’s professional value within the industry. Her experience has also made her aware of how women are often viewed: “There are so many men hating on women because they’re good looking.”
Despite the often-dismissive attitude toward her, Willow remains unapologetically herself, channelling her experiences into powerful advocacy for women in music. Through her booking agency, X2X Music, which aims to promote female DJs in an industry still dominated by men, she is leading the charge to normalise gender representation. “I run X2X, a booking agency for female DJs… it came out of my experience and other peers’ experiences in the industry,” emphasising how essential it is to provide spaces where female artists are treated equally. X2X’s ‘safeguarding rider,’ which ensures that venues have procedures in place to protect female artists, reflects her commitment to creating safer. More supportive environments for women in the music industry.
Willow doesn’t shy away from discussing the struggles she’s faced. “As women, there are opportunities, but for men, it’s not even something they consider; checking someone’s history before compensating them isn’t a thought they have, and there’s so much of this,” she reflects on a painful period of being unfairly vilified. It’s a sentiment that feels almost casual in the way she says it, underscoring how familiar and frustrating these biases have become for her. Yet, she isn’t bitter. “The world’s only really just opened up to allow women,” she states, confident in the knowledge that the tide is turning.
Willow’s resilience is mirrored in her hope for a better future. “There’s more than enough female talent right in front of you… there’s no excuse.” She envisions a future where female artists aren’t questioned about their place on the lineup, and where representation is simply a given. “I’d love to see 100% female lineups or majority female lineups,” italicising the need for change.
Her advice to the next generation of women looking to break into the industry is both practical and empowering. “Put yourself in uncomfortable positions. All you can do is do really well or fuck it up, and if you get scared by the fuck-up, then it’s probably not for you,” offering a reminder that growth comes from both success and failure.
Willow’s story is one of triumph against the odds, from her rural upbringing to the music scene’s trenches. Through sheer grit, she has carved out a space for both herself, and many others, bringing change with every step. The industry, with all its complexities, may be far from perfect, but with Willow steering the way, it’s a little closer to the change it so desperately needs. As she says, “Start grassroots… once you’ve gone through the different types of grassroots, you realise every job is different.” It’s a mentality that encapsulates Willow’s journey. A journey that proves, no matter the obstacles, it’s not about where you start, but how you navigate the terrain along the way.
