Seven years of FemMetal is a milestone that feels both surreal and incredibly rewarding. What began as a small vision grew into a space that celebrates talent, amplifies voices, and brings people together through music, passion, and purpose. Over the years, FemMetal has evolved into a lively community shaped by the dedication of the people who keep it moving forward.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we are taking a moment to reflect on the journey, the challenges, the victories, and the people who turned this project into something bigger than any of us imagined.

For this special occasion, we sat down with one of FemMetal’s longtime members, Benedetta, whose steady presence, enthusiasm, and love for the scene have become an essential part of the project. Here is what she had to say as we look back and look ahead together.

Lucy

Seven years of FemMetal is incredible! Looking back, what first drew you to be part of this project?

Benedetta

My favorite band, MoonSun. It was during the Metalympics competition, and I wanted them to win so bad that I nominated myself captain using two emails (wild stuff, am I right?). But hey, that game and that band were the doors that opened to FemMetal, so I am mostly grateful to all party involved for this!

Lucy

Over the years, what has been your favorite moment or memory at FemMetal?

Benedetta

Well, this may sound a bit cliché but winning the Metalympics cup for MoonSun was definitely a defining moment for me. The MoonSun team wasn’t numerous, but we were absolutely loyal and dedicated!

Lucy

How has being part of FemMetal shaped your perspective on music, community, or creativity?

Benedetta

It definitely broadened my music taste, my creativity and my community! I liked metal because I think it’s the most inclusive of all music genres, and as someone who struggled with never finding somewhere to belong, it gave me a safe space. Also, thanks to FemMetal I have made so many amazing friendships that are still alive today. Claudia, Silvio, Dario and Mauro are some of the wonderful people I’m proud to call my friends and colleagues. To end this, working on reviewing, interviewing and reporting has improved my critical thinking and it makes me so happy when someone appreciates or shares something I’ve written. I never take that for granted!

Lucy

What’s one challenge you faced during your time here, and how did you overcome it?

Benedetta

Music for me is something very personal, but obviously as a contributor to the website, I have to share my ideas, my point of views, and my opinions about art created by others. The challenge for me was to be able to write my innermost feelings and translate them into reality. Some people say that good writers are also good readers, which comes in handy since I’m a bookworm! And, as with many other tasks, practice makes perfect. Well, not perfect maybe, but better surely.

Lucy

FemMetal has always celebrated empowerment and passion. How do you see that reflected in the artists and stories you’ve encountered?

Benedetta

We have enough “destroyers” in the world, so obviously we have to appreciate the “creators” of music and of any other kind of art. I consider it a privilege to be able to help artists with giving them space on the website. The passion and the commitment they have to their art, it’s the same one I have in pursuit of showing the world that an equal world is a better world. We rise by lifting others!

Lucy

If you could describe FemMetal today in one word or image, what would it be?

Benedetta

Togetherness.

Lucy

Looking ahead, what are your hopes or dreams for FemMetal in the years to come?

Benedetta

I hope it inspires artists to continue on their musical path, or to start one if they haven’t yet. I hope it inspires people to treat everyone in the same respectful way, regardless of their gender. I hope it encourages people who have been mistreated or abused to speak up. I hope it becomes a safe space where we all enjoy some freaking cool music without worrying too much about anything else!