Interviews with Creative Women: RON

by Aliki Bitsakakis, Persephone Media

3 min read, March 28th, 2025

RON is a singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Toronto. She transmutes darkness into light, crafting vulnerable lyricism and evocative arrangements that reflect resilience, healing, and connection. She is known for her intricate and groovy piano riffs, soulful sax melodies, and raw vocal style that features plentiful vibrato and note-bending. Her style ranges from energetic chamber pop to soulful ballads. She has been compared to artists such as Lucy Rose, Charlotte Day Wilson, Fiona Apple, and Regina Spektor.

What barriers have you faced as a woman in your industry and how have you overcome them?

Early in my career, I was exclusively sought out by male producers to sing on their tracks—benefiting their projects while my skills as a songwriter, musician, producer, and sound engineer were overlooked. I have, on countless occasions, been completely ignored while questions about recording and production are directed at my male colleagues as if I weren't capable of answering them. I think it’s a common assumption that women just sing, and men write and produce their music. Even when women produce, people often assume it wasn’t a significant contribution. Fortunately, that has been changing, especially in independent music. 

In my music journey, I wanted to carve out a space that was completely artist focused. I founded Christalite Productions, allowing me to write, record, produce, mix, and master my own work—and help others do the same. It took years to overcome imposter syndrome and embrace my role as a producer (thanks to my incredible friends + fam), but I now stand confidently in my artistry, prioritizing authenticity over industry pressures.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

If it’s not a resounding YES, it’s a no. That applies to everything in life, but in art: don’t take gigs that don’t pay well, don’t work with someone who wants to change your art in a way that doesn’t resonate, don’t take on more than you should handle, even if you think you can handle it. Also, know the difference between feeling scared about an opportunity and a no. It can be a yes and still be scary. And the next time it won’t be as scary. 

Why is it important to support women in your field?

I want to work with everyone. But, I really cherish working with other women because when I was getting started I was only surrounded by dudes. Most of whom were lovely, some of whom I learned to steer clear of. I want to be a safe place for women so they don’t have any fear of being taken advantage of in any way. I’m not the type to ask for writing credits just so I can get a bigger percentage of the royalties. Unless you ask me to write, those are your credits. I’m trying to lift people, not take from them. I just feel so much has been taken from women in this industry. There is so much exploitation and objectification - not just sexually, but viewing women artists as a product and eating off their hard labour.

How do you think we can create a more equitable workplace in your industry?

There are some narratives that just need to be smashed through increased representation. We are definitely getting there; I know of more female producers, songwriters, and musicians than ever before. 

Something that needs to shift are the expectations of women to appear a certain way in music and how women tend to get phased out or overlooked as they age. Lady Gaga just spoke about this - she got an award equivalent to a lifetime award. She is 38. This “aging out” or “you’re too old” is applied to all performers but it’s bs. Who better to create art than the oldest and wisest among us? Music doesn’t have to be sexy. But also wrinkles don’t make you less cute, you know?

Name one woman you admire and explain why you look up to them.

One that really encouraged me to continue on my path as I was putting energy into it is Charlotte Day Wilson. Not only is she a singer-songwriter, but she also produces, plays piano primarily (and also guitar) and also sax! I felt like I could really relate to her and she helped validate the way I show up multi-dimensionally in my artistry. She’s also from Toronto, so I felt like, if Toronto made space for her, maybe they’ll make space for me too :)