Global nonprofit Change the Beat is entering a new phase of growth with an expanded mission to create meaningful career pathways for women and gender-expansive artists across the electronic music industry. Through education, mentorship, industry access, live events, and artist development initiatives, the organization continues its commitment to increasing representation and opening doors for the next generation of talent.
As part of its long-term vision, Change the Beat has outlined ambitious milestones aimed at increasing the number of women and gender-expansive artists signed to electronic music labels. The organization plans to help 300 artists secure label opportunities within the next two years, 600 within five years, and 1,500 over the next decade by creating direct connections between emerging talent and the music industry.
Founder Sydney Blu explained the organization’s mission:
“Over the course of my career, I’ve learned that talent alone isn’t always enough. Artists need access to mentorship, industry relationships, education, and opportunities to be seen and heard. Change the Beat was created to help provide those pathways.
We’re not here simply to talk about the challenges facing women and gender-expansive artists—we’re here to be part of the solution. Our focus is on creating real opportunities through education, mentorship, industry access, and artist development. Every signing, mentorship, contest winner, showcase slot, and industry introduction helps move the needle and creates a stronger future for the next generation of artists.”
Following the recent relaunch of its flagship Remix Contest Programme, Change the Beat is also introducing The Demo Room, a new initiative designed to strengthen connections between emerging artists and record labels. The program will allow participating labels to showcase their musical direction and A&R priorities while giving artists a direct opportunity to submit music, receive professional feedback, and build relationships with key decision-makers in the electronic music industry.
The revitalized Remix Contest Programme continues to build on a successful foundation that has already created official remix and release opportunities alongside some of electronic music’s most respected labels and artists. Since relaunching, the initiative has partnered with SIPPY and DeadBeats, with upcoming collaborations involving Westend, Trace Amounts, and Sara Landry‘s HEKATE Records. Previous collaborators include Drumcode, mau5trap, Armada, Anjunadeep, Anjunabeats, HE.SHE.THEY, Insomniac Records, Nervous Records, and Toolroom Records. Artists connected through the program have contributed to projects involving deadmau5, Nicole Moudaber, Eli & Fur, Crystal Waters, Ultra Naté, Maya Jane Coles, DJ Minx, VNSSA, Giorgia Angiuli, and Azzecca.
Reflecting on the organization’s momentum, Sydney Blu added:
“We’ve already helped facilitate more than 100 label signings, but we’re only getting started. The goal of 300 signings by 2028 is ambitious by design, but it’s also achievable because we’re creating opportunities every month through our Remix Contest Programme, The Demo Room, and artist development programs like Going Global.
We’ve already seen labels, artists, managers, brands, and industry partners rally behind this mission, and many have discovered incredibly talented artists through our community. We invite the wider electronic music industry to join us in creating more pathways, more opportunities, and a stronger future for the next generation of talent.”
Founded by electronic music artist, producer, and industry professional Sydney Blu, Change the Beat was originally launched in 2021 as 23by23 with support from Native Instruments and in partnership with Beatport. Since evolving into its current form, the nonprofit has grown into an international artist development platform with a community of more than 1,200 members while facilitating more than 100 label opportunities and signings. Alumni have gone on to release music through labels including Armada, Drumcode, Anjunadeep, Anjunabeats, Toolroom, Insomniac Records, HE.SHE.THEY, Dirtybird, mau5trap, and REALM.
Through workshops, masterclasses, mentorship programs, club events, showcases, and career development initiatives, Change the Beat equips artists with practical skills in music production, DJ performance, branding, and the business side of the industry. With programming now spanning the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Europe, the organization continues to create new opportunities for women and gender-expansive artists to grow their careers and connect with the global electronic music community.
With the expansion of its Remix Contest Programme, the launch of The Demo Room, and continued investment in artist development through Going Global, Change the Beat is reinforcing its mission to build a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable future for electronic music while creating tangible pathways for emerging talent worldwide.
Change the Beat: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Discord
Sydney Blu: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Beatport