Change the Beat, the global music nonprofit dedicated to supporting women and gender-expansive artists in electronic music, made its London debut at fabric on October 15, 2026. Bringing together more than 40 artists, industry leaders, and organizations, the event focused on creating greater access, opportunities, and representation across the electronic music industry.
Spanning 12 hours, the program combined industry panels, networking opportunities, the Women Who Shaped Electronic Music photo exhibition, and a club night in fabric’s Main Room. By bringing artists, labels, agencies, promoters, and music organizations together, the event created space for meaningful conversations, professional connections, and practical guidance for those looking to build careers in electronic music.
For Sydney Blu, founder of Change the Beat, bringing the organization to London marked an important step in its international growth.
“Bringing Change The Beat to fabric London was a monumental moment for our organisation. It was incredible to share what we’ve built with a city that has such a rich history in electronic music, and to see so many people come together to learn, connect, celebrate the women who paved the way, and dance to incredible music,” Blu shared.
She also highlighted the event’s three-part approach, combining an industry conference, a celebration of influential women in electronic music, and a club night featuring female talent. Following the response from London, Blu expressed excitement about returning in 2027 and continuing to grow the organization’s community.
Hosted by Sunita Dhaliwal of The Everyday Agency, the daytime program featured three panel discussions focused on the practical realities of building a career in electronic music. Topics included getting booked as a DJ in London, securing a deal with a leading dance music label, and finding management or agency representation. The sessions offered emerging artists insight into the relationships, opportunities, and industry knowledge needed to take the next steps in their careers.
The panels featured professionals representing a wide range of the electronic music industry, including Alex Holland of Broadwick Live, Martha Bolton of Not Bad For A Girl, Pete Jordan of Junction 2 and LWE, Steven Braines of HE.SHE.THEY, Andy Henderson of Southern Fried and Knee Deep In Sound, Chris Goss of Hospital Records, Miles Shackleton of Toolroom, Daniel Curpen of Anjunadeep, Frances Shillito of Night Department, Kal Jhugroo of CAA, Shanae Dennis of The Team, and Lucy Harrower of Frame Artists. Moderated by Katie Knight, Sydney Blu, and Finlay Johnson, the conversations covered bookings, A&R, label relationships, management, and agency representation.
The event also recognized the women who helped shape electronic music through the Women Who Shaped Electronic Music photo exhibition. Featuring 18 influential artists, the collection celebrated the contributions and lasting influence of ANNA, Annie Mac, Crystal Waters, DJ Minx, DJ Paulette, DJ Rap, Eli & Fur, Honey Dijon, Ida Engberg, Lottie, Lisa Lashes, Maya Jane Coles, Nicole Moudaber, Sam Divine, Sister Bliss of Faithless, Smokin Jo, Superjane, and Ultra Naté.
The program then moved into fabric’s Main Room for a club night featuring TSHA, Kitty Amor, Sydney Blu, Emily Nash, and N1NJA. Bringing the event back to the dancefloor connected the daytime discussions about representation and career development with the music and community that make electronic culture what it is.
Beyond the event itself, proceeds from the club night will support Change the Beat’s international artist development program. Through education, mentorship, and professional opportunities, the initiative works to help women and gender-expansive artists advance their careers. The organization has set a goal of supporting 300 artists in securing label opportunities by 2028, giving its work a measurable focus as it continues expanding its reach.
The London debut was supported by a broad group of industry partners and music education organizations, including AlphaTheta’s EQUAL BEATS initiative, Pete Tong DJ Academy, Toolroom Academy, Pointblank Music School, Crossfader, Beatport, AFEM, HE.SHE.THEY, The Everyday Agency, Not Bad For A Girl, and Women in Music UK.
With its first London event now complete, Change the Beat is continuing to build an international network focused on making electronic music more accessible to the next generation of talent. The organization plans to announce additional global events throughout 2027, building on the connections made at fabric and continuing its work to create more opportunities for women and gender-expansive artists across the industry.
Change the Beat: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Discord
fabric: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Sydney Blu: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Beatport