Toolroom in association with Dancing Astronaut are proud to announce their first-ever online event for International Women’s Day, a one–day online event aimed to encourage and develop more female talent within dance music. Founded in April 2018 by Toolroom Records own Community Manager Victoria Smith, #WeAreListening was established to help break down the barriers between record labels and female artists, highlighting the issues these artists face in the industry. Through the #WeAreListening platform, Toolroom shines the spotlight onto gender equality issues that are prevalent throughout the music industry. Drawing attention to the issue through education of the wider electronic music community and offering opportunities for females who work in the dance music industry to learn and grow their professional careers.
We have a huge list of panelists and industry professionals who have already confirmed to be a part of the event, such as: Alex Mills, ALISHA, Amy McKnight, Carly Wilford, Charlie Hedges (BBC Radio 1), DJ Paulette, DJ Rae, Hayley May, JAGUAR, Janai, Jess Bays, Karen Harding, Kelli–Leigh, Laura Davie, Maxinne, The Melody Men, Mollie Collins, Millie Cotton, Rowetta, Sarah Story, Sophia Essel + more TBA! As well as brand representatives from Armada, Dirtybird & Hospital Records.
We are also pleased to announce special guests NERVO to the program too, giving a special 1-hour interview, discussing their career and offering advice for budding DJs wanting to make it. With an upcoming release slated for later this year on Toolroom, this is not one to miss!
Since the launch of the platform in 2018 Toolroom has gone on to find, sign and nurture female talent, a direct result of the initiative. Rising star Maxinne, who got her break from the initial #WeAreListening sessions along with Pheobe d’Abo who both had tracks signed to the ‘Ibiza Vol.2’ compilation. After officially signing to the Toolroom label in 2019 with her debut single ‘Something In Our Life (feat. Niki Darling), Maxinne has gone on to release a string of hits with the label, as well as signing to management.
Sophia Essel is another artist to emerge through the #WeAreListening campaign. The Liverpool–based artist is the latest Toolroom signing with her debut single ‘The Way’ appearing on the ‘This Is Toolroom 2021’ album which dropped in January. Toolroom’s aim is a simple one: To actively encourage, develop and educate new female artists in electronic music.
Specific topics and seminars on the day will cover Radio & Broadcasting, DJing, Music Production, Featured Artists in Dance Music, Community & Networking, Marketing and Mental Health & Well– Being. The event will be hosted live via Toolroom & Dancing Astronaut Facebook pages.
The #WeAreListening live online event will take place on 8th April 2021. Sign-up here to stay updated.
Absolutely HUGE new release from our very own @djmaxinne lands today with label debut and AMAZING vocal talent @LaurenLaimant 🎤 💥
'Tell Me Something' is the summer hit you've been waiting for ☀️😎
And is OUT NOW 👇👇https://t.co/r0tHOuCagq#ToolroomFamily 🌍 pic.twitter.com/Aw8lkZ9rai
— Toolroom (@toolroomrecords) March 5, 2021
