Change the Beat Sets 300-Signing Target for Women and Gender-Expansive Electronic Artists by 2028

Change the Beat, the global non‑profit that supports women and gender‑expansive artists in electronic music, announced a new milestone: it will aim to help 300 artists secure label deals by 2028. The organisation, founded by producer Sydney Blu in 2021, has already facilitated more than 100 label signings and built a community of over 1,200 members.

The announcement follows the relaunch of Change the Beat’s flagship Remix Contest Programme and the launch of a new initiative called The Demo Room. The company also continues its Going Global artist‑development programme. Together, these programmes are intended to create monthly opportunities for emerging artists to connect with labels, receive feedback, and gain industry exposure.

Change the Beat’s 2028 goal is part of a broader timeline: 600 signings within five years and 1,500 within ten years. The organisation’s founder, Sydney Blu, said the target is “ambitious by design but achievable because we create opportunities every month.” The company’s partners include Native Instruments, Beatport, SIPPY, DeadBeats, Westend, Trace Amounts, and HEKATE Records. Past remix‑contest partners have included Drumcode, mau5trap, Armada, Anjunadeep, Anjunabeats, HE.SHE.THEY, Insomniac Records, Nervous Records, and Toolroom Records.

Artists who have gone through the Remix Contest Programme have worked on projects with deadmau5, Nicole Moudaber, Eli & Fur, Crystal Waters, Ultra Naté, Maya Jane Coles, DJ Minx, VNSSA, Giorgia Angiuli, and Azzecca. Alumni of Change the Beat have released music on labels such as Armada, Drumcode, Anjunadeep, Anjunabeats, Toolroom, Insomniac Records, HE.SHE.THEY, Dirtybird, mau5trap, and REALM.

The Demo Room is described as a platform where participating labels showcase their sound and A&R priorities. Artists in the Change the Beat community can submit music, receive feedback, and connect directly with industry decision‑makers. The programme is intended to streamline the path from creation to label consideration.

Going Global, another artist‑development initiative, offers workshops, masterclasses, mentorship, club events, and career‑development programmes covering music production, DJ performance, branding, and business. The initiative operates across the UK, US, Canada, and Europe, expanding opportunities for women and gender‑expansive artists to develop careers and network with the global electronic music industry.

Industry partners have expressed support for the mission. Labels, managers, brands, and other stakeholders have reportedly discovered talent through the Change the Beat community. The organisation’s website notes that it has already helped more than 100 artists secure label opportunities.

The 300‑signing target is significant because women and gender‑expansive artists remain under‑represented in electronic music labels. By setting a concrete, time‑bound goal, Change the Beat aims to create measurable progress in an industry that has historically offered limited pathways for these artists.

As of now, Change the Beat continues to run its Remix Contest Programme, The Demo Room, and Going Global. The organisation’s community and partner network are growing, and it has set a clear next step: achieving 300 label signings by 2028. The company’s leadership invites the wider electronic music community to join in building more pathways and opportunities for the next generation of talent.

In summary, Change the Beat has outlined a 2028 target of 300 label signings for women and gender‑expansive electronic artists, backed by a relaunch of its remix contest, a new demo‑submission platform, and an ongoing artist‑development programme. The organisation’s progress to date includes over 100 signings and a community of more than 1,200 members, and it is actively working toward its next milestone.