Rhythm Section presents Future Proof:
A career-building opportunity for emerging electronic music talent
Future Proof is a new opportunity for emerging electronic music talent from across England. Over 6 months, we will support 6 DJs and producers to develop their skills ready to become future leaders in the electronic music scene.
Each person will receive masterclasses from world-class artists, DJ opportunities, mentoring, audio equipment, software and training to prepare them for the future of the music industry.
The full package includes:
5 masterclasses from world-leading artists including Jamz Supernova, Charlie Dark MBE, I. Jordan and Bradley Zero. They will cover topics including radio, DJing, music production, wellbeing and managing your career
Opportunity to DJ at one of 5 Future Proof parties around the country
1 to 1 mentoring from an industry leader matched to your needs
Training in music industry skills e.g. building a portfolio career, developing your artistic identity, awareness of environmental impact, diversity and inclusion
A copy of Ableton Live 12
Audio Technica artist pack: ATH-M50x headphones, AT2040 microphone and ATXP5/H DJ cartridges
A selection of Cradle Audio plugins
Press photos
Peer support through Action Learning sessions
Travel costs and financial support
The masterclasses will also be broadcast on Youtube, so keep an eye out for them in 2025.
Read on to find out who we’re looking for and how you can apply.
“It’s so rare and humbling to spend extended time talking to such established artists and it really felt like a safe space. To have this kind of support at this stage of my career has been unbelievable.”
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for DJs and electronic music producers focussed on the sounds and genres which have influenced Rhythm Section Intl as a label and dance (including electronic music with jazz and soul influences, deep house, house, techno). You can apply as a DJ or producer, or both.
DJs: a good understanding of DJing and how to beatmatch on club-standard digital equipment, with some experience playing in a club, festival or radio setting
Producers: have released at least 1 track, through a label or self-released
Currently unsigned, with no booking agent or manager
An interest in hosting radio, starting a label, running events, or another music-related side hustle
Enthusiasm for music, club culture, social justice and community
Passionate about building a sustainable and forward thinking music industry
You must be over 18 and based in England throughout the programme
We are not interested in how many social media followers you have.
We want to help address the imbalances in our scene and honour the heritage of electronic music as a Black, queer artform. For example, we would love to hear from you if you:
Identify as a woman or gender expansive
Identify as LGBTQIA+
Are from the African, South, East and South-East Asian, Middle East, Latinx or North African diaspora, or have experienced racism
Consider yourself to be from a working class background
Received free school meals in secondary school
Grew up in a family receiving Universal Credit or state benefits
Have ever lived in council or social housing, or been on the housing register
Have ever lived in sheltered accommodation or experienced homelessness
Experienced being in care at any point
Were a young parent or young carer
Have been a refugee or asylum seeker
We want to make sure this opportunity is available to everyone, no matter what their background or the challenges they have faced. Please let us know if there is anything else you need to help you apply.
If you have any questions about Future Proof or the application process, please check the FAQs first then email Emily on patreon@wearerhythmsection.com
How to apply
Applications are open now. Deadline: 4 November 2024 at 10am
Click the button below to open the online form - you’ll need 150 words about you and your music experience, 150 words about why you want to take part, and a link to a mix or one of your tracks. If you prefer, you can submit a 2 minute video or audio recording of yourself answering each of the two questions.
If you want to read the application questions before starting the form, you can view them here.
If we like what we hear, we’ll invite you for a friendly video call in the week of 18 November to get to know you better.
We’ll let you know if you’ve been selected for a call by mid November.
FAQs
Will I get signed to Rhythm Section or be booked to DJ if I take part?
There will be opportunities to DJ at Future Proof events during the programme. We can’t promise that you will get signed or booked to play by Rhythm Section after taking part. However, you will get to know the Rhythm Section team and learn more about how the label and events work.
What if I don’t get selected?
This was a very competitive process last time. If you aren’t selected, you will still be invited to join us for the artist masterclasses in person or when we stream them later in the year. Make sure you’re following Rhythm Section on social media for updates when they drop.
I’ve never produced before, can I still apply?
If you have enough DJ experience to meet the requirements but have never produced music before, that’s fine! You’re very welcome to apply purely as a DJ.
I have only DJ’d in my bedroom, can I still apply?
If you have never performed as a DJ in front of a dancefloor or on radio, or have never produced music before, then this isn’t the right time for you to apply.
Can we apply as a duo or collective?
No, this opportunity is only for individuals so you should apply on your own. We are only able to accept 6 people in total due to the limited budget we have available.
Is there an age limit?
You must be over 18 when you apply. There is no upper age limit.
I have signed music to labels before or I used to have an agent, can I still apply?
If you have previously been signed and do not currently have an agent or manager then you can still apply. This opportunity is not open to people who have previously been signed to Rhythm Section Intl.
How do I know if my music is the right sound?
We are mainly looking for artists aligned with the Rhythm Section sound but we are also open to being pushed in new directions. Roughly that sound could be described as electronic music with jazz and soul influences, including house, deep house and techno. The best advice we can give is to listen to releases on the label, previous mixes by Bradley Zero or come to the dance, and then think about whether your sound would fit. If you’ve done that and you’re still not sure, submit your application anyway!
Will I need to take time off work?
We will be meeting twice a month: one Saturday each month for the masterclass and party, and one weekday evening on Zoom. We will cover your travel costs and accommodation for the masterclasses and can also offer a small amount of money towards any income you might lose through taking part.
I live in Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland, can I apply?
This project is funded by Arts Council England so it’s only open to people living in England. You are very welcome to join us for the online masterclasses though, which will be available to watch in 2025. Make sure you’re following Rhythm Section on social media for updates.
“I’ve learnt so much it’s hard to put it into words. My confidence as a DJ has grown so I feel I can take up more space in those situations. I’m gradually feeling like I belong more… It has really broken down the barriers and made the industry feel more accessible. I know what my next steps are now, whereas I didn’t before.”
Watch the 2023 Future Proof masterclass playlist
Thanks to our partners for making this possible:
