Final Call for Year Two of Rhythm Section's Future Proof Programme

A free talent development programme for emerging DJs and Producers.

RSI Future Proof

Beatport’s October Label of the Month, Rhythm Section International, is back with the second year of its talent development programme, Future Proof. Over six months, Rhythm Section will support 6 emerging DJs and producers from across England to evolve their skills and industry know-how, ready to become future leaders in the electronic music scene.

The label’s founder Bradley Zero said: “Mentorship is so important and there's a number of key figures in my journey who opened doors and illuminated paths for me in my career, giving me the confidence, contacts and experience to do things my way. Future Proof is the next step on Rhythm Section's knowledge-sharing journey - allowing us to consolidate our work, help address the imbalances in the scene, demystify the industry and inspire a new generation to be taste-makers and game-changers.”

Each participant will receive masterclasses from world-class artists and industry professionals, 1-to-1 mentoring tailored to their needs, press photos, peer support sessions, travel and accommodation expenses, as well as a package of audio equipment and software perks, including a copy of Ableton Live 12, Audio-Technica headphones, microphones, DJ cartridges and Cradle audio plugins.

The flagship masterclass series will feature five sessions from Jamz Supernova, I. Jordan, Charlie Dark MBE, and Bradley Zero, with more to be announced. Sessions will cover launching a record label, radio hosting, music production, managing your career and vital future-facing topics like wellbeing, finances and environmental impact.

Building on last year’s inaugural Future Proof programme, Rhythm Section is taking the masterclasses on tour, touching down in Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and London. Spotlighting the grassroots music scene that Rhythm Section grew from, each masterclass will be followed by a party hosted in partnership with a local promoter, including the likes of Cosmic Slop, Noods Radio, Cobalt Studios and Shifting Spheres. The six participants will have the opportunity to DJ at these events alongside some of the masterclass artists.

Future Proof 3
© Ellie Koepke
Future Proof 2
Future Proof 1

The label’s founder Bradley Zero added: “Last year’s Future Proof was such an inspiring process. It’s been such a privilege to work with the next generation of talent at workshops and events in London, and I’m super excited to broaden the scope and bring the project to more towns and cities across England.”

The participants in the first year were Rohan Rakhit, Zar, Ghoßt Assembly (Abigail Ward), Janay, L Daze and Stella Z, who received masterclasses and mentoring from Moxie, Jordan Rakei, Ruf Dug, Ciel, Cameo Blush, and Tash LC. Since taking part, members of the cohort have been featured in Mixmag, DJ Mag, played Keep Hush, opened for Four Tet at The Warehouse Project, been signed by a booking agent, and released music on labels such as Ruf Kutz, Fragment on Machines and Third Place.

Previous participant Zar said: “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.”

L Daze said “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. I’m also less scared about asking people for things. 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.”

The team are looking for unsigned electronic artists from across the country who are focussed on the sounds that have influenced Rhythm Section as a label and dance: deep house, house, techno, jazz and soul influences.

Future Proof is open to anyone over 18 and Rhythm Section would like to honour the heritage of electronic music as a Black, queer artform, so they would especially love to hear from artists who identify as a person of colour, a woman or gender expansive, LGBTQIA+ or from a working class background.

Applications close on 4 November at 10am. 

Apply via: https://www.wearerhythmsection.com/future-proof

All photos by Ellie Koepke.

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