Beatport's 'Decoding the Music Industry' Returns to L.A.

On Wednesday, November 6th, Beatport’s Decoding the Music Industry series returned to the iconic W Hotel in West Hollywood, bringing together industry leaders, artists, and aspiring creatives for an unforgettable evening. Hosted by our Chief Community Officer Sofia Ilyas, the event featured a mix of workshops, networking, and live music, all celebrating diversity and innovation within the electronic music community.

The evening began with an inspiring beginner DJ workshop led by KITTENS, an unapologetic Iranian-American, queer woman, and trailblazer in the music industry. Known for her bold approach to music and advocacy, KITTENS brought her signature energy and passion to the session. Through her PWR charity-driven DJ workshops and her acclaimed podcast SHE/HER/THEY, she has empowered countless women and non-binary DJs and artists. SHE/HER/THEY stands out as a platform for raw, authentic conversations with top-tier guests like Demi Lovato, Kehlani, Sarah Shahi, and Alexandra Shipp, delving into identity, gender, and creativity.

Following the workshop, KITTENS took to the decks during the mixer, delivering a special DJ set, joined by local sensations Raecola and Vlatz, who kept the energy soaring.

Raecola took us on a journey through the roots of Chicago’s “ghetto house” music—a genre that fuses disco, synth, soul, funk, and house music into electrifying rhythms. As true ambassadors of this influential sound, Raecola’s set was a celebration of culture and innovation, keeping the spirit of this underground movement alive.

Closing the night on the stunning W Hotel rooftop, Vlatz brought his dynamic energy to life. The incredible Colombian-American DJ, producer, and artist showcased his rich musical background, which shines through in every track. As the host of Fiesta Latina on SiriusXM’s Pitbull’s Globalization channel, Vlatz curates the best in Latin music every Monday night. His set was a fitting finale, wrapping up an unforgettable evening in style.

As the final Decoding the Music Industry event of the year, this gathering highlighted the power of community-driven initiatives in shaping the future of music. With Beatport's new office opening in the Downtown LA Arts District in 2025, we’re excited to continue creating spaces that inspire connection, education, and creativity.

Stay tuned for more Beatport Community events and follow along as we expand our efforts to support the global music community.