Help Musicians announce expert panel for charity’s Electronic Music Award
The panel includes artists, managers and leading industry figures with a depth of experience in electronic music
In May we launched our Electronic Music Award in collaboration with DJ Mag, with the aim of enabling the next generation of electronic music creators to thrive.
The Electronic Music Award offers vital support to electronic musicians, particularly in light of the 2023 Musicians’ Census. Our Census demonstrated that musicians working in dance music face increased barriers, whether that be inconsistent financial streams, vulnerability to debt, higher rates of low mental wellbeing or difficulties navigating the music industry.
Our support has been specifically designed to tackle these issues head on. A cohort of electronic music creators will enter a 12-month career accelerator programme where they will not only receive £3,000 towards their music project, but also be supported to create new peer connections, gain valuable 1−2−1 business advice from industry experts and be given the opportunity to foster vital industry networks.
Applications for the award recently closed and a panel of expert figures from the electronic music world have been invited to assess our first round of applications. The panel’s careers and skillsets span the broad spectrum of electronic music and we are absolutely thrilled to have such a knowledgeable and passionate group involved with our new Electronic Music Award.
Read on to learn more about our panel and their specific areas of expertise and experience.
Meet the panel
Girls Don’t Sync are an all-female group of DJs, producers and curators bringing much needed inclusivity and energy to under-represented dancefloors worldwide.
Winners of DJ Mag’s Breakthrough DJ of the Year Award in 2022, the girls have gone on to sell out KOKO and The Warehouse Project, whilst also releasing their debut edits EP.
Recognised by the Music Managers Forum as 2022’s Breakthrough Manager of the Year, Callum managed the likes of Kevin Saunderson, Eliza Rose, SHERELLE, cktrl, Jamie 3:26 and more during a 5‑year stint as Creative Director & Artist Development at One House.
An advocate for diversity and inclusion through his work with The Black Music Coalition, his focus spans artist growth, project management, A&R, international release campaigns, live touring, effective storytelling, community development, PR and career strategy.
Becky Woodcock is a DJ, promoter, workshop facilitator and bid-writer based in Newcastle upon Tyne. She co-founded Music Sphere, a bass-led dance music party in Newcastle, and is a leading DJ in the North East’s underground dance scene.
Becky also works in bid-writing and fundraising at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, hosts monthly workshops teaching women and minority genders skills in DJing and promoting, and leads on the North East Music Hub’s Youth Voice work.
George started his career in the music industry at the age of 17, putting on club nights and gigs for artists as varied as Glass Animals and TQD in his hometown of Cambridge. He continued this passion at University in Leeds; hosting acts such as Paleman, Benton and Perc at the underground club Wire.
He pursued a career in the recorded music industry and worked in various roles across digital marketing, streaming and A&R for companies such as BMG and Motive Unknown. George now works as an A&R at indie label Ninja Tune, helping to discover new talent for the label and developing existing signings.
Josh is one half of electronic music duo Posthuman and the promoter & label boss of I Love Acid. Posthuman first appeared on cult label Skam Records before becoming part of the electronica scene that took hold of London in the late 90s and early 00s. Posthuman have released eight albums, and countless 12” EPs and singles on dozens of labels.
In 2007, Josh started the I Love Acid club night alongside Luke Vibert, a party dedicated to the sound of acid. The party is now well over 250 events in 18 years and currently holds regular residencies at Berkeley Suite in Glasgow, Hare & Hounds in Birmingham, and Corsica Studios in London. In 2019, it won the DJ Magazine Best of British award for Best Club Event.
Mick Wilson is a highly respected figure in the music industry, known for his extensive expertise and influential roles as the Tech Editor for DJ Mag and Editor of DJ Mag Ibiza — he has made significant contributions to both the editorial and creative aspects of the electronic music scene.
His multifaceted career (spanning over three decades) as a tech editor, music journalist, DJ, and producer highlights his versatility and deep passion for electronic music.
Olivia worked as Editor-in-Chief of the UK’s largest student music publication, The Mic, during her studies, before joining DJ Mag as their digital staff writer last summer. Since then, she has taken the reins of the magazine’s new music premiere section, shining a light on emerging and early career electronic artists, and written profiles on some of dance music’s most promising new talents.
Help Musicians is here for electronic musicians
It is incredibly exciting to have experienced figures from the electronic music world offering their unique insight as part of our Electronic Music Award. The advice they impart will have a huge impact on the incredibly talented emerging electronic artists looking to build a sustainable career in music.
We are greatly looking forward to working with Girls Don’t Sync, Callum, Becky, George, Josh, Mick and Olivia during the application process and leaning on their depth of industry knowledge. Collaborating with our respected panel of experts and DJ Mag throughout the Electronic Music Award affirms that as a charity we support electronic music and the people who make it.