BRIT and Grammy nominated star, Mahalia, announces the launch of Sisters in Sound – a new workshop and event series created by youth-led charity Small Green Shoots as part of the Dr. Martens’ Tough As You initiative, an ongoing grassroots platform that helps emerging artists take their first step in the industry. Addressing the imbalance of opportunities in the DJ and music production scenes, Sisters in Sound invites young women of colour to sign-up to learn from the best in the business in a series of workshops, culminating in a live showcase event on International Women’s Day on 8th March at Tileyard Gallery.
After being signed at the age of 13, on her rise to stardom, Mahalia herself was supported by Small Green Shoots Founder, Natalie Wade who secured her first manager and mentored her through the process. Passionate about paving the way for the next generation of young women of colour entering the industry, the two are on a united mission to address the challenges that women from minority communities often face, aiming to change the music industry by creating a more equal representation for women of colour musicians.
Mahalia said about the project, “I honestly couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the Tough As You initiative. Supporting an organisation like Small Green Shoots just felt right to me. After all of the help and support that they directly gave to me when I was a brand new artist, getting to do something like this with them really is a full circle moment. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone taking part and can’t wait to see the showcase!”
“Mahalia was one of the first emerging artists we supported at Small Green Shoots. Not only was she an incredibly talented singer-songwriter, she was from a talented but working class family who completely understood the mission and the need for an organisation like us in the industry. She’s been a loyal supporter and salt of the earth “ mate”of our small but punchy charity – ever since.’ Natalie Wade, CEO & Founder of Small Green Shoots.
The project will involve four interactive workshops covering DJing, music production, content editing and live event management, brought to life by industry professionals. Launching at a time when the pandemic has further hindered young people from getting their break in the industry, the workshops will look to equip the women with the skills needed to shoot for success. The International Women’s Day finale at London’s Tileyard in Kings Cross, will see all chosen artists showcase their newly honed skills in front of a live audience.
Sisters in Sound is the first project of the Dr. Martens Tough as You initiative, empowering and supporting creative communities across Europe. With the help of UK mentors Mahalia and visionary Ivor-Novello nominated rapper Kojey Radical, the project aims to accelerate the ascent of underrepresented artists, collectives and grassroots organisations via a range of support, including one-to-one industry guidance, financial assistance and help with realising their creative visions. Through increasing access to creative opportunities, Dr. Martens continues its six decades at the forefront of subculture.
In the past year, Dr. Martens’ cultural footprint has funded and mobilised a series of projects within the UK, including helping Liverpool radio station Melodic Distraction to secure a permanent studio space, working with producer Batu to establish a new community music studio in Bristol, and publishing Nova Twins’ ‘Voices For the Unheard’ vinyl album in aid of The Black Curriculum.
