We are excited to announce our new monthly micro-mentoring initiative, we.grow with ALLIES, a speed-dating-style program that provides shesaid.so members with short-term, one-on-one mentorship from experienced industry professionals.
Mentors are hand picked from our vetted list of corporate ALLIES which includes companies across all areas of the music business and other related fields. Each month, shesaid.so members will have exclusive access to one-hour, one-off mentoring sessions with a mentor from the selected ALLIES member.
we.grow with ALLIES is inspired by the incredible work we have done as part of our mentoring programs and a desire to scale mentorship to as many members of our community as possible.
To kick things off this month, we have invited FMLY Agency, a leading independent booking, management and talent development agency based in the UK. As a shesaid.so member, you will be able to book your 1h mentoring session with one of the 4 mentors provided by FMLY: Amber Brzeski, Agnese Daverio, Jule Konrad and Alasdair Howie.
we.grow Mentoring Program
shesaid.so space at ADE 2023
We are excited to reveal our full-day conference program in partnership with ADE Lab on Thursday, October 19th, featuring talent such as Tiffany Calver, Kelli-Leigh, DESIREE, Barbara Tucker and Louie Vega covering topics such as digital identity, music for sync, and African mobility to name a few.
Taking place on Thursday, October 19th at Lynk & Co, the space will reflect key topics from the shesaid.so community, including workshops and discussions focused on technology, career development, music marketing and other music business trends; plus networking and showcasing opportunities featuring both local and global talent.
Address: Lynk & Co | Rokin 75, 1012 KL Amsterdam
An ADE Pro or ADE Lab pass is required for entry
CLICK HERE TO RSVP & for updates
Program Outline
12pm-12:45pm
How to Create a Winning Track for a Commercial with Sizzer (ADE Lab Talk)
Description: Whether you are thinking about becoming a composer for media, just starting out or are a veteran in the field, this panel dives deeper into the thoughts and the decision making processes of two advertising creative directors trying to select the right song for a commercial.
Together with shesaid.so, Sizzer x Music Matters invite two established advertising industry leaders to discuss the intricacies of finding the right track for a commercial; from their creative roles in the process, to the selection criteria, client expectations and ultimately creating a match between what you hear and see on screen.
The panel is rounded up by applying these learnings to tracks written during this years’ Sizzer x Music Matters women+ writing camp, hosted on the 16th and 17th of October.
Speakers: Mai Jammeh (Sizzer), Isaiah Woelkens (Music Matters), Ines Gerlach - Creative Director Art & Teamlead (Philipp und Keuntje), Katrina Encanto - Executive Creative Director (180 Amsterdam)
1pm-1:45pm
Embracing Identities: Digital Selves in the Metaverse with Studio VRij (ADE Lab Talk)
Description: In the age of the Metaverse, our digital selves inhabit virtual realms and navigate a complex landscape of identities. This panel discussion takes a philosophical approach to delve into the profound questions surrounding identity in the Metaverse and how it shapes our behaviour towards one another in the digital realm.
The installation ‘Oxytocina Machina’ will fuel this thought-provoking discussion as it enables visitors to experience the Metaverse and interact with one another, or even form intimate connections with strangers. Together with this installation, the panel talk delves into the very essence of who we are in the digital age, how we interact with others, and the profound implications of Metaverse design and emerging technologies on our identities.
Speakers: Iris van der Meule (Artist), Kuba Jekiel (Co-Founder, Radical Realities)
2:00pm-2:45pm
The Future of Voices in Dance Music
with House Gospel Choir & REP Vocal Agency (ADE Lab Talk)
Description: Join us for an enlightening and thought-provoking panel-discussion as we delve into the evolution and best practices when working with Vocalists in the Electronic Dance music arena. The discussion aims to illuminate the crucial aspects of collaboration, artistic expression and identity and equity in shaping the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.
We will explore the challenges faced from both perspectives with a particular focus on the consistent undervaluation of Vocalists. It’s important to acknowledge that there is still a prevailing undervaluation of predominantly Black sound in the music industry, particularly within the genre sounds of Soul and Gospel. Black women’s vocals are often used to create outstanding dance tracks, yet their visibility remains limited.
Our conversation will delve deeper into how, as a community, we can strengthen partnerships between Vocalists & Producers to ensure that everyone benefits. This panel discussion is a call to action, inviting us all to collectively examine tangible ways in which we can educate and re-shape this age-old narrative.
Speakers:
Natalie Maddix; Vocalist, Choir Director, Vocal Producer, Songwriter & Founder/Creative Director of House Gospel Choir and REP Vocal Agency
Kelli-Leigh; Independent Artist and Grammy nominated Voice & Songwriter
Louie Vega; One half of Masters At Work & Nuyorican Soul, Grammy Winner, DJ, Producer, Bandleader & Entrepreneur
Barbara Tucker: House & Soul singer-songwriter and choreographer with six No. 1 hits on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart.
Moderator: Laura Leon, (REP Vocal Agency)
3pm-3:45pm
Meta Best Practices For Artists (ADE Lab Talk):
Description: A talk hosted by Meta’s Liz Miller that will go through the latest tips, features and tools for Instagram, Threads, WhatsApp, and Facebook.
You will learn how to make the most of your music and content across the platforms, as well as manage your own well-being using our safety tools. There will be a Q&A at the end for answering any unanswered questions.
4:30pm-5pm
Navigating New Horizons: Empowering African DJs for Global Opportunities; presented by shesaid.so South Africa & Ballantine’s True Music Fund (ADE Lab Talk)
Description: Join us for a dynamic and inspiring dialogue that underscores the importance of empowering African DJs amidst the rise of African dance music and the increasing global touring of African artists. 'Navigating New Horizons: Empowering African DJs for Global Opportunities' will explore the unique challenges and exciting prospects African DJs encounter as they step onto the global stage.
The panel will delve into their personal journeys, showcasing how touring has been pivotal to their success. Crucially, this discussion will scrutinise the role of international players, such as promoters, festivals, and brands, in facilitating the mobility of African DJs.
Their influence not only elevates African talent but also sparks dynamic cross-cultural collaborations that enrich the global electronic music experience. Against the backdrop of visa discrimination and escalating fees faced by African artists, the panelists will explore actionable solutions to ensure equitable opportunities. "Navigating New Horizons" is a call to action, encouraging the global music community to embrace, support, and amplify the vibrant voices emerging from Africa.
Speakers: Jackie Queens (shesaid.so South Africa), DESIREE (Artist, South Africa), Coco Em (Artist, Kenya)
5pm-7pm
ADE Mixer with DJs Chmba & COCO EM
The shesaid.so space at ADE 2023 wraps up with a mixer with music by we.grow mentor Jameson Thomas, Kenya’s Coco Em and Malawi’s Chmba.
Open to all with RSVP via this link.
Music
Networking
Free drinks
shesaid.so x ADE 2023
We are excited to reveal our full program at ADE this year.
The jam-packed program includes a full-day conference as part of the shesaid.so space in partnership with ADE Lab on Thursday, October 19th, featuring talents such as Kelli-Leigh, DESIREE, Barbara Tucker and Louie Vega.
Additionally, the “we.grow at ADE” mentoring program for 40 mentees and mentors who work at companies such as Atlantic Records, Meta, TikTok, M&C Saatchi, and Ultra Publishing.
But that's not all; on Friday, October 20th, we'll be celebrating the relaunch of the shesaid.so Amsterdam chapter, reignited by music industry veterans Melissa d’Engelbronner and Connie Chow. To wrap up the week, join us for an entire day of music curation as part of Cosmopolitan's ADE Clubhouse on Saturday, October 21st.
With thanks to our partners ADE, Meta, and Ballantine’s True Music.
shesaid.so Founder, Andreea Magdalina, states:
“We are excited to return to ADE and create an environment where the global ADE and shesaid.so communities can connect, learn from each other and experience the latest trends in music. The shesaid.so space and mentoring program we.grow at ADE 2023 will give ADE attendees the opportunity to engage with ideas and people that are guided by values rooted in innovation, equity & intersectionality. You will learn, network and further your career in an environment that will nurture you professionally, creatively and on a personal level.”
shesaid.so has been working with ADE since 2017 with a focus on programming around diversity and inclusion in the music industry and a mentoring program that paired senior-level members from the shesaid.so community with mentees selected by ADE Lab. Since then, our team started shifting their focus towards programming that investigates the music business and educates its community on topics that are designed with shesaid.so’s core values at heart: diversity & inclusion, collaboration, and transparency.
shesaid.so space at ADE
Thursday, October 19 | 12:00pm - 7:00pm
Taking place on Thursday, October 19th at Lynk & Co, the shesaid.so space at ADE 2023 will reflect key topics from the shesaid.so community - including workshops and discussions focused on technology, career development, music marketing and other music business trends; plus networking and showcasing opportunities featuring both local and global talent. The shesaid.so space is a part of Amsterdam Dance Event’s official program and is open to ADE Lab and Pro pass holders only.
To kick things off, Sizzer & Music Matters invite two established advertising industry leaders to discuss the intricacies of finding the right track for a commercial. The panel is rounded up by applying these learnings to tracks written during this years’ Sizzer x Music Matters women+ writing camp, hosted on the 16th and 17th of October.
Studio VRij follows with “Embracing Identities: Digital Selves in the Metaverse'', a panel discussion that takes a philosophical approach to delve into the profound questions surrounding identity in the Metaverse and how it shapes our behaviour towards one another in the digital realm. The installation ‘Oxytocina Machina’ will fuel this thought-provoking discussion as it enables visitors to experience the Metaverse and interact with one another, or even form intimate connections with strangers. Together with this installation, the panel talk delves into the very essence of who we are in the digital age, how we interact with others, and the profound implications of Metaverse design and emerging technologies on our identities.
Attendees will be able to experience additional VR and AR content in one of the venue’s private rooms on Quest headsets provided by Meta. These headsets will be pre-loaded with experience in music production, DJ tutorials, music-based gaming, wellness & meditation - much of this with passthrough technology that will enable you to experience the room in mixed reality.
The shesaid.so space program continues with a session on Meta Best Practices For Artists hosted by Liz Miller who is a part of the Artist Partnerships team out of New York; and a panel that explores the challenges faced by vocalists who work with electronic music, curated by House Gospel Choir and featuring Grammy winning producer & DJ Louie Vega, House and Soul singer-songwriter and choreographer Barbara Tucker and singer-songwriter Kelli-Leigh with HGC founder, Natalie Maddix.
To wrap up, we are excited to invite our shesaid.so South Africa chapter to curate a discussion on African mobility and empowering African DJs for global opportunities, in partnership with Ballantine’s. Speaking on this panel are South Africa’s DESIREE and Kenya’s Coco Em. The shesaid.so space at ADE will close with two DJ performances by Coco Em and Malawi’s Chmba as part of a networking event that includes free beverages for guests.
Address: Lynk & Co | Rokin 75, 1012 KL Amsterdam
RSVP is required for entry
CLICK HERE TO RSVP & for updates
we.grow Mentoring Program
Wednesday, October 18
The we.grow at ADE mentoring program has now confirmed its 20 mentors and 20 mentees as well. Mentors include artists Tiffany Calver, Cristina Lazic and Manuka Honey as well as executives from companies such as Atlantic Records, TikTok, Meta and Ultra Publishing.
The 40 participants will gather for the first time at ADE on Wednesday, October 18th as part of an introduction session that will include a brief presentation on mentorship, plus food and drinks as part of a private event for mentors and mentees powered by Meta.
For more info about the we.grow at ADE Mentoring Program, including the full list of Mentors, head HERE.
shesaid.so Amsterdam Chapter: Mixer
Friday, October 20 | 3pm-5pm
On Friday afternoon, the team behind the shesaid.so Amsterdam chapter is hosting a mixer that marks the relaunch of the local community.
To celebrate this exciting relaunch, shesaid.so Amsterdam is hosting a Vrijdagmiddag borrel mixer on the 4th floor of the FUGA office.
Space is limited to the first 100 people, so be sure to RSVP via this link.
For those looking to get involved, there are several opportunities you can check HERE.
Cosmopolitan’s Clubhouse at ADE
Saturday, October 21 | 2 time slots
Cosmopolitan’s Clubhouse is free to attend with RSVP.
We will keep the exact location a secret for a while, but the party will take place in the heart of Amsterdam, so you can easily move on to your next party.
You can register for one of the two time slots (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM) via this link .
But beware: full = full.
Keep a close eye on Cosmo’s socials, website and newsletters for the latest updates about the location and the program. We promise now: it will be good. Do not miss it!
we.grow at ADE 2023 Mentorship Program presented by shesaid.so and ADE Lab
We are excited to renew our partnership with ADE this year with activities that include a mentoring program for 40 mentors and mentees of all genders and an official shesaid.so space as part of the ADE Lab program on Thursday, October 19th.
we.grow at ADE 2023 is a mentorship program presented by shesaid.so and ADE Lab that connects mentors from the shesaid.so community with mentees selected by the Amsterdam Dance Event team.
This year, the program will focus on 4 areas of the music business, reflecting the tracks that attendees will be able to engage in as part of ADE Lab 2023: Artists, Producers, Mixed Media and Music Professionals.
The program will feature a total of 20 mentors and 20 mentees, with 5 mentor-mentee pairs per each of the four Lab areas.
The 40 participants will gather for the first time at ADE on Wednesday, October 18th as part of a private event for mentors and mentees powered by Meta.
The we.grow Mentoring Program is open to all genders with priority given to people from underrepresented communities and disadvantaged backgrounds.
we.grow at ADE 2023 mentors
Bailey Greenwood (Agent, WME)
Cristina Lazic (Producer/DJ, Lazic Records)
Drew Lam (Artist Services, Platoon)
Evie Thomas (Head of Marketing [Dance], Atlantic Records)
Jameson Thomas (Artist Manager, IAMJT)
Kelly Staa (Editor in Chief, Cosmopolitan NL)
Kenny Eshinlokun (Founder, Taboo/Black Music Summit)
Liz Miller (Artist Partnerships, Meta)
Lucy Andrews (Brand Partnerships, Ballantine’s)
Lucy Atkinson (Agent, Earth Agency)
Maria Panayi (Music Marketing Lead, TikTok)
Manuka Honey (Artist)
Melissa d'Engelbronner (Head of Audience Strategy, Fuga)
Natacha Bouchon (Booking assistant (Dskonnect) Stage manager (Nitsa) Host (Primavera Sound)
Nicola Murray (Global Culture Marketing Specialist, M&C Saatchi Sport and Entertainment)
Romy Harber (Global Head of Dance & Electronic, Believe)
Sonya Okon (Head of Digital, North America, Ultra Publishing/Helix Records/Payday Records)
Tiffany Calver (Artist/DJ, BBC)
Whitney Wei (Editor In Chief, Resident Advisor)
Yasmin Leung (Label Manager, Ghostly International / Spectral Sound UK & Europe)
We are excited to return to ADE and create an environment where the global ADE and shesaid.so communities can connect, learn from each other and experience the latest trends in music. shesaid.so Founder, Andreea Magdalina, states:
“The shesaid.so space and mentoring program we.grow at ADE 2023 will give ADE attendees the opportunity to engage with ideas and people that are guided by values rooted in innovation, equity & intersectionality.
Mentor/Mentee Commitment
Read through & apply the information from the mentoring guidelines we share with you prior to their engagement.
Attend shesaid.so events at ADE if logistically possible.
3h of mentorship: spend at least 1h together throughout your ADE attendance and 2h after ADE (3h in total between October 18th and December 31st, 2023).
Applications are now closed and mentees have been selected.