The fourth edition of Bouica Music Conference is here, a day aimed to inspire women, trans+ and non-binary individuals to become involved in the music industry. Founded in 2019 by Samantha Togni, Boudica is an international event series holding a residency at FOLD, a record label and a conference series. In 2023, they initiated an ongoing, collaborative relationship with Pioneer DJ / AlphaTheta’s Start From Scratch series to support LGBTQIA+ communities across Europe. So far, they have held workshops, educational panels and events in Bologna, Cologne, Prague, Tallinn and more. Boudica’s enduring mission is to inspire, develop and nurture talented artists who typically lack the necessary resources to flourish, offering gender minorities in music the tools to do so. Since 2020, they have hosted editions of Boudica Music Conference at Freemasons’ Hall in London, the Museum of Modern Art Bologna (MAMbo), and FOLD in London. On the 24th January 2025, they return to the epicentre of London’s Queer music scene, FOLD, to host their fourth edition of the Boudica Music Conference. Once again, Boudica will present a day and night dedicated to exchanging knowledge in an accessible and safer environment. Alongside their usual programme of panels and electronic music, Boudica’s one-to-one Mentorship Hub returns, featuring Charles Green (Omni Artists), Katherine Cantwell (Heavenly Recordings), Hannah Shogbola (United Talent, Daju) and more. Plus, Boudica’s DJ Workshop in collaboration with Pioneer DJ / AlphaTheta is back, led by Lolsnake and Riva. Boudica Music Conference strives to encourage more Trans+, Female and Non-Binary individuals to become involved in the music industry. Boudica has curated a terrific lineup of industry professionals such as Juliana Huxtable, Jaguar (BBC Radio1), Nadine Noor (Pxssy Palace), Eden Topall-Rabanes (Riposte / HOWL), Lewis G Burton (INFERNO), Charisse C and many more to share their knowledge, experience and advice. Boudica Music Conference is supported by Arts Council England, Downtown Music, Musicians’ Union, Pioneer DJ / AlphaTheta and Resident Advisor. INTRODUCTION WITH ĀLIYAH HUSA, NETWORKING & OPTIONAL WRISTBANDS 4.30 PM - 5.00 PM This year we have prepared something new for you - Āliyah Husna will be hosting a 30-minute introduction session before our first panel, offering the chance to network and connect for those who wish to do so. We understand that not everyone may wish to chat and network, so we’re providing optional colour-coded wristbands to all attendees, grab one when scanning your ticket: Green feel free to chat with me Orange feel free to chat with me, but just a head up, I may not necessarily approach you to chat first Red here to learn, not to chat PANEL TIMETABLE We have four panels taking place across the afternoon and evening, including two 1-hour panels, followed by a 30-minute break. Then, we’ll conclude the conference with two more 1-hour panels. 1. MAKING A CAREER IN MUSIC SUSTAINABLE 5 PM - 6 PM HOST: Vanessa Maria (OFC YOU’RE INVITED, FOUNDATION.FM) SPEAKERS: Charisse C (Abantu) Hannah BG (Repercussion Management) Tayler Ross (FUGA) Saskhia Menendez (Music Industry Insights Worldwide) Building a sustainable career in the music industry is a challenge faced not only by artists but by everyone working behind the scenes. From navigating obstacles to celebrating triumphs, this session dives into the realities of creating longevity in the field. The panellists—spanning artists, industry professionals, and creatives—will share direct strategies and approaches that have helped them overcome challenges and improve sustainability in their careers. 2. THE FIRST LGBTQIA + MUSICIANS CENSUS 6 PM - 7 PM HOST: John Shortell (Musicians Union) SPEAKERS: charlieeeee (Relentless Recordings) Hannah Holland ILĀ (Trans Voices) OneDa (Heavenly Recordings) The first LGBTQIA+ Musicians Census, conducted by Help Musicians, the Musicians’ Union, and Come Play With Me, surveyed over 1,000 LGBTQIA+ musicians across the UK, uncovering financial instability, discrimination, and career barriers. Trans musicians earn nearly £10,000 less annually, and 37% of LGBTQIA+ musicians report experiencing or witnessing sexuality-based discrimination. These challenges impact mental health, with 43% of LGBTQIA+ musicians reporting poor mental health compared to 30% of all musicians. Despite this, 84% plan to remain in the industry in five years, highlighting resilience. The report urges the music industry to address inequalities, foster inclusivity, and support LGBTQIA+ musicians, enriching the cultural landscape. BREAK 7 PM - 7.30 PM 3. THE FUTURE OF LGBTQIA+ EVENTS IN THE UK 7.30 PM - 8.30 PM HOST: Āliyah Husna (BUMPAH, RIPOSTE, Pink Islands Collective) SPEAKERS: Akeil Onwukwe-Adamson (Queer Bruk) Eden Topall-Rabanes (RIPOSTE / HOWL) Lewis G Burton (Inferno) Nadine Noor (PXSSY PALACE) The future of LGBTQIA+ events in the UK is evolving. In this panel, Boudica brings together a diverse group of event organizers to discuss creating events for the community. This panel dives into the realities of LGBTQIA+ event organizing and the importance of community engagement in growing the LGBTQIA+ party scene. Topics include sustaining LGBTQIA+ events, navigating financial hurdles, and maintaining community while scaling. Panelists will share insights on balancing authenticity with growth and building relationships with partners and sponsors while staying true to their communities. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and learn practical event organizing tips. 4. IN CONVERSATION WITH JULIANA HUXTABLE HOSTED BY JAGUAR 8.30 PM - 9.30 PM HOST: Jaguar (BBC Radio 1, UTOPIA, The Jaguar Foundation) SPEAKER: Juliana Huxtable (tongue in the mind, Shock Value NYC) Juliana Huxtable is a multi-disciplinary creative whose work challenges cultural boundaries. As a DJ, she has performed at iconic venues like Berghain, The Boiler Room, and The Lab LDN, captivating audiences with boundary-pushing sets blending techno, industrial, and experimental sounds. Her impact as a curator and visual artist is profound, with exhibitions at institutions like The Whitney Museum and MoMA PS1, where she explores identity, race, and the digital world. Chairing the discussion will be Jaguar, renowned BBC Radio 1 presenter and DJ, who will guide the conversation through Juliana’s extraordinary career and contributions to art, music, and activism. DJ WORKSHOP Boudica is proud to present a DJ Workshop in collaboration with Pioneer DJ / AlphaTheta as part of the brand’s Start From Scratch initiative. Pioneer DJ / AlphaTheta created this initiative to support minoritised and underrepresented communities hoping to kickstart a DJ career regardless of expertise or background. In total, there will be 32 slots available across two separate workshops of 16 people each throughout the day. To take part in the DJ Workshop, ticketholders will be able to book slots via RA. DJ Workshop hosts: Lolsnake and Riva. MENTORSHIP HUB After the success of last year, the Mentorship Hub is back. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to book a half-an-hour, one-to-one slot with four leading music industry professionals and ask them questions in a safe, private and comfortable environment. Ticketholders can book slots with each mentor from January. Charles Green (Omni Artists) Downtown Music Hannah Shogbola (DAJU / United Talent) Katherine Cantwell (Heavenly Recordings) Loz Bruneau (BMG) Maiko Okabe (Warp) Accessibility Information for the Boudica Music Conference If you have any access requirements, please feel free to contact us at conference@theonlyboudica.com, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. To ensure we can prepare accordingly, we kindly ask that you let us know at least 24 hours before the event, as email monitoring will be limited closer to the start of the conference. That said, we will still keep an eye on emails, so don’t hesitate to get in touch. On the day of the event, our assistants, as well as bar or door staff, will be available to provide any support you may need—please don’t hesitate to reach out to them. Venue Accessibility: Wheelchair Access: FOLD is wheelchair accessible via a lift connecting the ground floor to the lower floor. Seating: Chairs will be available throughout the event. If you require prolonged seating or need a specific seat, please inform us in advance so we can reserve suitable accommodations for you. Schedule Overview: The program includes two 1-hour panels, followed by a 30-minute break, and concludes with two additional 1-hour panels. We are committed to making this event inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or requests. The day will then be followed by their party at FOLD, with Juliana Huxtable, Lolsnake, Samantha Togni, Teecra and Boo, the winner of Boudica’s mentorship competition. Boo will receive DJ lessons at the Boudica Hub, the opportunity to perform a paid set at FOLD, and a business-focused session with a mentor. Support from Boo’s mentor does not end there; the rising artist will have follow-up calls with her mentor for further career development as part of Boudica’s mission to support underrepresented talent beyond the DJ booth all year round. ➣ FOLD operates a strict 21+ and ID check at the door policy. ➣ Please make sure to bring a physical ID for a smooth entry.