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. Panels 1) In Conversation with Juliana Huxtable hosted by Jaguar (BBC Radio 1) Juliana Huxtable is one of the most innovative and genre-defying artists of her generation. Juliana Huxtable is a multi-disciplinary creative whose work challenges and redefines cultural boundaries. As a DJ, she has performed at iconic venues such as Berghain in Berlin, The Boiler Room, and The Lab LDN, captivating audiences with her boundary-pushing sets that blend techno, industrial, and experimental sounds. Her impact as a curator and visual artist is equally profound, with exhibitions at world-class institutions like The Whitney Museum of American Art and MoMA PS1, where she explores themes of identity, race, and the digital world. Beyond the stage and gallery, Juliana’s voice extends into the written word and activism, advocating for representation in creative spaces, especially for marginalised communities. Her career continues to break new ground, influencing both the art world and the global music scene. Chairing the discussion will be Jaguar, the renowned BBC Radio 1 presenter and DJ, who will guide the conversation through Juliana's extraordinary career and her contributions to the worlds of art, music, and activism. HOST: Jaguar (BBC Radio1) 2) The future of LGBTQIA+ events in the UK The future of LGBTQIA+ events in the UK is evolving, and in this panel, Boudica brings together a diverse group of event organisers from different corners of the LGBTQIA+ scene to discuss organising events for the community. Sustaining LGBTQIA+ events is challenging, requiring a balance between creating safe, inclusive spaces and staying relevant in an ever-changing cultural landscape. Financial sustainability remains a major hurdle, with rising costs and the complexities of rising funds. At the same time, maintaining a sense of community while scaling events is difficult. Panelists will share insights into how they’ve navigated these challenges, balancing authenticity with growth. They will discuss building relationships with partners and sponsors while staying true to their communities. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and learn practical tips for organising events. This panel offers a deep dive into the realities of LGBTQIA+ event organising and the importance of community engagement in growing the LGBTQIA+ party scene. HOST: Āliyah Husna SPEAKERS: Eden Topall-Rabanes (Riposte / HOWL) Lewis G Burton (Inferno) Nadine Noor (Pxssy Palace) + more to be announced 3) Making a Career in Music Sustainable 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 panelists—spanning artists, industry professionals, and creatives—will share direct strategies and approaches that have helped them overcome challenges and improve sustainability in their careers. From diversifying income streams to lessons learned from personal experiences, this discussion will offer actionable insights and real-world advice to help you build a sustainable and fulfilling career in music, no matter your role in the industry. HOST: Vanessa Maria Charisse C Hannah BG (Repercussion Management) Downtown Music Saskhia Menendez 4) The First LGBTQ+ Musicians Census 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. HOST: John Shortell (Musicians’ Union) Charlieeee Hannah Holland Toya Delazy + more to be announced 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) 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.