10 Black Dance Music Insiders You Should Know

Electronic dance music has been built and pioneered by Black communities and artists. Black artistry and innovation have been the foundation for the electronic giants we consume today. It's an often-overlooked history, and each year as Black History Month rolls around, we find ourselves having to re-explain this while continuing to fight for a place at the table.

This year as the think pieces and lists rolled in, there was a noticeable lack of awareness around the incredible Black professionals that also thrive behind the scenes. The booking agents representing your favorite artists, managers that help artists navigate their careers, and the production gurus who help bring to life some of your favorite festivals. 

From innovating what it means to be an artist manager to curating unique lineups, bringing fresh ideas to old processes, and more, we found 10 Black dance music insiders pushing culture and being the representation that is so desperately needed in this industry.

IMANI LEWIS

Artist Manager || TikTok Marketing Manager at VRTCL || Co-Founder of Divinity Music Group

What advice would you give to another Black creative/music professional looking to break into the behind-the-scenes roles in the Dance music industry specifically?

BE YOURSELF. There'sThere's only one you, and that's what makes you beneficial to this industry and the world. Know your strengths and stand on them. Don'tDon't hold your tongue for anyone. Be authentically you and let your powers prove you are just as great as someone who doesn't look like you. Put yourself out there and don't let a ''no'' stop you. Your spot is out there. You gotta go find it.

PERRY DAVIS

COO: 24-8 MGMT

What advice would you give to another Black creative/music professional looking to break into the behind-the-scenes roles in the Dance music industry specifically?

Make sure you are always exuding excellence while staying aware. There are few people of color in our industry. And even more people who are waiting for us to fail at every turn. Keeping your awareness will help you align with the right people and away from those who use you for their own gain or want to see you fail. We need to be at our best at all times to stand out and above those types of people. And we need to help and look out for each other at all costs.

SARAH STYLES

Founder & Owner: Background Noise (Agency, Label, Blog, Collective) || Artist Manager || Director of Operations for Sacred Hive/Sound Haven/Dubaween || Director of Non-Profit Operations for Good Looks Foundation

What advice would you give to another Black creative/music professional looking to break into the behind-the-scenes roles in the Dance music industry specifically?

I look around and constantly feel like the black sheep literally and figuratively, and at times it's discouraging because remaining true to yourself can sometimes feel isolating. Make small goals for yourself and execute as a reminder that you are on the right path. Feeling vulnerable is self-awareness - recognize that. There is nothing we can't accomplish. It's not about if we can do something. It's about when. We are beautiful. We are capable. We are loved. 

CHAVANTÉ FLAKES

Managing Director: We The Plug - Managing Director || Artist Manager || Talent Buyer

What is the biggest lesson you've learned in your industry journey?

You absolutely have to focus on taking care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. I lived by ''all gas, no brakes'' for a very long time, and it left me as an empty shell. I was so dedicated to the game and the hustle, some weeks not sleeping for 2-4 days, just because I was working, planning, learning, etc. I had to slow down and take a hard look at what I was doing and how I needed to correct my thought process and work habits. It wasn't easy, and it still isn't at times. However, creating routines, strict scheduling for professional and personal matters, exercising, and seeking help with a psychiatrist has helped me in more ways than I can describe. This is not a sprint. It is a marathon, so treat it like one.

KEISHA ANTONNETTE

Owner: Street Ritual Label || Agent: Sub.mission Agency || Full-Time Operations Assistant & Venue Manager: The Black Box Denver, CO || Freelance Production Technician & Artist Relations Specialist

What advice would you give to another Black creative/music professional looking to break into the behind-the-scenes roles in the Dance music industry specifically?

Find a mentor… or two… or three! There is someone out there with more experience than you who believes in you and wants you to succeed. Find that person. The guidance and support from mentorship are invaluable resources for growth and development within the industry. I owe a lot to my three mentors, who have been my backbone over the last several years and have helped me find my place within this industry.

EVAN WASHINGTON

Artist: BEaFF || Founding Partner, MC, Production Manager: Brownies & Lemonade

What advice would you give to another Black creative/music professional looking to break into the behind-the-scenes roles in the Dance music industry specifically?

Know the players, know the scene. The Dance community is very tribal, so getting familiar with the sound and the people is key. However, with that said, as Black people, our biggest export is our culture, so knowing that and staying true to your expression of the art is probably even more important.

RENEE COLEMAN

Owner & Artist Management: Ragency

What is the biggest lesson you've learned in your industry journey?

Balance is key. Working in the industry carries a large workload, and it can be exhausting as much as it is rewarding. The more you put in, the more you get out of it. It's important to work hard but also very important to remember to take care of yourself. 

Connect with everyone. Keep your head high. Pursue opportunities that align with your beliefs. Stay genuine.

NAIM HAKIM

Label Manager: MMXVAC | Creative Director: Gridlock MGMT || Artist Management || Producer

What advice would you give to another Black creative/music professional looking to break into the behind-the-scenes roles in the Dance music industry specifically?

Find out as best as you can why you like the scene and reverse engineer the scene into that position. The electronic music industry currently is short on people in general who understand the business of music releases and shows. Always be learning. Hit up youtube or a learning-style website to learn the basics of EVERYTHING you are curious about. Be prepared to change your situation if you ever get morally and mentally claustrophobic. 

JORDAN QUEBE

Project Coordinator, Curated Travel & Dance: Pollen

What advice would you give to another Black creative/music professional looking to break into the behind-the-scenes roles in the Dance music industry specifically?

As a Black man, I truly understand that sometimes it can feel like you're part of a very small percentage of individuals in the dance music industry. When most of your colleagues are non-minorities, or you're the only POC on a show billing. 

At the end of the day, what truly stands out is your work ethic, personality, and ambition to attain your goals. That's what makes people want to work with you or give you that opportunity - especially within dance music. It's part of the reason why I love this community so much that I wanted to make a career out of it. No one should ever be able to take away your drive to get what you want. That goes not only for music but for life. I would love to one day be an influence to Black creators and hopeful industry professionals!

SUZI ANALOGUE

Producer || Songwriter || Member: Recording Academy || Founder: Never Normal Records

What advice would you give to another Black creative/music professional looking to break into the behind-the-scenes roles in the Dance music industry specifically?

My advice for anyone, but especially for emerging Black talent seeking, is always to put yourself out there by attending events and shows to gain experience. Even genres of artists you would not normally see. Always remember who you connect with and build organic relationships. 

It's important to not always make networking about reaching new heights but reaching out to people in your community directly to the left and right of you. It is valuable to stay authentic in your moves. I feel like most innovative emerging Black talent are trailblazing our own opportunities because agencies have been lagging in creating true diverse teams that represent staff and artists alike. It is not easy, but it is worth it for the future of music, so stick with it.