Our
Purpose.
What is it?
Start From Scratch is an initiative by AlphaTheta to provide free access to DJ education and industry opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Complimentary workshops give people the chance to learn the basics of DJing, or improve their skills, and gain insight on successful pathways through the industry. All workshops are community-led and guided by guest experts from the relevant community.
Following their first session, some participants have the chance to join the Start From Scratch Accelerator Programme. This includes a full DJ course at the school, funded by AlphaTheta, where they’re given the knowledge and guidance needed to kickstart their DJ career.
Why do we do it?
We believe we’re One Through Music. In an ideal world, we would look at the DJ lineups of the top global clubs, festivals, and music events and see a representation of the diverse society we live in. Instead, like in many influential roles in music and technology – not excluding those in our organization – we see mostly white cis men.
Yet dance music has always been embraced and championed by people of color, women and female identifiers, and LGBTQIA+ people. In fact, the roots of electronic music stemmed from black and queer club culture, but these important origin stories are often underrepresented in mainstream media discourse.
Our dancefloors are packed with diversity, and we often hear mantras promoting inclusivity and equality in the vocals coming from the speakers. So, why don’t we see all kinds of unique individuals behind the decks?
Right now, the DJ community simply doesn’t represent the fabric of global communities. We want to help change that by giving opportunities to people who may not get them otherwise.
Why is it important?
We love everything about our industry: the music, the technology, the clubs, the festivals, and of course, the people. We want it to thrive and be as interesting as possible. And, most of all, we want people from all communities to have the chance to participate, to be creative, to break barriers, and to contribute to the scene – whatever their background and circumstances may be.
Experience has shown us that it’s important to make safe spaces where artists’ minds can enter a flow state and they can realise their highest creative potential. We believe it’s our responsibility to use our resources and industry know-how to provide this opportunity for people who haven’t found DJing accessible before, so they can enjoy the thrill of performing.
We hope Start From Scratch will play a part in the diversification of DJ lineups, leading to a more eclectic industry where all communities are equally represented behind the decks.