Equal Beats Podcast by AlphaTheta Empowers Women, Femmes & Non-Binary DJs in Music Industry
The beat of change has begun. AlphaTheta, the parent company of Pioneer DJ, has unveiled Equal Beats, a new seven-part podcast series dedicated to empowering women, femmes, and non-binary people across the global music industry.
Hosted by acclaimed DJ and broadcaster Kikelomo, this inspirational series invites listeners behind the decks and into the stories of those challenging the gender imbalance that has long shaped the world of DJing, production, and music business.
🎶 A Platform for Representation: The Vision Behind Equal Beats
AlphaTheta’s Equal Beats initiative was launched in February 2025 after the company discovered a stark statistic — only 13% of its account holders identified as female.
Rather than letting that number define the industry, AlphaTheta made it their mission to amplify underrepresented voices, create accessible pathways, and build a community of inclusivity and mentorship.
The new Equal Beats podcast forms a central part of that global campaign — a medium through which real experiences, honest stories, and expert insights are shared to inspire the next generation of music creators.
“With Equal Beats, we wanted to make it easier for people to find their way into the music industry,” said Isabel Sugrañes, Marketing Executive at AlphaTheta. “So many aspiring women, femmes, and non-binary talents don’t know where to start. Hearing honest advice from established female voices can make all the difference.”
🎧 Hosted by Kikelomo: A Voice of Empowerment in Electronic Music
At the heart of Equal Beats is Kikelomo, a Nigerian-British DJ, broadcaster, and community advocate known for her work on BBC Radio 1, Rinse FM, and Boiler Room.
Kikelomo’s approach combines authentic storytelling with deep industry knowledge, making her the perfect host to bridge the gap between newcomers and veterans in the field.
She leads intimate, unfiltered conversations with DJs, producers, agents, and promoters who share the highs and lows of their journeys. Each episode blends personal narrative with actionable advice, giving listeners both emotional resonance and professional value.
💡 A Seven-Episode Series Designed to Educate and Inspire
Each episode of Equal Beats explores a unique theme that reflects a key challenge in the music industry — from breaking into DJing to balancing artistry and parenthood.
Episode Themes Include:
Breaking into the Industry: Pathways for Aspiring Female DJs Featuring Indira Paganotto, this opening episode uncovers how to enter the world of DJing, navigate self-doubt, and build a career from scratch.
Building Your Brand and Presence How artists can shape authentic identities and connect with audiences online and offline.
Confidence on Stage Experts discuss overcoming performance anxiety and claiming space in male-dominated environments.
Finding the Right Representation: Agents, Managers & PR Industry insiders break down the business side of success and how to build a reliable team.
Balancing Career and Parenthood Real stories from mothers and caretakers in the industry, highlighting how they balance passion and responsibility.
Collaborations, Networking & Mentorship The importance of allyship and building meaningful professional relationships.
Shaping the Future of Inclusive Music A forward-looking discussion on policy, education, and innovation in music equality.
👩🎤 Meet the Voices Behind Equal Beats
Equal Beats gathers a powerful lineup of trailblazers who have each reshaped the modern music scene.
Confirmed Guests Include:
Indira Paganotto — Internationally renowned DJ and producer leading the new wave of techno.
Georgia Taglietti — Former Communications Director at Sónar Festival, known for promoting diversity in electronic music.
Lady Shaka — Polynesian DJ and activist challenging stereotypes through cultural expression.
Maria May — Veteran agent from CAA with deep insight into artist development.
Sama Abdulhadi — Palestinian techno artist recognized for breaking barriers in the Middle East’s underground scene.
Annabel Stop It — Promoter and advocate for queer inclusivity in nightlife spaces.
Cristina Lazic — DJ, mother, and advocate for balance between family life and creativity.
Together, they bring decades of experience, resilience, and innovation, offering young listeners practical tools and inspiration to forge their own paths.
🌍 Behind the Mic: A Female-Led Production
Recorded in London by an all-female production crew, Equal Beats is not just a podcast about gender equality — it embodies it.
From sound engineering to editing and design, every step of production was led by women professionals, showcasing that the entire ecosystem of music — not just performers — can reflect diversity.
This hands-on inclusivity creates a podcast that doesn’t just talk about change, but practices it.
📊 Why Equal Beats Matters: The Gender Gap in Music
According to global reports from IMS (International Music Summit) and Women in CTRL, women make up:
Less than 20% of performing DJs on festival lineups
Only 2% of producers in the electronic music scene
Less than 15% of music executives in top-tier labels
These numbers reveal the systemic barriers that persist in a field where talent should be the only metric that matters.
AlphaTheta’s initiative seeks to reverse these trends, not by tokenism, but by equipping women and non-binary people with skills, visibility, and community connections that sustain careers.
💬 Industry Voices: Breaking the Silence and Building Solidarity
The Equal Beats podcast aims to start conversations often avoided in public forums:
Why do women still face gatekeeping in DJing?
How do non-binary artists navigate identity in commercial spaces?
What does genuine inclusivity look like beyond PR slogans?
By centering lived experiences, the podcast gives voice to those who have long been spoken about, but rarely spoken to.
🎤 Quote Spotlight: From the Creators and Collaborators
“This podcast is about opening doors, sharing real experiences, and reminding people that there’s space for everyone in this industry.” — Isabel Sugrañes, Marketing Executive, AlphaTheta
“Every story told on Equal Beats carries a message — that music belongs to everyone, and everyone deserves to be heard.” — Kikelomo, Host
🚀 Beyond the Podcast: The Broader Equal Beats Initiative
The Equal Beats Initiative is more than a podcast. Since its inception in early 2025, it has evolved into a global platform supporting gender diversity through:
Workshops and Masterclasses with leading DJs and producers
Networking Lunches and Panel Discussions
Collaborations with Festivals and Clubs to feature diverse lineups
Campaigns Highlighting Female and Non-Binary Artists
Mentorship Programs connecting newcomers with established professionals
Each project reinforces the mission to build an ecosystem where talent thrives free from bias.
🌐 Where to Listen and How to Join the Movement
The first episode of Equal Beats is available from 16 October 2025 on all major platforms, including:
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Music
Amazon Music
Google Podcasts
New episodes will drop every two weeks, offering an ongoing conversation about equality, creativity, and the courage to take up space in music.
Listeners are encouraged to follow @AlphaThetaGlobal and @KikelomoMusic on social media for updates, live discussions, and event announcements tied to the series.
💬 Audience Reactions and Early Buzz
Within hours of its launch, Equal Beats began trending on music forums and social platforms. Early listeners praised its authentic tone and empowering energy.
“It’s the podcast I wish existed when I started DJing,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). “Hearing these women talk about the challenges I face every day makes me feel seen.”
Critics have lauded the show for its balance of education and emotion, describing it as both a mentorship tool and a movement manifesto.
🔍 A Step Toward an Equal Future in Music
The Equal Beats podcast is more than a listening experience — it’s a call to action. By opening conversations that have long been silenced, AlphaTheta and its collaborators are redefining what progress sounds like.
In an industry that thrives on rhythm and collaboration, Equal Beats reminds us that diversity is the truest form of harmony.
📅 Key Details at a Glance
Feature
Details
Podcast Name
Equal Beats
Host
DJ & Broadcaster Kikelomo
Produced By
AlphaTheta Global
Series Length
Seven Episodes
Production Team
All-Female Crew, London
First Episode Guest
Indira Paganotto
Other Guests
Georgia Taglietti, Lady Shaka, Maria May, Sama Abdulhadi, Annabel Stop It, Cristina Lazic
Release Date
16 October 2025
Release Frequency
Fortnightly
Available On
YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts
Purpose
Empower Women, Femmes, and Non-Binary Artists in Music
🧠 Final Thoughts
AlphaTheta’s Equal Beats podcast serves as both a celebration and a challenge — a celebration of the achievements of women, femmes, and non-binary artists, and a challenge to the industry to do better.
Its legacy will likely extend far beyond seven episodes. As stories are shared and barriers fall, Equal Beats could become the blueprint for future initiatives in equality and creative empowerment.
Because when everyone has a voice, the music sounds better.
Equal Beats Podcast by AlphaTheta Empowers Women, Femmes & Non-Binary DJs in Music Industry
Equal Beats Podcast by AlphaTheta Empowers Women, Femmes & Non-Binary DJs in Music Industry
