Beatport and Youth Music Are Shaping Tomorrow’s DJs
Beatport and Youth Music launch a £60,000 fund to empower young DJs and producers in the UK, providing mentorship, resources, and exposure to help grassroots talent thrive in electronic music.
“For aspiring DJs, the first beat often determines your future—and Beatport is making sure no talent goes unheard.”
In the ever-evolving world of electronic music, opportunity can be as fleeting as a perfectly timed drop. For aspiring DJs and producers, especially those coming from underrepresented communities, breaking into the scene often feels like trying to spin a record that isn’t even on the turntable. Now, Beatport and UK-based charity Youth Music are rewriting the rules, launching a £60,000 fund designed to give young talent the resources, mentorship, and visibility needed to transform potential into performance.
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The Beatport x Youth Music fund targets emerging creators aged 18 to 25, providing four grassroots organisations with £15,000 each to fuel local initiatives, studio access, and artist development programs. But it doesn’t stop at financial support—Beatport’s editorial and marketing platforms will amplify these projects, giving young DJs and producers a stage far beyond their hometowns. From mastering the decks to learning the business behind the beats, recipients gain tools that turn ambition into artistry.
This initiative arrives at a critical moment. Research from Youth Music reveals that 41% of grassroots youth music projects in the UK are now at risk of closure—a sharp rise from 24% in 2024. For the next generation of DJs, that gap in opportunity could have meant silenced talent. With this collaboration, Beatport and Youth Music are not only rescuing grassroots culture but actively cultivating a more diverse and dynamic electronic music ecosystem.
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“Electronic music has always been about community, creativity, and breaking down barriers,”
says Beatport’s Chief Community Officer Sofia Ilyas.
“Partnering with Youth Music ensures young people, regardless of background, have a fair chance to be seen and heard.”
Similarly, Youth Music’s Ife Okonkwo notes that young artists from underserved communities often possess a unique creativity born from resilience—and the right support can unlock extraordinary potential.
For DJs watching the industry evolve, this fund represents more than financial backing—it’s a signal that the next wave of electronic music innovators will have access to the tools, guidance, and exposure necessary to shape the scene on their own terms. Applications remain open until November 21, 2025, offering an invitation for grassroots organisations to become catalysts in the careers of tomorrow’s electronic music stars.
Click here for the application system by Youth Music.
