What went down at Dazed Club’s Behind the Mix panel

Last month, we celebrated Black female voices in London’s underground music scene by hosting Behind the Mix, a panel evening hosted by writer and broadcaster Natty Kasambala. On the panel were DJ, presenter and host Vanessa Maria, DJ, music supervisor and creative producer Jessica Ajose, plus artist manager and creative lead at Metallic Inc, Sharkkana Pryce.

Held in the Dazed Space, the evening was an intimate conversation between industry friends, followed by a party curated by Dazed club DJs, where Spearhead spirits flowed and connections grew. 

The music industry is turbulent, unpredictable and at times it can feel virtually impossible to navigate. The pressure to be ‘creative’ but ‘fit in’, or ‘be yourself’ but ‘be different’, creates an impossible paradox, and the panellists explained that these conditions often make them feel as though they’re in the midst of an identity crisis. After all, how do you stay true to yourself when you aren’t sure who your ‘self’ is? The panel discussion touched on a number of topics, but often came back around to the issue of personal identity as an artist or creative, plus the importance of finding community and connection within your scene.

Starting the discussion by talking about early careers, Maria spoke openly about her experience of breaking into the music industry and working for businesses such as Sony Music and the BBC. She recounted what it felt like to get that ‘dream job’, where thousands apply for that one holy spot. But, as Maria explained, being that chosen one sometimes results in the startling realisation that your ‘dream’ isn’t actually your dream at all.

Maria’s open and honest reflections set the precedent for the evening, which offered a raw, unfiltered insight into the different sides of the industry. The panellists also recalled how their networks have grown within the ‘commercial industry’ and how many of their friends have now become very influential, but added that they agreed creative control and sense of working for yourself was of paramount importance to them. 

Ultimately, Maria chose to leave her job and forge her own path by way of a portfolio career. Today, she’s a true multi-hyphenate: a DJ, content creator, podcast host and mental health champion rolled into one. She unpacked her career journey in depth, discussing topics such as self-promotion and personal branding.

The panellists also delved into the concept of community, and the power that derives from having a strong network of like-minded people who around you to build you up and champion you. All discussed their experiences of being a Black woman within the music industry, and explained how they overcame this adversity to land opportunities and step up. Ajose and Maria also discussed the tricky business of navigating corporate environments as Black women, while Pryce revealed that her most pivotal opportunities stemmed from Black women opening that door for her.

All four offered insights into the importance of identifying opportunities to help others and using your own stature to help others grow. They also reflected on their highs and lows within the space, but concluded that the adversity is worth pushing through and advised that self-belief is key to making it.

Throughout the talk, the panellists deftly discussed heavy, emotional topics by using humour and funny anecdotes, keeping the audience rapt and engaged. They covered a lot of ground throughout the evening, but one theme emerged as the most important aspect of working within music: community. All of the panellists agreed that building your community and bringing them with you on your journey is the only way young musicians will continue to flourish and grow.

Join Dazed Club and be part of our world! You get exclusive access to events, parties, festivals and our editors, as well as a free subscription to Dazed for a year. Join for £5/month today.