A Hundred Drums: Breaking Barriers Through Community and Diversity

In this conversation, Jesse Brede and Gabrielle Watson, known as A Hundred Drums, explore the complexities of diversity and representation in the music industry. She shares her new role at Beatport to create and foster diversity. Gabrielle shares her journey as a DJ and producer, discussing the challenges she faces as a woman of color in a predominantly white male space. They delve into the importance of community, the impact of raving on personal identity, and the need for safe spaces for underrepresented voices. The conversation highlights the pressures of representation and the underlying politics within the music industry, emphasizing the need for change and inclusivity. Gabriele also shares her journey in the music industry, focusing on the evolution of B-Side, the challenges faced in event promotion, and the importance of intention and community. She discusses the impact of significant events like the Ghost Ship Fire and the pandemic on the music scene, as well as her personal growth as a producer and DJ. Takeaways - Gabrielle Watson emphasizes the importance of community in the music industry. - The pressure of representation can be overwhelming for artists of color. - Raving has played a significant role in shaping Gabrielle's identity. - Diversity in music not only enriches culture but also creates better experiences. - Gabrielle's journey reflects the challenges faced by women in the music industry. - Creating safe spaces is essential for underrepresented voices in music. - The music industry has deep-rooted politics that affect artists' experiences. - Gabrielle's team plays a crucial role in supporting her career. - The need for more representation in lineups is critical for the industry. - Gabrielle's story is a testament to resilience and passion in pursuing one's dreams. - It's important to understand the different facets of the music business. - B-Side started as a small crew and has grown significantly over the years. - The Ghost Ship Fire had a profound impact on the event scene. - Transitioning through the pandemic required adaptability and resilience. - Intention is crucial in the music industry and should guide all actions. - Diversity in lineups is essential and achievable with effort. - Independent promotion is challenging but rewarding in building community. - The journey of a producer involves continuous learning and collaboration. - Major opportunities can arise unexpectedly, like the Super Bowl mix. - Staying true to one's roots while evolving is key to long-term success. Sound Bites - "Black people invented EDM." - "Raving changed my life." - "I became a box to check." - "I didn't ask to be chosen one." - "I have to prove that I deserve it." - "Diversity makes it better." - "The politics in music goes so far deep." - "Being a promoter is fucking so hard." - "Intention is the biggest key ingredient." - "I didn't know you were going to be a girl." Chapters 00:00 - Navigating Diversity in the Music Industry 02:57 - The Journey of 100 Drums 05:52 - Building Community and Representation 09:09 - Challenges of Being Underrepresented 12:01 - Personal Experiences and Growth 14:55 - The Impact of Raving on Identity 18:11 - Creating Safe Spaces in Music 1:01 - The Pressure of Representation 24:14 - The Politics of the Music Industry 29:35 - Navigating the Complexities of Being an Ally 30:04 - The Evolution of B-Side: A Journey Through Events 31:02 - From Small Beginnings to Major Events 32:25 - Challenges and Triumphs in Event Promotion 33:21 - The Impact of the Ghost Ship Fire on the Scene 35:38 - Transitioning Through the Pandemic: A New Era for B-Side 38:00 - The Rise of a Producer: Key Releases and Collaborations 40:52 - Reimagining B-Side: A New Direction Post-Pandemic 43:14 - The Hardships and Rewards of Independent Promotion 44:40 - The Importance of Intention in the Music Industry 48:02 - Opportunities with Major Brands: The Super Bowl Experience Follow A Hundred Drums: - Official Website: https://www.ahundreddrums.com/ - SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ahundreddrums - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahundreddrums - Twitter: https://twitter.com/ahundreddrums - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahundreddrums/ - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1dUCaUhp2RZRXrwOyUnHxQ