Sydney Blu is one of a kind; she’s a powerhouse in all forms of music, influencing and creating infamous beats. She is known for her dynamic sets and hard-hitting productions on Mau5trap, Drumcode, and HE.SHE.THE. The Toronto native is known for her chart-topping releases and relentless advocacy for gender equity in dance music, making her the perfect force to be the face of Change The Beat. It recently made its way to the New York debut at 1 Hotel Brooklyn, featuring local and upcoming talent. MyPlayground Media had the opportunity to be a part of the New York debut of Change The Beat and interview Sydney Blu.
“It’s been amazing. Each of those labels has a powerful network and a strong identity, so releasing with them has been huge for my exposure. I always aim to work with labels that have reach—it helps elevate the music and get it heard by a wider audience.” - Sydney Blu
Change The Beat was launched two years ago as #23by23, which was a campaign backed by Native Instruments and in partnership with Beatport. After the great success of the campaign, it then evolved to Change The Beat. It is a nonprofit organization devoted to uplifting female electronic music producers and DJs and underrepresented voices in the industry. By offering access to education, mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities. Founded by Sydney Blu, she created a community that’s shaping the future of the global music scene. An all multi-level organization that thrives in empowering women and hosting master classes in DJ education. Change The Beat will continue to expand to different cities such as Los Angeles, Texas, and Canada.
Artist Interview Episode 011: Sydney Blu
At the New York debut of Change The Beat was the definition and meaning of what the organization is all about. Held at the pristine and stunning 1 Hotel Brooklyn rooftop with a beautifully talented DJ lineup featuring Akki and Libby.wav. Setting the stage to a smooth and chill house vibe, Libby.wav drew the crowd with her forceful set. The sun was setting high over the New York City skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. As the music was playing, the colors in the sky began to turn, making a breathtaking picture-perfect setting. Drinks were flowing, more people arriving by the minute, all different walks of life, men and women, everyone was welcome. Along with the lineup, the crowd was mostly women. Another key example of how Change The Beat is becoming an empowering movement for everyone in the dance music industry, both DJs and dancers. Change The Beat is a safe place for all people who love dance music. “I’d love to see truly balanced 50/50 lineups, more women in leadership positions, and a more accessible industry overall. It would also be great if agents were a bit more approachable—and if people just responded to emails more consistently!” - Sydney Blu
“Make music. Make a lot of it. Keep pushing yourself to get better every day, and don’t underestimate the power of learning how to market yourself. The combination of strong music and smart branding is key.” - Sydney Blu
As the sun was about to set, headliner and Change The Beat founder Sydney Blu arrived on the decks. The crowd was cheering and clapping in excitement, people rose from their chairs and lounging areas to dance to the house Queen. As the sun sets and the bass kicks in, Change The Beat NYC will send a clear message. Diversity belongs on the dancefloor, and women belong behind the decks. Sydney Blu orchestrates her sensational DJ set overlooking the New York City skyline as the ultimate backdrop. Resurfacing monumental gems in dance music to her vibrant tracks, she once again formulated another unique and incredible set. It was a perfect night for the scenier, the crowd, and the music. “I’m constantly evolving and exploring new sounds—it’s the only way to stay relevant. I also release music regularly, which I believe is essential for staying connected with the scene. Beyond that, I run Change the Beat, an organization dedicated to uplifting underrepresented artists. Through it, I’m not only staying active but also creating community-driven opportunities by throwing events and helping others grow.” - Sydney Blu
Sydney Blu continues to tour around North America and Canada, with Change The Beat, one city and festival at a time. She recently had a Change The Beat pop-up shop at Toronto’s Electric Island. Sydney Blu continues to make tasteful tracks such as ‘Wild’ on Desert Hearts Records. “I produced it with Dantiez, who I collaborate with often. We have a great musical chemistry and always seem to create something special when we work together. 'Wild' is one of those tracks that just flowed.” Change The Beat is Sydney Blu’s passion, and she will strive to shape the music industry for the better, especially for women. Over the years, some things have changed; more women are headlining bigger festivals, and there are more women DJs on lineups. Ever since the beginning, it's a known fact that women have to work harder to achieve their dreams and goals. I’m not gonna go through the timeline of women's evolution; however, just focusing on dance music, women were not recognized as serious DJs in the 90s and 2000s. Mainly as a vocalist for DJs' tracks, being a woman and wanting to become a DJ is different. It takes a lot of work, grind, and dedication.
Listen to 'Wild' on Desert Hearts
“I did feel like I had to work harder—and I probably still do. But I don’t approach my career by focusing on gender. I see myself as an artist first, and I do what needs to be done to keep growing and contributing to the scene.” - Sydney Blu
As Sydney Blu looks ahead, her passion for pushing boundaries remains stronger than ever. With new music on the horizon, the continued growth of her Change The Beat initiative, and the highly anticipated release of ‘This Song is 4 You’ on her label next week, she shows no signs of slowing down. Balancing her creative journey with a commitment to empowering others, Sydney Blu continues to reinvent the dance music industry.
“I have new music on the way, and I’m continuing to grow Change the Beat, my organization focused on supporting women and underrepresented artists. I’m especially excited about my new track ‘This Song is 4 You,’ which drops next week on my own label.” - Sydney Blu
Either/ Or
Rooftop or nightclub - Nightclub
Perform back-to-back or all night long - all night long
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