ESEA Music's Sesame Mentorship Scheme is partnering with electronic music platform Beatport to host a first-of-its-kind workshop at the Pointblank Music School in London.
The event – which will be taking place on Sunday, June 1 – will be offering insights and guidance across various sectors of the music industry, including production, songwriting, marketing, royalties and music law. It is funded by Beatport’s Diversity + Parity Fund – an initiative supporting organisations that champion underrepresented groups and promote diversity across the music business.
ESEA and Beatport's collaboration aims to support and empower aspiring East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) artists and industry professionals. The workshop is a key initiative of ESEA Music's Sesame Mentorship Scheme which, managed by Rob Chung (FUGA) and Aileen De La Cruz (songwriter/vocalist) with support from Lucinda Tse-Hall (BMG), has been supporting ESEA individuals working in the UK music industry since 2023.
Attendees of the workshop will have access to networking opportunities, masterclasses, discussions and panels led by industry leaders in each field. Confirmed presenters for the event are: ESEA Music co-founder Tiger Hagino Reid, Nookie aka Gavin Cheung, Cherif Hashizume, Aileen De La Cruz, Calista Kazuko Georget, Dennis Lee, Hidehiko Whone, Nisa Kelly and Mandi Salerno.
"Now in its third year, ESEA Music’s SESAME Mentorship Programme has successfully proven to be a transformative force in nurturing and empowering the next generation of ESEA artists and professionals in the UK music industry,” said Hiroki Shirasuka, co-founder of ESEA Music. “In this pioneering workshop, ESEA Music is delighted to partner with Beatport and Pointblank, and to welcome many of the most esteemed ESEA leaders, who will be generously sharing their wisdom and guidance. Together we take another significant step to advancing ESEA representation in the UK music industry. "
Sofia Ilyas, chief community officer at Beatport, added: “We’re incredibly proud to have funded the Sesame Mentorship Scheme through the Beatport Diversity + Parity Fund. ESEA Music’s commitment to providing a support system for marginalised musicians represents a perfect embodiment of the fund’s mission. This workshop is a brilliant example of community-led programming that empowers emerging talent while celebrating culture and identity. We’re excited to see it come to life.”
“We’re incredibly grateful and honoured to be hosting the Sesame x Beatport Workshop in collaboration with ESEA Music at our London campus,” commented Rob Cowan, CEO and founder of Pointblank. “At Pointblank, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking music community, and it’s a privilege to support an event that celebrates and uplifts ESEA creatives in our industry. We can’t wait to welcome everyone through our doors for what’s sure to be an inspiring and empowering experience.”
