We Are Listening is a platform, event series and mentoring programme from the Toolroom Academy.
We created #wearelistening in 2018 to tackle the genre imbalance within dance music. Over the years, we have worked with the likes of Maxinne, ESSEL, Hannah Laing, Carly Wilford & Caruna.
We have collaborated with brands such as Change The Beat, Label Radar, and more.
Our members have been signed to labels such as Nervous Records, Hot Creations, Kaluki, Elbow Music and He.She.They.
Rising star Maxinne, who got her break from the initial #WeAreListening sessions, committed herself to music full time and hasn’t looked back since. Her dedication and work ethic has lead her to play throughout the UK, Europe and the US at some of the most exciting clubs and festivals. From Studio 338 and Ministry of Sound in London to Lost Beach Ecuador and all over North America. Whilst holding down a 17 week residency at Eden Ibiza back in 2019 for Toolroom!
Sophia Essel (ESSEL) is another artist to emerge through the #WeAreListening initiative. The Liverpool–based artists, having only started her career in music a little over 3 years ago, has had a rapid ascent. With residencies at Sankey’s Ibiza, Eden, Ibiza Rocks Hotel & Es Paradis in Ibiza on her first year, she has taken the scene by storm Having over 500k regular monthly listeners on Spotify alone.
The people attending WeAreListening events are female/non binary producers who want to gain a better knowledge of the music industry and learn how to produce Tech-House. These days usually cover such things as marketing and business with Toolroom’s in house experts, a Production session with a well known artist from the Toolroom roster and live A&R feedback from our label managers. At the end, everyone is encouraged to network and meet members of the Toolroom team.
The idea is to create an intimate space where ladies can come and comfortably share their knowledge and experiences. These days act as a small taster day of the Toolroom Academy and what we offer. The overall aim is to show that Toolroom are here to encourage females to be apart of the label, as well as The Toolroom Academy. The long term goal is to have more female producers send us music and start to sign up to The Toolroom Academy.
Emma Clair: Having attended the We Are Listening events pre covid, I knew what to expect and I’m pleased to say that my expectations were exceeded. Well done guys, you smashed it!
Teresa Jane: Inspirational and eye-opening day which encouraged me to reset and reapply myself to some of the goals I’ve set armed with new information, new support, new friends and some valuable A&R feedback.
Want to get involved? Email us for more information.
