In an era where inclusivity and diversity are not just buzzwords but pillars for progressive communities, Beatport, the global leader in music for DJs, producers, and fans, is set to amplify the narrative of inclusivity through its latest documentary. On February 7, the music titan partnered with HE.SHE.THEY., the award-winning record label, clothing brand, and international inclusivity party, to debut an intimate documentary on Amazon Prime. This unveiling promises to be more than just a visual feast. It is a deep dive into the relentless pursuit of creating spaces that welcome all, irrespective of gender, sexuality, or race.
A Global Movement For Inclusivity
HE.SHE.THEY. has emerged as a formidable force in advocating for inclusivity across 50 cities worldwide. From the vibrant streets of LA to the historic alleys of Berlin, and the scenic beaches of Ibiza to the bustling markets of Mumbai. The brand’s ethos, encapsulated through its house rules of no homophobia, no transphobia, no misogyny, no racism, and no body-shaming, serves as a testament to its commitment to fostering a community that celebrates diversity.
The Personal Is Political
Off The Record offers an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of HE.SHE.THEY.’s co-founders, Sophia Kearney and Steven Braines, along with their trusted compatriot, Ashraf Ejjbair. Founded in 2018, the brand emerged at a critical juncture when discussions around gender, body positivity, sexuality, and inclusivity were gaining momentum in mainstream Electronic spaces. Through intimate narratives, viewers are invited to explore the founders’ journey and the brand’s evolution. From heartwarming family homes to electrifying dancefloors in New York and San Francisco, and even a digital art project, the documentary weaves a rich tapestry of experiences that underscore the founders’ vision.
When asked about the documentary, HE.SHE.THEY. co-founders Sophia Kearney and Steven Braines had the following to say: “It’s been so amazing to be given a platform to freely tell the story of HE.SHE.THEY., which is both our story and that of our global community”. They continue: “It’s very raw, and honestly, a lot of our own insecurities and past trauma are on show so it was a bit of an emotional roller coaster at times. It was a cathartic and difficult process to go through, but it was worth it. We hope it shows people they too can work hard and dream big, that they can channel their trauma into a solution that’s bigger than them to help others“.
“The importance of community and the shared values of respect, compassion, and empathy for others, both on the dancefloor and beyond, whilst also remembering to be silly, fun, dance and experience joy too as we only get one life.”
-Sophia Kearney and Steven Braines
Celebrating Diversity On The Dance Floor
The documentary also spotlights HE.SHE.THEY.’s fifth birthday in London. It was headlined by the subculture goddess Peaches. In the process showcasing the brand’s influence on the music industry and its efforts to champion diversity. Each event curated by HE.SHE.THEY. is a testament to their unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
Beyond The Dance Floor
HE.SHE.THEY.’s influence transcends its event series. It has evolved into a fashion and record label showcasing work from artists like DJ Minx, Cakes Da Killa, and Faithless. In addition to this, they’ve also hosted SYREETA and Maya Jane Coles. The brand’s collaboration with Alanis Morissette on a trans-inclusive remix album further underscores its dedication to inclusivity and diversity in all creative expressions.
Words From Beatport CCO
“We are incredibly honored to showcase HE.SHE.THEY. and their extraordinary journey in this installment of Off The Record“, said Sofia Ilyas, Chief Community Officer at The Beatport Group when asked about the documentary. She continues:
“Their unwavering commitment to inclusivity and their impact on the electronic music scene is truly inspiring. We hope this documentary sheds light on their vision and motivates others to embrace diversity within their respective communities.”
As Beatport unveils the second installment of Off The Record, the documentary is poised to inspire and motivate viewers. They aim to do so by showcasing the extraordinary world of HE.SHE.THEY. It’s a celebration of the power of community, shared values, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can feel valued and included. Through the lens of music, fashion, and personal narratives, the documentary is a clarion call to embrace diversity. To embrace it not just on the dance floor, but in every aspect of life.
About HE.SHE.THEY.:
HE.SHE.THEY. is an international record label, fashion label and House/Techno party. The party is renowned for bringing back important old-school values that defined the early scene — centered around inclusivity and diversity —, about making everyone and anyone feel welcome irrespective of age, race, sex, gender, ability, religion, background or sexuality. This simple but essential mission has taken HE.SHE.THEY. from festivals like Glastonbury Festival and Kappa Futur to Prides to the world’s most prestigious clubs like fabric, Cocorico and, of course, Amnesia, across 15 countries and 40 cities from Berlin to Ibiza to Mumbai to NYC, with artists such as Maya Jane Coles, Kerri Chandler and Honey Dijon through to Marcel Dettman, Dax J and Ellen Allien playing for the brand.
Check out their Beatport page, here.
About The Beatport Group:
The Beatport Group is the worldwide home of music for DJs, producers, and their fans. Founded in 2004, The Beatport Group’s family of companies includes Beatport, the preeminent store for Electronic music DJs, Beatsource for the open-format DJ community, Loopcloud and Plugin Boutique for music producers, ampsuite and LabelRadar for streamlining label management and demo submissions, and Beatport Media Group for brands and fans of DJ culture. The Beatport Group’s portfolio of products includes an array of high-quality audio solutions to choose from, including full song downloads, exclusive content from leading labels, a streaming music service seamlessly integrated into DJ software and hardware (Streaming), and exclusive sound packs and plugins. All of the content is expertly curated on a weekly basis by a global team that helps define DJ culture. With headquarters in LA and London, The Beatport Group’s teams reflect the culture they serve. A passionate collective of music professionals and technologists who serve the DJ and producer communities with pride.
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