Progress & Sustainability as a DJ – May 2025

After four years of running the FBM mentorship program, we can proudly say we have enabled 50+ FLINTA people on their first steps as DJs or in their music production journey. To fortify our community and take our bass angels beyond the beginner stages we have developed a new format which will strengthen their and our foundations in the current music landscape. By inviting trusted actors to host in-depth sessions, we aim to nourish our local scene in a safer learning environment with an intimate group of 15 FLINTA participants.
For a duration of 6 weeks, we will host one session per week around the topic of progress and sustainability in one’s DJ career. This program will be destined towards more advanced DJs.
Duration: 6 weeks.
Wellness, Balance, Sustainability: tools & practices with ZE:NA (Rise Nights co-founder, meditation & wellness coach)
Nightlife, going out, raving : these aren’t separate from life; they are life. Yet, society often tries to detach dance music culture from broader conversations about wellbeing, as if the two can’t coexist.
As a yoga teacher who’s been deeply immersed in the dance music world : raver, event worker, DJ, and promoter, ZE:NA has experienced all sides of the scene. Over the years, she has explored a variety of tools and practices to help her live more sustainably, physically, mentally, and emotionally; so she can fully enjoy every part of life without burning out.
In this 2-hour workshop, the group will come together in open discussion and storytelling. ZE:NA will share insights from her journey and offer practical tools to help others feel more grounded, balanced, and confident in their own.
Burnout Prevention and Creative Flourishing with Louisahhh (DJ/Producer, Consent Coach)
In this workshop on burnout prevention and creative flourishing, we will discuss how to use somatic tools of embodied consent to build and support careers in the music industry that are sustainable in terms of mental health and physical wellbeing. We will learn how to implement systems of self-care and self soothing in challenging moments, build robust foundations from which we can advocate for ourselves and our communities, and have enough room to grow, play and challenge ourselves as artists.
Demystifying the Agency sphere with Yuko Asanuma (Setten Agency founder & booking agent)
In this workshop on navigating the agency sphere, we will break down common misconceptions about getting booked as an artist and provide clarity on the role of agents in the music industry. We will focus on what artists need to do on their own to create opportunities while highlighting the importance of community, consistency, and self-management. The session will also offer insight into how agents work, what they can (and cannot) provide, and key perspectives from the agency side. Along the way, we’ll discuss practical strategies for artists to strengthen their career trajectory and prepare for bookings more effectively.
Honing your craft: an advanced DJ workshop with Kikelomo (DJ/Producer, Oroko Radio founder)
Kikelomo will hold a session designed for DJs looking to deepen their skills and approach the next phase of their journey with intention.
We’ll explore how to stay motivated in your practice, build confidence, and prepare sustainably for gigs: from smart file organization to refining your set structure. The second half of the session will dive into more advanced mixing techniques using the CDJ 3000s, offering a hands-on opportunity to experiment, troubleshoot, and evolve your sound.
A take on building your profile (DIY) with Mia Koden (DJ/Producer)
This session explores how to shape a meaningful artistic presence through music, visuals, and community on your own terms. We’ll dive into creative world-building with limited resources, balancing storytelling, sharing, and visibility in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. From navigating social media with intention to discovering alternative platforms, we’ll reflect on what it means to build legacy over hype—and how to grow a profile without losing yourself in the process.
Dissecting the decks: record playing best practices, gear troubleshooting with special guest
More info soon.
NOTES:
Please note that this is a Berlin based initiative and destined to people residing here full time.The majority of the classes will take place at Refuge Worldwide’s new space on Niemetzstr. 1, 12055 Berlin. Please find all accessibility info here.
The main language of this program and its classes is English. It is mandatory that your level of English is advanced enough to understand more complex topics and converse fluently
COSTS:
In order to honour our funding plans, and to keep evolving, nurturing talent, and giving back to the bass community as much as we can, there will be a small participation fee for the first time.
We’re asking for a sliding scale contribution of €10–15 per session, meaning 90€ or a minimum of 50€ for the full program. If you’re able to give more, it supports others who may not be in the same position financially and helps us keep our funding. That said, we’re holding space for low-income applicants ! No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Just let us know in the application form.
NB: This mentoring program is organised and powered during our free time, aside from our main professional activities. It takes us effort and time to provide courses, locations, and mentors. While we understand that life happens, we still require commitment to the program and a steady attendance.
OUR VISION:
Femme Bass Mafia is all about providing a safer space for anyone identifying as a FLINTA* person. It is important for us that you understand and agree with our teaching approach and the notion of safer spaces, replacing competition with cooperation, communication and support.
Aside from our general mission, FBM holds a specific sound close to its heart – we aim at diversifying the bass scene in Berlin and beyond: this means that we focus on the vast range of bass music genres as a crew (breaks, drum and bass, jungle, dubstep, UK bass, footwork, etc…) as this is how FBM always intended to be. If this scene doesn’t seem to be for you, please reconsider applying.
Since we wish to accompany each of you into their artistic development and ensure the best learning conditions, we limit each round to a small number of participants.
CONTACT:
After we went through all the applications, we will contact the 15 candidates by April 18th.
- Deadline for applications: April 15th 2025 at 23:59 CET.
Link here: https://tinyurl.com/FBMxOpenCall
Please only apply if you are available and in Berlin on the following dates:
30.04 from 18:00 – 20:00
09.05 from 18:00 – 20:00
14.05 from 18:00 – 20:00
21.05 from 18:00 – 20:00
28.05 from 18:00 – 20:00
04.06 from 18:00 – 20:00
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Contact Us
General inquiries: hello@femmebassmafia.com
Press & Collaborations: lilia@femmebassmafia.com
FBM Showcases: lilia@femmebassmafia.com
Education and Program coordination: jenny@femmebassmafia.com
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