Blŵm is a new initiative by Paradise Garden that aims to address the gender imbalance in Cardiff’s electronic music and DJ scene.
We are holding a three day DJ workshop in March 2025 for women, trans and non-binary aspiring DJs from the Welsh capital looking to develop their industry knowledge and level up their craft.
Led by experienced mentors, blŵm offers the chance to develop your skills and industry knowledge - setting you up to take the next steps in your DJ career.
This course will run during the daytime with a short introductory session on 23rd March, and 3-4 hour workshops on 28th, 29th & 30th March, followed by an event on the evening of Monday 31st March where you will have the opportunity to jump on the decks to an audience of friends and family.
Meet the mentors
A stalwart of UK Dance, Sarah Sweeney’s eclectic musical roots trace back to the vibrant scenes of Liverpool, and London during the late nineties / early noughties, with over 25 years honing her craft. She has played alongside luminaries such as Larry Heard, Floating Points, Colleen Cosmo Murphy, Kenny Dope, Gilles Peterson & Bradley Zero to name a few. Sarah is co-founder of the legendary Eves'Drop Collective, a 14 strong collective of Women DJs, producers and vocal artists that serve to remind its energy not age that counts, advocating for women of all ages, stages and backgrounds to be included in diverse line ups. Currently living in Wales, Sarah holds a residency at Cardiff’s Paradise Garden, as well as a monthly radio show on Brighton’s 1BTN.
LAANI is a regular face on the London nu-jazz and live music scene - she is a Time To Power Up & PRS Foundation Year 3 participant & founder of FullJoy Music. Currently, Event Producer at seminal label Jazz re:freshed and with extensive experience in marketing at influential labels Brownswood Recordings & Strut, plus Music Programmer for We Out Here Festival for the Brawnswood Stage. LAANI has been circulating the UK club scene, taking the controls at venues such as Oval Space, Corsica Studios, Colour Factory, Ronnie Scotts, The Jazz Cafe, Printworks and spinning at events for promoters like KOKO, Honey Dijon, Heels & Souls, Faith Fanzine & Crack Magazine to name but a few.
Welsh singer, songwriter, DJ and dancer, Esther’s music exists at the intersection of RnB, contemporary jazz, and balearic-infused synth pop. With her band, Esther has supported artists including Children of Zeus, Fatima, Tenderlonius and Gruff Rhys. In addition to her live work, Esther is a prolific DJ, with a monthly radio show on Noods Radio and performs regularly across the UK and beyond, including appearances at Glastonbury, Green Man Festival, Zentralwäscherei in Zürich and Pikes in Ibiza. Esther is also co-director and co-owner of Paradise Garden in Cardiff.
Apply for the March programme
3 day DJ workshop with introductory session + event at Paradise Garden - for aspiring FLINTA* DJs based in Cardiff
FAQ
Who is this course for?
This course is specifically for female, trans and non-binary aspiring DJs from Cardiff.
You must be 18 or older, and based in Cardiff.
How to apply
Applications are now closed - sign up here for updates around upcoming blŵm workshops and events.
When is the course running?
There is a short introductory session in the afternoon on Sunday 23rd March.
The workshop takes place on 28th, 29th and 30th March during the day, each session being around 3-4 hours each.
To conclude the programme we are holding a social event in the evening of Monday 31st March where you will have the opportunity to jump on the decks in front of friends and family.
We ask applicants to be available for the introductory session and at least two of the workshop days. Attendance at the social event on the 31st is optional (but recommended!).
Exact timings of each session will be shared to successful applicants via email this Friday.
Where does this take place?
All sessions and the event will take place at Paradise Garden - 213 City Road, Cardiff, CF24 3JD.
Is there a cost?
We are charging £50 for this course, this is payable via invoice and we can offer a 0% interest payment plan if required.
We also have a handful of free spaces for those on low income, just check the relevant box in the form when applying.
Can I invite guests to the event?
Absolutely - we encourage the cohort to invite friends and family to the social event on 31st March.
In association with:
