DJs for Climate Action launch new initiative for the electronic music industry

News

DJs for Climate Action has launched a new initiative to help the electronic music industry realise a more innovative, sustainable and environmentally friendly dance music industry by 2030. 

The report, Future Vision, lays out a number of recommendations in various categories. These are: Touring & Connection, Venues & Events, Economic & Income Model; and Self-Awareness, Transparency, and Influence. 

Specific proposals include better measurement, off-setting and reduction of carbon footprints, including a large scale move to reduce flights and take journeys by other modes of transport wherever possible. Green travel riders, guest residency and artist exchanges, and using venues as cultural hubs are also on the list. 

Venues should become sustainable, with greater use of local and regional artists, tour shares, and a push for genuinely inclusive lineups. Meanwhile, events need to be about more than entertainment, and help inspire change. Fairer pay for artists from digital platforms, and direct royalty payment systems feature on the economic side.

The full report was unveiled at Undercurrent, a new event in New York City comprising 11 original audio-visual installations, created by Bon Iver, Grimes, and a number of other music stars, with work centred on the theme of climate change. 

Future Vision was developed through a series of workshops with international DJs, including Eli Soulclap, Louisahhh, Mr. V, and Lola Villa. These drew on a survey with 170 artists, including Sander Kleinenberg, Thugfucker, and Sam Feldt.  

“We don’t have time to do it piece by piece or in our own bubbles. It has to be about leveraging the power of the network — taking good ideas and spreading them quickly,” said Colombia-based DJ Bosq, who participated in the visioning process. 

The climate crisis continues to be a major cause for concern in both the live and recorded music industry. In September, Massive Attack called on the UK government to help cut the carbon footprint of gigs, clubs and other events. Last year, DJ Mag published an in-depth feature on the pressures facing the festival industry, and the steps being taken to make major gatherings less harmful to the environment. 

Read the full Vision Statement for the future of electronic music below, and take a look at the report here:

“In 2030 we are not just an industry, but a vibrant global community at the forefront of climate, environmental and social action. 

As DJs and artists, we take responsibility for our actions and impacts. When we travel we fly less, stay longer and connect more deeply — nourishing our creativity, as well as our mental and emotional health. Touring is regenerative, not extractive: a two-way exchange that supports local people, culture and ecologies.

We favour clubs, festivals and events that operate in harmony with nature, are inclusive, and inspire a mindset shift. The contributions of diverse peoples in diverse places are recognised and valued: line-ups are more representative of our diverse, dynamic movement, with stronger regional and local programming. 

To support less frequent flying, by 2030 we’ve built an income model that’s less reliant on touring. Income earned from music creation better reflects its true value; artists have united to demand fair pay from digital service providers; and supplementary income is available from other sources, both on and offline. 

As culture creators, we inspire others and create cultural trends by speaking with an authentic, humble voice about what’s needed, what’s happening, and opportunities to push further. We know we don’t have all the answers, but embrace the opportunity to be open and transparent, have difficult conversations when needed, and build an urgent industry-wide dialogue.”