Learn more about the Keychange U.S. Talent Development Program Here

(New York, NY) Wednesday, Sept 6, 2023 - Keychange U.S., a charitable non-profit organization working to foster and champion greater gender equity and inclusion within the music industry, has announced the inaugural cohort of its U.S. Talent Development Program. Through this program, Keychange U.S. will provide career development, mentorship, team meet-ups, and career-defining showcase and speaking opportunities to 25 participants from Los Angeles, Nashville and New York City.  

Originally founded in Europe in 2017 under the leadership of Vanessa Reed and PRS Foundation (UK), Reeperbahn Festival (Germany), and Musikcentrum Öst (Sweden), the organization rapidly accrued international presence. The Global Keychange Pledge boasts more than 615 signatories across the music ecosystem. The U.S. expansion of Keychange was launched in June 2022 in close collaboration with Founding Donors Believe and TuneCore. Keychange U.S. is building on the global success of the movement to authentically develop a stronger, safer, and more inclusive music industry for all.

“Congratulations to the 25 artists and innovators who’ve been selected for the first edition of  Keychange in the U.S. and huge thanks to Believe and Tunecore for investing in gender equity and making this possible,” says Vanessa Reed, President/CEO of New Music USA and Keychange U.S. board member. “We know from the impact of Keychange in Europe that participants benefit significantly from the network and learning opportunities that this international program creates. I’m looking forward to following the change that Keychange can influence here in the U.S., the world's biggest music market.”

The newly launched Keychange U.S. Talent Development Program will impart holistic professional development and practical career support to women and gender-expansive emerging artists and innovators. The program will run for a period of seven months, from September 2023 through March 2024.

“Knowing that women in music comprise only 14.4% of songwriters and 2.8% of producers - according to 2021 stats - is enough for anyone to give pause,” says NYC-based artist and 2023 cohort participant Queen Esther. “Keychange is achieving the unthinkable by strategically shifting this paradigm, one of us at a time. I am so proud to be amongst their ranks.”

“I am thrilled to join the inaugural Keychange U.S. program and support their mission for gender equality in music,” says Zarrin Alam, Streaming Strategy & Marketing Specialist at Sony Music Entertainment. “I look forward to connecting with fellow music trailblazers as we open more doors of collaboration and growth in our industry.”