Black Artist Database and shesaid.so bow out of IMS

Two music organisations, Black Artist Database and shesaid.so, have decided not to participate in the International Music Summit this year. 

According to Resident Advisor, the two platforms are putting their partnerships with the thought-leadership event on pause, following Beatport’s majority acquisition of IMS earlier this year. 

As previously reported, a piece published by Vice exposed allegations of “sexism, racism and bullying” made by former employees at Beatport. Following this, Black Artist Database suspended its editorial partnership with Beatport in August last year and after a seven-month internal review has now decided not to return to IMS due to Beatport’s stake in the company. 

Meanwhile, shesaid.so held a town hall with its community after learning of Beatport’s allegations and has chosen to pause its partnership with IMS to hold its partners accountable and ensure that their collaborations reflect their values and mission.