JSTDRMN Celebrates Women in Music with International Women’s Day Event
A Night of Music, Community, and Empowerment
On March 8, JSTDRMN hosted an electrifying International Women’s Day event, spotlighting female artists and celebrating their contributions to the music industry. The night featured an open decks format, giving 12 talented women the chance to perform in front of a crowd of over 200 attendees. The event wasn’t just about music—it also included local small business vendors, fostering a sense of community and support beyond the stage.
One of the night’s standout moments was the introduction of the optional “dude tax.” Attendees were encouraged to contribute voluntarily, raising $135 in total. These funds will go toward JSTDRMN’s DJ Bootcamp, an initiative aimed at helping underrepresented groups break into the industry. It’s just one example of the collective’s commitment to making music more inclusive and accessible.
Crowd photo at JSTDRMN’s International Women’s Day Event on March 8, 2025
JSTDRMN’s Evolution
JSTDRMN began in 2020 amid pandemic lockdowns, initially as a virtual space for DJs to connect and perform. Their live-streamed sets not only provided entertainment during a time of isolation but also raised over $2,800 for causes such as Stella’s Place, an organization dedicated to youth mental health in Toronto. When restrictions lifted in 2020 JSTDRMN transitioned to in-person events.
In 2023, the collective expanded its efforts, recognizing that many aspiring artists lacked access to performance opportunities. They’ve since organized seven live shows, featuring 30 local artists, and launched SyncedIn and Open Decks—safe spaces for musicians to connect, experiment, and refine their craft. They also began uploading sets to YouTube under the JSTDRMN Sessions series, further amplifying their artists' reach. Several musicians from the collective gained industry-wide exposure, landing paid gigs opening for major international acts.
Performance photo of DJ Sheva
Taking Toronto Talent to New Heights
JSTDRMN continued to grow in 2024, with 40 artists supported thus far—58% of whom debuted on stage for the first time. Their reach has extended through partnerships with businesses like Chatime, Waterfront Night Market, Sleepless Studios, and Red Bull. The collective has also raised funds for the Barbra Schlifer Memorial Clinic, an organization that supports women experiencing violence.
Another highlight of 2024 was their Lunar New Year showcase featuring two stages, 22 performances, lion dancers, and cultural activities, drawing nearly 800 attendees. They also launched their first DJ Bootcamp, debuting four students at their Halloween event, The Reckoning.
Vendor photo Kokyuushop
Looking Ahead
JSTDRMN’s plans for 2025 are ambitious, with monthly SyncedIns, quarterly Bootcamps and Showcases, and Open Decks sessions to create even more performance opportunities. They invite aspiring artists and collaborators to join their mission of reshaping Toronto’s dance music scene.
For those interested in getting involved, JSTDRMN welcomes new members and partners. To learn more, apply, or collaborate, visit their website. Together, they’re creating a more inclusive and thriving EDM scene in Toronto—one performance at a time.