Elianne Mahay-Goodrich has been awarded the Freeform Forum 2024 creative fund as part of the mentorship programme by Relentless, in partnership with global music studio network Pirate Studios. Scene figurehead, global DJ and producer Sherelle was Elianne’s mentor throughout the three-month initiative and supported her in securing the fund for ‘Leztopia’; a FLINTA - Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Trans and Agender - focused club night that creates safe spaces by tackling the lack of diversity Elianne felt within the scene.

With the support from Sherelle, Elianne demonstrated innovation and creativity in overcoming hurdles, to make the event a success. She adjusted pricing, networked across East London’s queer venues, and launched a DJ competition to increase ticket sales and boost platform awareness. Elianne was able to turn her initial idea into a fully-fledged event, through in-person meet-ups and skill development workshops which she had with other mentees over the course of the Freeform Forum programme. 

Elianne aims to leverage the funding from Relentless and Pirate Studios for events next year, including a reunion with Sherelle to celebrate Leztopia’s first anniversary at Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh. She also plans to establish a record label and an artist agency to further support FLINTA* creatives in carving their own paths within the music industry. 

When asked about the mentorship and what the fund means to her, Elianne commented,

“Working with Sherelle has been a dream; she constantly pushes my creative limits and has paved the way for many women in music. I’m also grateful for the connections I've made with my fellow mentees and for the creative fund, which will help advance my vision for Leztopia.”

Sherelle fed back on the future of Leztopia, and other music initiatives that support the LGBTQIA+ and FLINTA* community, stating: 

Young creatives should keep their eyes peeled, as the programme is part of the brand’s wider Freeform platform, which aims at fueling the next generation of aspiring creatives via a programme of grassroots support, opportunities for emerging talent and boundary-pushing music experiences, including a link-up with Sherelle’s BEAUTIFUL platform later this year, a label that nurtures scenes within the Black and LGBTQIA+ music community.

About Freeform Forum 

Freeform Forum is an accessible initiative designed to help non-traditional creatives succeed in their chosen paths. The programme aims to connect them with established industry disruptors who can offer guidance, industry tips and a chance to secure a 10K to further their creative goals. It aims to help break down the barriers to success faced by boundary-pushing talent by equipping them with tools, tips & tricks all from one central hub, helping them overcome creative restrictions, so that they are free to create without limits.

About Relentless

Over the last decade, Relentless Energy Drink has cemented itself as a leading voice in UK music and youth culture. They've authentically supported the UK music scene from grassroots to mainstream level - through their legendary No5 studio in Soho, late night stage at Leeds festival, club series with Keep Hush, ongoing partnership with Boomtown Festival and its recent stage takeover at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival. Relentless has worked with some of the biggest names from the UK charts, notably Stormzy and Aitch as the most recent brand ambassadors. 

About Pirate Studios

Pirate Studios believe that studios are for everyone, and they mean everyone. At Pirate, they want the entire community to feel welcome. That’s why they are committed to making diversity more than a hashtag, and appreciating the value it brings. Pirate are committed to creating positive change. 

Born in Bristol, raised in London, and now flying the nest. Pirate Studios is a community of 24-hour spaces that spans over 700 studios worldwide — so whether you're a producer, vocalist, DJ, band member, dancer or podcaster — they’ve got you covered.