Jaguar shares new two-part documentary on gender disparities in dance music

Following the launch of her cross-disciplinary platform UTOPIA in 2020, DJ and BBC radio broadcaster Jaguar has announced the introduction of her new eponymous imprint.

The label’s launch came last Wednesday with a debut release from Scotland’s Van Damn titled ‘Can’t Grumble’. “This tune has been a staple in my sets for over a year, and today it’s finally out,” said Jaguar on Instagram.

“I hope UTOPIA becomes a place people will turn to discover their new favourite club tracks. I’m obsessed with every single release that we’ve signed, and I hope that you will be too!”

Read this next: Laksa and re:ni launch new label re:lax and share first EP

UTOPIA Records joins a number of self-launched platforms from Jaguar under the same name, including a series of UK club nights and a podcast show, UTOPIA Talks.

Also announced earlier today, the broadcaster is set to bring a brand new two-part documentary titled Under The Lights: Being a Woman, Trans or Non-Binary Person in UK Dance Music, via UTOPIA Talks on March 8.

In Under The Lights, Jaguar speaks to a range of women, trans, and non-binary artists about their experiences and disparity in the music industry.

Read this next: Universal Music's EMI Records launch new Leeds-based sub-label EMI North

"I’m incredibly proud to be bringing out these podcast episodes with Stak this International Women’s Day,” she says on the documentary. “Since 2020 I’ve been on a journey where I’ve found my purpose: to champion minorities and give opportunities to those who really need it.

“I want to use my platform to help people and explore how we can create positive changes to reach a utopian world. Equality and representation is so important to me. It’s part of my identity, as a mixed race and queer woman navigating the world.”

Find out more about Under The Lights here, and listen to Van Damn’s new track on UTOPIA, ‘Can’t Grumble’, below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter