As our country heads towards its most momentous and consequential election in decades, a group of prominent industry executives have formed a non-profit organization, Dance Music for Democracy (DM4D), that aims to register legions of dance music fans to vote, inspiring them to participate in and be responsible for the electoral outcomes that will impact their futures. DM4D is a non-partisan, not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Los Angeles, CA and recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 

DM4D believes they can leverage the power of dance music to protect the country’s most sacred democratic institutions. DM4D is already establishing its presence and organizing its outreach, producing and promoting dance music events around the country, with free or discounted entry  subject to availability and voter registration offered on site and online. By expanding the breadth of voices that can be heard in US voting booths every year, DM4D hopes to spread a love of democracy and individual freedoms the same way dance music has successfully spread a love of what makes us all human. DM4D has partnered with HeadCount, one of the nation's leading voter registration organizations that has registered more than 1.2 million voters since 2004, to enable event attendees to register to vote both online from the web site.

 and in-person at DM4D events, the first of which takes place October 16 at the Mint in Los Angeles.

DM4D launches with Beats for Change at historic venue The Mint in Los Angeles from 8PM October 16, with live DJ sets from pioneering DJ Kristina Sky, DJ Karmå and Vassal States, a tribute to the beloved DJ Danny Stubbs, whose recent passing stunned the dance music community; and more special guests to be announced. The show is 18+ to reach that critical voter demographic. The Mint is located at 6010 West Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035. Tickets can be purchased here.

. Celebrity guests include (in alphabetical order):

Cinematographer Akis Konstantakopoulos (The Chosen); Alexander Parlee and The Ellipses (Musician new single “Raised in the Woods”); Heather Medway (THE FEAR series; VIPER); Bobbie Carradine (REVENGE OF THE NERDS); Brett Pierce (Stuck in the MIddle, Imaginary Mary); Bourke Floyd  (Dawson’s Creek); director Carlos Carrera; Christian Try (musician new single “Be the Light” produced by Danny Stubbs); De’voreaux White (DIE HARD, Obliterated); Danny Medici (ANYWHERE BUT HERE); Eddie Bowz (NYPD Blue); Eric and Eliza Roberts; DJ Kristina Sky; DJ Karmå; Roger Rose; Rosanna Arquette(DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN; PULP FICTION); TikTok influencer 2.2m Sam Vicchiollo; Sheridan Pierce (Dear White People) and DJ’s Vassal States.

Dance Music for Democracy’s mission is to bring together advocates, creators, lovers, and warriors of all ages, races, genders, sexualities, and religions to defend the right of each of us to be seen and heard. By bringing dance music to the people, DM4D hopes to bring the people to the polls, addressing the issues of low voter registration and turnout by producing one-of-a-kind, live dance music events. With free and discounted entry where available, on-site voter registration tables grant newly minted and experienced voters alike access to some of the highest-quality live DJ sets in the nation.   All of this in works concert with targeted digital outreach across social, streaming, video, and podcasts to get out the vote.

Through grassroots fundraising, a generous donor base, and support from DJ’s and celebrities, DM4D  hopes to energize the dance music community to stand up for every individual’s right to choose their representatives—and their future—for themselves, dancing their way into participating in one of the most revolutionary yet enduring systems of government in the world: the United States’ 248-year-old democracy.

DM4D is the brainchild of Board President Greg H. Sims, an independent film producer, financier, and artist manager with a history of providing early opportunities for some of the industry's top names, including George Clooney, Amanda Peet, Michael Vartan, Tom Sandoval, and cinematographer John Schwartzman. He received Certified Platinum awards working with Dutch superstar Anouk. Sims has also long been active in the electronic music scene, having worked closely with luminaries like Armin van Buuren, Paul Oakenfold, and Gareth Emery. Besides those, his favorite DJ’s include Martin Garrix, Danny Avila, Odesza, Diplo, Rezz, and Kristina Sky.

Through wide-ranging discussions with politicians and pundits from all political stripes and with the support of DJ’s and other dance music artists, Sims recognized there is tremendous power in dance music to excite crowds, bringing people out en masse to support the ideals they cherish, like peace, love, unity, and respect. He says, “There's no question many potential voters have become numb to politics and voting, and while I somewhat understand that, I don't accept that as the final word. What better way than through music to engage and inspire people to come out in force to defend the institutions that support our right as Americans to live freely according to those ideals?”

Sims is joined on the DM4D Board by longtime financial executive, business advisor, and entrepreneur Nick Mayberry, whose clients have included Adobe, Comcast, Credit Karma, and Google. Mayberry’s favorite DJs include Aluna, D.O.D, Sonny Fodera, Tensnake, and The Blessed Madonna. Other board members include longtime tour manager Art Cisneros, who’s worked with such artists as Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow, Ann-Margret, Barbara Streisand, Jane’s Addiction, Luis Miguel, k.d. lang, Colbie Caillat, Adam Lambert, David Cook, David Lee Roth (Van Halen) and The Go-Go’s; film sales and distribution executive Brett Leitner, who’s worked for New Line Cinema and HBO before becoming Head of Distribution at Music Choice.

; and actor and broadcaster Roger Rose, scion of the broadcasting family that includes father Hilly Rose and brother Judd Rose.

Cisneros’ favorite DJs include Alesso, David Guetta, Tiësto, Avicii, Calvin Harris, and Zedd. Leitner claims DJ Jellybean Benitez “I'm old school!” David Guetta and Avicii among his favorite DJ’s.

Can’t make one of our events? No problem. Prospective voters can register to vote right from the DM4D web site without even attending an event.

Author: Adam Bailey

Adam is a regular contributor for established press release distribution website Release-News.com. He writes on a wide range of topics including music.