BBC Introducing North East presenter Shakk Hashemi sits down with a selection of local artists to explore how BBC Introducing as supported their careers. From first plays on radio to showcase opportunities, discover the pathways that have helped emerging artists take their next steps
Shakk is the presenter of BBC Introducing in the North East, showcasing emerging artists and new sounds from the region each week, and has also presented on BBC 6 Music. His work is rooted in the grassroots scene, helping build the pipeline from local Introducing support to wider national platforms. Alongside radio, he has curated and hosted live line-ups for BBC Introducing, presented at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend and represented BBC Introducing and 6 Music at events including SXSW in Austin, Texas. Shakk is also an artist. He’s toured across the UK and Europe, releasing music independently and building projects from the ground up, with first-hand experience of making things happen with limited resources..
A singer songwriter/producer from Sunderland. His recent live run has included a locked-out show at The Great Escape, a record turnout at the BBC Introducing Stage at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland and packed festival appearances at the Isle of Wight Festival, Truck and Kendal Calling, alongside huge outdoor shows with The Maccabees, The Kooks and The K’s.
Newcastle-rooted Jenna Cole is an artist, songwriter and producer blending contemporary R&B and Afropop with a distinctly North Eastern perspective. Writing and producing much of her own material, Jenna has built a creative world shaped by melody, rhythm, movement and strong artistic authorship. Her recent journey has included performances at SXSW Austin, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend and Kendal Calling, alongside continued support from BBC Introducing. Drawing on first-hand experience of developing her artist career, Jenna brings a current perspective on building identity, finding audiences and creating momentum in an increasingly complex music industry.
Mick Ross is the CEO of Generator, the North’s leading agency for music, culture and creative development. A celebrated musician and producer turned pioneering leader, Mick brings over 25 years of experience shaping culture through music and leadership. Over the past decade, he’s transformed Generator into a bold, future focused platform - one that powers talent, connects industries, and puts the North at the forefront of the UK’s creative economy. Driven by purpose and rooted in the region, Mick is building a creative sector that’s ambitious, inclusive and built to last.
Since 2023 Dr Jo Twist OBE (she/her) has been Chief Executive of UK record labels association the BPI, which represents hundreds of independent label businesses and the world-leading record companies Sony Music UK, Universal Music UK, and Warner Music UK, as well as the wider UK recorded music sector. Through this role Jo has also had a leadership position overseeing major BPI events, including The BRIT Awards and the Mercury Prize, as well as strategically important data platforms such as the Official Charts Company, which the BPI co-owns. Under Jo’s direction and that of its Executive Board, the BPI works to promote and protect British music by supporting record labels in nurturing talent, helping them to navigate innovation and creating a policy environment in which they can thrive and achieve global growth. This means developing and sustaining the UK’s gold standard pro-rights legal jurisdiction, keeping labels at the forefront of a safe and inclusive industry, and working to ensure a sustainable future. Jo has a 25-year-plus background in the creative industries, interactive entertainment and technology and sits on several boards and advisory groups including the UKRI AI Strategic Advisory Team, Creative PEC Board, the Mayor of London’s Cultural Leadership Board, and the DCMS Honours Committee. Jo is a Visiting Lecturer at Goldsmith's University, VP for accessibility charity SpecialEffect, Patron of mental health charity Safe in Our World, Wiggin Foundation Trustee, BRIT Trust Trustee. Jo has previously been Chair of the BAFTA Games Committee (2013-2022), a BAFTA Trustee (2018-2022), and she was also a King's Appointed Trustee for Historic Royal Palaces until 2025. In 2016 Jo was awarded an OBE for services to the creative industries, was named one of the Evening Standard’s Progress 1000 Most Influential People in 2019 and entered the Computer Weekly Hall of Fame in 2021. She currently features on Billboard’s music Power List for the UK.
Shain is a globally recognised thought leader at the convergence of music, culture, and urban policy, which is showcased in his forthcoming book, How Music Can Save the World, due out on February 9 (Duncan Baird/Penguin Random House). For two decades, Shain has defined a new way to think about the value of music in cities and places as founder and executive chairman of Sound Diplomacy and founder and executive director of the not-for-profit global Center for Music Ecosystems. His first book, This Must Be The Place: How Music Can Make Your City Better (Repeater, 2023), became the defining text of the music cities movement: thousands sold, editions in Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Japanese and Portuguese, plus an audiobook, and a 90+ date global tour.
Touring has never been more challenging. Hear how the UK Artist Touring Fund is supporting artists and their teams to overcome rising costs, bring live music to new audiences and create more resilient, sustainable careers on the road.
Antonia is the Senior Programmes Manager at LIVE Trust, a charity set up to protect, expand and support the grassroots music ecosystem. Most recently Antonia co-ran a music development CIC and has previously worked at labels, ticketing outlets and music retailers, as well as in both on-site roles at festivals and operational roles for venues. Throughout their career, they have centred on community engagement and collaboration. They have volunteered at Sister Midnight community venue in Catford and currently sit on the BRITS voting academy. In their spare time they play football for their local team in Islington & have an ever-growing pile of half-read books.
Paul Reed is a senior music industry leader with 21+ years’ experience, 16 of these at senior management level. As Regional Organiser for the North of England at Musicians’ Union (MU), Paul is responsible for leading on the Union’s affairs and operations in the region, managing the team and office and supporting 6,700+ MU members across a vast geographical area. Paul’s role also includes managing high level casework alongside partnerships and regional political activity. Starting as an independent gig promoter in Newcastle, Paul’s background prior to The MU was primarily in the live industry, including a nine-year stint leading the London based Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), a leading national Trade Body for festival organisers. Paul is also a Non-Executive Director of Twickets, the largest ethical face-value ticket resale marketplace in the UK and in 2025, he was elected by colleagues to be a GMB Union workplace representative at The MU.
Thomas leads the UK Artist Touring (UKAT) fund at the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC), working to address financial pressures for artists across the UK by de-risking touring and providing critical support to protect the grassroots music ecosystem. He joined the FAC in August this year, and was previously with the Elton John AIDS Foundation for 12 years, where he led a global portfolio of programmes focused on HIV prevention and drug use.
Imogen is a songwriter and artist with over a decade of experience across the UK music industry. Originally from Newcastle, she creates under Imogen and the Knife and is a member of thredd, with work spanning songwriting, collaboration, live performance and composition. Her music has received critical acclaim and support from national radio and leading UK press, alongside collaborations with internationally recognised artists, producers and composers. A Songwriting Lecturer and former Board Director of The Ivors Academy, Imogen is passionate about supporting emerging and underrepresented artists. Her work centres on regional creative development, inclusive practice, accessibility and helping artists build sustainable careers.
Shain is a globally recognised thought leader at the convergence of music, culture, and urban policy, which is showcased in his forthcoming book, How Music Can Save the World, due out on February 9 (Duncan Baird/Penguin Random House). For two decades, Shain has defined a new way to think about the value of music in cities and places as founder and executive chairman of Sound Diplomacy and founder and executive director of the not-for-profit global Center for Music Ecosystems. His first book, This Must Be The Place: How Music Can Make Your City Better (Repeater, 2023), became the defining text of the music cities movement: thousands sold, editions in Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Japanese and Portuguese, plus an audiobook, and a 90+ date global tour.
Caroline James is General Manager of Utilita Arena Newcastle, part of ASM Global’s portfolio of more than 450 venues worldwide, and a board member of Generator. With an international career spanning the UK, New Zealand and Doha, Caroline has held senior roles across arenas, theatres, stadiums and hospitality, covering events, operations, commercial strategy, business development and marketing. Since joining Utilita Arena Newcastle in 2018, she became General Manager in 2022, leading the venue through major events, its 30th anniversary celebrations and a significant investment programme, including a £1.75m refurbishment and a further £65m committed. Caroline is passionate about strengthening the North East’s cultural and events economy.
Jim Mawdsley is the Principal Advisor Events &Culture @ Newcastle City Council and Host City Lead for EURO 2028. Since joining the council in 2019 he has been developing a cultural events programme for the City, which has seen significant investment from the Council, Combined Authority and others while developing successful bids for the City to host EURO 2028, Mercury Prize and MOBO awards. Previous roles included a 20 year stint at Generator with 12 years as CEO and director of a large range of live music events including a 12 year stint as co-promoter of world renowned Dance brand Shindig and 13 years as Director of the Evolution Festival. Jim also recently completed a 7 year tenure as the Chair of the Association of Independent Festivals and is currently the Vice Chair of the Newcastle Gateshead Music Board
Imogen is a songwriter and artist with over a decade of experience across the UK music industry. Originally from Newcastle, she creates under Imogen and the Knife and is a member of thredd, with work spanning songwriting, collaboration, live performance and composition. Her music has received critical acclaim and support from national radio and leading UK press, alongside collaborations with internationally recognised artists, producers and composers. A Songwriting Lecturer and former Board Director of The Ivors Academy, Imogen is passionate about supporting emerging and underrepresented artists. Her work centres on regional creative development, inclusive practice, accessibility and helping artists build sustainable careers.
Chantal is an audio producer, community organiser, DJ, director, public speaker, and Black rights feminist whose work centres on social inclusion and change. She is the founder and director of Sister Shack CIC, a Global Majority LGBTQIA+-led community organisation. Sister Shack focuses on community inclusion and diverse, accessible spaces by curating events, workshops and more in the North East of England.
Jacklyn is a techno DJ and Producer based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. With DJ Mag including her in their emerging artists spotlight, Resident Advisor picking her HOR set as mix of the day and with a powerful RAW podcast under her belt, JACKLYN leaves no doubt why she is a selector to look out for. In her contribution to the mix series, the Newcastle-based DJ and producer blends timeless percussive tracks with more minimalistic European Techno styles and spheric soundscapes.
E.K.A Beats is a Producer-Artist, Recording Engineer and DJ based in Newcastle. Starting from self-taught roots in music production in 2012, he has since progressed into a reputable record producer within the rap, afrobeats and soul scenes in the North-East of England. He regularly collaborates with established musical organisations in the north-east to provide recording sessions and production workshops for emerging youths in music. He has recently launched ‘Ebenezer Good’, an evolved new chapter of his songwriting, influenced by classic UK dance music genres such as DnB, Jungle, UKG and Grime.
A prolific specialist in euphoric post punk, Ray Aggs achieved international acclaim as a guitarist with touring projects Shopping, Sacred Paws and Trash Kit and recently evolving as a fiddle player with Caliope, The Pegwells and Curlew. Their solo music brings together folk and punk through an infectious mix of tropical wonky synths and a righteous force of melody.
As an Irish-Nigerian Mulitgenre Dj with a focus on jungle, bass and techno, Mintjuulpod blends energetic beats and sounds from all over the planet that creates an amazing atmosphere for every set. With her queer event ,Trade, that brings hyper maximalist sounds to the North East, her music focuses on putting bipoc and queer music on the forefront.
Streaming is just one piece of the puzzle. This panel explores how artists can build meaningful, sustainable fan relationships through direct-to-fan strategies, immersive experiences, community building, physical promotion, mailing lists, and other channels that create lasting engagement beyond the algorithm.
Nick Faber is a music-industry creative with 35 years’ experience spanning performance, production, DJing, artist management, label leadership and marketing. He began at 16 at George Martin’s AIR Studios, later releasing records, remixing Kylie and the Sugababes, and DJing internationally. His screen work includes Sundance-winning Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap and Grierson-winning Bodysnatchers of New York. After running a production music company and launching a boutique label with The Orchard, Nick founded FABYL, where he creates bold, artist-first cultural campaigns that connect artists with audiences.
Based in Yorkshire, Tasha Pert has 13 years of marketing experience and is Marketing Lead for EMI North - the first major label office based outside of London in the UK. She delivers strategic campaigns for the label’s roster and supports partner labels across the region. Prior to this, she was part of the Universal Strategic Marketing team (UMGI), responsible for artists such as ABBA, Elliott Smith, Marvin Gaye and more. She also has previous experience in the arts charity sector as Marketing & Communications Manager for Absolutely Cultured, a non-profit NPO born out of Hull UK City of Culture 2017.
Music presenter & keynote speaker. Founder & CEO, LMSUK. Trusted by BBC, Virgin Radio & global artists.
Lucy is Head of Audience at Warner Records and Parlophone, where she leads the team that turns culture and fan behaviour into growth strategy that goes beyond streaming numbers to create real, lasting fan connections. She oversees audience strategy, first-party data, CRM and community platforms - building direct relationships between artists and fans across a roster spanning Dua Lipa, Coldplay, PinkPantheress and more.
Exploring how music, fashion and sport shape identity, influence trends and drive culture across communities and generations.
Jennifer Barrett is a creative industries leader with more than two decades of experience spanning fashion, music, education and talent development. She is Founder and Managing Director of TICE, creating ambitious programmes that connect young people with industry, champion emerging talent and open up access to creative careers. As an Associate Professor in Fashion Communication at Northumbria University, Jennifer brings extensive industry experience in styling, creative direction and trend forecasting into her work with the next generation. She also works within the music industry as an artist manager, giving her a distinctive cross-industry perspective on how identity, creativity and culture influence trends, communities and what comes next.
Neil Bainbridge is the founder of Neighbourhood, a strategic communications, brand consultancy, PR and creative agency working across music, arts and culture. For 25 years he has represented and devised strategy for artists, labels and cultural businesses, managing publicity for talent signed to Universal, Sony, BMG and Warner Music, including Grammy and Brit award winners. He also owns Shindig, Newcastle's pioneering clubbing brand shaping North East rave culture since 1992, and recently launched NBHD Creative, a studio working at the intersection of culture, fashion and sport with clients including PUMA, Adidas, END Clothing and Newcastle United, exploring how these worlds shape identity and drive culture.
Johnny Kay is an entrepreneur and creator working at the intersection of football, culture and media. He is Chief Commercial Officer at VERSUS, where he has helped grow the business from an early-stage football platform into a global creative and media company working with some of the world’s biggest brands. Alongside VERSUS, Johnny has built an audience of more than 300,000 across social media through storytelling about culture, business and his own life.
With 7 years’ experience across creative production, commissioning, and brand experiences. My work brings together fashion, music, digital content, culture, and storytelling to build experiences that connect. I’m passionate about leading and collaborating with creative teams to shape innovative, culturally relevant brand stories.
Knacai is a music marketing executive working at the intersection of music, culture, and innovation for 10 years - currently at Island EMI Label group as Senior Creative and Culture Marketing, Knacai has built a reputation for developing impactful marketing strategies that connect artists with audiences on a global scale. Knacai’s roster and past work have included leading domestic artists such as FLO, Sekou, DC3, Michael Dapaah (aka big Shaq), Jess Glynne, N-Dubz and more, as well as international including Rihanna, Lil Baby, and City Girls In recognition of contributions to the music industry and creative leadership, Knacai has been named to Forbes 30 Under 30 and honored by Music Week as Black Music Coalition Excellence Honoree.
Explore how music publishing works and the opportunities it creates for songwriters, from royalties and rights management to building sustainable careers in the music industry.
TK co-founder of Finesse Foreva, Publishing administrator at Sentric Music and also board member of the association for independent music, has managed and developed multiple platinum recording producers & artists and a strong commitment to empowering the next generation of talent. In 2024 He was awarded the MMF (Music Manager Forum) Team award, In 2023, he was named Music Entrepreneur of the Year, and he received the Pride of Croydon Award in 2022 for his contributions to the local community. TK’s extensive industry experience has led him to develop successful programmes for young people aspiring to enter the music business, focusing on skills needed to thrive in the modern music landscape. He looks forward to sharing insights on building a career in the industry and the importance of nurturing young talent.
Liam is Managing Director at Wipe Out Music, a music cervices company specialising in distribution and publishing. Liam is also a composer for sync, achieving placements either brands like Samsung, NASCAR and EA.
Isatta Cesay is the A&R Manager at Promised Land Records and Publishing. Her current Records roster includes Koffee, Ruger, holybones and OPPIDAN. Her publishing roster includes Jae5, Libanca, LULU, Oli Fox (Good Neighbours), Subculture, Rob Milton, Parked Up and Young Chencs. She is also the founder and director of the independent label and consultancy Doctored Sound. She is a DJ and podcast curator (Soho Radio/Heart To Art), and is also a writer and researcher specialising in women in hip hop. Published Articles PRS for Music: The story of Split Mic: A UK hip-hop classic PRS for Music: Women in UK hip-hop
With 20 years experience working in sync roles in the UK music industry, first at Beggars Group, working with labels such as XL, Rough Trade,Matador and 4AD. Clearing the catalogue for compilations and video games. Before moving into Music Publishing at Warner Chappell and now Wise Music. Actively pitching catalogue and composers, negotiating, and closing licensing deals across UK Film & TV.
From finding the right collaborators to getting in the right rooms, this panel explores the realities of co-writing and music production. Hear from successful songwriters and producers on building creative partnerships, navigating challenges, and what it takes to write a great song.
L Devine is a singer, songwriter and producer from Whitley Bay. Alongside her own artist project, she has built a diverse songwriting career across pop and electronic music, working with the likes of Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Hudson Mohawke, Danny L Harle, salute, Bullion, PARISI, Anne-Marie and Rudimental.
Chad Rodgers is a North of England-based producer and songwriter, blending pop instinct and emotional songwriting with analogue-driven production. As an artist (Cape Cub) his music has surpassed 50 million streams, with writing and production credits getting multiple placements across sync and television, including Grey’s Anatomy. As a songwriter he has worked with many artists including Benjamin Francis Leftwich (Dirty Hit), Finn Forster, Loren Heat, Marketplace, Jenna Cole and Jamie Squire (The 1975).
Yaw Owusu is a Liverpool-based award-winning music industry creative strategist and consultant with 20+ years’ experience designing, directing and delivering projects that integrate music, culture and content production – with long-term impact for creatives, brands, organisations and communities. He operates where music and music culture meets infrastructure: shaping programmes, partnerships, platforms and processes that don’t just create moments – they build movement, strengthen ecosystems, and leave behind practical pathways that change careers and industry ecology. Yaw has delivered landmark work with organisations including Google, BBC, Universal Music Group, MTV, BET, MOBO, Levi’s, Liverpool Football Club, Bauer and Diageo, and helped shape and drive initiatives such as Google’s UNION BLACK, POWER UP and LIMF Academy.
With a decade of experience in music production, artist development, and publishing. Danny West is a Producer at Universal Production Music UK. Known for his strategic vision and hands-on approach, Danny has worked across A&R, sync licensing, brand partnerships, and artist management, helping shape the careers of emerging talent. His work has led to collaborations with major industry players, including Virgin Media, Sky Sports, and MTV. Now based in London, Danny continues to push boundaries in production music, using his expertise to drive innovation and support artists in navigating the industry.
Josephine Atie is a label and publisher exec, she found her own company PILOTWRLD, which specialises in distribution of records, admin publishing & managment. With a track record that spans some of the biggest names and labels in the game. From Disturbing London (2018) to Sony Music Publishing (2020–23), and most recently Warner Music (2023–24), LVRN (2024-26)
Molly Fascione is an A&R Consultant at Tileyard Music, based at Tileyard North in Wakefield, where she works across talent scouting, artist development, publishing and songwriting sessions. With over three years’ experience across the music and live events industries, Molly has developed a broad network of artists, managers, producers, promoters and industry professionals across the North and beyond. Alongside her A&R role, she works extensively in live music and artist liaison, including festivals such as Boomtown Fair, Leeds Festival and We Out Here. Molly is passionate about discovering exciting emerging talent and championing the next generation of creatives from the North.
EMI North is the first ever major label office based outside of London in the UK.
Antonia is currently label manager at award-winning Manchester-based label, management and promoter Scruff of the Neck. Originally from Wrexham, she has worked across PR, artist management and label management, most recently leading Britpop legends Cast to their first Top 10 album in 29 years, and managing hyperpop artist MARiMARi.
Scott is the label manager at EMI North, the first ever major label office based outside of London in the UK. Home to Walt Disco, Doves and Nadine Shah, EMI North is part of the Island EMI label group and was founded in 2023. On top of their artist roster, EMI North also support labels across the North including BLK SCL, Interval & Launchpad+, each with their own roster of exceptional emerging talent.
Adam Cutting works in A&R and Label Operations at Interval Records. He is the creator of RAW CUTS, an underground event series and label dedicated to supporting emerging talent. With a background in music promotion and social media management, Adam has helped amplify artists’ voices and connect with global audiences—amassing over 400,000 followers and 100 million views. As an independent artist, he has achieved over 15 million streams across his tracks, with a growing catalogue of remixes for Warner, Sony, and Universal.
Breaking into international markets can open up exciting new opportunities for artists, but knowing where to start can be a challenge. This panel will explore the foundations of music export, from identifying the right territories and building international connections to understanding the support available to artists and their teams. Hear practical insights from industry experts and the people who have benefited from it on how navigating the journey towards an international career.
Sarah leads on events and partnerships at PPL (the UK's music licensing company for performers and record companies). A key aspect of her role is leading PPL Giving, a funding initiative helping to build a sustainable music industry for future generations. Sarah’s 20-year career in music has covered artist management, A&R, and marketing. Before joining PPL, Sarah spent a decade building careers as an artist manager, developing artists from bedroom demos to playlists and stadium tours. Prior to this, Sarah started out as a graphic designer, creating record sleeves at an NYC design studio.
Chris oversees BPI’s Membership activities, including events and training to support Independent Labels. Additionally, he manages BPI’s Trade Missions, extending beyond traditional markets such as the USA and Europe to include fast-growing overseas music markets like China, India, and South Korea. They also include running the British Music Embassy at events like SXSW in both the USA and beyond. Chris also oversees the Department for International Trade’s Music Export Growth Scheme, which assists UK-based acts with international touring. With a 30-year career in the music industry, Chris started as a radio plugger during the Brit Pop era, transitioned into the early days of the Label services boom, and spent seven years working in the digital music industry during the inception of many major digital services that are now well-known. A passionate advocate for independent music, Chris leverages his extensive global music knowledge to support BPI’s members and the broader industry in reaching their full potential.
Audrey is the Co-Founder of BLACMEX, the UK’s first Black Music Export Office, supporting the development and international visibility of Black British music and contributing to a stronger, more connected UK music ecosystem. Her work reflects a particular interest in how creative talent, cultural communities and organisations can be better supported through effective infrastructure, partnerships, skills development and access to international opportunities. An award-winning creative industries strategist and advocate, Audrey has over 18 years’ experience across music, arts, entertainment, live events and media, delivering projects with artists, labels and major music industry organisations . She is the former headhunted CEO of the Gospel Music Industry Alliance and 2024 recipient of the StepFWD John Paculabo Award for Industry Development.
Very few careers in music follow a straight line. The artist becomes the executive. The musician moves behind the scenes. The creative steps into leadership, strategy, education, entrepreneurship or an entirely different part of the industry. THE PIVOT brings together music industry leaders whose careers started in one place and evolved into something they may never have imagined when they first began. Through an open and candid conversation, we’ll explore the moments that changed their trajectory. The opportunities they recognised, the risks they took, the skills they carried with them and, importantly, how they knew when it was time to move differently. Because a pivot isn’t necessarily about leaving something behind. Often, it’s about recognising that everything you’ve learned along the way has prepared you for what comes next. How do you translate creative experience into leadership and influence? How do you navigate identity when you’ve been known for doing one thing and find yourself stepping into another? And what happens when the career you thought you were building becomes the foundation for something entirely different? Part career conversation, part industry insight, THE PIVOT is about evolution, possibility and the many different ways we can build a life and career in music. Sometimes changing direction isn’t starting again. It’s the next part of the story.
Michelle Escoffery is an Ivor Novello and BRIT Award-winning singer-songwriter, creative executive and cultural strategist who has spent more than 30 years making music and helping shape the industry around it. She is Chair of Newcastle & Gateshead Music City and The Ivors Academy Trust, a Trustee of PRS Foundation, and former President of the PRS for Music Members’ Council. Michelle is also the founder of live music platform Kindred and co-founder of 528 Music Global. Across everything she does, she is passionate about creating opportunities for talent, opening doors and helping build a music industry where creativity and people can genuinely thrive.
Josh Daniel began his journey in the music industry as an Artist, independently selling over 100,000 records and amassing over 1 billion views online. He became at home on prestigious stages such as MOBO and even performed for the Royal Family, before emerging as a sought-after Songwriter, writing for chart-topping major label albums and various soundtracks for renowned platforms such as Netflix. Josh's accomplishments also extend far beyond his musical endeavours. After successfully scaling two online businesses to a multi-million combined turnover, his entrepreneurial prowess was acknowledged by The Black Cultural Archives who named him a '40 under 40 Future Black Leader'. Through JD Media Group in particular, he expanded his industry footprint into Artist Management, currently representing two emerging talents, and Creative Consulting; notably assisting Meta in the development of the Instagram Reels platform for musicians, and Google in the creative development of their Gen AI platform, Gemini. Current head of Interval Records (A first of its kind joint venture record label between EMI North and Generator, based in Newcastle)
Passionate about building sustainable careers behind the scenes, Paul designs training, funding and mentorship initiatives that strengthen music managers’ businesses at every stage. Under his leadership, the MMF Accelerator has provided vital grants and industry-led development to a diverse new generation of artist, songwriter and producer managers. Committed to inclusivity and long-term industry change, Paul plays a central role in expanding MMF’s professional development strategy and championing the evolving role of the modern music manager. His past employment includes Arts Council, Attitude is Everything, Truck Festival and he currently is a trustee of Youth Music.
One-to-one advice sessions on how to secure a role in the industry and how to accelerate your music career from a range of music industry professionals. (From funding and aw to A&R, touring and management.)
Philip Morris is Regional Officer for the North of England at the Musicians’ Union, the UK trade union representing more than 36,500 musicians across all sectors of the music industry, including education. He supports members through collective representation, contract advice, legal assistance, training, insurance and professional development. Before joining the Union, Philip worked at Sentric Music Group, progressing to Synchronisation Manager, where he negotiated major sync placements in advertising, film and television. His background also includes music industry and political communications. An accomplished musician, he has toured internationally, achieved national broadcast credits, and holds a Music degree from LIPA.
Ellie is a hugely experienced artist manager with 15 years in the industry, she's worked with artists including Bill Ryder-Jones, Erland Cooper, Maruja and Warmduscher and is currently working with Agnes and CJ Mirra. Her approach combines sharp commercial and strategic thinking with a deep commitment to the people she represents. She is as comfortable navigating the business of building a successful, long-term career as she is providing the pastoral care and support artists need to sustain one. With experience spanning artists at different stages of their careers, Ellie brings a thoughtful, artist-first approach to management — balancing ambition with longevity, creative integrity with commercial opportunity, and always putting the individual at the heart of the relationship.
Louise is a consultant and fundraiser with a 360° view of the funding sector. She was previously a Senior Grant Manager at Youth Music where she managed over 300 music education and industry grants. She was responsible for assessing and presenting applications for funding, and co-developed the Incubator Fund. As a fundraiser, she's secured over £450k from ACE, PRSF, Youth and Music for music SMEs including Notion Live Events, Shy Bairns, Touching Bass, Root 73, Farrago and We Make Culture. She's also worked as a freelance assessor and decision maker for Help Musicians, Music:Leeds and PRSF.
I help artists, creatives and music industry professionals make sense of the numbers, so they can focus on what they do best: creating. As a music and entertainment accountant at Hardwick and Morris LLP, I work with artists and industry professionals to navigate the financial side of the music business — from managing income and expenses to planning for the future and making sure their finances work as hard as they do. I’m passionate about making accounting feel less intimidating and more useful, helping creative businesses build strong financial foundations and make confident decisions as they grow.
Jaz joined RepostExchange at Tileyard London in 2018 and now leads a global community of over 500,000 SoundCloud artists. Her rich music industry background spans touring as bass player and tour manager for punk band The Baby Seals, music journalism, and working as Director and A&R at Trapped Animal Records. Specialising in digital marketing, artist branding, and release strategies—backed by classical piano and Ableton production—Jaz uses her hands-on experience to empower independent creators. Through RepostExchange, she focuses on driving organic fanbase building, effective content creation, and helping artists achieve sustainable, long-term global reach using the power of active community networking.
Grace Stubbings is a cross-disciplinary artist from Hartlepool working across music, sound art, and community practice. Her work explores listening, place, ecology, and collective creativity through sound, installation, performance, and participation. Alongside creating outdoor and site-responsive projects with organisations including Stellar Projects, Walk The Plank, Dance City, and the National Trust, she co-directs We Make Sound, delivering accessible music workshops for young people across Teesside. Her community-produced podcast The Ballad of the Crocodile and the Underpass won a North East Culture Award and is featured on Sound and Music’s In Motion programme. She was awarded Composer of the Year in 2021. Grace is the co-founder and former synthesiser player of Venus Grrrls, performing internationally at SXSW, the Royal Albert Hall, and Download Festival.
