Panels
Keynote Speakers
Our industry-leading keynote speakers will set the tone of the Leicester Music Conference.
Michelle Escoffery - Award winning Singer Songwriter and Ivor's Academy Trust Chair
Tom Kiehl - CEO of UK Music
Thriving in the Music Industry - UK Music
Hear from UK Music and artists working in the industry. Advice and strategies for creative and professional development, focusing on the essential steps to progress and thrive in the music industry.
Host: Dr. Oliver Morris (Director of Education & Skills - UK Music)
Panellists: Queen Millz (Artist)
Emma McGann (Artist)
Shao Dow (Artist)
The Global Music Ecosystem
Join Sania Haq, founder of Bye 2 Stereotypes, as she shares her wealth of experience bridging the worlds of music and research. With over a decade in the South Asian music industry and 12+ years in research, Sania has played a pivotal role in major studies influencing the global music landscape. As a champion of diversity and South Asian representation, she will highlight the importance of understanding diverse audiences and how to amplify underrepresented voices in the music industry.
This session has been curated by Sania herself, ensuring that the discussion goes beyond the surface to explore meaningful insights and practical solutions for industry change.
Host: Sania Haq (Founder of Bye 2 Stereotypes)
Panellists:
Manish Khullar (Music Producer)
Bishi Bhattacharya (Independent Artist/Composer)
Mandy Mann (Assistant Commissioner, leading music, BBC Asian Network)
Vikram Gudi (Founder / Executive Director, Lila Music)
Heritage Sounds: A Call for True Representation
Heritage Sounds explores the history and the evolution of the core music & production techniques which are founded in Music of Black Origin and have shaped the sound of popular and contemporary music in the UK and across the globe.
Host: Andrew Ferguson (AKA Nomine)
Panellists:
Soweto Kinch (Musician/Composer)
Saskhia Menendez (Podcast Host & Artist)
Francesca ‘Frankie’ False (DJ & Music Producer)
Naji Wavey (Music Producer & Artist)
Stephen Carr (AKA Digital) (Music Producer & artist)
Music Minds Matter
This session explores essential topics to support the well-being of musicians and industry professionals, covering physical and mental health, financial well-being, and the range of available support and resources.
Host: Kate Rounding (Executive Director - TiME Technology In Music Education UK)
Panellists:
Grace Meadows (Music Minds Matter)
Claire Cordeaux (CEO British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM))
Abi Heath (Help Musicians UK)
BBC Introducing panel
Host: Dean Jackson (BBC Introducing East Mids)
In an ever-changing music industry, artist development and strategic promotion are key to breaking through the noise. This panel, in collaboration with BBC Music Introducing, explores the crucial role of early support, career-building strategies, and national exposure in helping emerging artists progress.
Industry experts, artists, and BBC Music Introducing's Dean Jackson will discuss howgrassroots talent gets discovered, the impact of radio play and live sessions, and how artists can maximise their visibility. Expect practical insights, real success stories, and valuable advice on how to take your music from local buzz to national recognition.
Perfect for independent artists, managers, and industry professionals looking to understand how to leverage development opportunities and industry connections to build a long-term career.
Panellists:
Yasin El Ashrafi (Artist Manager, Record Label Owner & Educator)
Phil Nelson (Artist Manager & Music Business Educator)
Gemma Fox (Artist)
JayaHadADream (Artist)
Lamour White (Artist /Producer Manager, A&R & Songwriter)
TikTok – Tools for Success
Learn how to use TikTok to share your music, connect with fans, and grow your audience. In this session, TikTok experts will show you how to create engaging content, stay safe online, and use social media effectively as a young artist. This is a great opportunity to gain insider tips and discover how TikTok helps artists share their music.
Host: TikTok - Rachel Young (EUR Product Operations Lead for Music)
Inside the Industry: The Universal Music Perspective
Explore the inner workings of the music industry through the lens of a record label. This exclusive panel with Universal Music looks into the strategies, trends, and decision-making processes that shape the careers of artists today. With insights from an A&R and People team expert, gain a behind-the-scenes look at how talent is discovered, nurtured, and brought to UK and global audiences. Perfect for aspiring artists, producers, and executives looking to better understand the industry.
Hosts: Yasin El Ashrafi & Summaya Mughal
Panellists: Callum Ross (Senior A&R Manager Island Records) & Mariam Mirza (Learning & Organisational Development Business Partner, Universal Music UK)
music:defined Panel - What It Takes To Be An Independent Artist
Description: Are you ready to release your music and start earning from your creations? This essential discussion will highlight the importance of knowing your rights, how to get paid for your music and ensure you’re set up for success as an independent artist.
Host: Bina ‘Bob’ Mistry (Founder of music:defined and Director of Content Licensing and Music at SoundCloud)
Panelists:
Michelle Escoffery (Award winning Singer Songwriter and Ivor's Academy Trust Chair)
Lloyd Luther (Independent Artist) Dr Jacqui Norton (music business consultant / DMU Lecturer) Denys Wilcox (Senior Label Relations Manager at SoundCloud)
Building Bridges: Connecting Artists, Industry, and Audiences
Hosted by the Night-Time Industries Association, this session brings together industry experts to explore how grassroots artists can break through, build relationships with venues, and reach wider audiences. From setting up and running events to navigating the evolving night-time economy, this discussion will provide essential insights for artists, promoters, and venue operators looking to thrive in today’s industry.
Host: Michael Kill (NTiA)
Panellists:
Ashley Wallbridge (DJ, Producer & Sound Designer) Scott Ashby (CMO & Co-Founder of Unchained Music) Callum Hughes (Booker & Programmer, at LAB11 Artist Manager at Locus Group) Grace Flynn (Marketing and promotions manager, promoter, and event coordinator) Russell Sheffield (Artist manager, Drummer and Songbits Co Founder)
The Funding Ecosystem
Explore the music funding ecosystem with expert insights from ACE, PRS Foundation Youth Music, and Help Musicians. This panel discussion and Q & A session, will help you to identify the right funding opportunities at the right stages of your music career and to navigate the journey through various funding streams.
Host: Kate Rounding (Executive Director - TiME Technology In Music Education UK)
Panellists:
Gary Reid (Head Of Partnerships & Programs, Featured Artist Coalition/Step Up Fund)
Hannah Bashir-Eviston (PRS Foundation)
Abi Heath (Help Musicians)
Elliot Popeau-George (Youth Music )
Rosie Tunley (Arts Council England).
Chris Tams (BPI )
Artist & Producer Management: When Do You Need It & How to Find the Right Manager
For artists and producers looking to level up their careers, management can be a game-changer. But when is the right time to bring a manager on board, and how do you find the right one?
Host: Paul Bonham (MMF)
Panellists:
Tania Lee (UMC Management)
David Prince Yeboah (GS Entertainment)
Thando Zulu (Zulu Music)
Vanessa Sinclair (VNS Management) Memz (Artist Manager)