Speakers
TOM KIEHL is a leader in music and creative industries policy, strategy and campaigns. Tom has spearheaded UK Music’s engagement with political leaders in the run up to the 2024 General Election and has worked in Parliament, with Government and across public affairs for over two decades. Tom was an architect of the Live Music Act, designed to deregulate live music performance from entertainment licensing, and navigated its passage through Parliament while working in the House of Lords. At UK Music, Tom subsequently coordinated the successful Parliamentary campaign to introduce the agent of change principle to protect music venues. Most recently, he has taken a leading role in responding to challenges presented by the pandemic, the impact of leaving the EU and the growth of AI. Tom has also played a key role in major debates on copyright policy. This includes campaigning to support music rights in the Copyright Directive and organising a successful industry wide judicial review of Coalition Government plans to introduce an exception to copyright for private copying without fair compensation.
MICHELLE ESCOFFERY is an Ivor Novello and Brit Award-winning singer-songwriter with three decades of industry experience. Former President of PRS for Music and Chair of The Ivors Academy Trust, Michelle is a leader in music education, talent development, and industry progress. She’ll be sharing essential insights on bridging creativity with business skills, protecting your rights, and securing your future in music.
MICHAEL KILL: Dr (h.c) Michael Kill - CEO, Night Time Industries Association / Vice President of the International Nightlife Association Michael Kill is a distinguished executive leader with decades of experience across independent, corporate, and public sectors, specializing in marketing, operations, licensing, logistics, and system implementation. He has held pivotal roles at Luminar Leisure Plc, Rank, Northern, The Drinks Group, and the University of East Anglia, and currently serves as the Chief Executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA). Under his leadership, Michael has championed key initiatives in partnership with local and national governments, advocating best practices for venues, bars, pubs, festivals, and live events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he emerged as a prominent media spokesperson for the night-time economy, participating in over 20,000 media interviews and contributing to central government strategies. Michael is also the Vice President of the International Nightlife Association and Chair of the UK Door Security Association, reflecting his dedication to advancing global standards in the industry. Recognizing his significant contributions, he was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Appleton University.
ANDREW FERGUSON, also known as Outrage and Nomine, is a respected figure in the UK's dance music scene, boasting a career spanning nearly three decades. His journey has seen him evolve from a pirate radio owner to a DJ, producer, label owner, promoter, teacher, and owner of an education provider business, significantly contributing to the industry. Beginning as DJ Rage in 1995, he established Shock FM, a pirate radio station that swiftly garnered attention. At just 16, he embarked on international tours, captivating audiences worldwide. With a passion for jungle and drum & bass, he transitioned to Outrage, a change driven by respect for MC Rage and to maintain clarity among audiences. Outrage and Nomine's music has found its way onto top labels across various genres, including Goldie’s Metalheadz, Tempa, Andy C’s RAM Records, Function Records, Maya Jane Coles' I/AM/ME, and many more.
BINA 'BOB' MISTRY is the founder of music:defined and Director of Content Licensing and Music at SoundCloud. A lawyer, music industry master, and advocate for creators, Bob brings over 20 years of experience from PRS for Music, Warner Chappell, Apple Music, and Peloton. With deep expertise in publishing, royalties, and streaming, she’s here to help you navigate the business side of music and maximize your earnings.
COURTNEY WALLACE. As the Education Partnerships and Operations Officer, Courtney provides essential support to UK Music’s Education and Skills activities, including MAP and the Operations team. Courtney got into music at university when she studied Events Management at the University of Northampton and later went on to study Music and Management (University of Leeds) at the postgraduate level. Working with MMH Radio for over three years, Courtney started off reviewing new album releases and then integrated into the press and radio DJ departments, completing notable interviews with Andy Copping from Download Festival, performer Gaiapatra, and metal groups Epica, and Thy Art Is Murder.
DEAN JACKSON is a key driver in discovering and supporting new music across the area. He works with the national BBC Introducing team to give that music a wider platform on Radio 1, 1Xtra and 6Music and at many festivals including Glastonbury. Dean's radio show The Beat has given very early exposure to many national and international artists such as The Killers, Coldplay, Tom Grennan, and dozens more. Dean has also served as a judge on the prestigious Mercury Music Prize Panel and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for his services to the loacl music scene.
DENYS WILCOX. As the Senior Label Relations Manager at SoundCloud, Denys leads partnerships with both major and independent labels in the UK, helping artists maximize their presence on the platform. His journey into music began at university, where his influential playlists caught the attention of A&Rs, leading to a role at Columbia Records. Denys has worked on campaigns for John Legend, AC/DC, Calvin Harris, 21 Savage, Rosalía, and Davido. Don’t miss the chance to learn from his experience in marketing, audience growth, and label relations.
MANDY MANN is the Assistant Commissioner for Music at BBC Asian Network, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the station's music strategy and overseeing its daily operations. A driving force in the British Asian music industry, Mandy began her career at BritAsia TV before moving to Asian Network where she has gained over a decade of experience on the Music Team, from her first role as an Assistant Producer to her current role. 2024 saw Mandy lead on the curation and execution of Asian Network Certified, the station’s flagship events in Bradford and London, and the lineups for Asian Network’s coveted All Star DJ Takeover. She commissioned ‘Raghav Live Session: 20 Years of Storyteller’, a special anniversary performance of Raghav’s album at the BBC Maida Vale Studios, and played a pivotal role in Asian Network’s partnership with Europe's largest outdoor South Asian festival, MirchiFest, in The Hague. Mandy’s passion for showcasing talent took her to Austin, Texas where she represented Asian Network at the SXSW and she continues to influence the future of music, across all genres, as a member of the voting panels for both BBC Radio 1’s Sound Of 2025 and the Brit Awards 2025.
DR OLIVER MORRIS. Oliver has been with UK Music since 2015. Before this he was a tutor, researcher, community worker, musician and composer. His PhD thesis explored ‘The Educational and Economic Aspirations of Young People in Wales’. He sits on the steering group for Make Music Day UK and advisory board for Music: Local. He has worked in a broad range of educational settings, formal and informal, with a variety of learners since 2001 encompassing: widening access to HE programmes; undergraduate tutoring; community education; schools, and; youth work with a creative focus (as musician, composer, deviser, and performer).
DR YASIN EL ASHRAFI BEM is a multi award winning mentor and entrepreneur from Leicester. He is the founder & owner of HQ Recording Studio, HQ Familia record label and Director of HQ CAN (Community Arts Network) CIC. Yasin currently manages 8 artists who are being developed by himself / HQ Familia
FALSE RELATION is a producer, DJ, and event organiser with a deep grounding in musicality and composition, shaped by her classical background. Now immersed in underground electronic music, she blends traditional influences with a modern edge, crafting a distinctive and evolving sound. Beyond her own productions, she shares her knowledge as a lecturer in music and music technology, mentoring emerging artists through Education & Bass and other initiatives. She also runs Contrary Motion, a D&B event series focused on musical depth and a balanced representation of talent.
ISSIE BARRATT is an Internationally active, multi-award winning jazz composer, arranger, conductor, baritone player, record producer and educator, who’s music has been performed at a majority of leading venues and festivals in northern Europe, south east India, central America and the east coast of Canada. Ranked by BBC Radio 4’s 2018 power-list as one of the 40 most influential women in the music industry, Issie is the founding Director of Fuzzy Moon Records (championing a catalogue of 13 jazz composers with ensembles such as the NDR Big Band) and runs her own three ensembles – 21- piece jazz orchestra, Meinrad Iten Quartet and her ground-breaking, highly acclaimed ensemble INTERCHANGE (championing the music of women jazz composers, performed by a diverse collective of female improvisers) whose debut album Donna’s Secret was funded by ACE, PRSF & HMUK
JACQUI NORTON. A music business consultant with over 30 years of experience in copyright, artist management, and live promotion. Jacqui is the force behind Talent Unlocked, the UK’s first prison arts festival, and The Lyrics, The Music & The Money!, an Arts Council England-supported TV series teaching music business essentials in UK prisons. She’s passionate about helping artists understand their rights and income streams, knowledge every independent artist needs.
LLOYD LUTHER is a self-produced, self-released independent rap artist and producer from Leicester City. Known for his lyrical ability and hypnotic production, Lloyd’s track Drugs on Tap made waves after being featured in Netflix’s Top Boy and various other shows and adverts. His journey proves that independence can lead to major success, come learn how to do it yourself.
PHIL NELSON has been an Artist Manager since 1988 managing first The Levellers who achieved 1 Platinum, 5 Gold records with Phil. During Phil’s tenure the band headlined the Glastonbury Festival before starting their own 20,000 capacity Festival Beautiful Days Festival. He went on to manage The Longpigs (1 Gold record and Brit Award Nomination), and current clients include Grammy and Ivor Novello winning Matt Hales / Aqualung / (1 Gold record), Duke Special (1 Platinum record), and Sweet Billy Pilgrim (1 Mercury music prize Nomination.) Phil was the Vice Chair of the Music Managers’ Forum from 1997-2007. He co-founded The Great Escape Festival and now runs Pathways Into Music and the MIME (Music Industry + Music Education) conference with Chris Cooke of CMU. Pathways is a not-for-profit organisation launched to support music educators and music talent development programmes around the UK and beyond, and to help early-career music- makers plan their personal pathways into music. Phil is Principal Lecturer for the MA in Popular Music Practice at BIMM University, London. Phil is a lapsed bassoonist.
NAJI RICHARDS ('WAVEY') is a hip hop producer from Leicester Uk. Naji has been producing 'boombap' Hip Hop music for well over 30 years and during that time he has worked with many MC's in Leicester and around the world including Europe, USA and the Caribbean. Naji has worked mainly in grass roots community music as a music technology tutor and mentor working with young people teaching them how to make beats, write songs and perform. Naji now runs his own studio with his sons and is currently working on various projects with local artists."
QUEEN MILLZ isn’t about to be silenced. A silver-tongued rapper from Leicester, she spent 2020 battling against preconceptions, releasing a string of fantastic singles that moved from style to style. But then came lockdown, and the world changed. Instead of being defeated, though, Queen Millz changed too – a social media star, her freestyles earned shout-outs from her peers, and took her all the way from IG Live to ITV News. Her track ‘Suffocating’ with heavy bass DJ pioneer AC Slater and Qlank became an absolute anthem, a multi-million stream hit named the official theme song for EDC Vegas last year; cheeky single ‘Mill$’ and emotional SB:TV freestyle ‘Hear Me Out’ illustrated her breadth – at times, it feels as though there’s nothing she can’t achieve.
RACHEL YOUNG. Rachel is Head of Product, Distribution and Monetisation (SoundOn) at TikTok. Originally joining the business in 2022, she oversees the build and integration of new services in the EMEA region for TikTok’s in house distribution service. In the past 12 months, she has also been responsible for all in app music product rollouts, encompassing the full artist lifecycle; from artist engagement features to promotional tools and new artist monetization opportunities. Prior to joining TikTok, Rachel spent 4 years at music technology company Instrumental, powering label growth via data science and machine learning. Within Instrumental’s label team, FRTYFVE, she developed their bespoke music distribution platform and scored 3x UK no.1 singles.
SANIA HAQ (Founder, Bye 2 Stereotypes). Sania has over a decade of hands-on experience working within the South Asian music industry through BollyCo, a dance and entertainment company she helps manage. This is coupled with 12+ years within research, seven of which she spent leading on AudienceNet’s music and entertainment-related work, working closely with clients such as the IPO, IFPI, Sony, UMG, Warner, Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, the BPI and ERA, among others. Along with leading on research that is at the heart of industry decision-making (e.g. the UK Music’s Music Creator Study and the IFPI’s Global Music Consumer Study), Sania has always been known for advocating for a greater understanding of music and listeners from different cultures. Sania is now bringing together her hands-on experience within music with her research and data expertise. More specifically, using her platform to shine a spotlight on diverse artists and audiences. Last year Sania was nominated for a Women in Music Award for her dedication to increasing South Asian representation in the industry. More broadly, Sania is also an award-winning Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) practitioner and Cultural Consultant. In 2023, Sania set up Bye 2 Stereotypes, a brand through which she provides research, training and strategic support to organisations wanting to engage diverse audiences or address inequalities within society and the workplace.
SHAO DOW. Known to rap in both English and Japanese, Shao is hard to define as just a regular artist. He constantly blurs the lines between anime, gaming, martial arts and his own music and has worked with icons such as Sean Schemmel (the voice of Goku - Dragon Ball Z) and featured on the first single from Tech N9ne’s ‘Asin9ne’ album. It’s little wonder Shao scooped the AIM Award for Hardest Working Artist – alongside his regular music releases, he has published a manga book series through his own company, DiY Gang Entertainment. After studying Shaolin Kung Fu with the monks whilst living in China, Shao Dow utilised the tenacity and determination he learnt from his martial arts training to independently forge his music career.
SIMON LYON is an Ableton specialist and certified trainer with over 20 years of experience working with artists and tech crews, including Dua Lipa, Jon Hopkins, Rudimental and Chemical Brothers, helping them to integrate Ableton Live into their music production and live performances. As a professional producer, Simon has collaborated with bands and artists, including his work on RHYTHMIKON with Inspiral Carpets bassist Martyn Walsh, and created music for major media campaigns with clients ranging from Converse to Asda/Children in Need. In addition to his production work, Simon is a music technology education consultant working with educational institutions to enhance their use of music technology.
SOWETO KINCH. Award winning alto-saxophonist and MC Soweto Kinch is one of the most exciting and versatile musicians in both the British jazz and hip hop scenes. Undoubtedly, one of the few artists in either genre with a degree in Modern History from Oxford University, he has amassed an impressive list of accolades and awards on both sides of the Atlantic – including two MOBO Awards for Best Jazz Act (2003, 2007), and Mercury Prize Nomination for Album of the Year (2003). More recently, Kinch has extended his work in music media becoming the main presenter for BBC Radio 3’s flagship daily jazz show ‘Round Midnight. With an impressive discography that has covered a wide range of themes from the Seven Deadly Sins to slavery/emancipation – Soweto’s music has seen him tour extensively with his own ensembles as well as forging lasting collaborations from the US, India to Australia and Sudan to Brazil. In 2013, Kinch presented a stage performance of his concept album The Legend of the Mike Smith at Birmingham Repertory Theatre – which toured at The Belgrade Theatre (Coventry), The Albany (Deptford), Banlieux Bleues (Paris), and Chat’s Palace (Hackney). Nonagram his 2016 release, is an exploration of sacred geometry, and the healing properties of sound in an age of division.
SUMMAYA MUGHAL is a multi-award winning BBC Radio/TV Presenter, Actor-Musician and TEDx speaker passionate about supporting upcoming talent. She has championed musicians through BBC Music Introducing and her own event, 'Summaya's Sessions', over her broadcasting career both locally and nationally. She trained at Nottingham’s BAFTA Award-winning Television Workshop where she honed her passion for performance and is also founder of ‘Brown Gal Can’t Swim’, a multi-award winning podcast which follows her journey of learning to swim as an adult whilst investigating why many South Asian women like her also cannot or do not swim. The podcast won “Podcast of the Year” at the British Sports Journalism Awards, a “Nottingham Award” for contribution to community, the Asian Media Award for “Best Podcast” and (most importantly) has inspired other adults to learn to swim. Her proudest broadcasting moments include presenting the Radio 1 Breakfast show, reporting on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games... and regularly spinning bangers on the BBC
VIKRAM GUDI is a music business executive with a 16-year career, who combines industry expertise with social purpose. He founded Elephant Music in 2012 and has since established it as a global entity, with an extensive library of music for movie and TV trailers and a roster of 50 composers it represents worldwide. Music produced by Vikram has won Elephant Music 15 Clio Entertainment Awards, 6 Golden Trailer Awards, 6 music and sound awards and 4 PMA awards. Its work features in major productions, including Monkey Man, Baby Reindeer, and House Of The Dragon. He is also co-founder of Split Music Publishing, an experimental commercial music publisher and sync expert, representing composers/artists past and present including Sote, Sega Bodega, TSVI and Tommy Four Seven, and winning a prestigious Clio Grand Award for Everything Everywhere All At Once. A thought leader in various fields, Vikram has spoken at The Great Escape, Reeperbahn, MIDEM, BIME, Liverpool Sound City and Canadian Music Week.
ABI HEATH trained at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and built a career as a freelance classical musician, performing across the globe. In 2022, she joined Help Musicians as a Service Designer, using her firsthand experience to shape and improve services that support musicians. Having navigated the challenges of a performing career herself, she brings a deep understanding of the industry to her work, helping ensure that Help Musicians' support services truly meet musicians' needs. Though she’s stepped back from full-time performing, she continues to play, and music remains a core part of her life.
CALLUM ROSS is Senior A&R Manager at Island Records where he has worked across and signed artists including Nia Archives, MEDUZA, James Hype, Disclosure, Robyn, ZAYN, Swedish House Mafia and more. Callum has spent almost a decade at Island, with a particular focus on reshaping the Dance infrastructure at Island.
CHRIS TAMS is the Director of Membership and International at the BPI – The BPI champions the UK’s recorded music community, safeguarding the rights of its members and of the artists, performers and label members of collecting body PPL. The BPI’s membership consists of well over 500 independent labels and the UK’s three ‘majors’ – Universal Music UK, Sony Music Entertainment UK and Warner Music UK. Its total membership taken together accounts for around 90 per cent of legitimate domestic music consumption and 1 in 10 streams around the world. The BPI promotes British music at home and overseas through its trade missions, the Music Exports Growth Scheme and The BRIT Awards, which it owns and organises. It administers The BRIT Certified Platinum, Gold and Silver Awards Programme, co-owns the Official Charts Company with ERA, and is home to The Mercury Prize. The BPI encourages and supports innovation and technology through its Music & Tech Springboard Programme, and additionally provides insights, training and networking with its extensive free masterclasses, networking events, Insight Sessions and reports alongside its communications and public affairs work. Chris is responsible for running the BPI’s Membership activities which cover the entire spectrum of events and training to help Independent Labels. He also runs BPI’s Trade Missions which recently have expanded from the more traditional markets such as the USA and Europe into the exciting fast growing overseas music markets such as China, India and South Korea. He also is responsible for running the Department for International Trade’s Music Export Growth Scheme which helps UK based Acts with International touring.
ELLIOT POPEAU-GEORGE is the Grants & Learning Officer for the London Region, as well as one of the grant managers for the Next Gen Fund at Youth Music. Outside of his grants work, Elliot is also a music producer and sound designer for theatre and short film, as well as co-founder of producer collective, Meta Sama Sound System.’
EMMA MCGANN. Originating from the heart of the Midlands, UK, singer- songwriter Emma McGann went from scribbling bold lyrics in school textbooks to gaining recognition from heroes P!NK, Kyle Minogue, Nancy Sinatra and Beth Hart. Crafting songs that celebrate our imperfections and force us to face our inner demons, her performances convey an infectious charisma entwined with a vibrant pop sensibility. A true trailblazer in the era of independence, Emmahas toured the UK, USA and Germany independently with her music and was one of the first musicians globally to adopt early livestreaming platforms, significantly broadening her listenership and earning her nominations with the iHeartRadio Music Awards and Shorty Awards.
GEMMA FOX. When it comes to UK dance music, Gemma Fox is a true pioneer. Known as The Original Bassline Queen, she has shaped the Bassline and Grime scenes for over two decades with her unmistakable voice and trailblazing artistry. As one of the first female vocalists in these genres, her music has become an integral part of the UK’s musical legacy, earning widespread acclaim and influence. From her breakthrough hit So Messy, the first track ever aired on BBC 1Xtra, to collaborations with icons like MC Lyte, Juelz Santana, and Rodney P, Gemma’s career has been filled with milestones. Her single Girlfriend’s Storytackled powerful themes, earning major playlist placements and a MOBO nomination. She has dominated the club scene with tracks like Might Be, Boxers, and the recent Boxers 25 with Cru2’s Denon Reed. With three BRIT certified silver plaques and one gold plaque, plus recent chart topping releases like Operator and Veins, Gemma continues to push boundaries. She is also a DJ, producer, and mentor, using her platform to support emerging UK talent through Young Creative Careers.
GRACE MEADOWS is Head of Music Minds Matter, a charity working to put positive mental health wellbeing centre stage in music. Prior to joining Music Minds Matter, Grace led the Music for Dementia campaign having previously worked as a music therapist for over 10 years in adult psychiatry, education and the NHS. Grace is passionate about working with all those in music to ensure the industry can be a beacon for positive mental health. Grace regularly plays contrabassoon and bassoon with orchestras across London.
HANNAH BASHIR-EVISTON is a grants coordinator at PRS Foundation, she works primarily on the International Showcase Fund, The Early Career Promoter Fund and The BBC International Fund. She has a background in Community Engagement within cultural and sports organisations focusing on widening participation. She is an avid music consumer and a songwriter in her spare time.
JayaHadADream. Jamaican-Irish rapper JayaHadADream is known for her introspective yet hard-hitting style, drawing heavy influence from grime and hip hop. Raised in Cambridge, she found her artistic voice in Nottingham, where her music began to flourish. Her signature sound—marked by raw storytelling and emotive delivery —has captivated audiences everywhere, from intimate venues to the UK’s biggest festivals. In 2024, she made a major breakthrough by winning the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition, securing a coveted spot on one of the festival's main stages. Since then, she has lit up Reading, Leeds, Boomtown, and more, cementing her presence in the UK music scene.Her talent has landed her on major platforms, including BBC 1Xtra’s Sounds Of The Verse freestyle with Sir Spyro, as well as sets and freestyles on Balamii, Rinse FM, Reprezent, Travs Presents, JDZ Media, and Red Bull. Her music continues to earn regular airplay on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra. With recognition from influential artists like Mick Jenkins, Ghetts, and Stormzy, JayaHadADream is quickly becoming one of the most exciting voices in UK rap.
KATE ROUNDING is the Executive Director of TiME (Technology in Music Education) and a freelance music technology journalist for Music Teacher magazine. She played a key role in delivering the inaugural Leicester Music Conference in partnership with HQ. With 25 years of experience in music, education, and inclusion leadership, Kate is passionate about using music technology to expand access to music- making for young people. Her background as a professional musician, studio engineer, and music lecturer, combined with extensive work in inclusive music and SEN/D settings, informs her leadership of a diverse range of music and arts education projects.
MARIAM MIRZA is a Learning and Development Business Partner at Universal Music Group. To ensure that UMG can be the best for their artists, Mariam uses her background as a business psychologist to develop and inspire UMG's internal talent.
ROSIE TUNLEY is a Relationship Manager at Arts Council England (ACE) within the Midlands Music Team. She works on the Supporting Grassroots Music fund, providing guidance to music festivals, promoters, recording and rehearsal studios for their funding applications. A Midlands native and active musician, she began performing in local bands, studied music in Birmingham, and now works as an Event Producer, Label Co-founder, and Composer who crafts immersive audiovisual experiences. Central to her career is a commitment to supporting women and gender-expansive individuals in experimental music and fostering welcoming environments for audiences.
SASKHIA MENENDEZ is a powerful voice in the global music industry, dedicated to promoting inclusivity, equity, and representation for marginalised communities. As a multi-racial trans woman, she has built a career as a singer, advocate, and industry thought leader, breaking down barriers in music and entertainment. Saskhia is the host of Music Industry Insights Worldwide, a podcast that amplifies underrepresented voices and features industry professionals in meaningful discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is also a passionate public speaker, regularly sharing her expertise at conferences and industry events, including her work on the Trans Charter—a pioneering initiative designed to support trans and non-binary individuals in music.
TANIA LEE, the founder of UMC Management, and board member of The Music Managers Forum, and The Leicester Music Board, and has been deeply involved in the Drum & Bass scene since its early days. However, her journey in the music industry started even before that. In 1992, Tania entered the industry as the promotions manager for Formation Records. She successfully ran the label and later took charge of the renowned 5HQ record store. Her passion and dedication led her to further ventures, including running Ebony Records, which eventually transformed into Digital Soundboy, the brainchild of the production wizards Shy FX & T Power. Since its inception in 1993, UMC Management has witnessed an impressive array of DJs, MCs, and producers passing through its doors. What initially began as a means to handle the diaries of a few DJs in the local Leicester area soon evolved into a powerhouse of Drum & Bass management. Today, UMC still represents many stars of the Drum & Bass scene and also looks after acts from various other genres such as UK Soul, Reggae, Garage, and Pop.
THANDO ZULU. Founded by Thando Zulu, Zulu Music oversees campaigns, business management, and strategy for it's roster of 5 artists and the East London venue 'Hackney Church'. Zulu Music takes a relationship-first approach to working with current and prospective clients, focusing on building sustainable businesses, in a holistic & healthy way. Thando Zulu studied for a master’s degree in Music Business at Tileyard Education, graduating with a Distinction and became one of the first recipients of the inaugural MMF Student Trailblazer Award. He was part of the 2022 Music Managers Forum Accelerator Programme and Wray Nephew’s Wrayforward Music Business Accelerator for black-owned music businesses. Since then he has seen both artists and venue go from strength to strength. Zulu Music's roster of artists includes, JERUB, BEKA, Aaron Taylor and Joel Baker. Each of whom have enjoyed recent successes, most notably; JERUB opening the King's Coronation Concert in 2023 and subsequently selling out his UK Tour in April 2024 & BEKA soundtracking the 2024 hit Apple TV+ Series Trying and being chosen as a recipient of the FAC/Amazon Music Step Up Fund 2024/25 Additionally Hackney Church continues to thrive despite the current live industry difficulties faced by mid-sized venues in the UK. Having recently hosted shows with; Sampha, Barry Can't Swim, Shabaka Hutchings, with, Chris Martin, Laura Marling, Blue Lab Beats, Maro amongst the shows hosted at the venue in 2024. "
CLAIRE CORDEAUX is Chief Executive of the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM), a unique national medical charity which looks after the health of performers across the UK. With over 300 clinicians in the UK, BAPAM looks after over 3000 performance professionals each year, providing free clinical assessments health and wellbeing education, training and resources about best practice in performing arts medicine and provides clinical advice to organisations on how to provide health services to their workforce. Claire has a professional background in the UK NHS and before BAPAM, was global Director of an independent healthcare company. She is an active musician in a psychedelic celtic folk fusion band, and has supported a number of arts initiatives and festivals.
VANESSA SINCLAIR is a Music Manager who has been working in the entertainment industry for about 20 years which includes almost 10 years as an artist manager. Starting off her career by producing platforms for young music artists, Vanessa then went on to work with the likes of prominent artists and bands such as Rudimental and Mr Hudson as a part of their production team and management team respectively. Vanessa has also worked in several other jobs roles within the music industry drawing experience from and using transferable skills to enhance the work she does for her clients and the roster of artists she currently manages. These skills include - Security at music festivals and arenas, Production Crew, Studio/creative space manager, booking agent, stage manager, scout, promoter, tour manager, event manager and festival organiser. Together with all her experiences and her passion to empower individuals, Vanessa uses her grounded values and principles to prepare artists for the music industry ensuring to always work on a client focused basis.
GARY REID joined the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) in June 2023. The FAC is the UK trade body representing the rights and interests of a diverse, global membership of music artists at all stages of their careers. The FAC’s CEO also sits as a Director at umbrella trade bodies UK Music and LIVE, and at the International Artists Organisation, as well as the UK’s Council of Music Makers and Independent Venue Week. Gary has more than twenty years of experience in the music industry with a background in many parts of the sector starting out as an artist in the 90’s before running digital marketing agencies and working in brand partnerships in the 2010’s. Gary has a particular passion for identifying and supporting talent and has always championed the role of artists within the industry. Gary currently runs the FAC’s Step Up Fund powered by Amazon music and is leading on the recently launched UK Artist Touring Fund set up to help artists through the current cost of touring crisis.
LAMOUR WHITE. When it comes to artist development, branding, and making an impact in the industry, Lamour White is a name you need to know. As the founder of Blanc Management, he’s built a one-stop shop for artists—helping them craft their sound, identity, and strategy for long-term success.With expertise in production, songwriting, and content direction, he works hands-on with artists to maximize their potential, even on smaller budgets. If you’re an emerging artist looking for a blueprint to success, Lamour is someone you want to learn from.
STEPHEN CARR aka Digital is a unique force in the music industry. His sound and style result from his deep connection to sound system culture and his extensive collection of speakers! This unique sound has influenced and significantly shaped drum n bass, and jungle, inspiring a new generation of artists. Pick an era in drum and bass; his signature boot stamp is dented deep into it. From creating some of the most seminal soundtracks for the legendary Blue Note Sunday Sessions to being one of the first jungle artists to explore the now prevalent halftime style, he has releases on the genre's most defining labels. His diverse and dub-inspired productions can be found on 31 Records, Certificate 18, Metalheadz, V, Reinforced, Dispatch, Violence, Rupture, Exit, Commercial Suicide, C.I.A., Photek Productions, Lion Dub International, Chronic, Ingredients and many more, where Digital's unmistakable sonic signature rumbles through the movement with consistency and clarity. STEPHEN CARR. With over 130 productions to his name, Digital's influence on the drum and bass genre is undeniable. His ever-relevant first breakthrough, 'Spacefunk,' alongside groundbreaking pieces such as 'Gateman', 'Deadline',' Waterhouse Dub ', and the mighty Phantom Force' with comrade Spirit R.I.P, have all changed the game. Digital's raw, rolling, roots-founded sound has been a staple source for selectors from all corners to this day.
GRACE FLYNN: With over a decade in the music industry, Grace Flynn has led marketing for a 40,000-capacity festival and booked some of London’s most iconic venues. As an experienced marketing and promotions manager, promoter, and event coordinator, she excels in campaign development, press relations, and content creation. Known for her creativity, strong industry relationships, and deep passion for music and events, Grace continues to shape impactful campaigns and unforgettable live experiences.
CALLUM HUGHES: Callum Hughes is a Booker & Programmer, Social Media & Marketing Manager at LAB11, and Artist Manager at Locus Group. With a background in hospitality and finance, he transitioned into the music industry in 2016, bringing a sharp analytical approach to artist development, bookings, and event programming. At Birmingham’s leading underground venue, LAB11, Callum curates brand showcases, manages large-scale event campaigns, and works closely with global talent. As an Artist Manager, he nurtures breakthrough artists, including Eboni Green, Robbie Doherty, and James Poole, helping to shape their careers and build lasting industry connections.
RUSSELL SHEFFIELD is an artist manager, drummer, geek and serial entrepreneur who fixes problems. Previously solved problems for high-profile clients such as easyJet and Virgin and working in Web3 since 2020. He is the Co-Founder of SongBits and son of Norman Sheffield, the founder of the legendary Trident Studios (The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, and Queen). Founder
SCOTT ASHBY: Leicester local Scott Ashby is the CMO & Co-Founder of Unchained Music. He started his career working with Metropolis Studios, Warner Records & Universal Music Germany. Scott has managed artists signed to both major and leading independent labels, who’ve been awarded YouTube creator awards and multiple Gold and Silver records. Managed artist toured UK, Europe, USA, Japan and Australasia throughout 2024/2025 After co-founding Leicester based Unchained Music in 2021, he has overseen a $15.8 million commitment into the company. Unchained provides distribution, royalty advances and services to over 60k musicians and labels. Recently distributing artists & features such as Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, D12 & Punk Rock Factory. His work has been featured in Forbes, Rolling Stone, Entrepreneur Magazine, Yahoo Finance and NASDAQ and guest lectures at De Montfort University
ASHLEY WALLBRIDGE is a British trance DJ, producer, and sound designer, recognized as one of electronic music’s most influential figures. His journey began at 15 when he won a Radio 1 DJ competition, setting the stage for a career that now spans global chart success, major festival performances, and high-profile collaborations. His debut album, The Inner Me (2012), charted globally, and his 2019 release Kingdom United hit #1 in the USA, amassing over 20 million streams. His latest album, Ready for Life (2021), also reached #1 in the USA and UK within hours of release. Ashley has toured 50+ countries, performing at Creamfields, Tomorrowland, EDC, and iconic venues like Hakkasan, Ministry of Sound, and Privilege Ibiza. In 2018, he co-founded Garuda Music with Gareth Emery, launching the label with the #1 Beatport hit Surrender featuring Darude. His studio collaborations include Avicii and Armin van Buuren, and his award-winning sound design has been featured in campaigns for Aston Martin, Marvel, and Lotus. With 700,000+ monthly Spotify listeners and over 1 million social media followers, Ashley continues to push the boundaries of electronic music, from global tours to cutting-edge Metaverse projects. Key Achievements 8x #1 Beatport hits & 10x #1 ghost-produced tracks 3x Top 10 albums in USA, UK, and Canada Toured 50+ countries worldwide Award-winning sound designer for Aston Martin, Marvel, and Lotus Ashley Wallbridge remains a leading force in trance, shaping the future of the genre through innovation and electrifying performances.
MEMZ is a driving force behind some of the UK's most exciting breakthrough artists, recognised for his expertise in talent development, strategic growth, and streaming innovation. His journey in artist management began in his secondary school years, where he started by helping friends navigate the music industry, igniting a passion that would define his career. Over the years, Memz has played a pivotal role in discovering and developing artists, securing major label deals with industry giants like Sony, Warner, and Universal. With a strong commitment to respect and empowerment, Memz is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of talent, sharing his personal journey to encourage young creatives to pursue their ambitions in often overlooked areas of the industry.