Support grassroots youth music with this exclusive Rescue the Roots tee. Buy it now! 

Skip to main content
  • Search
Home
Youth Music

Main navigation

  • Community
    • NextGen Community
      • Join our NextGen Community
      • Meet Our NextGen
      • NextGen Community Events
    • Organisations and Projects
      • Projects Map
    • Our Partners
    • Spotlights
    • Opportunities
      • Exchanging Notes
    • Resource Hub
  • About
    • About
    • Our Team
    • IDEA at Youth Music
    • Support Us
    • Policies and Procedures
    • Work With Us
    • Youth Music Awards
      • Youth Music Awards 2025
  • Funding
    • Funding
    • I Need Funding
      • Access Support
      • Catalyser Fund
      • Current Priorities
      • Funding Deadlines
      • NextGen Fund
      • Trailblazer Fund
    • I have funding
      • I have a Catalyser Grant
      • I have a NextGen Grant
      • I have a Stability Grant
      • I have a Trailblazer Grant
      • I have an Energiser Grant
      • I have an Industry Connect Grant
  • Rescue The Roots
    • Rescue The Roots T-Shirt
  • News
  • Impact
  • Donate
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
Spotify

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Judges

Judges

Judges

Two young people playing trumpet. One is making the OK hand gesture to the camera.

Tomorrow’s Warriors

A Black-founded and Black-led organisation, Tomorrow’s Warriors’ free to access, programme of learning and training champions and supports young Black and female musicians, and those from challenging circumstances that would be a barrier to accessing opportunities to pursue a music career.

http://www.tomorrowswarriors.org/
A big group ion young people in a dark street illuminated by the camera flash

Ruff Sqwad Arts Foundation

Ruff Sqwad Arts Foundation combines high quality arts and youth work to support young people fulfill their full potential in creative careers and life. They're based in Stratford, London. 

https://www.ruffsqwadarts.org/
Rap Therapy CEO with five young people behind

Rap Therapy

Rap Therapy is a community interest company that helps young people learn how to positively express themselves through rap. Our mission is to teach young people about expression and help prevent social tragedies through this therapeutic artform.

http://www.raptherapy.co.uk/
Seven young people playing different instruments in a band

Music at the Heart of Teesdale

Music at the Heart of Teesdale (M@HoT) specialises in providing access to high-quality folk music and dance activities for young people and communities across SW Durham and the wider Northeast. 

http://www.mathot.co.uk/
Five girls laughing together while sitting in stairs

Jamming Station 

Jamming Station (Totnes, Devon) empowers marginalised young people through music. Our projects foster creativity, belonging, and emotional well-being, building skills and confidence while amplifying youth voices. 

http://www.jammingstation.co.uk/
A young g person playing drums in a stage with two other people behind playing other instruments

Helix Arts

Helix Arts specialises in creative work that explores the role and potential of the arts in a social context, empowering people to be heard through cross-artform approaches. Our Mission is to increase equality of opportunity for people to participate in the arts. 

http://www.helixarts.com/
A street band playing behind a Hastings Fat Tuesday steward

Hastings Fat Tuesday

Hastings Fat Tuesday CIC is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers a year-round programme of activity to support the communities of Hastings and St. Leonards. Including the flagship Fat Tuesday Music Festival, along with a range of live music events, community sessions and workshops.

https://hastingsfattuesday.co.uk/
A collage of pics of girls and young women with Girl Grind UK logo on top

GIRL GRIND UK

GIRL GRIND UK CIC works in Birmingham to support girls and gender-expanding youth with diverse heritage between the ages of 12 to 30 through our GROWNISH (12-17) and WOMANISH (18-30) development arms.

https://www.girlgrinduk.co.uk/
three people in a DJ booth and laughing

DJ & MC Academy

DJ & MC Academy CIC is a youth organisation in North London set up in January 2008, using music and media to support personal development, skill-building, and social change to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. We deliver free-to-access programmes in schools, colleges, youth hubs and outdoor spaces.

Five young people playing using music with instruments and clapping

DaDaFest

DaDa is an award winning and pioneering disability arts organisation based in Liverpool with international reach and impact. Founded in 1984, we were one of the first disability-led arts organisations in the UK.

We are known widely for DaDaFest, our biennial cross-arts festival which has supported many renowned disabled artists from the UK and beyond since 2001.

https://www.dadafest.co.uk/
eight young people in a stage with red light and a banner behind

Creative Optimistic Visions

Creative Optimistic Visions is a small grass roots organisation, founded in 2014 in Coventry City, that has built a respectful reputation with existing partners, but most importantly with our beneficiaries and families. An award-winning Community Interest Company that provides alternative education, training, consultancy, mentoring, youth and community services.

http://www.creativeoptimisticvisions.co.uk/
a full band with 14 members with different types of disabilities

Billy and Andy's Music School

Billy & Andy’s Music School provides accessible music sessions and services for disabled and neurodivergent young people in Greater Manchester. Our programs range from helping disabled young people to form bands, organising open jam sessions using accessible music technology, and offering living room gigs to those in residential care.

http://www.billyandandy.co.uk/
Panel of five people with audience

Aspire4U CIC

Aspire4U CIC is a not for profit community engagement organisation that uses the arts to develop mindsets towards well being, financial literacy and employability.

Their mission is to support communities to create better futures by using evidence of things that work and bringing it back to the community. We use events and experiences to amplify this message.

https://aspire4u.co.uk/
Young person with a mic and a quote that says "Arts Exchange has helped me express my emotions"

Arts Educational Scheme

Arts Education Exchange (AEE) is a charity based in Margate, South East Kent, providing creative education for young people aged 8-25. They offer high-quality music and visual arts programmes as a vital alternative to mainstream education, working with marginalised young people who face significant adverse life circumstances and barriers to participation in education, arts and culture.

http://www.artsedex.org/
Five young people in a panel

Access Community Trust

Access Community Trust champions homelessness support across East Anglia, alongside providing a range of mental health and wellbeing assistance that helps vulnerable individuals of all ages, families, and, wider communities that find themselves socially isolated: https://accessct.org

https://accessct.org
kemi rodgers

Kemi Rodgers

TV & Radio Presenter

Kemi Rodgers is a presenter, DJ, and radio host with a deep passion for music and a proven ability to connect with audiences. She currently hosts Capital’s mid-morning show and has fronted music series for Universal, as well as a documentary for Warner Music. Kemi is also a familiar face on the festival circuit and brings hands-on industry experience across radio, TV, and live events. Her energy, industry insight, and commitment to spotlighting new talent make her a brilliant addition to the Youth Music Awards 2025 judging panel.

 

Pronouns: she/her

Bethan Elfyn judge headshot

Bethan Elfyn

Senior Content Producer & Presenter, BBC Radio Wales

BBC Radio Presenter (credits include BBC Radio One, BBC 6Music, BBC Introducing, BBC Wales), Event Curator, New Music Champion, DJ and festival host. Currently BBC project manager of “Horizons” a new music project – supported by BBC Wales and Arts Council. Horizons is a talent development partner at the Excite network with 9 other countries in Europe, and Bethan is also an Anchor jury board member for the Reeperbahn festival 2025.

 

Pronouns: she/her

Image of Mary in a white shirt and jeans, smiling

Mary Mandefield

Journalist and Presenter

Mary Mandefield is an award-winning journalist and presenter, known for using her platform to amplify underrepresented voices. She currently hosts Hits Radio’s early breakfast show, and recently won the Debut Presenter award at the TV Foundation’s New Voice Awards. From Channel 4 documentaries to BBC News, podcasts, and mentoring schemes, Mary’s work combines media impact with a commitment to equity in the creative industries—making her an ideal Youth Music Awards 2025 judge.

 

Pronouns: she/her

image of Dev Griffin headshot

Dev Griffin

Radio Presenter, DJ and Producer

Dev brings a wealth of industry experience to the Youth Music Awards 2025 panel. He first rose to fame as a presenter on BBC’s Smile, and went on to build a successful career at 1Xtra, Radio 1 and now Heart FM. Alongside his radio work, Dev is a music producer (as Joziff Jordan), a seasoned DJ, and a regular presenter at major cultural events like the BAFTAs and BRITs. His career spans TV, music and storytelling—making him a brilliant advocate for the next generation of creatives.

 

Pronouns: he/him

Image of Luke Huxham

Luke Huxham

Managing Director at Broadwick Live

Luke Huxham is the Managing Director at Broadwick Live and has over 15 years of experience creating some of the UK’s most beloved music festivals and venues. Since joining Broadwick Live in 2012, Luke has been instrumental in transforming the company from a boutique festival business into a leading independent music promoters, developer and operator of large-scale cultural destinations. He has played a key role in reimagining and revitalising iconic spaces like Printworks, Drumsheds, and Brooklyn Storehouse, turning them into world-renowned venues. Driven by a passion for adapting spaces to give them new leases of life, Luke's work focuses on placemaking and the creative reuse of urban environments. He is also committed to nurturing the next generation of talent through Broadwick Live Presents—a platform that supports emerging artists and helps guide them from grassroots stages to future headliners.

 

Pronouns: he/him

Nick Reilly headshot

Nick Reilly

Content Editor, Rolling Stone UK

Nick Reilly is the Content Editor of Rolling Stone UK and a culture journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. He was part of the launch team that brought the iconic title to the UK in 2021 and now heads up online operations. In his time at the publication he’s interviewed everyone from Ozzy Osbourne to ABBA, Sharleen Spiteri to Stephen Graham. He is most likely to be found at a gig.

 

Pronouns: he/him

image of Joss Meek in front of a wall

Joss Meek

Partner at Wired PR


Joss Meek is a Music & Talent Publicist and partner at Wired PR, with over 12 years of experience in the creative industry. She’s worked with some of the UK’s most influential artists, including AJ Tracey, Central Cee, and Chase & Status, helping shape their narratives and amplify their voices. Known for her grounded, people-first approach, Joss is passionate about championing talent, building long-term careers, and paying it forward- always happy to offer honest advice and industry insight.

 

Pronouns: she/her

Image of Olivia, white top, in front of green leaves

Olivia Stock

Staff Writer, DJ Mag

Olivia Stock is a music and culture journalist from Oxford, UK. For the past two years, she has worked for DJ Mag as their Digital Staff Writer, where she helms the magazine’s new music premiere section, curates DJ Mag’s new community resource directory — spotlighting opportunities for emerging musicians and industry professionals — and writes profiles on some of electronic music’s most promising new talents. In her spare time, she can be found stage left for her favourite DJs, roaming around art galleries, or foraging for the next big thing™.

 

Pronouns: she/her

image of ellie prohan, jacket off one shoulder and smiling

Ellie Prohan

Dj, Presenter, Radio Host

Hailing from West London, has quickly established herself as a prominent figure in the industry as a DJ, presenter, and radio host. A passionate music lover, talented DJ, and strong advocate for women, intersectionality, and marginalized communities, Ellie is now a leading name in the music industry. As she heads into 2025, Ellie is set to make waves as the new host of Ellie on Kiss, airing Monday to Thursday from 7-9pm. This flagship programme places the station’s music-loving audience at the heart of it all, curating the most listened-to, watched, streamed, and shared tracks that are currently trending.

 

Pronouns: she/her

patrick healy

Patrick Healy

Director of Business Development at RSL Awards

Patrick has over 15 years experience working with grassroots music projects across Schools, Colleges and Training organisations around the UK. In his role as Director of Business Development at RSL Awards he aims to ensure that young people aiming to work in the creative industries have access to industry relevant qualifications that can support them on their journey. Alongside his work at RSL, Patrick has been a third division promoter, a fourth division music writer and now blogs about new music when he has time at electricsoundofjoy.com 

 

Pronouns: he/him

image of Hannah

Hannah Ciotkowski

Marketing Manager – B2B, Ticketmaster UK

With over six years of experience in the entertainment industry, spanning music and global sport, Hannah plays a key role in shaping B2B marketing strategy at one of the world’s leading ticketing platforms. She leverages content and insights to strengthen partnerships with promoters, venues, and clients - driving business growth and enhancing Ticketmaster’s value across the live entertainment sector. Hannah began her career in the charity sector, delivering music and entertainment to hospitals and older people’s communities. This early experience cemented her belief in the power of music to uplift, connect, and make a difference. Alongside her industry role, Hannah is also a recording artist and songwriter, with multiple Top 10 tracks on Beatport and collaborations spanning acoustic, dance, and EDM. Her combined creative and commercial perspective gives her a unique, holistic view of the music landscape. As a Youth Music Awards judge, Hannah is passionate about championing emerging talent and celebrating the next generation of music creators.

 

Pronouns: she/her

image of Kristin, professional headshot

Kristin Jarrett

Equity & Impact Lead, Spotify

Kristin Jarrett is working to transform the audio industry through creativity, culture, and equity and uplift voices too often left unheard. Kristin designs strategies for Spotify’s Cultural Moments and Creator Equity Initiatives that help champion a more inclusive future for artists, creators, listeners, and employees. Kristin has launched new audio projects from underrepresented voices including the CultureCon Uncut podcast with Founder and CEO, Imani Ellis and the Open Doors Fund to preserve grassroots music spaces and nurture young talent in the UK. Through Spotify’s  NextGen program, she’s helped deliver over $1M in scholarships, creator tools, and programming to students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and in young creator communities, helping to usher in the next generation of artists and creators. 

 

Pronouns: she/her

Image of Billie in black and white in a car park

Billie Baier

Co-Head of Marketing at Spotify UK & Ireland

Billie Baier is Co-Head of Marketing at Spotify UK & Ireland, with over 15 years of experience championing music, fashion, and youth culture. At Spotify, she leads artist and playlist marketing, alongside major cultural partnerships like the BRITs, Glastonbury, Notting Hill Carnival, and Drumsheds. With a background at Red Bull and Dr. Martens, Billie has built a career creating authentic, youth-focused campaigns that connect brands to the next generation through music and subculture. She’s passionate about supporting emerging talent and building platforms where young voices can thrive.

 

Pronouns: she/her

Image of Stephanie Cheape, orange shirt holding a guitar

Stephanie Cheape

Artist / BBC Presenter

Rising from the unforgettable landscapes of Scotland, Stephanie Cheape weaves stories into melodies that resonate with the heart. An influencer in the music realm with a mass following of a million across Instagram and TikTok, Stephanie has become a positive figure in Scotland leading to her debut as a BBC Introducing Presenter in Scotland putting forward all the best new music talent emerging from Scotland. 

 

Pronouns: she/her

tinie tempah

Tinie Tempah

Artist

Tinie Tempah joins the YMA 2025 judging panel as a pioneering artist and entrepreneur whose impact spans music, fashion, television and business. Rising to fame with his breakout single "Pass Out" and triple-platinum debut album Disc-Overy, Tinie has earned seven UK No.1 singles, placing him alongside the likes of Michael Jackson in the record books. Beyond his chart success, Tinie co-founded the influential label Disturbing London and launched Imhotep—a creative company spanning music, artist development, TV production, and fashion. He continues to shape UK culture through projects like Channel 4’s Extraordinary Extensions, his fashion brand What We Wear, and food venture RAPS, while mentoring emerging talent behind the scenes.

 

Pronouns: he/him

tom ogilvie

Tom Ogilvie

Brand Development Consultant, DMS Vinyl

Hailing from the Southwest, Tom is an avid musician, event producer and brand development professional. Managing growth and partnerships for acclaimed global music manufacturer DMS Vinyl, Tom recently spearheaded their successful campaign to raise early awareness of Youth Music’s Rescue the Roots mission. Tom is also a founding director of social enterprise Patchwork Studios, a celebrated grassroots venue and recording studio, and previous recipient of Trailblazer funding. Here he programmes and produces events, from emerging artists seeking their break, to the likes of Groove Armada, Natty, and Haunt the Woods. Having bounced around the scene himself for the past decade as bassist with Land of the Giants, Tom now works across the music industry on productions such as WeOutHere, Rise Festival in the French Alps, and the Woodsies stage at Glastonbury; to name just a few. Outside of festival fields and the DMS office, Tom tours with production companies internationally, all the while attempting to maintain a retro camper-van that’s older than he is.

 

Pronouns: he/him

sarah wall

Sarah Wall

Senior Events & Partnerships Manager, PPL UK

Sarah leads on events and partnerships at PPL (the UK's music licensing company for over 140,000 performers and record labels). Activity includes collaborations across the UK as well as further afield, such as at SXSW in Austin (as a partner of the British Music Embassy). Her 20-year career in music has covered artist management, A&R, design 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.

 

Pronouns: she/her

rachel holmberg

Rachel Holmberg

A&R Director, Decca

Rachel Holmberg is the Director of A&R for Decca Records at Universal Music; a role that sees her oversee the repertoire from the frontline roster as well as new signings to the label. Decca is home to world-class musicians including Ludovico Einaudi, Max Richter, Aurora, Jacob Collier, The Teskey Brothers, Victor Ray and more. Rachel joined the label in December 2018 as Head of A&R and conceived the Blue Note Re:imagined album series (which features the likes of Jorja Smith, Ezra Collective and Shabaka Hutchings) and recently released Chet Baker Re:imagined – the 3rd in the series. Rachel is responsible for signing Abbey Road’s Artist in Residence Jordan Rakei, artist-composer Isobel Waller-Bridge, indie supergroup FIZZ and dodie to the label.  Having always been passionate about music from a young age and studying Music Production and Music Business at college and degree level, Rachel started out her career in artist management, working with artists such as Jamie Cullum through to Marina and the Diamonds. In 2013, she began working for the BBC and helped lead flagship radio events including Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Radio 2 in Hyde Park and the 6Music Festival. In 2015, she secured her dream role as the Producer of BBC Introducing - eventually progressing to lead the new music initiative by 2017.

 

Pronouns: she/her

rachel hawker rocksteady music school

Rachel Hawker

Director of Education, Rocksteady Music School

Rachel Hawker, director of education at Rocksteady Music School, is a professional music teacher and long-term gigging musician. A leading voice in primary music education, she is dedicated to making music more inclusive and accessible for all children. Rachel and her team have decades of experience teaching in primary schools, developing innovative and progressive approaches to help children engage with music in meaningful and exciting ways. Rocksteady is the UK’s largest rock and pop school, teaching 100,000 children through weekly in-school band lessons. It is also the UK’s largest employer of full-time, permanent musicians, with hundreds of music teachers working nationwide.

 

Pronouns: she/they

sophie williams

Sophie Williams

Staff Writer, Billboard UK

Sophie Williams is a music writer and broadcaster, born and raised in Cardiff. Formerly the New Music Editor at NME, she began working in journalism at the age of 16, landing her first byline with The Guardian two years later. Over the past eight years, she has profiled the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Fontaines D.C., Laufey and Bring Me The Horizon, and has played a pivotal role in supporting the early careers of hundreds of rising artists, including English Teacher and Lola Young. She is now on staff at Billboard UK and The BRITs, alongside her work with the proudly independent Green Man Festival. In a freelance capacity, Sophie currently writes for titles such as The Observer, PRS and Welsh language zine Klust, and is a weekly guest on stations across the BBC radio network. She is also a Mercury Prize judge and a Senior Fellow for the John Schofield Trust, a charity which supports early career journalists in the UK.

 

Pronouns: she/her

kenny barber

Kenny Barber

Relationship Manager for Black Music, PRS for Music

Kenny Barber is the Relationship Manager for Black Music at PRS for Music, supporting over 175,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers. He works closely with high-profile songwriters, producers, and industry professionals, raising awareness of PRS and MCPS while helping music creators maximize their income and career growth. A former Sony ATV-signed singer-songwriter, Kenny is also Managing Director of Sonitus Music Group, overseeing R&B star Bellah, Grime prodigy RB and a dynamic tour management roster, including Nippa, Bawo, Ragz Originale, Kofi Stone, Fave and AntsLive. Beyond music, he is a devoted father of three who enjoys community football and playing chess in his free time.

 

Pronouns: he/him

ifan davies

Ifan Davies

Radio Presenter

Ifan Davies is a BBC presenter, producer and prominent Welsh musician and songwriter. As heard on BBC Radio Cymru, Radio 1 and Radio Wales, he brings a creative, bilingual voice to music broadcasting. He hosts a weekly Friday afternoon show on Radio Cymru, where he champions the best in Welsh music. Alongside his work in radio, Ifan is an accomplished performer and songwriter, working on his own musical projects as well as collaborating with other artists - both on stage and behind the mic.

 

Pronouns: he/him

adam brown headshot

Adam Brown

Chief Commercial Officer, Access Group

Adam Brown is a passionate music lover and accomplished business leader who believes in music's transformative power. As Chief Commercial Officer at Access Group, he has led over 100 acquisitions since 2012, bringing strategic expertise honed during his time in leadership roles at the technology companies Access, Avid and Sibelius, the latter two developed and sold leading music software products. His commitment to making music accessible extends beyond his professional work - Adam served as trustee for Rhythms of the World for five years from 2009, supporting the successful Hitchin-based charity that ran an annual two-day music festival aimed at making live music accessible to children and young adults. An accountant by training, Adam combines financial acumen with genuine appreciation for the arts. Though he readily admits to having no musical talent himself, he's a devoted concert-goer and loves live music. His experience with music software at both Sibelius and Avid, reflects his commitment to supporting the creative industries that enrich our lives.

 

Pronouns: he/him

guvna b headshot

Guvna B

Chair, Youth Music

Guvna B is a triple MOBO Award winning rapper, author and broadcaster from London. His album, The Village is On Fire (2023) debuted at number 1 on the Official Hip-Hop and R&B Charts, and his sophomore book Unspoken: Toxic Masculinity and How I Faced the Man Within the Man (2021) became an Amazon bestseller. He has presented many documentaries across radio and TV including BBC's Gospel Meets Hip-
Hop, and regularly appears on The Zoe Ball Breakfast show (BBC Radio 4) and Fighting Talk (BBC 5 Live). He also works as a presenter for his beloved West Ham United. Guvna B is widely considered an influential and important voice within British rap music because of his uplifting lyricism and passion to see every young person reach their full potential. 

charlotte edgeworth

Charlotte Edgeworth

Chair, Youth Music

Charlotte is passionate about finding ways for organisations to have a positive impact on their communities, their employees and wider society.  Starting her career in marketing and moving through the voluntary sector into Corporate Responsibility, Charlotte has worked across a variety of functions including Social Impact, DEI and Environmental Programmes. She is an expert in strategic grant-making and has led corporate foundations for global FTSE-listed organisations as well as having been CEO of a charity. In 2021 Charlotte joined Sony Music UK as their first Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact. In this role she leads on community programmes, charity partnerships and embedding equitable and inclusive practices across the company.

 

Pronouns: she/her

phoebe inglis holmes

Phoebe Inglis-Holmes

Radio Presenter & DJ

Phoebe’s no-stone-unturned attitude to new music has led her to present & produce shows on BBC Radio 6music; BBC Radio 1; the BBC Scotland TV channel, & beyond. Phoebe is also the host of BBC Introducing on BBC Radio Scotland every Friday night; a live music booker at independent booking agency 432 Presents; and a member of the board of directors for the Scottish Music Industry Association.

 

Pronouns: she/they

olly gunns

Olly Gunns

Agent, UTA

Olly Gunns joined UTA Music as a Coordinator in 2024. He started his career as an Intern at London nightclub E1 six years ago, before transitioning from Marketing Assistant to Talent Booker. Olly then joined Broadwick Live as Music Booker, working on Printworks and Drumsheds, as well as Field Day festival.

 

Pronouns: he/him

mimi brock-stark

Mimi Brock-Stark

Digital & TV promotions Manager, Your Army

With over seven years of experience in the music industry, Mimi currently leads the Digital and TV department at Your Army, where she specialises in securing impactful TV, digital, and podcast opportunities for a diverse range of artists. She's passionate about championing emerging talent and throughout her career, has worked with a dynamic roster of artists including Victor Ray, Courteeners, Getdown Services, Jessica Winter, Mogwai, Justice, Jade Bird, and many more, supporting their growth and visibility across key media platforms.

 

Pronouns: she/her

michelle kambasha

Michelle Kambasha

Head of Programmes and Communications, Creative Opps

A communications and public relations executive of 12 years, Michelle Kambasha runs her own company kp. Communications. Clients include: Qazi&Qazi, Claud, aja monet Kara Jackson, Jamila Woods, Madison McFerrin, Simpson, Silas Short, composers Joy Guidry and Sultana Isham and the organisation The Black Curriculum. Additionally, she is the marketing and communications consultant for the Music Education Council - an organisation that exists to diversify music education to include more people from the global majority and disabled people. Previously, she worked for leading independent record label Secretly Group (Dead Oceans, Jagjaguwar and Secretly Canadian) and entertainment agency Satellite 414. She also works in journalism, education, and public speaking. She writes frequently for major publications, with by-lines including the Guardian, The Telegraph, The I, The Independent and WePresent. At BIMM University, she teaches the module Diversity in the Creative Industries and frequently hosts, chairs and talks on panels both national and international. She is Head of Programmes & Membership at the youth focussed creative organisation Creative Opps. She sits as a trustee at the Leicester Print Workshop and Working Class Creatives Database. 

 

Pronouns: she/her

lauren kreisler

Lauren Kreisler

Director of Brand & Digital, Official Charts

Lauren’s 20-year career in music and media has lead to her current role leading brand and digital strategy for the UK’s Official Charts. Beginning her marketing career during the height of “emo” on Bauer Media’s music and film magazines, Kerrang!, Q, MOJO and Empire, Lauren worked on the digital transformation of The Sunday Times at News UK, and a stint in digital agency land, before a return to music beckoned with an irresistible opportunity to rebrand the British institution that is the Official Charts. Since 2011, Lauren has reinvented the communications strategy and footprint of the Official Charts, building the Official Charts consumer brand from the ground up. Birthing the now-iconic Number 1 Award, adding new weekly charts for Vinyl, Afrobeats, Trending songs, all while creating a new digital media arm of the business with a platform that now sits at Number 1 on Google and generates over 130 million video views annually. 

 

Pronouns: she/her

kieran cullen

Kieran Cullen

Senior Marketing Manager, Insanity Records

Kieran Cullen has over 12 years of experience in the music industry, 9 of them in the Insanity Records marketing department. He began working as a radio plugger, working with Skepta, Lethal Bizzle & Fuse ODG, before moving to Insanity Records as Marketing Assistant, working on the relaunch of Craig David. Now Senior Marketing Manager, he’s currently leading campaigns for Joy Crookes, Tom Grennan, Lost Frequencies, Purple Disco Machine and more. Kieran is passionate about improving socioeconomic diversity in the creative fields and has worked with brilliant organisations like the Creative Mentor Network, Small Green Shoots & Shadow 2 Shine.

 

Pronouns: he/him

kaylee golding press shot

Kaylee Golding

Radio Presenter

Kaylee Golding is an award-winning DJ and presenter on BBC Radio 1Xtra every weekday afternoon from 1pm-4pm.  She is renowned for her infectious energy and engaging personality, bringing her distinctive "Brummy" flavour to the station. Kaylee is the founder of Hot Girl Brunch, an event designed to empower women and non-binary individuals through a celebration of community and inclusivity. Featuring an all-female DJ lineup, the event creates a safe and vibrant space where attendees can uplift one another while enjoying a lively atmosphere. She is also the founder and host of the On Your Gaydar podcast, which explores LGBTQ+ culture, identity, and experiences, offering a platform for conversation in the gay community.

 

Pronouns: she/her

jack beadle PR

Jack Beadle

Director, Jack Beadle PR

Jack is founder of leading music and entertainment communications agency, Jack Beadle PR. His current roster includes dance heavyweights Justice, Goldie, Orbital, Amelie Lens, Anyma, Thomas Bangalter, Sub Focus, Myd, RÜFÜS DU SOL and Cassius. But as well as electronic music, Jack also loves his pop, proudly representing breakthrough stars in the genre including Charlie Jeer, Mercer Henderson and the BRIT nominated Caity Baser. He also handles publicity for the acclaimed acts Parcels, Benjamin Francis Leftwich and indie breakthrough star Andy Goodwin. Beyond music artist campaigns, Jack has recently handled global publicity for events including the historic Rave UKraine for Eurovision Liverpool 2023, Birmingham On Record for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the launch of the anticipated book on the history of electronic dance music, ‘After Daft’.

 

Pronouns: he/him

isaac muk headshot

Isaac Muk

Digital Editor, Huck

Isaac Muk is the Digital Editor of Huck Magazine and an arts and music writer at large. He has previously held in-house roles at Crack Magazine and Mixmag, and has contributed to titles including i-D, Dazed, The Guardian, DJ Mag, GAY TIMES, 10 Men, openDemocracy and others. His work and interests lie mainly in weird grooves, niche reportage, and transportive visual storytelling.

 

Pronouns: he/him

I. JORDAN press shot

I. JORDAN

Producer & DJ

I. JORDAN is a pivotal influence in UK dance music culture. Since their debut release, the Doncaster-born, London-based DJ and producer has blazed trails with rave-infused house and techno steeped in Northern culture. I. JORDAN has become known for a specific brand of euphoric house that transcends dancefloors and speaks straight to the human spirit. Their accolades are endless: they were named BBC’s Breakout Star of the Year 2019, DJ Mag’s breakthrough producer in 2020, made their debut on Ninja Tune in 2021, and were nominated for Best Producer 2022 (NME). In 2023 they were nominated for Breakthrough Artist by Association of Independent Music, Best DJ by DJ Mag and named one of the DJs who defined the year by Mixmag. In 2024, their debut album I AM JORDAN on Ninja Tune was released to global acclaim, and chosen as one of BBC 6 music albums of the year. 

 

Pronouns: they/them

harry gay press photo

Harry Gay

DJ and Co-Founder, Queer House Party

Harry Gay is a defining force in queer nightlife and electronic music, best known as the co-founder of Queer House Party - a grassroots collective that began as a lockdown livestream and has since become one of London’s most in-demand club nights. With sold-out shows across major festivals like Glastonbury, Mighty Hoopla, and Sziget, and support from artists like Dua Lipa and Olly Alexander, Harry has built a global following. His high-energy DJ sets blend hard house, Hi-NRG, UKG, and techno, and he’s played iconic venues from Printworks to Pikes. Now turning to music production, Harry’s debut EP is set for release in 2025 on Mega Wavy Records. A Time Out award-winner and Attitude magazine profile subject, Harry continues to shape the future of queer club culture both on and off the dancefloor.

 

Pronouns: he/him

fee mak press photo

Fee Mak

Radio Presenter

Fee is the host of the BBC Radio 1Xtra Breakfast show on Sunday’s 7-11am. On 1Xtra, Fee plays the best in contemporary black music and support for new UK artists. Fee’s passion for music has led to her hosting live music shows for emerging artists at iluvlive’s artist showcases in London. Particularly for ‘Bloom’, where Fee presents up and coming R&B singers, including an open mic segment. Fee is also involved in music industry events such as Ditto X ‘Meet The Music Industry’ where she is the main stage host and at the AIM Awards where Fee hosts the red carpet. Outside of music, Fee is a former professional dancer and has returned to dance as a leading host for some of the UK’s biggest dance shows such as the Red Bull BC One UK Cypher, UK Hip Hop Dance Championships and Breakin Convention. 

 

Pronouns: she/her

ellie dixon press photo

Ellie Dixon

Artist

Ellie Dixon is a multi-disciplinary artist and producer creating witty, magnetic alt-pop, with an adoring fan base both online and offline. A pioneer of unique production styles and DIY sampling, Ellie has been purposefully and passionately pushing the envelope of what can be done in a bedroom studio. Writing, performing, teaching and producing, as well as designing her visuals and marketing, every facet of her music is infused with her unmistakable groove and infectious wit. She has amassed 1.2 million followers on TikTok, over 1.3 million views on YouTube, and 18 million+ music streams, and has performed to over 160,000 people, opening for artists like Pentatonix, Sam Ryder, Half Alive and Casey Lowry, as well as playing at festivals such as Glastonbury, Latitude and Secret Garden Party, as well as international festivals Haldern Pop, MS Dockville and Luzern Live, to name a few.

 

Pronouns: she/her

elli brazzill headshot

Elli Brazzill

Music Editor, Napster | Founder, Art Not Evidence

Elli Brazzill is a music curator and campaigner. She is the co-founder of Art Not Evidence, a campaign working to stop the misuse of rap music as evidence in criminal trials. Since launching in November 2023, the campaign has been featured on Channel 4 News, received public support from artists such as Giggs, Annie Mac and IDLES, hosted multiple events including 3 in Parliament, and appeared in prominent publications including The Times, NME, Rolling Stone and DAZED. In her current role as UK Lead and curator at Napster, she oversees global pop and moods playlists, drawing on previous experience at Warner Music and the Official Charts Company.

 

Pronouns: she/her

chrystal lecointe headshot

Chrystal Lecointe

Artist Manager

Chrystal is an experienced artist manager, currently looking after the Latin Grammy-Nominated DJ & Producer RYMEZ, MPG-winning Vocal Producer Ramera Abraham, Artist & Model LOVELLE and up & coming Singer-Songwriter Drew. With over 14 years’ experience in the industry, she has worked with a wide range of artists & creatives including MNEK, Clean Bandit, Dave Okumu, Duchess, Jess Glynne, Manny Norté, Mystery Jets, Plan B, Rae Morris and organisations such as Machine Management, Papa Records, UROK Management and YMU. Alongside her diligence as a manager & strategist, she continues to champion the importance of Mental Health Support for both artists and executives as well as diversity in the workplace and regularly provides mentorship and support for the next generation of music executives and talent. 

 

Pronouns: she/her

kennedy taylor hair a blonde bob. she poses against a blue backdrop and laughs

Kennedy Taylor

Radio Presenter & DJ

Hailing from Manchester, Kennedy Taylor is DJ, Presenter and broadcaster, best known for her Friday night specialist show on Capital XTRA. Kennedy has played for big brands including Formula 1, Matchroom Boxing and Spotify as well as bringing her sound to festivals such as All Points East, Wireless and Parklife. A believer in real music Kennedy has also opened up for the likes of Jaz Karis and Children Of Zeus and puts on her own events 'Kennedy & Friends' where the motto is 'the genre is great music.' Alongside her DJ work, Kennedy is a natural presenter and host, working with Manchester City on a three part documentary, Notion Magazine, G-Shock, The North Face, Dyson, Dr Martens, Versus and Sofa Club to name a few. Her presenting work has seen her interview some of the biggest names in music and sport from Ruben Dias to Glorilla to Ashley Walters. Outside of her broadcast and brand endeavours, Kennedy is an advocate for new artists and believes in making music and education accessible to everyone and collaborates regularly with Youth Music and The Ultimate Seminar.

 

Pronouns: she/her

chloe ameh sits in a chair and smiles

Chloé Ameh

Director, That's My Jamm

Chloé is an accomplished, award winning and highly driven senior music executive who has played an influential part in the success of many high-profile records. In Chloé you will find an individual motivated by alternative thinking, setting new trends and working outside of boundaries to disruptively deliver on campaigns and artist growth. As founder of That’s My Jamm (music business consultancy service), Chloé’s ambition is to level out the playing field for independent talent in the music industry. Chloé has worked with incredible talent across an array of genres including Beyoncé, Tyla, Tems, Chris Brown, Pharrell Williams, Cat Burns, Fredo and more. With over 15 years’ experience in the music industry, her previous roles include General Manager at MUZO BY UZO (record label founded by MNEK), Head of Label at Since ‘93 with a 10 year tenure at Sony Music and a stretch at Live Nation, all extensively across marketing. 

 

Pronouns: she/her

caitlin finn ballard heashot

Caitlin-Finn Ballard

Agent, ATC Live

Caitlin-Finn Ballard is a live booking agent at ATC Live in London, where she has been working for the past five years. Before stepping into the role of an agent, she studied sound engineering, managed a music magazine, performed in bands, and gained experience in various frontline music roles. Her diverse roster features 34 artists from across the globe, including acts from China, Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Iraq, the US, Canada, Germany and more. Artists on her roster include Yellow Days, Carrtoons, Temples, Ugly, Fickle Friends, Strongboi, Good Morning and Brijean.

 

Pronouns: she/her

nyrobi and chaya from alt blk era

ALT BLK ERA

Artists

ALT BLK ERA, are genre-smashing sister duo Nyrobi and Chaya, who are busy redefining the boundaries of music with their fusion of Rock with Rap, DnB and Electronic beats. Hailed as ‘Ones to Watch 2025’ by BBC Introducing, the MOBO Award winners (2025) and Heavy Music Award nominated (2024), artists have stormed the UK music scene with standout performances at iconic festivals that include Glastonbury, Download Festival, and Reading & Leeds. Music from their debut album 'Rave Immortal' has earned shout-outs from the Brit Awards and MTV, and they have received extensive radio and Spotify editorial support. Through their guest speaking engagements and online activity, they advocate for hidden disability awareness and inclusivity in the music industry, drawing from Nyrobi's personal journey which is also the story of the ‘Rave Immortal’ album.

YolanDa Brown OBE DL

YolanDa Brown OBE DL

Saxophonist & Broadcaster, Youth Music Chair

YolanDa Brown OBE DL is the premier female saxophonist in the UK, known for her delicious fusion of reggae, jazz and soul. YolanDa has toured with Diana Krall and The Temptations to name a few.

A broadcaster too – presenting numerous shows for the BBC including her eponymous series for CBeebies, YolanDa’s Band Jam, which won the Royal Television Society NW Awards in the Best Children’s category. She recently announced her new radio show on Jazz Fm which airs every Saturday.

YolanDa was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts by the University of East London. A champion for the importance of music education, she strives to bring access to the power of music and joy it emits to young people across the country. 

Will Edge

Will Edge

Head of Artist Development, AWAL Recordings

Will is a Senior Marketing Manager & Head of Artist Development at AWAL Recordings, under Sony Music UK. Since joining in 2018, he has gone on to work as global lead for the likes of Jungle, Disclosure, Hak Baker, deadmau5, FKJ, Gabrielle Aplin & now heads up the Artist Development arm of the marketing department, overseeing some of the prospering talent on the roster like Anish Kumar, Tora-i, Tamera, Sarah Crean and Aidan.

Will Davenport

Will Davenport

Composer, Pianist & Producer

With a strong passion for improving equality and fairness in the music industry, Will works at the Ivors Academy as their Council Coordinator and is the co-chair (and founder) of their LGBTQI+ Council. Compositionally, he has produced music for The Barbican Film Festival, The National Trust and The BBC, and has been described as “one of the most inventive young compositional voices” (Barbara De Biasi, Guildhall School of Music and Drama).

Whitney Wei

Whitney Wei

Journalist and Critic

Whitney is the Editor-in-Chief of Resident Advisor, and the former Editor-in-Chief of Electronic Beats, the music marketing program of Deutsche Telekom.

Foremost a journalist and critic, Whitney writes about club culture and experimental dance music scenes from around the world. Her words have appeared in The Guardian, Vogue US, Highsnobiety, Pitchfork, and Numéro Berlin, among others.

Tom Schroeder

Tom Schroeder

Executive Vice President, Wasserman

Tom is Executive Vice President at Wasserman and looks after the likes of Disclosure, Fred Again.. and RAYE.

Tinea Taylor

Tinea Taylor

Radio & TV Presenter/DJ

Tinea Taylor is currently presenting the KISS Hype Chart on KISS 7-9pm, also heard weekdays on KISSTORY 11-3pm. She has also DJ'd for huge brands such as Gymshark, Guinness, MTV and internationally in Ibiza, Marbella, Malta and Mallorca. 

Simon Lyon

Simon Lyon

Brand Manager UK & Ireland, Ableton

Based in Manchester, Simon has assisted artists, educators and music community leaders through his role as an Ableton Certified trainer. Helping to “make music make sense” his role at Ableton is guided by the continual quest to bridge the divide between music educators and artists. Working with both established and emerging talents, Simon primes himself on understanding music technology and how it can help the music makers of today and tomorrow.

Sian Eleri

Sian Eleri

TV & Radio Presenter

Sian Eleri is one of the biggest music tastemakers at BBC Radio 1. Presenting 4-nights-a-week on the station, she shares her love for music across two shows – The Chillest Show, and The Power Down Playlist.

Sian also has extensive experience in hosting live events. Some key career moments include Glastonbury, Proms, Radio 1’s Big Weekend as well as the Welsh Music Prize and the red carpet for the BIFA Awards. She’s also started her own gig night called TONNA’, championing some of her favourite artists.

Sian was named Music Week’s Rising Star in 2021. Her BBC Three series Paranormal is due for release this summer.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

SVP Neighbouring Rights, BMG

Sarah is responsible for running BMG's UK-based neighbouring rights division focused on a boutique roster of clients that includes Coldplay,The Rolling Stones, Roger Daltrey, Amy Winehouse and Jonas Blue, as well as rights included in recent acquisitions such as Primal Scream, Simple Minds and Chris Rea. Sarah has worked in the industry for 9 years, having previously worked at PPL where she was part of the Executive Management team as Director of Membership and Communications, serving a client base of more than 130,000 performers and recording rightsholders.

Sam Denniston

Sam Denniston

Founder, Verdigris Management

Sam is the founder of Verdigris Management, an independent artist management company that helps artists realise their creative vision. Sam represents a diverse set of artists across a range of genres. From creating global success stories; Jungle and Hot Chip - to breaking emerging artists - Priya Ragu and Smoothboi Ezra - Sam’s passion for integrity and creativity within the music industry has helped him to grow the company from a one-man bedroom-based operation to a team of 10 working over 25 artists, producers and mixers; in just eight years.

Ruth Barlow

Ruth Barlow

Director of Live Licensing, The Beggars Group

Now nearing her 25th year in the industry, Ruth’s day job involves developing policies and managing the numerous and varied rights deals surrounding live streaming and live recording of Beggars labels artists globally. Ruth became a Director of Beggars Group UK in 2014 and sits on the boards of Association of Independent Music (AIM), livestream company Driift and Earth Agency.

rosie byers

Rosie Byers

Managing Editor, Notion

Rosie is a writer, editor and producer working across music and culture.

After starting out writing for clothing brand Illustrated People’s blog and other fashion news websites, Rosie became an intern at Wonderland magazine. Progressing from Editorial Assistant to Editor in just over a year, her time there saw her work on features with the likes of SZA, Kid Cudi, Wizkid, Chloë Sevigny and Paul Mescal.

Since 2021 Rosie has been Managing Editor at Notion Magazine, overseeing print issues and digital content with a focus on new music. Producing imagery and video as well as editorial, she’s worked with industry-leading creatives organising shoots in partnership with Spotify’s RADAR, 4th Floor Creative, and brands from Clarks to Paco Rabanne. 

Rob Swaden

Rob Swaden

MD/Founder, 333 Management

Originally focused on artist development, 333 have partnered with talent including Kwabs and Sinead Harnett, working with them from emerging UK prospects, to global acts. Rob met producer, Felix Joseph, in 2013 and their work together inspired a shift of focus, towards building a producer/songwriter roster. 333 Management is now home to some of the most highly acclaimed creatives in the music industry, representing clients in the UK, US & Europe.

rebecca frank

Rebecca Frank

Content Director, KISS Network

Rebecca Frank leads the content vision, strategy and team for KISS, and previously held positions as Editor and Head of Production for BBC Radio 1, Radio 1Xtra, and for BBC Asian Network. Rebecca went on to act as consultant for non-profit Project Everyone and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on projects spanning the UK, USA and South Africa.  Before being at KISS, she was Head of Development for MediaWorks, New Zealand’s largest commercial media company.

Rafe Offer

Rafe Offer

Co-Founder/CEO, Sofar Sounds

Rafe Offer has led teams and innovation at some of the world's best known brands – as Global Marketing Director of Coca-Cola, Director of Global Marketing at The Walt Disney Company and a Director of Innovation for global drinks giant Diageo. More recently, he became an entrepreneur and Co-Founder/ CEO of global music events company Sofar Sounds. 

Peter Capstick

Peter Capstick

Label Manager, Marshall Records

In the 6 years since its first release, Marshall Records has gone from strength to strength. From working with critically acclaimed Therapy on their 15th and 16th studio albums and 30th anniversary tour, seeing Nova Twins achieve their first Radio 1 playlists, to championing exciting new artists such as Kid Bookie, Noah and the Loners and Gen and the Degenerates, Marshall have firmly established themselves as more than just an amp brand.

Nicolas-Tyrell Scott

Nicolas-Tyrell Scott

Music & Culture Journalist

Nicolas-Tyrell Scott is a London-based music and cultural journalist with his work printed/published in GQ, Pitchfork, Dazed, Apple Music, and more. As a speaker, he’s been featured on BBC, Channel 4, Wray and Nephew, The Grapevine TV, No Signal, Over the Bridge podcast, and spoken at Soho House. In music, he’s crafted assets for Mahalia, Adekunle Gold, Bru-C, and others. Nicolas-Tyrell has an informed view on music, which spans hip-hop to R&B, to emergent genres like drill, future-sounds, and afro-swing, always sure to tie lineages to each before framing their futures.

Nathan Thomson

Nathan Thomson

Head Of Music, KISS Network

Nathan works with KISS' Programme Director, delivering the brand's music strategy across it's main KISS FM UK platform as well as both it's KISStory and recently-launched Kiss Fresh formats. Nathan is also responsible for the station's playlists and scheduling as well as executing music content across the brands with record companies, pluggers, management and artists.

naina

NAINA

DJ & Presenter

NAINA is known for her inimitable blend of hard and fast dance music, delving between techno, footwork and jungle in true Hooversound style, alongside broadcasting weekly around the world on Apple Music 1 & monthly on NTS. She's previously held spots on Reprezent Radio to featuring across 4Music, Rinse FM, NTS, BBC 1Xtra.

NAINA launched the record label Hooversound with fellow DJ, SHERELLE, and also created TALA Radio to shine a spotlight on emerging South Asian talent.

NAINA has featured on Boiler Room twice (2017, 2019) and was nominated for Best Radio Show at the DJ Mag awards in 2021.

Michael Cragg

Michael Cragg

Music Journalist & Author

Michael Cragg has been writing about pop music for over a decade and has interviewed everyone from Lady Gaga to Lorde, via Little Mix, Shawn Mendes, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue and Lil Nas X. He has written for outlets including Vogue, The Guardian, GQ, BBC, The Observer, Popjustice, Dazed, i-D, The Face and Billboard. He also edits the independent biannual music magazine BEAT. He released his debut book, Reach For The Stars, an oral history of UK pop between 1996 and 2006, earlier this year.

Megan Townsend

Megan Townsend

Deputy Editor, Mixmag

Megan Townsend is a music journalist and the current Deputy Editor of Mixmag. Working in newsrooms for the past eight years, alongside writing about electronic music, has given Meganan in-depth knowledge of the dance music scene and modern media. Megan hails from Merseyside and is now based in London, and puts expanding the focal point of dance music journalism to include underrepresented groups and scenes — in both the UK and internationally — at the forefront of her work. While at Mixmag she has launched the Cost Of Living Series, written an in-depth investigation into the vinyl industry and post-COVID recovery — alongside consistent coverage of cultural trends and emerging artists. 

 

Pronouns: she/her

Martha Kinn

Martha Kinn

Founder, Kinndred Management

Martha has managed Years & Years since 2013, taking them from an unknown act to global success.

Martha’s former clients include MNEK (2020-22), Bree Runway (2017-20), and Rizzle Kicks, whom she discovered at age 22 and steered to platinum success with their debut album in 2011.

Martha won the ‘Rising Star’ award at Music Week’s Women in Music Awards in 2016, won the Ultimate Achievement Award via the Ultimate Seminar and has been nominated for Music Week’s ‘Manager of the Year’ 3 years in row.

In 2019, Martha launched a ground-breaking Mental Health and Wellbeing Initiative. The service comprises of artist assessment sessions, a well-being drop in facility and a therapeutic support group for staff.

Mark Savage holds a microphone and reports from a festival

Mark Savage

BBC Music Correspondant

Mark Savage started his career as a sound engineer, mixing live radio programmes in 52 languages for the BBC World Service, before moving into reporting. Since then, he has covered everything from the Cannes Film Festival to the Grammys, and interviewed some of music’s biggest names, including Paul McCartney, Madonna, Ed Sheeran and Lady Gaga.

Lucian Wheeler

Lucian Wheeler

Exams Officer, RSL Awards

Lucian is a multi-instrumentalist and sound engineer. After studying Creative Music Technology at the University of Salford, he has worked at RSL Awards in the exams team.

RSL awards are an international awarding body and music publisher. Their brands Rockschool, VQ (Vocational Qualifications), PAA (Performing Arts Awards), and CQ (Creative Qualifications) connect with over 100,000 young people each year. Alumni include Ed Sheeran, Jess Glynne, and Wolf Alice.

Lucian also writes, records and gigs all across London as part of Fearweek and The Famous Daxx.

LF System

LF System

Production Duo

Scottish duo LF System's single 'Afraid to Feel' went double Platinum, spending eight weeks atop the UK charts, the longest running electronic track to sit at #1. They have sold out debut tours of USA, Australia & New Zealand and have major festival appearances in summer 2023 at Glastonbury, Creamfields, Reading, Leeds, Exit, Parklife, TRNSMT and more.

Lewis Slade

Lewis Slade

Studio Manager, Metropolis Studios

Lewis Slade has been running the studios since June 2021 and started his career there as an apprentice, working his way to the top within a few years of joining.

In his time as manager, Lewis has seen Metropolis nominated for the MPG 2023 Studio Of The Year Award - the first for Metropolis in a number of years - facilitated the UK's first industrial-scale festival writing camp alongside Warner Chappell, and ran rehearsals for the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Show with the Foo Fighters and guest performers such as Paul McCartney, Queen, & Brian Johnson.

Alongside these special projects, he works with a wide range of artists from Kendrick Lamar, The Rolling Stones, Burna Boy, AJ Tracey, Travis Scott, Guns N Roses, Becky Hill, WizKid, and many more.

Lewis has been playing drums and writing music since 11 years of age, which is where his passion for music started; playing in bands across the UK and in Europe, and still producing music in collectives to this day.

Lauren Layfield

Lauren Layfield

TV & Radio Presenter

Lauren has been waking up the nation’s early risers on Capital’s Early Breakfast Show since 2019.  She has been a regular reporter for The One Show since 2021. Last year, she joined the Eurovision family to become the commentator for Junior Eurovision, broadcasting live on BBC One.

Lauren is an ambassador for mental health charity Young Minds and period poverty organisation Bloody Good Period. Her debut teen novel ‘Indi Raye is Totally Faking It’ will be published in August 2023 by Hachette UK.

kwabs

Kwabs

Artist

Bermondsey-born Kwabena Adjepong appeared on the BBC Sound of 2015 list and went on to release three EPs. His single 'Walk' went straight to Number 1 in Germany and dominated radio airplay, across Europe.

Kwabs has previously supported Sam Smith on their European tour and collaborated with Disclosure on the track 'Willing & Able'. He has performed at both Coachella and Glastonbury.

kojey radical

Kojey Radical

Artist

“I’ve always seen myself as a servant of creativity,” says Kojey Radical, “I’m only here to contribute. Outside of that it’s not about me.” The 28-year-old multi-genre musician has emerged as one of Britain’s most thrilling and unique creative voices. Blending everything from Rap to Jazz, spoken-word to funk, Kojey manages to wrap narrations on the conditions of country, the celebrations of community and the relationship with self into soulful, rhythmic sounds that carry at stage shows and festivals. By doing so, he has become a voice for the unheard.

joy crookes

Joy Crookes

Artist

Joy Crookes has fast become one of the UK’s most exciting new artists. Her unique approach to storytelling within her songs has seen her become a treasured and trusted new voice. 

Joy's debut album 'Skin' achieved a top 5 spot in the Official UK Chart and number 1 in the Official Record Store Chart, two BRIT nominations and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize.

jordss wears a red jacket

Jordss

DJ

Jordss is a London based DJ and producer, who plays recognisable favourites infused with electronic twists. Never afraid to throw a curveball or three, Jordss draws influences from her Caribbean roots and blends them with gritty London garage, soul and dance.

Jordss is also the founder of ‘Girls Can’t DJ’, a community and database made to eradicate gender imbalance in the DJing community by encouraging womxn to learn how to DJ and promoting existing female and non-binary talent.

With 6 boiler rooms, 21 international shows and her recent HÖR Berlin set, Jordss is a music lover and tastemaker making waves in the music industry.

joe goddard

Joe Goddard

Band member, Hot Chip

Member of Hot Chip and the 2 Bears, songwriter, producer, DJ, Grammy-nominated remixer and co-founder of the Greco-Roman label. All of the above are elements of the biography of Joe Goddard, an artist now firmly established as part of the lineage of British producers whose raison d'être lies in the synthesis of the perfect vocal, the right beat and the energy levels felt in the centre of the dancefloor. The optimism and sense of community Goddard's music provides, however, is his alone.

jamie spinks

Jamie Spinks

Head of A&R, Columbia Records

Jamie Spinks has achieved remarkable success signing some of the biggest and most ground-breaking artists and singles in the industry. While at Polydor, he worked with high-profile artists such as RAYE, Jax Jones, Mura Masa, Ellie Goulding, and Celeste. In 2022, he moved to Columbia Records, where he founded the 'Room Two' joint venture and was promoted to Head of A&R.

In his time at Columbia, Jamie signed multi-platinum band Rudimental and emerging artist Venbee. As Head of A&R, he is responsible for overseeing the direction of the A&R strategy for Columbia Records, signing and developing the next generation of talent for its iconic roster.

james giddings

James Giddings

Co-Founder, DeLaMouche

James is the Co-Founder of DeLaMouche, which is made-up of 3Sixty Music and Media. As a company, they harness their significant network to work with major IP owners, brands, Governments, investors and artists across the globe to harness the power of music and media. DeLaMouche's recent work includes programming the music and performances at the FIFA World Cup as well as ongoing projects with brands such as MOBO, BBC, Marshall and many more. DeLaMouche also represent a roster of already successful and up-and-coming artists.

ian sims

Ian Sims

Senior Label Relations Manager, Amazon Music

Ian leads the relationship between Amazon Music and Universal Music labels in the UK. Ian started his Amazon Music journey in 2017 within the Physical Music team, and has been in the Digital Music team since 2020 where he negotiates mutually benefitting artist partnerships and owns priority projects across emerging artists (Breakthrough) and catalogue music. Some recent achievements include: Consumer Innovation Award Finalist 2023 (Music Week), Best Marketing Campaign List 2022 (Music Ally), seven figure views on numerous Twitch livestreams, and Top 5 OCC chart finish with Amazon Original Christmas track.

gareth mellor

Gareth Mellor

VP, Global Marketing & Communications, Downtown Music Holdings

Gareth Mellor oversees the marketing of some of the industry's most renowned independent music companies, including FUGA, Songtrust, CD Baby and Downtown's Music Services, Publishing and Neighbouring Rights divisions.

With 15 years experience, Mellor has held senior marketing roles at FUGA, Kobalt / AWAL and Tunecore, and he sits on the Board of Trustees for Music Minds Matter, the UK industry's mental health charity.

Fleur East

Fleur East

Singer-songwriter & Presenter

Fleur East came to fame as a teenager when she was a part of the group Addictiv Ladies on X Factor in 2005; it was after this that she launched a solo career a few years later, predominantly working as a vocalist in the drum and bass sphere. She would eventually return to compete on X Factor as a solo artist in 2014, getting to number one on the UK iTunes charts with her Bruno Mars ‘Uptown Funk’ cover, before finishing the show in second place and signing to a major label. Since then she has put out two acclaimed albums, her single ‘Sax’ went platinum, she made memorable appearances on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and Strictly Come Dancing (Fleur was a runner-up on the latter), she presents the breakfast show over on Hits Radio, and has even qualified as a personal trainer.

elliot jaillet

Elliot Jaillet

Senior Manager, Programming & Editorial, Vevo

Elliot's passion for discovering new artists led him to work in music curation for the past decade. He started his career in music supervision for film & TV in Los Angeles, where he helped curate the soundtrack of high-profile shows for HBO, FOX and ABC. He then spent 4 years as a Senior Music Programmer for Google Play and YouTube Music before becoming the Head of Music Curation at Keakie, a London-based streaming platform for DJ mixes and radio shows.

Dr Diljeet Kaur Bhachu holds a flute

Dr Diljeet Bhachu

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Musicians’ Union

Dr Diljeet Bhachu is the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the Musicians’ Union. She is based in Glasgow, and is active as a live and recording session musician, as well as her own musical projects. Before joining the MU, Diljeet worked in various contexts including lecturing in Higher Education, academic and freelance research in the arts, and community music.

 

Pronouns: she/her

david mulqueen

David Mulqueen

Lead, Artist Marketing EMEA, Fender

Artist relations, marketing and project management at Fender Musical Instruments Europe.

dave simpson

Dave Simpson

Music Critic, The Guardian

Dave Simpson is a music journalist writing for the Guardian, Uncut and others, having written for various titles during a 32-year career. His books include The Fallen: Life In And Out Of Britain’s Most Insane Group (about the Fall), a Sunday Times and Observer music book of the year and last year’s Sex Pistols: I Wanna be Me. He lives in North Yorkshire.

chris pattinson

Chris Pattinson

Director of Music, Media Arts Lab

Chris Pattinson is Director Of Music for TBWA\Media Arts Lab, the global network dedicated to Apple's advertising. Before this he set up and co-founded The Black Cab Sessions, a music platform featuring artists such as Jack White, The Roots, Brian Wilson and Solange performing a song in the back of a London cab.  The platform was responsible for discovering and promoting artists such as Lianne La Havas, Michael Kiwanuka and Laura Marling as well as many more. Black Cab Sessions is in hiatus until the team manages to persuade a certain icon to take part.

christopher daglish

Christopher Daglish

Brand Programs Manager, Levi’s

Chris is the Brand Programs Manager at Levi’s. Leading on music and culture campaigns for North Europe, including the Levi’s Music Project, that has activated community-based activations with the likes of Skepta, Loyle Carner, Khalid and Mabel to name a few.

Chloé Abrahams-Duperry

Chloé Abrahams-Duperry

Artist & Promoter Relations Manager, International at Ticketmaster Music

Chloé joined Ticketmaster’s Global Music division as Artist & Promoter Relations Manager early 2022, working across Ticketmaster’s portfolio of markets outside North America. She works with promoters and artist teams to develop and deliver on ticketing strategy - overseeing the process of international tours from conception to execution.

In the last year, Chloé has managed the launch of ticketing services for European tours for the likes of Harry Styles, Beyoncé, BLACKPINK and Sam Smith to name a few.

charlie rout

Charlie Rout

Associate Creative Director, Warner Music X

Charlie Rout is a multidisciplinary creative, working at the intersection of where Youth Culture meets Advertising. With a decade of experience in major labels, Charlie is currently Associate Creative Director at Warner Music X. Throughout his career, he’s worked with culture-shaping brands such as Beats By Dre, Levi’s, Puma, Red Bull, Sony and Microsoft.

capo lee

Capo Lee

Artist

Capo Lee is a Grime MC and campaigner from North London.

bryan wilson

Bryan Wilson

Producer, Mixer, Songwriter & Recording Engineer

Bryan Wilson (AKA Boom Dice) is a multi-Grammy nominated/Brit Award winning Producer, Mixer, Songwriter, Artist and Recording Engineer who has worked with; Sofi Tukker, Stormzy, Jay Electronica w/Jay-Z, Mabel, Wolf Alice, Disclosure, John Newman, Lianne La Havas, Plan B, Emilie Sande, Anne Marie, Jeremy Loops, and Sam Ryder amongst many others. His work transcends genres and is behind over 10 billion streams, huge sync placements, as well as gold and platinum sales certifications globally. He is also the founder/A&R of Boom Dice Presents, a label and music discovery platform that showcases global talent.

amarie cassidy

Amarie Cassidy

Artist Marketing Manager, Amazon Music

Amarie Cassidy is an Artist Marketing Manager and international DJ with a near decade in the worlds of music, fashion and culture. She currently leads on major artist campaigns and boasts a wide range of clients including Sony Music, Boiler Room and ASOS. Her love for music also shines through her work outside of marketing, whether its interviewing the likes of Dave and Krept & Konan on GRM Daily or DJing for brands like Nike, Soho House and Paris Fashion Week. She graduated from UCL, with her first-class dissertation on British hip-hop garnering national media attention and praise from rapper, Stormzy. She has since gone back to university to talk about her career to inspire the next generation of music executives and can’t wait to see the new wave of talent that the Youth Music Awards has to offer!

alexis taylor

Alexis Taylor

Band member, Hot Chip

The regular on-stage and in-the-studio appearances Alexis Taylor makes with a series of diffuse living legends, from free improv magi to Cristal Pop Superstars, demonstrates his ability to enjoy any scenario in which creativity is at its most pronounced. The four solo albums Taylor has recorded bear witness to this urge; lyrically often honest and warm-hearted, Taylor has found an ever-shifting musical context in which to place his instantly recognisable voice.

Nathifa Jordan headshot

Nathifa Jordan

Trustee

Nathifa Jordan is the Business Director at CultureMix Arts, a not-for-profit music and carnival arts organisation based in Berkshire. She is an experienced creative with a demonstrated history of working with young people in music related activities. Nathifa has a degree in Sociology from the University of Surrey and is passionate about education and personal development. She leads the facilitation of business training, work experience, careers advice and mentoring making a positive difference to the lives and futures of many young people. Through her work her mission is to help empower young people to achieve their ambitions and further develop prospects for careers in the music and creative industry.

 

Pronouns: she/her

Sarah Brown Trustee

Sarah Brown

Trustee

Sarah is the national programme lead for children and young people’s mental health at NHS England. With over 20 years’ experience in public sector children’s services, Sarah has been at the forefront of developing and delivering public policy, leading strategic commissioning and driving large-scale transformational change at a national, sub-regional and local level.

 

Pronouns: she/her

Paul Bonham headshot

Paul Bonham

Trustee

With a background in public funding, diversity and inclusion, music management and professional development, one of Paul’s first paid jobs in the industry was running a Youth Music funded DJ and Rap project in his hometown of Oxford. Paul currently leads the Music Manager Forum's ground-breaking Accelerator supported by YouTube Music.

 

Pronouns: he/him

Miri Buac headshot

Miri Buac

Trustee

Miri is a brand strategist and Head of Communications for a not-for-profit membership organisation. She has worked with an array of consumer brands and charities leading on creative and behaviour change projects. She’s passionate about youth culture, helping people share their lived experiences to influence societal change or help increase opportunities available to individuals and communities. Over the years, Miri has worked on the launch of Apple Music, implementing programmes with Sport England, Youth Sport Trust, and national governing bodies, and even whipped up a media storm(zy) about Youth Music. 

Hanna Chalmers Trustee headshot

Hanna Chalmers

Trustee

Hanna Chalmers has spent her career working in, and around the media, tech, music and entertainment industries. She spent nearly a decade at the BBC working with a wide research remit across the youth brands from Cbeebies to BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra. She then moved to Universal Music where she established and led the research and insights practice in the UK. In 2020 Hanna set up CultureStudio Research, a 'culture first' insights practice and collective operating out of London but working internationally.

 

Pronouns: she/her

freddie aitken

Freddie Aitken

Trustee

Freddie works in Membership and EDI at London Youth Choirs. He also runs a DIY electronic music record label, hosts monthly radio shows, and DJs in his home city of London and around the UK. Alongside this, Freddie is a member of the first European Music Business Task Force and podcast show host for the Music Cities Network's "Music Industry Voices" podcast. 

 

Pronouns: he/him

Claire Wills headshot

Claire Wills

Trustee & Chair of F&A

Claire is an audit partner at Saffery LLP, a top 15 accountancy firm. She has more than 20 years’ experience and specialises in working with charities. Her client portfolio includes a number of arts charities as well as a wide range of other not for profit entities including grant makers and fundraising charities. Claire enjoys working with her clients to help them navigate a variety of challenges and opportunities. No two clients are ever the same.

Charlotte Edgeworth headshot

Charlotte Edgeworth

Youth Music Co-Chair

Charlotte is passionate about finding ways for organisations to have a positive impact on their communities, their employees and wider society.  

Starting her career in marketing and moving through the voluntary sector into Corporate Responsibility, Charlotte has worked across a variety of functions including Social Impact, DEI and Environmental Programmes. She is an expert in strategic grant-making and has led corporate foundations for global FTSE-listed organisations as well as having been CEO of a charity.

In 2021 Charlotte joined Sony Music UK as their first Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact. In this role she leads on community programmes, charity partnerships and embedding equitable and inclusive practices across the company.

Bre headshot

Bre McDermott-King

Trustee

With a passion for marketing, Bre has worked on a number of global artist campaigns. She is passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion, and was previously the Head of Sony Music UK's first ever diversity committee, HUE UK. In 2019, she launched a collective, Women Connect UK, which works to advocate for and provide opportunities for women and non-binary folk in the creative industries.

 

Pronouns: she/her

Berkley

Berkeley Edwards

Trustee

Berkeley is the Head of Music and a principal at Clintons – a market-leading boutique law firm. He represents a broad cross section of the most successful musical talent in the UK and Europe as well as advising many emerging artists on the pathways available in the modern music industry.

 

Pronouns: he/him

Andrew Lansley playing the double bass

Andrew Lansley

Trustee

Andrew is innovation Manager for Cheltenham Festivals, Senior Academic at the University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham Culture Board coordinator and in his spare time performs as double bassist with Thrill Collins. He has worked in cross sector roles including events, academia, politics, broadcast and innovation, has written research and worked with young people to help them realise their own musical ambitions. Andrew is autistic and runs a neurodiverse consultancy that specialises in intersectional, regenerative projects to help make businesses and organisations more accessible and sustainable.

 

Pronouns: he/him

tom mehrtens

Tom Mehrtens

Head of Music, Satellite 414

Tom Mehrtens is Head of Music & Entertainment at leading PR agency SATELLITE414. Their current roster of musicians includes Rina Sawayama, Chappell Roan, Caroline Polachek, Beyonce, Ellie Goulding, Walt Disco and more. Outside of music they also work with a variety of leaders in their fields such as Munroe Bergdorf, Attitude Awards, Mighty Hoopla festival, Homo Sapiens podcast and Queer Britain (the UK’s first and only LGBTQ+ museum).

 

Pronouns: they/them

tom farncombe

Tom Farncombe

Manager - Publishing Society Partnerships, YouTube

 

Pronouns: he/him

sophie pitchforth

Sophie Pitchforth

Senior Promoter, Metropolis Music

Having started her career in radio events at Global (Capital and Radio X), Sophie moved into the concert promotions world 16 years ago. In her current role as Senior Promoter at Metropolis Music (part of Live Nation), Sophie has built an impressive roster featuring artists like The Lumineers, Bat For Lashes, Laufey, Benson Boone, and Jessie Murph, while also working closely with renowned musicians such as Robbie Williams, Blur, Eminem, Paolo Nutini, Tenacious D, and George Ezra. This year, she is co-programming the 2024 British Summer Time shows in Hyde Park.

sophie k

Sophie K

Radio Presenter

Sophie K is presenter of Kerrang Radio’s breakfast, Absolute Radio Weekends, Amazon Music and her succesful ‘On Wednesdays We Wear Black’ podcast. Sophie has presented her own show (Tube Screamer) for the UK’s most well known rock and metal channel Scuzz TV. She has also been cover presenter for the BBC Radio 1 Indie Show.

holding asset

Sophia Burn

Vice President European Touring Live Nation UK

Sophia started out in the industry as a musician, before jumping the fence to become a promoter in the Live Nation office in London. Her roster of artists includes the Weeknd, TWICE, Lizzo, Twenty One Pilots and Stray Kids, and she also works on the team looking after Coldplay’s touring in mainland Europe. When not working, she likes gardening, as plants cannot send emails.

sophia alexandra hall

Sophia Alexandra-Hall

Deputy Digital Editor (Audience), The Big Issue

Sophia is Deputy Digital Editor (Audience) for The Big Issue. A proud care experienced journalist, she writes across social affairs and culture, and finds creative ways to bring the news to social media audiences. Sophia has appeared on Sky News as part of the morning paper review, and BBC Breakfast, speaking on the topic of foster care. She is a 2023-2024 Churchill Fellow, researching trauma-informed journalism. In 2021 Sophia was named on the PPA 30 under 30 list, and in 2022 won ‘Exclusive of the Year’ at the NCTJ Excellence in Journalism Awards.

sheniece charway

Sheniece Charway

Artist Relations Manager, YouTube

Since joining YouTube in 2019, Sheniece has played a seminal role in the growth of Black talent both on and off the platform. In addition to working on events such as Skepta’s Live Q&A, GRM Daily Discography with Ghetts & Wretch 32, a Stefflon Don Fan Event, Aitch’s EP launch party, Michael Brun’s Album launch party and Tiwa Savage’s single launch party, Sheniece is actively involved in tackling anti-Black racism and championing Black talent within the music industry. Sheniece's contribution to elevating Black culture has led to her being crowned Music Week’s ‘Rising Star’ at the 2021 Women In Music Awards, and won the Best Publicity & Relations award two years in a row at the Young Music Boss awards in 2023 & 2024.

 

Pronouns: she/her

shanice edwards

Shanice Edwards

Junior A&R, Since ‘93/ Sony Music

Shanice Edwards is a Junior A&R Manager at Since ‘93/Sony Music UK. Working on artists such as METTE and DC. Before joining the label, she founded an up-and-coming artist event series, which lead to her being across exciting up and coming artists. Shanice is passionate about finding distinctive artists who are incredibly driven and at the fore of their scenes and genres.

rhia patel

Rhia Patel

Head of Growth Marketing, Songkick

Rhia is responsible for B2B and B2C growth of the leading platform for live music discovery, Songkick. With 8 years’ experience in marketing, including running global campaigns and press relations, she enjoys making data-informed decisions to scale and drive demand generation and revenue. Rhia gains fulfilment in seeking opportunities to represent a range of community groups that are close to her heart from women in Sports & STEM, to being an active member of female leadership groups and the LGBTQI+ community at Warner Music. She believes that no one should be left behind and embraces every opportunity to engage with groups to support and amplify their voices to be heard.

 

Pronouns: she/her

nova twins

Nova Twins

Artists

2x BRIT nominated duo Nova Twins are the zeitgeist-capturing polymath pioneers that our times have been waiting for. Their debut album ‘Who Are The Girls?’ planted their flag as outliers on a mission. The same fighting spirit is ingrained in their new, Mercury Shortlisted album ‘Supernova’, a piece of work that’s fearlessly itself.

nikki camilleri

Nikki Camilleri

Founder, mana.

Nikki's work has seen her have stints at Warner Music Group and Believe amongst others, sign acts such as Ayelle, Alfa Mist, Cat Burns and James Vickery. Some of her favourite work has included Glastonbury Festival and Mayor of London Arts & Culture events, scouting, negotiating and signing international audio and visual content/ IP deals (ranging from record deals to distribution) and conceptualising artist campaigns with amazing talent which has resulted in millions of streams and countless sold out live shows. With a keen interest in social impact, she founded mana to advance sustainable careers in the music industry - enabling artists to maximise their projects, advocating for working conditions in which music professionals thrive and as a result breaking down the barriers of who gets to be creative. 

 

Pronouns: she/her

naomi williams

Naomi Williams

Senior Marketing Manager, Polydor

With nearly 15 years under her belt as a publicist working with the likes of Daft Punk, Florence + The Machine, Daniel Avery and Charli XCX, the majority of that time helming independent agency Totem, Naomi joined Polydor in 2016 as Head of Online PR before switching roles and joining the marketing team. In this new role, she has spearheaded campaigns for internationally acclaimed artists including Lana Del Rey, boygenius, Daniel Caesar and Kacey Musgraves, as well as rising stars Elmiene and Etta Marcus.

 

Pronouns: she/her

MNEK headshot

MNEK

Artist, Producer and Songwriter, Youth Music Ambassador

Grammy award winning, BRIT and Ivor Novello-nominated artist/producer/writer MNEK, has clocked up an astonishing fifteen years in the music business. With over 4 BILLION streams on MNEK written, featured and produced tracks, he has grown to become a true powerhouse within the British pop world.

Megan Devereux

Megan Devereux

Education Marketing Specialist, Marshall Amplification

Megan leads on all things Education and Community for Marshall group on a global scale. Harnessing Marshall’s heritage and roots of listening to musicians, Megan uses her industry experience and background to provide opportunities for the next generations of musicians and industry.
 

Pronouns: she/her

maia beth headshot

Maia Beth

Radio Presenter

Maia Beth presents Radio 1's Workout Anthems and Happy Anthems as well as regularly covering Mollie King on Radio 1's Future Pop. She is also a festival host and backstage interviewer for BBC Introducing supporting artists from the very start of their journeys at events like Glastonbury, Latitude, Radio 1's Big Weekend and Reading and Leeds. One of her favourite things to do is to host events and long form interviews with artists getting to know them and their music on a deeper level. She's done this for artists including Zayn Malik, Fletcher, Conan Gray, Aine Deane and Sam Tompkins. 

 

Pronouns: she/her

louise unsworth

Louise Unsworth

Global Head of Content Strategy and Partnerships, Hal Leonard Europe

Louise has built a strong foundation in the music publishing industry with roots in editorial roles. She is now the Global Head of Content Strategy & Partnerships at Hal Leonard – the world’s largest printed music publisher. She handles publisher and writer relationships, deal negotiations, and over her career has managed projects for renowned artists such as ABBA, Adele, Ed Sheeran, Max Richter, Yann Tiersen, and more. Louise collaborates closely with a number of industry partners, utilising the company’s exclusive rights, content, and expertise to develop innovative products that enable music-making for a wider audience.

 

Pronouns: she/her

lizz steichen

Lizz Steichen

Senior Marketing Manager – Lead, EMEA, Ticketmaster Music

Lizz Steichen brings to the business a unique blend of experience as a former musician and seasoned marketing professional. Having transitioned from roles in A&R and PR to touring as a songwriter, singer, and guitarist in an all-girl rock band, Lizz is now focused on her marketing career. At Ticketmaster, she works across EMEA with touring promoters and artist teams to drive their strategic initiatives for global and international tours and has supported global campaigns from the likes of Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, and Adele to name a few. She is also passionate about nurturing rising stars and has been a primary contributor to Ticketmaster’s New Music content initiative highlighting emerging talent, and in 2023 Lizz oversaw the expansion of the UK’s annual Breakthrough list to include a grant which committed £50,000 to help new artists cover their touring costs.

Khadejia Ghislanzoni

Khadejia Ghislanzoni

Radio Presenter

Khadejia is a presenter and DJ who began her career at the age of 16. Over the years, she has built a strong reputation in the industry, securing DJ residencies internationally and performing for major brands like Nike and Adidas. Additionally, she hosted the afternoon show on Rinse FM for two years, a position she recently left to focus on her production company, ‘Khadejia Productions’.

kelly betts

Kelly Betts

Editor, BBC Music Introducing
She/Her

Kelly Betts is the Editor for BBC Music Introducing, the BBC’s unique new music discovery initiative. Introducing is made up of key local radio shows around the country, finding new music from their scene and feeding the best new music through to Radio 1, 1Xtra, Radio 2, 6Music, Asian Network & Radio 3 . BBC Introducing host stages at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, Latitude and The Great Escape. In 2007, Kelly helped launch the local BBC Introducing show in Beds, Herts & Bucks & has dedicated her career to helping new musicians across the UK. 

jordan stephens

Jordan Stephens

Artist & Author

Jordan Stephens is a writer and performer, best known as one half of the chart-topping duo Rizzle Kicks, who sold over 600,000 copies of their debut album Stereo Typical in the UK and went on to sell over a million records. Having been publicly open with his own struggles surrounding mental health, Jordan has been very active in creating awareness around the stigma. His mental health campaign #IAMWHOLE reached over 120 million people online and was mentioned in the Houses of Parliament. His children's book The Missing Piece was recently shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Prize. His new book Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs releases in August 2024.

johnny lattimer black and white

Jonny Lattimer

Songwriter & Producer

Jonny has an innate knack for helping artists find, articulate and maintain their true voices be it Rina Sawayama & Elton Johns ‘Chosen Family’ or Nathan Dawe & KSI’s ‘Lighter' it’s a skill that’s seen him go on to sell millions records to date. Jonny’s collaborations are as vast as they are varied including; Tom Grennan, Joy Crookes, Rina Sawayama, Mahalia, Nathan Dawe, M1llionz, Janelle Monae, Sigrid, Maisie Peters, Hamzaa, Zak Abel, Sinead Harnett, Bruno Major, Tom Odell & Raye.

 

Pronouns: he/him

jon lawrence

Jon Lawrence

Co-Founder, Chalk Press Agency

Jon Lawrence is the director of Chalk Press Agency, a London based public relations company representing the likes of Sam Fender, The Last Dinner Party, Mumford & Sons, Mitski, PJ Harvey, and Michael Kiwanuka. Jon started out in publicity back in 2005, working for a couple of prominent independent music PR companies before founding Chalk in January 2015. Jon has been nominated for Music Week’s PR Campaign award five times, and represented a host of #1 charting artists on both sides of the Atlantic, BRIT and Grammy Award winners, Mercury Music Prize winners, Ivor Novello winners, several BBC Sound of.. Poll winners, and plenty more besides.

jodie luckie

Jodie Luckie

Senior Publicist, Toast Press

Jodie Luckie is a Senior Publicist at award-winning PR company, Toast Press and has spent the past three years dedicated to building their electronic roster, looking after the likes of Disclosure, Confidence Man, Daniel Avery, Mura Masa, horsegiirL + many more. She is committed to breaking emerging artists and pushing unheard voices into the mainstream.

jodie bryant wears a sleeveless button up denim dress. she plays with her blonde hair

Jodie Bryant

Founder, Discover Live | BBC Radio 1 Presenter | Youth Music Ambassador

Jodie is a presenter and has recently been covering BBC Radio 1’s Future Pop show and given first plays to a lot of artists including Vi0let, Lois and Lydia Shute. As well as this she’s a DJ and has played at the Hundred cricket, supported Pixie Lott at the Ned and DJed at Manchester’s MTV EMA awards in 2024. Her new music night 'Discover Live' has helped catapult numerous artists careers with a high focus on women in music and female artists. She also presents the interview show 'Fangirl Files' which shines a light on the personalities behind up and coming artists whilst she interviews them as their number 1 fan. 

 

Pronouns: she/her

Jess Iszatt headshot

Jess Iszatt

Radio Host and Presenter, Youth Music Ambassador

Jess Iszatt is the host of Radio 1’s flagship BBC Introducing show; where she champions and showcases the talents of unknown and emerging music artists. Jess is at the very cutting edge of music, always looking for that rising star.  

 

Pronouns: she/her

jd donovan

JD Donovan

Head of Partnerships, Lounges.tv

JD Donovan is a platinum-selling young music executive who has delivered over 500 million streams for independent music talents. After working with some of the biggest global names in music after getting his break at 22 under US ‘super-producer’ Dallas Austin as a staff writer and producer, he struck out on his own in 2017 founding his own specialist agency, It’s Never Simple, focused on developing new industry talents in an ethical way – whilst consulting for industry companies on best practice in artist relations and marketing. At video streaming and on-demand platform Lounges.tv, JD works in-house to fuel the growth of emerging content creators and artists – helping them be fairly rewarded for their talents at highest payment rate in the industry. JD has featured in national UK media advocating for music artists and their rights on Sky News, ITV News at 6 and BBC Radio 5 Live.

jayd williams

Jayd Williams

Head of Music Partnerships & Sponsorship, Virgin Media O2

Working in the industry for over 10 years, Jayd Williams has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands and companies from Universal Music, Sony, Warner, L’Oréal, Coty to Revlon. She has worked on marketing activations for endorsement and sponsorship deals such as Big Sean x Blackberry and created marketing plans for Lady Leshur x Olay and Raheem Sterling x Gillete. Jayd has also worked on artist activation deals with beverage brands such as Heineken, Remy Martin and Moet Hennessey.

jay ahmed

Jay Ahmed

Head of Promotions, Your Army

Jay is the Head of Promotions at Your Army; a promotions company that focus’ on breaking acts and developing their growth to a wider audience. The company’s current roster includes the likes of Dave, Sam Smith, BICEP, Christine and the Queens, Sub Focus, Katy B, salute, Barry Can’t Swim, TSHA and more. “I’m passionate about young people getting into creative industries as I didn’t know the vast number of jobs that exist for people with different skillsets – I had never heard of radio plugging before applying for a job at Your Army,” Jay shares.

 

Pronouns: he/him

jasmine takhar

Jasmine Takhar

Radio Presenter

Jasmine Takhar is the host of BBC Introducing and the Official British Asian Music Chart on the BBC Asian Network. In 2021, her passion for and strong connection to new UK artists was recognised when she was announced as the new host of the 'BBC Introducing' show on BBC Asian Network. She then received a nomination for Best Radio Show from the Music Week Awards in 2022, followed by successive nominations in 2023 and 2024. Jasmine’s passion for breaking through new artists has also lead to her hosting various music events for new artists around the country including BBC Introducing at Glastonbury, R1's Big Weekend, The Great Escape Festival, Latitude Festival and at South by Southwest Festival. Outside of radio, Jasmine also heads up the project 'Scene Not Heard'. A platform dedicated to providing a voice for unsigned rap, grime and R&B artists from outside of London.

 

Pronouns: she/her

iain mcgoldrick

Iain McGoldrick

Head of Business Development, DJ Mag

Joining DJ Mag in 2012, Iain was pivotal in the brand's full North American launch and has gone on to work across the company to solidify DJ Mag’s place as the world's leading electronic music print magazine. Translating DJ Mag’s editorial direction into a global events strategy, Iain has worked with some of the world's most exciting artists on events & activations across the globe. Working closely with industry and community partners, Iain has pushed to ensure that supporting grassroots projects is at the heart of DJ Mag’s future.

 

Pronouns: he/him

hayley marchant

Hayley Marchant

Head of Marketing, Columbia UK

Hayley Marchant has worked in the music industry for 12 years. She began as a marketing assistant at Warner Records, then moved to Island Records to be a marketing manager, promoting stars like Ariana Grande and The Weeknd. After a year in artist management, Hayley joined Columbia Records and has now been there for four years where she is now Head of Marketing. She's currently leading campaigns for Perrie, Harry Styles, Adele, and more.

hak baker

Hak Baker

Artist

East London’s finest, the critically acclaimed musician and poet of the people, Hak Baker, is respected by his peers and contemporaries as one of Britain’s most authentic voices in alternative music. He was invited to support Mike Skinner and Little Simz on tour last year, performed at Glastonbury, and has collaborated with Toddla T and Ezra Collective’s Joe Armon-Jones. His debut album, Worlds End FM, was released last year to critical acclaim.

gilles peterson

Gilles Peterson MBE

Broadcaster & DJ

Gilles Peterson hosts a weekly Saturday afternoon show on BBC Radio 6 Music that’s one of the broadcaster’s most popular music shows, helms independent record label Brownswood Recordings, and is the founder of online radio station Worldwide FM. Gilles also hosts the Worldwide FM radio station on the GTA V computer game. Since 2005, he has hosted the annual Worldwide Awards in London and Worldwide Festival in Sète, France, and in 2019, he launched the new We Out Here festival in the UK. In early 2021, Gilles released the Str4ta album (with Bluey from Incognito) and his first full length book ‘Lockdown FM - Broadcasting In A Pandemic’.

Eve ambassador photoshoot

Eve

Artist & TV Host, Youth Music Ambassador

Eve is a GRAMMY, Daytime EMMY, BET and MTV Video Music Award winning artist. She served as the host of The Talk, CBS’ Daytime Emmy Award winning talk show. Eve is best known for her multi-million selling records “Who’s That Girl”, “Gangsta Lovin”, “Let Me Blow Your Mind” ft. Gwen Stefani which won the inaugural GRAMMY Award for best Rap/Sung collaboration in 2002. 

ellie prohan

Ellie Prohan

Radio Presenter

Ellie is the host of her show, Ellie on Kiss, airing Monday to Thursday from 7-9pm. This flagship programme places the station’s music-loving audience at the heart of it all, curating the most listened-to, watched, streamed, and shared tracks that are currently trending. In addition to this, Ellie is now part of the Kisstory family, hosting Monday to Friday from 1-4pm, and also bringing a fresh energy to her new Thursday night Kiss Xtra timeslot from 9-11pm, where she showcases the best of Drill and UK Rap. Here, she introduces 28 new artists every week, giving them their first-ever Kiss play. Her segment, 15 Seconds Deep: The Competition, shows two artists go head-to-head for the coveted number one spot on Ellie’s Kiss Xtra show.

elizabeth j birch

Elizabeth J. Birch

Artist

An award-winning musician, Elizabeth combines synthesisers, haunting vocals, and ordinary everyday objects to challenge what music is, how it’s made and who musicians are.  Elizabeth was featured as one of the Mastercard Music Trailblazers ahead of the 2024 BRIT awards, recognised as an artist driving positive change in the music industry across technology, diversity & inclusion, helping make music more inclusive for all. A producer, composer, vocalist, and tech-enthusiast, her second EP ‘Kenopsia’ released in 2023 explored challenging subjects such as loss and grief, and received radio support from BBC Introducing, Unmade Radio and Black Country Radio. Elizabeth won the ‘Inspirational Music Leader’ award at the Youth Music Awards in 2023 for her inclusive community music and facilitation workshops, focused around songwriting, technology and youth voice.

christine osazuwa

Christine Osazuwa

Chief Strategy Officer, Shoobs

Originally from Baltimore, Christine Osazuwa got her start in music at 15. She holds degrees in music, marketing and data science and combined those passions into roles in data & marketing at Universal Music Sweden and Warner Music Group in London. Currently, Christine is the Chief Strategy Officer for ticketing & event marketing startup Shoobs where she leads their marketing & brand partnerships strategy. In addition, she sits on the board of The LIVE Association, Indie Venue Week, and Keychange US. Christine is also the Founder of Measure of Music–part conference, part hackathon– which introduces music & data to others while highlighting majority minority attendees and speakers.

cecilia chan

Cecilia Chan

Agent, Wasserman

Cecilia Chan set up independent agency The Pool. She joined Primary Talent International as assistant to agent Cris Hearn, and followed him to Coda in 2015. Alongside Hearn, she worked with artists including Mark Ronson, Gary Numan, Tricky, Above & Beyond, Planningtorock and is especially proud to have helped develop Kaytranada's live touring show since the beginning of his career. Chan has been involved in sustainability projects within the agency and through industry group Music Declares Emergency. She has signed artists including iamamiwhoami, LF System, Arielle Free, Ejeca, Shimza, Dot Major and recently added LOSTBOYJAY to her roster.

 

Pronouns: she/her

BICEP duo

BICEP

DJ/Producer Duo, Youth Music Ambassadors

Electronic music duo BICEP have been hailed by the BBC as “one of the biggest names in UK dance”, and continue to cement themselves as one of the defining global electronic acts of our times. 

Anthony Hamer-Hodges

Anthony Hamer-Hodges

Principal, LCCM

Anthony Hamer-Hodges, Principal of LCCM, began his music industry journey as a teenage DJ in Edinburgh, later becoming the Saturday night DJ for the VIP Tent at T in the Park for seven years. Moving to London, he worked on a number one album for the Manic Street Preachers at Sony Music, rose to Label Manager at Ministry of Sound, and managed British soul singer Nate James. After earning a Masters in Entertainment Law, Anthony held senior roles in brand licensing and music streaming. With over 30 years of industry experience, he now shares his expertise through education.

anna karatziva

Anna Karatziva

Vice President, Talent & Music UK, Paramount/MTV

Anna Karatziva acts as primary liaison between Paramount’s music brands and the industry, delivering exclusive and unique content across all platforms. She also sits on the International Music Council, which defines the organisation's global music priorities. Anna has worked on events such as MTV EMAS & MTV Unplugged, MTV's Push campaign and has launched shows YO! MTV Raps and Gonzo.

 

Pronouns: she/her

amelia dimoldenberg

Amelia Dimoldenberg

Comedian, Journalist & Broadcaster

Amelia Dimoldenberg's popular YouTube channel is home to the iconic Chicken Shop Date series, amassing 1.6 million subscribers, 230 million views and 13 million hours of content watched on the platform. Amelia runs her own production company Dimz Inc - which also is home to Amelia’s Cooking Show. Amelia's hosting duties include The BRITs, The NME Awards, The Mercury’s, Reading & Leeds Festival, British GQ’s Men of the Year Red Carpet and making her U.S red carpet debut for the 2023 Golden Globes. Awards include a 2021 Streamy Award (Chicken Shop Date) and a 2022 Glamour Woman of the Year (Creator of the Year).

Abbie McCarthy

Abbie McCarthy

Radio & TV Presenter

Abbie McCarthy is an award-winning presenter, DJ & content creator and one of the best and most heralded music tastemakers in the UK. Abbie is the go-to-girl for new music recommendations. Abbie currently presents for BBC Introducing and has discovered and has championed a vast array of great acts from the very start, including Mimi Webb, Venbee and many more. You can catch Abbie interviewing on your TV screens, via E4 Extra and The Box Network, hosting Fresh This Month, a show that shines a spotlight on the biggest new artists on the planet. Abbie is the mastermind behind Good Karma Club, a critically acclaimed gig night championing the hottest new artists around. The platform has provided early shows for the likes of Sam Fender, Olivia Dean, Mae Muller, Tom Grennan, Easy Life, Enny, Caity Baser, Cian Ducrot and many more. The sold-out nights have also featured a fair few famous faces in the crowd over the years, including Alex Turner, Lewis Capaldi & Bastille.

 

Pronouns: she/her

aaron fairweather

Aaron Fairweather

Culture Marketing Artist and Talent Specialist, Red Bull

Hailing from the North West, proud Manchester man Aaron Fairweather, AKA Aeron Darka, is a DJ, creative and talent manager. Working with major global brands, creating partnerships, marketing and talent development across the entertainment and sports and lifestyle industries, he DJs for Hip Hop soul collective Children of Zeus, manages Abnormal Sleepz, and is keeping his foot entrenched in the music industries of both Manchester and London. A dot connector and facilitator by nature, he works for his community through his brand partnerships work and consistent drive to push Manchester culture, regional areas and the unheard communities from UK to JA, Nigeria and the diaspora and beyond to the masses through his work inside and outside of Culture Marketing at Red Bull UK.

 

Pronouns: he/him

Do Your Own Thing

Test Judge

East Midlands

This is a test for the new judges landing page. 

Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
Spotify

Join our community

Sign up
  • Contact Us
  • Our funding
  • Projects Map
  • About Us
  • News
  • Work With Us

The National Foundation for Youth Music ©2025

Studio LG01, The Print Rooms, 164-180 Union Street, London, SE1 0LH

Registered charity No. 1075032.

Limited company No: 03750674.

Information

  • Cookies notice
  • Terms & conditions
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
Image
Arts Council logo
Image
Peoples Postcode Lottery
Image
FR_Fundraising_Badge
Image
We are a living wage funder logo