Music is Black Industry Insights 

Explore the future of music. Build your creative career. Connect with the people shaping culture.

• Industry Insights: Thursday 24 September 2026, 6pm to 9pm

  Who's involved?

  • Ree Sewell: Senior Artist + Label Relationship Manager, Soundcloud
  • Trenton Tomlinson: Universal Music Group, Label Operations Manager
  • Dualeh Oke: London-based DJ, curator, and creative director. Founder of Art Beyond the Shell
  • XT1ANA: DJ & Rapper

  Taking place on Thursday 24 September, 6-9pm, as part of the Music is Black Festival, this event puts musicians and creatives expanding what contemporary Black music and culture can sound and feel like, celebrating the people challenging the status quo and redefining what the music industry can look like.

  Whether you're an aspiring artist, producer, DJ, creative, or simply curious about the careers behind the music, you'll get the chance to hear directly from people working across the industry - including the realities, opportunities and different routes that can shape a creative career.

  🎤 What to expect:

  Hear it from the people doing it
  Get honest insight into real career journeys from artists, producers and creative industry professionals.

  Ask the questions that matter
  Take part in conversations and Q&As exploring what it really takes to build a career in music and the wider creative industries.

  Make connections
  Meet industry professionals and other young creatives in an informal, welcoming environment.

  Discover different routes in
  Explore the many roles and career pathways across music and the creative industries - from creative practice and production to behind-the-scenes roles.

  Get practical guidance
  Find out more about routes into employment, freelance work, creative programmes and opportunities to develop your skills.

  This event is for young people aged 16–30 from Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest who are interested in exploring careers and opportunities in the music and creative industries.

  You don't need to have your career figured out. Whether you're taking your first steps into the industry, building your creative practice or looking to grow your network, there's something here for you.

  Come curious. Ask questions. Meet your future collaborators. Find your place in the future of music.

  Book Now

• Industry Connect: Wednesdday 30 September 2026, 1pm to 5pm

  As the final event in the Music Is Black Industry Insights series, Industry Connect brings together professionals from across the music business for relaxed, small-group conversations where you can ask questions, hear real stories, and get practical advice from people who have built successful careers in the industry.

  Whether you're curious about artist management, A&R, marketing, live events, music production, publishing, content creation, entrepreneurship, or another area of the industry, this is an opportunity to explore what different careers look like and learn what it really takes to get started.

  You'll have the opporunity to join different groups, giving you the chance to connect with a range of industry professionals, hear different perspectives, and discover opportunities you may never have considered. It's a space to be curious, ask questions, and build meaningful connections with people who want to share their knowledge and experiences.

  Whether you're an artist, creative, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply passionate about music, Industry Connect is designed to help you build confidence, expand your network, and take your next step.

  WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • Relaxed small-group conversations with music industry professionals
  • Honest advice on building a career in music
  • Insights into different roles, pathways, and opportunities across the sector
  • The chance to ask questions and get practical tips from experienced professionals
  • Opportunities to connect with peers, potential collaborators, and industry contacts
  • Inspiration, guidance, and real-world knowledge to help shape your future career

  Who is this event for?

  • This event is for young people aged 16-30 from Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest who are interested in exploring careers in music and the wider creative industries.
  • You don't need industry experience or a clear career plan. Whether you're taking your first steps into music, developing your creative practice, or looking to grow your professional network, you'll find valuable insights and connections here.
  • Come curious. Ask questions. Make connections. Meet future collaborators. Discover where you fit in the future of music.

  Book 1pm slot

  Book 3pm slot