maria and sam stand on stage under red lighting, in front of microphones. they are laughing.

Pictured: Maria (L) and Sam (R)

Throughout history, women in the music industry have had to fight for space, recognition, and leadership opportunities. Maria and Sam, the founders of women-led Marisam Events, are carrying that fight forward by carving out their own space in live music events. 

With the backing of the Youth Music NextGen Fund, they’ve expanded their interactive event series, Late 'n' Live, providing a platform for emerging artists while ensuring accessibility and inclusivity remain at the core of their mission. Their journey exemplifies the growing wave of young women reshaping the industry—not by waiting for permission, but by building the opportunities they want to see.

In this conversation, Maria and Sam share the challenges they’ve faced as young women leading a music events company, from breaking into male-dominated industry spaces to proving their expertise in production and venue management. They also discuss the power of networking, the importance of making live music more inclusive, and the lessons they’ve learned from scaling Late ‘n’ Live beyond Newcastle. 

As they look ahead, their ambition is clear: to take their events to new cities, elevate underrepresented voices, and continue proving that young women can—and will—thrive in the live music space.

How has the NextGen Fund helped you progress your career and expand Late 'n' Live?

The NextGen Fund has been instrumental in helping us expand our business and Late 'n' Live, taking it to the next level both in terms of reach and impact. The funding has allowed us to secure better venues, enhance our production quality, and bring in a wider range of emerging artists, aligning perfectly with our mission to provide a platform for fresh talent.

From a personal and professional standpoint, the support from Youth Music has given us the confidence and resources to scale up our operations, develop stronger industry connections, and refine our event management skills. The funding has also enabled us to invest in marketing and audience engagement, ensuring Late 'n' Live reaches more young music lovers and artists who can benefit from these live performance opportunities.

Overall, the NextGen Fund has been a game-changer, helping us grow Late 'n' Live into a more sustainable and influential platform while accelerating our careers in the music and events industry.

As two young women leading a music events company, what challenges have you encountered in the industry?

We’ve had to work harder to be taken seriously, especially in event production and venue management. Breaking into established networks and securing funding has also been challenging. However, we’ve overcome this by building strong industry relationships and proving our expertise through Late 'n' Live. Support from initiatives like the NextGen Fund has been crucial in helping us grow and show that young women can lead successfully in music events.

Do you feel the live music scene is becoming more inclusive for women and non-binary artists and professionals? What changes would you still like to see?

The live music scene is becoming more inclusive, with more opportunities for women and non-binary artists and professionals. However, there’s still work to do, especially in leadership roles, festival line-ups, and behind-the-scenes positions. We’d love to see more diverse booking, safer spaces at events, and stronger industry support for underrepresented talent.

You’ve built relationships with industry professionals and venues - how important has networking been to your success?

Networking has been crucial to our success, helping us secure venues, book talent, and gain industry support. Building strong relationships has opened doors, provided valuable mentorship, and elevated Late 'n' Live to new levels. The right connections have made all the difference in growing our platform.

a venue hosting late n live

What are your top networking tips?

Be proactive (reach out, attend events, and introduce yourself with confidence). Build genuine relationships (networking isn’t just about opportunities; it’s about real connections). Follow up (stay in touch and nurture relationships over time). Offer value (networking is a two-way street; support others where you can). Stay visible (engage on social media, share your work, and be part of the conversation).

You’ve been passionate about making events more accessible. How has this shaped your programming, and what have you learned about inclusive event planning?

Accessibility is at the heart of our programming, from choosing step-free venues to offering affordable ticket options. We’ve learned that true inclusivity means considering everything - clear communication, diverse line-ups, and creating safe, welcoming spaces. Listening to our audience has been key to making Late 'n' Live events more accessible for all.

What advice would you give to other young creatives looking to start their own music event series?

Start small but think big - build a strong concept, know your audience, and stay consistent. Networking is key, so connect with artists, venues, and industry professionals. Be adaptable, as challenges will come, but passion and persistence will drive success. Most importantly, create events that truly resonate with your community.

Lastly, what are your future plans for Late ‘n’ Live?

We plan to expand Late 'n' Live by hosting events in new cities, featuring more emerging artists, and enhancing accessibility. We’re also looking to collaborate with industry partners and secure long-term sustainability. Our goal is to grow Late 'n' Live into a leading entertainment service.

Connect with Marisam Events:

Instagram: @marisamevents

TikTok: @marisam.events