Rising Star Award (Industry) sponsored by Songkick
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For a young person who is making waves in a behind-the-scenes role within the music industry.
WINNER
Owain Elidir Williams
Youth Music NextGen Fund, Wales
Owain says, “Music has always been a great passion of mine - especially new, emerging music - and coming from a Welsh language background, fusing both fields together in creating Klust - a bilingual music website that gives a platform to Welsh artists - was something that I'd always wanted to do.
Through Youth Music's NextGen Fund, I was able to produce Klust's first print edition - standing alone as the only bilingual music publication in Wales. Released in December 2022, the zine was an authentic, bilingual collection of reviews, interviews, and short essays championing Welsh artists, put together by an eclectic mix of Welsh writers. Featuring stunning photography and independent journalism, Klust's first magazine shed light on ten different artists from Wales and came with a unique physical print by photographer Rhys Grail. I was therefore delighted to learn that the first edition had sold out - inspiring me to continue to grow and develop Klust in an inclusive, sustainable way".
George Buckthought
Harbourside Artist Management, South West
George came onto Harbourside's Disability Empowerment Programme after leaving their studies at a music business school, where they felt the course was inaccessible for a person with their disabilities. They decided to find opportunities that worked for them, and to develop their music management education on the job. Upon being selected for the programme, George's knowledge and know-how made it clear they could be an asset to a music management company right away. Their perceptive A&R skills made them the perfect manager to come onto the programme and select an artist to work with. Their work with the artist TU3SDAY on the programme was dedicated, highly skilled and compassionate - applying their specific experience in neurodiversity as an aid to manage a likeminded artist.
George was a major factor in the success of the programme and upon completing the internship, was offered their first full-time job in the industry, at Black Acre Records.
Maria Torres
Saffron Records, South West
Maria took part in the Saffron Springboard Project in 2021/2022, which propelled her music industry career. She launched her own artist management business, Sakura Artists (managing female and queer artists) with the help of Saffron's project, launched her website and participated in business development courses. One year later, she was offered a job at Mother Artists as an Artist Manager, now working on IDLES, 86TVs, Heavy Lungs and more. This project allowed Maria to make a mark in the music industry as a manager, and build her portfolio and career. She also aims to inspire other young people in the industry, especially through mentoring schemes, now she's a mentor at Saffron and regularly participate in industry panels. Maria has also taught masterclasses for Saffron and BIMM.
Rianne Lewis
Youth Music NextGen Fund/RUN IT, London
Rianne has broken through social and racial barriers to launch her successful career, challenging its stereotypes as a male-dominated field with limited financial support and resources. Her work delivering consistent and memorable events for her RUN IT series has resulted in support from Red Bull, Youth Music, The Hard Rock Cafe and monthly in-partnerships with Box Park, allowing the platform to work with over 200+ artists, increased Instagram followers, and grew the mailing list by 62%. Additionally, over 360 responses were collected from musicians who were interested in collaborating with positive feedback.
Rianne's events aid in the promotion of freedom of expression and protection of cultural arts. It can help in the healing process, dismantling boundaries, reconciliation, and education. Rianne and her events are the glue for social change and bringing communities together through music.