The Noise – Bristol’s new music industry event

The full programme for ‘Above The Noise’ – a new music industry event designed for those working in music.

Presented by Bristol Beacon and the Association of Independent Music (AIM) taking place on Thursday 3 April – has now been revealed, alongside the line-up of speakers drawn from across the music industry.

Representatives from key national music support organisations including PRS Foundation, Help Musicians, PRS and PPL, The Musicians’ Union will join with industry professionals from Notion, Mixtape Madness, Line Of Best Fit and others to deliver talks and workshops on a range of topics for attendees who are looking to advance their careers in music to the next stage. Renowned record companies in attendance include Because Music, whose roster boasts Shygirl, Christine and the Queens and Manu Chao, alongside Partisan Records, home to the likes of PJ Harvey, Femi Kuti and Idles.

Attendees will learn about the latest models of running modern-day record labels, artist teams, and platforms from members of AIM’s independent music network, and explore funding options plus creative and professional development opportunities. Designed for anyone working in music, be they an [OP2] artist, producer, manager, record label, promoter, or venue, Above The Noise will be a chance to connect with the national industry and independent network, as well as peers from the South-West music scene.

Speakers include music entrepreneur TK, co-founder of independent record label, production house and management company Finesse Foreva, who has worked with the likes of Skengdo x AM, Russ Millions and Headie One.  Finesse Foreva received the Team Achievement award at the 2024 Artist & Manager Awards and, in 2023, were named Music Entrepreneur of the Year at the Young Music Boss Awards. TK, who also works with independent publisher Sentric Music, will share his insights on building a career in the industry.

Also speaking will be Eva Greene, co-director of Black Acre, a Bristol-based independent record label and artist management company. Established in 2007, the label has focused on consistently breaking ground with new talent, and prides itself on being a genuinely artist-centred music company. As a manager, Eva represents Jamz Supernova, Alfa Mist, Kampire, Loraine James, Manuka Honey and Mermaid Chunky.

James McGuiness, Label Relations Manager (UK) at YouTube Music will be sharing his insight into utilising music platforms. James specialises in helping artists and labels maximise their presence on  YouTube. With extensive experience in artist campaigns and digital strategy, he provides independent artists with key insights on leveraging YouTube for growth.

Following the main event will be a special Above The Noise showcase, featuring three of the South-West’s most exciting and innovative independent artists – Holysseus Fly, Nat Oaks and Waldo’s Gift. The showcase audience will have a chance to hear brand new music on the Lantern Hall stage, covering everything from ethereal alt-pop, soulful hip-hop and experimental and angular jazz. For Holysseus Fly and Waldo’s Gift, the showcase is a chance to share some of their work produced as Bristol Beacon’s first crop of Resident Artists, a project in which Bristol Beacon has provided a bespoke package of support to enable three acts to explore new creative directions to progress their careers.

Full details of the programme and speakers for ‘Above The Noise’ can be found on Bristol Beacon’s website. The event has been made possible thanks to programming from AIM and funding from PRS Foundation’s Talent Development Network.

Tickets for Above The Noise conference and showcase featuring Holysseus Fly, Nat Oaks and Waldo’s Gift are now on sale. Tickets for each event cost £10 including booking fee, or an open concession of £7 including booking fee, and are available from https://bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/above-the-noise.

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