Our Impact
Since its earliest days, the charity has been helping the next generation of talent take those all-important steps towards a full-time sustainable career in music.
Check out their stories below.
Dan Owens
"My first break in music was through the charity's academy. I moved from Liverpool to London and it really brought the unattainable into reality. On my first day I met Glen and, being a massive Muse fan, I found myself completely starstruck. The next day I was being shown around a sound desk by Nigel - engineer for Lianne La Havas and Kamasi Washington. Then I found myself in a room with Marcus Russell, Oasis' manager before going to help out with an evening load-in for Biffy Clyro. The academy very quickly normalised what I'd always dreamt about. The network and skills I developed on the course are still with me to today and have played a huge part in my career progression. Just from being available, willing, and a friendly face I was afforded every possible opportunity to immerse myself in the industry, which is what it's all about." Dan Owens, Founder, LOUD & NEKO 18 Project Manager
Liv Strang
"Although I didn’t end up being a tour manager once completing the charity's Academy (after conveniently realising I was not a morning person), through the course I managed to find my place in the industry where I remain 5 years later. Thanks to the course sponsors' tour, I visited an agency which opened me up to the other realms of live music I hadn’t considered before (and that many young people don’t even know exist) – I ended up getting an interview that day and the rest is history. Even up until this day I have the pleasure of bumping into contacts and fellow alumni I met through the course. The course truly helped to propel me into the industry, and gave me the opportunity to meet with the corporates that are pretty unattainable for a young, biracial female from Glasgow with ZERO industry experience to get in front of otherwise!" Liv Strang, Booking Assistant, United Talent Agency
Charlie Rickard
"Before enrolling on the course, I had previously interned at a music PR company and worked as a label manager at an independent music distributor. Music had always been my passion but the course emphasised the difference between music and the music business from day one - how to act professionally and carry yourself, to make yourself indispensable and always be polite. It’s a much smaller industry than you may think. The Academy gave me the opportunity to make mistakes, ask questions and gave me insight and experience at a high level. Many of the lessons and people that I met through the course I’m still in touch with on a daily basis and I use the skills I learnt all the time in my current job." Charlie Rickard, Director, Independent Venue Week
