I’m interested in telling stories through audio, from my documentaries and sound art to podcasts and live radio. I currently host shows for NTS Radio, Sky Sports and Resident Advisor.
What struggles or setbacks have you experienced in your efforts to build a career in music? How did you attempt to solve them?
Contacts - I literally knew no-one when I started out, and there were few people around my age to connect with. But then I joined Reprezent, and took a lot of courses and free programmes and workshops. Later I got on the BBC community reporters scheme around the Olympics, then the BBC creative & digital media apprenticeship.
I struggled to get a clear understanding of the breadth and variety of job roles within music - specifically at a radio station - and it took me YEARS to understand exactly what some jobs entail e.g. sync, marketing, A&R. I learned by googling and asking questions. More recently making content for Doors Open has helped me really learn about the ins and outs of different roles.
I had a number of issues where I put my trust into organisations that later disappointed me. Their attitudes towards issues - including but not limited to mental health, the safety of womxn in the workplace and in live music environments, equal pay for people doing the same job but without a uni degree - became clear to me deep into my involvement with them, which harmed my faith in the music industry. Each of these experiences were absolutely heartbreaking but opened my eyes to the reality of the music industry. I learnt that authenticity and integrity win over everything and I should never be afraid to quit and start my own venture.
When I first started working, I found I was often playing the role of the young person they used to represent all people my age, which is a heavy and unrealistic responsibility to carry. What worked was learning to set realistic boundaries in the workplace. I learned to communicate these boundaries clearly, understand what was expected of me in addition to my job description and amend my pay to reflect that. I joined support groups She Said So and Ladies Music Pub that were an incredible outlet. Hearing the experiences of how others navigated these types of situations benefitted me for years.
I also struggled to find a balance between working and having a life and interests outside of work, which is a very foggy thing to navigate when you love music but also work in music.
I started my run club for DJs and musicians, Tempo. That's worked wonders for bringing sport into my routine, and creating a space for mental and physical wellbeing to be discussed amongst other young people who work in music. Creating and nurturing the run club and seeing the talented young people increasing their potential through rest and support has restored my energy for working in music.
What lessons or advice would you pass on to someone who is in the same position you once were?
Be mindful of how much of yourself you invest into a workplace you didn't create. Unless you're sure of their morals, proud of the way they're funded, and have a transparent relationship with management, be mindful.
Join support groups where you can learn from others like you and share your experiences/vent safely. If there's not a group that represents you, I'd suggest starting your own, if you can find the energy.
Find a sport that works for you. School doesn't have to be your only experience of exercise, there are so many ways to work out - it's just about finding what suits you, what you can stick to and maintain. This is a good place to start if you're looking to bring more balance into your life working as a creative.
What would you say to established music industry players who can help others?
Prioritise creating a work environment where staff feel listened to, can submit feedback and see tangible action taken.
Understand the importance of mentoring and nurture your mentoring programme at work.
Introduce flexible working options for young people who have their own creative ventures outside of work – this usually ends up being mutually beneficial as your young people will feel creatively inspired, nourished and rested and can bring their best selves to work for you, plus side hustles can plug you in to the culture more authentically.