Dave Martin (Leaf Label)

As front man for arch miserablists I LIKE TRAINS, David Martin has released
music on a number of distinguished independent record labels including Beggars
Banquet, Fierce Panda, Fantastic Plastic and Leeds’ very own Dance To The
Radio.

I LIKE TRAINS have gone on to set up their own record label with
international distribution and continue to release music, albeit very slowly. Alongside
his rock duties, David Martin wears several hats at The Leaf Label, mostly
concerning himself with digital marketing and social media.

Jemma Freese

Jemma Freese

Jemma Freese is a keyboardist, vocalist, poet and composer involved in several projects; J Frisco; freese trio; JOULE & DOMI. These include a variety of genres such as; genre-fluid improv; triphop/grunge; glitch/sad-dance and dark electronic pop. She writes poetry about mental health issues inspired by her own life, lives around her and her favourite authors such as Bret Easton Ellis, Chuck Bukowski and Irvine Welsh, which is the basis of the lyrics she writes.

Jemma has been selected at Jazz North’s Introducing Artist 2017 with J Frisco, and as part of these different projects has been on KMAH radio, Chapel FM, BBC Introducing West Yorkshire, NTS radio, and performed at Sounds Like THIS festival, Lancaster Jazz Festival, Marsden Jazz festival, Vortex Jazz Club, The Basement (York). She is soon to perform at Gateshead International Jazz Festival, Rough Trade Records (Bristol) and a week-long tour in Holland performing at venues, radio’s and DJ-ing.

Jamie Hutchinson (Studio 12)

Jamie Hutchinson

A continual passion of mine is to provide a free, accessible multifunctional space for people of Leeds. Where people can access the latest industry developments. A space that allows people to grow, develop and find a way into a positive and fulfilling role within the audiovisual media arts. We are in a lucky in Leeds to have such a forward thinking Library Service and to have such a place with Studio12 that i have been running for the past 14 years.

Each year I open my door to 1000’s of young people with the expectation of discovering the latest groundbreakers from this city. To be in a position where I can offer opportunities to young people to reach their full potential fills me with great honor and I champion the talent we have, the great creativity and the great richness in this city.

Bhavesh Patel (PRS Foundation)

PRS Foundation, Programme Manager

PRS Foundation is the UK's leading charitable funder of new music and talent development. Since 2000 PRS Foundation has given more than £29.5 million to over 6,300 new music initiatives by awarding grants and leading partnership programmes that support music sector development. Widely respected as an adventurous and proactive funding body, PRS Foundation supports an exceptional range of new music activity – from composer residencies and commissions to a network of talent development partners and showcases in the UK and overseas. www.prsfoundation.com | @PRSFoundation

Rob Eaglesham

Rob Eaglesham

Rob has worked in and around the Leeds music scene on and off for many years in various guises and currently manages Marsicans.

Joe Hastings (Help Musicians UK)

Joe oversees all health and welfare activities and is responsible for the development of new support services within the team.

He was instrumental in facilitating the delivery of the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme, which to date has had an intake of 4,700 musicians accessing state-of-the-art hearing advice and protection.

Joe has recently been busy working alongside colleagues to create and deliver the Music Minds Matter support line, which launched in early December 2017.

Joe is particularly keen on looking to develop services that support healthy careers for musicians. He also composes music for film in his spare time alongside playing various instruments for fun.

Davy Wales (PPL)

Performer Development Specialist, PPL

Davy works for PPL, the music licensing company that collect and distribute royalties for performers and record companies when their music is played in public.  He provides direct support for high airplay emerging artists to ensure they maximise their income from UK and international airplay.  Davy also has a background as a guitarist and has played in various grunge / post-hardcore bands.

Richard Brown (Arts Council)

Richard joined Arts Council England in the North of England in November 2015.

Before joining Arts Council England, Richard served as Manager of the Hebden Bridge Picture House (2014 – 2015), Managing Director of Arts & Business Yorkshire (2007 – 2013) and previously spent 12 years (1995 – 2007) leading Scotland’s independent record company and publisher Soma Recordings (Daft Punk). He served as Board and Council member of the Association of Independent Music (AIM) from 2001–2007, worked with Creative and Cultural Sector Skills on their National Music Advisory Panel and their Scottish Employers Group (2005-2007) and was Chair of the Calderdale Cultural Partnership from 2008 to 2013. Richard’s commercial and artistic experience at senior levels make him expert at understanding the objectives and challenges of music and creative companies alike.