Panels
Keynote Speaker
We are delighted to welcome Myn Jazeel as our keynote speaker for the Leicester Music Conference 2026!
Myn Jazeel is the Chair of Music Against Racism and co-chair of the MOBO Trust, along with extensive experience in cultural leadership and advocacy.
Myn brings a strong focus on equity, representation and sustainable change across the music sector.
“Leicester is at an exciting moment in its creative journey. The Leicester Music Conference shows what can happen when a thriving city puts people, culture, and ambition at the centre of its growth strategy.” Myn Jazeel
Pathways Into the Music Industry - The Featured Artists Collective
Description: Featuring artists and professionals from across the sector, this panel brings together leading voices from the UK music industry to discuss how to sustain and grow a career in the music industry. The session explores current opportunities, initiatives and innovations shaping the future of work in music.
Host: Chris Cooke - Music manager, editor, journalist and media entrepreneur.
Panellists:
Phil Nelson (Artist manager and music business educator)
Myn Jazeel (Chair of Music Against Racism and co-chair of the MOBO Trust)
Gary Reid (FAC and Step Up Fund)
Denise Amory Reid (AmoryR Management)
South Asian – Futures in Music
Hosted by Sania Haq, this follow-up panel builds on last year’s discussion on understanding the landscape of South Asian music in the UK and globally.
This year, the focus shifts towards exploring how we can collectively build long-term, fulfilling careers for South Asian artists in the UK and beyond.
Drawing on Sania’s wider work across the sector – including her contributions to UK Music’s 5 Ps Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan – the conversation will explore current needs, highlight what’s working, and examine the industry mechanisms that can meaningfully support South Asian talent. It will cover funding, industry infrastructure, visibility, and progression.
Indie Labels in the Modern Age
Independent labels are redefining how music is discovered, released, and championed. This panel brings together sharp industry minds to explore how independents cut through the noise, build real audiences, and stay creative in a fast-moving landscape. This panel will provide practical takeaways for anyone serious about the future of independent music.
Host: Association of Independent Music
Panelists:
Ross Hampl (Head of Commercial, Partisan Records)
Mathew Jones (Warp Records)
Yasin El Ashrafi (HQ Familia)
Mental Health and The Music Industry
Behind every track is a person navigating the pressures of the music industry. This panel, explores the challenges faced by musicians, producers and industry professionals - from long hours and financial insecurity to performance pressure and creative burnout. The discussion will highlight strategies and support networks that can help individuals not only survive but thrive, with insights into building resilience, sustaining wellbeing, and fostering a healthier music culture for all.
Host – Sarah Barton, Leicestershire Music
Panellists - Claire Cordeaux - Bapam
Jeordie Shenton - Tonic Music
Ruth McPherson - ISM
BBC Introducing panel
Host: Dean Jackson (BBC Introducing East Mids)
In an ever-changing music industry, artist development and strategic promotion are key to breaking through the noise. This panel, in collaboration with BBC Music Introducing, explores the crucial role of early support, career-building strategies, and national exposure in helping emerging artists progress.
Industry experts, artists, and BBC Music Introducing's Dean Jackson will discuss howgrassroots talent gets discovered, the impact of radio play and live sessions, and how artists can maximise their visibility. Expect practical insights, real success stories, and valuable advice on how to take your music from local buzz to national recognition.
Perfect for independent artists, managers, and industry professionals looking to understand how to leverage development opportunities and industry connections to build a long-term career.
TikTok – Tools for Success
Learn how to use TikTok to share your music, connect with fans, and grow your audience. In this session, TikTok experts will show you how to create engaging content, stay safe online, and use social media effectively as a young artist. This is a great opportunity to gain insider tips and discover how TikTok helps artists share their music.
Host: TikTok
In the Mix: The Craft of Music Production
Producers and engineers play a vital role in shaping the sound of today’s music. This panel brings together industry experts including Zdot (Stormzy, Wiley, Kano, Lady Leshurr), Ableton specialist Simon Lyon (Dua Lipa, Rudimental, Enter Shikari, The Chemical Brothers), Sontronics’ Chris Cook (Abbey Road Studios, Abbey Road Institute) and producer-vocalist Francesca Smith, also known as Aria and False Relation. The discussion will explore how collaborations with artists develop and how tracks take shape, with insights into workflow, creativity and the realities of the industry. There will be space for questions on everything from vocal production to creating a balanced mix, as the panel explores what it takes to succeed in music production and sound engineering today.
Host: Kate Rounding, Technology in Music Education UK
Panellists:
Zdot (music producer)
Simon Lyon (music producer and Ableton specialist)
Francesca Smith (DJ and producer)
Chris Cook - (Sontronics and Abbey Road)
music:defined - Your Music. Your Money. Your Move
Independent creators are in control of their music and getting paid, so knowing the steps to take and making the right decisions is imperative. This essential discussion will highlight the importance of understanding the music business, including creators rights, utilising the right tools to getting paid.
Host: Bina ‘Bob’ Mistry (Founder of music:defined and Director of Content Licensing and Music at SoundCloud)
Using Ableton Live for Live Performance
Host: Simon Lyon
Learn how to integrate Ableton Live into your performances, from first steps to professional playback engineering. Simon Lyon will break down the essentials and share behind-the-scenes insight from touring setups with artists such as The Chemical Brothers and Enter Shikari. His session shows how performers at any level can begin using Live in their sets, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, explore ideas and try out some of the techniques demonstrated.