The MMF Accelerator Programme, supported by YouTube Music, Arts Council England, Creative Scotland, PPL and the Scottish Music Industry Association is the world’s only independent funding and professional development programme designed exclusively for artist, songwriter, DJ, and producer managers. The programme has provides 12-month grants of up to £12,000, alongside expert-led professional development training, to help music managers build sustainable careers.
With applications for the 2025 intake closing on Monday 3 March 2025, we spoke to Aimmi Dunsmuir (Future History Management / Machina Music) about their experiences on the MMF Accelerator Programme last year and how it has influenced her career as a Scottish music manager.
You were selected for the MMF Accelerator program in 2024. Why did you apply for the MMF Accelerator at this stage in your career, and how did it feel to be selected?
Aimmi: “I applied after hearing from other managers across the UK about the incredible support network and sense of community the programme fosters. Being based in Glasgow can sometimes feel isolating from the wider industry, so the opportunity to connect with peers and gain structured guidance was invaluable.
It was a huge honour to be selected as part of the 2024 cohort, especially alongside fellow Scot Jen Anderson. We both started managing artists around the same time and were soundboards for one another in those early days, so getting to experience this milestone together felt like a nice full-circle moment.”
The MMF Accelerator programme includes educational support and training. What’s the most useful thing you’ve learned from the programme so far?
Aimmi: “One of the biggest revelations was learning to focus on my own growth as a manager, rather than just on my clients. As managers, we spend all our time advocating for and building the careers of others, but rarely step back to consider our own values, boundaries, and long-term goals. The programme helped me reassess what’s important in my career development and gave me the confidence to set clear boundaries, knowing what I will and won’t accept from clients and industry partners. That shift in mindset has been pivotal.”
How has your work as a manager developed since you joined the programme, and how do you see your business growing over the next two years?
Aimmi: “When I first joined the programme I was managing two artists independently. Since then, I’ve become part of the Future History Management team, where I now work across five different projects at varying stages of development. The support of Ryan Richards and the FH team, combined with everything I’ve learned through the MMF Accelerator, has helped me refine my approach as a manager.
As the role of a manager continues to evolve and we take on responsibilities that traditionally would have fallen to a label, I have co-founded Machina Music with Colin Keenan from ATC Live. We set up the label as a platform for SOAPBOX (the Glasgow punk band I manage, and Colin and Steve Taylor at ATC Live are the agents for) to facilitate their early releases in a way that prioritizes artistic integrity.
Over the next two years, I’d love to see Machina Music grow into a respected local launchpad that champions bold, authentic voices with an artist-first approach. Being based in Scotland, I also want to nurture talent on both the creative and business sides, helping artists become more informed about the industry they’re navigating.”
Since 2019, 133 individuals have completed the MMF Accelerator programme. What’s been the biggest benefit of connecting with other managers and industry professionals?
Aimmi: “The biggest benefit has been the sense of community. Management can often feel like a solitary job, where you’re constantly problem-solving on your own. Having a network of like-minded managers to share experiences, advice, and even frustrations with has been a game-changer. Beyond that, the access to industry professionals has been incredible. The insights and relationships built through the programme have already had a tangible impact on my work.”
Can you share a recent challenge you’ve faced as a manager and how MMF Accelerator has helped?
Aimmi: “One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the ever-changing role of a manager, especially when stepping into areas that labels or publishers would traditionally handle. Setting up Machina Music was a direct response to this shift, and the MMF Accelerator provided both the confidence and practical knowledge to make it happen in a way that benefits the artists I work with.
The programme also helped me recognise when to step back and make strategic decisions for my business. That perspective shift has been invaluable.”
Have you gained anything from the programme that you didn’t expect?
Aimmi: “I expected to gain knowledge, but I didn’t expect how much I would gain in terms of clarity and confidence. The programme really forced me to think critically about my long-term goals, rather than just the next release for an artist or the next tour. That shift in mindset has already influenced how I approach my work.”
Based on your experience, what advice would you give to managers thinking about applying?
Aimmi: “If you’re considering applying for MMF Accelerator 2025, my biggest advice would be to fully commit to the process. It can feel daunting, especially if you’re outside of London and juggling a hectic schedule, but making time for the programme is worth it.
The opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and focus on yourself as a manager is rare. Take full advantage of the MMF team’s expertise, build relationships with your cohorts, and be open to re-evaluating your approach. It’s an investment in your career that will pay off in ways you don’t even expect.”
Applications for the 2025 MMF Accelerator Programme close at 12pm on Monday 3rd March 2025.
For more information and to apply, visit: MMF Accelerator.