The Music Managers Forum (The MMF), has revealed the 22 participants for this year’s Accelerator Programme for Music Managers.
Launched in January 2019 with the goal of helping upcoming music managers develop long-term sustainable businesses, the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) is a proud partner of the programme along with YouTube Music, Creative Scotland and Arts Council England.
Representing a significant breadth of artists, songwriters, DJs and producers, they include managers working with more than 70 highly talented acts such as Blinkie, Shygirl, Idlewild, Ay Em, BC Camplight, Employed to Serve, Mirra May, and Porridge Radio.
See here for full details of the Accelerator 2021 participants, and access a playlist here.
Recognising the increasingly pivotal role of the music manager to finance, develop and facilitate artist careers, the programme provides both financial and educational support – offering 12-month grants of up to £15,000, alongside expert-led professional development training.
To date, more than 45 music managers from around the UK have benefitted from Accelerator and built an enviable track record of successes.
Paul Bonham, Accelerator Programme Manager at the Music Managers Forum (MMF), said:
“As we enter a third year, it feels Accelerator is firmly on the map and a new and diverse generation of music managers is benefitting from the programme. The support of YouTube Music, Arts Council England, Creative Scotland and the Scottish Music Industry Association has been absolutely crucial, and especially over the past 12 months when managers have had to show real resilience in order for their artists to pivot, innovate, survive and succeed.
“Digital-based entrepreneurial skills are now at the core of music management, and I believe that Accelerator’s growing network of 65 people will help shape the future of our business. 2021’s participants are an eclectic and exciting group, and I’m looking forward to similar successes in the 12 months ahead.”
Jason Edwards, Executive Director at the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), said:
“We’re delighted that Scotland-based managers Michael and Joseph have been selected as part of this year’s programme, and will get to benefit from the invaluable development opportunities provided by the MMF Accelerator.
Through our partnership with MMF we will continue to spread awareness of Accelerator within our diverse membership, to ensure Scottish managers from all geographies and genres have an opportunity to be a part of this great initiative.”