Fazeley Studios opens doors to the music industry.
On Saturday, 23rd August, over 150 young people from local youth organisations were treated to a unique, one-day 'Into the Industry' experience at Fazeley Studios. This exclusive event was a beacon of inspiration for creatives aspiring to break into the music industry.
Organised by Punch Records, in partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Warner Music UK, the event represents an industry-wide commitment to creating opportunities, developing skills, and encouraging social mobility.
Focusing on Birmingham and the West Midlands, ‘Into the Industry’ is a part of Community Routes, a Punch Records initiative funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and Youth Futures Foundation- which supports young creatives across the regions to develop sustainable careers in the creative industries.
The event in Birmingham follows the success of workshop-based careers events in London, West-Midlands, North-East, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
the last 12 months. Each educates and excites youth networks about the roles and opportunities open to them in the music business, from internships and work experience to mentoring and advice from employees and artists.
The free-to-attend event featured lively panel discussions, creative inspiration, and rare networking opportunities with key figures who drive the careers of some of the world's biggest and most exciting artists, including Warner Music Group, Kiss FM, Box Out, AMG, Punch Records, Since 93, and more.
Hosted by Into the Industry, brings exclusive panels and networking access to music industry leaders, including, Kaylee Golding, BBC Radio 1xtra DJ & Presenter, Kevin Christian Blair, Senior A&R Asylum Records UK and Atlantic Records UK, Ruth Rchardson, Academy Music Group, Senior Ticketing Manager, George Hadley, Founder, Events Manager & Creative Director, Sum Cellar, DJ Buxley, Box out Founder, Mnelia, Warner Records UK, Music Artist, and Jess Monroe, Monroe Creative Agency Founder.
“This latest Into the Industry event is part of the UK wide partnership between my Foundation and Warner Music, designed to help young people better understand careers in the music and creative industries and build the skills and networks to succeed.
This is our second event in the West Midlands following our collaboration with Wolverhampton Wanderers community programme last year, and a big thanks to the team at the Foundation and our partners at Punch Records and Warner Music for delivering a brilliant event in Birmingham.”
- Rio Ferdinand, Founder, Rio Ferdinand Foundation
“Into the Industry at Fazeley Studios shows what’s possible when key organisations work together. Alongside Punch Records as our key partner, and with support from Warner Music, we’re creating real pathways for young people to build skills, networks, and futures in the music industry”
- Ben Drew, Consultant Director- Education/Opportunities, Rio Ferdinand Foundation
“It’s been amazing working with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation to bring Into the Industry to Birmingham. The team at Punch know how much untapped talent there is in the Midlands and this event is about breaking barriers, celebrating diversity, and showing young people that there is a place for them in the music industry. Ending our Community Routes development programme here feels very special.”
- Nikki Riggon, Head of Programme, Punch Records
Learn more about the Into the Industry programme and partnerships with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Community Routes with Punch Records
