Music Industry Insights Worldwide - Equality & Diversity In The Music & Entertainment Industries

Saskhia Menendez & Guests

"Harmonizing Voices: Global Perspectives on Equality & Diversity in the Music and Entertainment Industries with Saskhia Menendez & Special Guests"

Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries, connects cultures, and touches our deepest emotions. It has the power to change lives, challenge norms, and inspire social change. However, as we celebrate the incredible diversity of voices and talents within the music industry, it's essential to acknowledge that the path to equality, diversity, and inclusion has not always been harmonious.

In this podcast, we aim to spotlight the stories, struggles, and successes of those working tirelessly to make the music industry a more inclusive and equitable space for all. We will delve into the experiences of artists, producers, managers, and industry professionals who are breaking barriers, pushing boundaries, and reshaping the landscape of the music world.

Join us as we engage in thought-provoking conversations, explore ground-breaking initiatives, and celebrate the music that moves us. Together, we will amplify the voices of change and work towards creating a more vibrant, just, and diverse music industry. So, whether you're a music enthusiast, an industry insider, or someone looking to be inspired, "Harmonizing Voices" is your guide to the evolving and ever-inspiring world of music industry equality, diversity, and inclusion.


read less
NewsNews

Episodes

Louise Porter - What's The Secret To Girl & Boy Bands & Your Own Personal Story?
6d ago
Louise Porter - What's The Secret To Girl & Boy Bands & Your Own Personal Story?
Currently working with and overseeing the A&R for super talented British singer/songwriter Tammy Mariah who was recently at #7 in the official Music Week commercial pop charts with her self penned song entitled 'Go Away' produced by Janski with mix by Ruff Loaderz. She is a mentor, and invests in and develops and manages  young singer/songwriters and producers. she is also an Executive Producer and Music Management Consultant. Who  created and named multi-platinum selling UK girl group Mis-Teeq who sold 12 million records whilst contracted to my production company. I am an experienced songwriter and also skilled at perfecting songs and polishing the production. She was interviewed by the BBC in the news room for BBC South News Today about mentoring an artist and the advent of streaming; open to more interviews relating to working with young artists, and the music business. she attended study trips to Beijing, Yiwu and Shanghai in China, and also RANEPA University in Moscow on an MBA course.Specialities Artist Development | A&R | Songwriting/Singing | Producer | Mentoring | Music Production Services | R&B, Soul, Dance and House | Managing Director | Project Management | Office Manager | researched Generation Z and Generation Alpha.https://www.instagram.com/bigoutltd/https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-porter-mba-ba-hons-2542245b/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.instagram.com/_tammymariah_/https://www.threads.net/@bigoutltdSupport the show
Sahara Dawn - What Is It Like Being An Iranian Performer, Visualiser, Community Builder & Artist in the UK & US ?
Feb 27 2024
Sahara Dawn - What Is It Like Being An Iranian Performer, Visualiser, Community Builder & Artist in the UK & US ?
Sahara Dawn, a multidisciplinary visionary and experimentalist currently based in the United States, is on a mission to explore the authentic depths of her being through avant-garde sounds infused with the enchanting spirit of Persia. Her musical journey began in Tehran, where she fearlessly organized underground events in breathtaking locations. It was there that she formed her inaugural psychedelic prog rock band, a pivotal step that led to her debut album and ultimately secured her a place at London’s Access to Music School.Sahara's commitment to her authentic self is evident in the risks she took in Tehran, risking her life to bring unique and ancient future sounds to life. Her music, a fusion of the ethnic and the avant-garde, is a testament to her deep connection with her roots and her vision for the future.Since settling in the USA, Sahara has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Desert Dwellers, Amani Friend, Treavor Moontribe, Govinda, Kaminanda, Kalya Scintilla, Rising Appalachia, Elephant Revival, Coco Rosie, Eve Olution, Ruby Chase, Random Rab, Emancipator, Whitebear, and Tribone.Her performances intricately weave sonic energies of antiquity and the future, bringing people together through the freeing discovery of new movement and transcendental divine connection. Sahara's stage presence is a celebration of her authentic self, a reflection of her commitment to bringing forth ethnic ancient future sounds.Tulum ; Soulful Festival, Radio Tulum, MUYAL, Gitano beach, Roc hotel, Elixir, Azulik London : Ministry of sound, Electric Ballroom, London fashion week, koko, Roundhouse, Torture garden, Secret garden festival, Scala, The underworld, Bush hall, Concord 2Athens; Gagarin Paris ; Ritz bar, wanderlust,, Queen, Raspoutine, Palais de tokyo, Palace of VersaillesDubai ; Analog room,The Penthouse, Base, Buddha barColorado ; Arise Music Festival, Sonic bloom, Tribal vision,  Meow WolfMiami ; Love burn festival New york ; Chapel of sacred mirrors “Cosm” , Dance Lab, Ambrosia ElixirsNevada, Black Rock City -Burning Man ; Sacred space village, Solar bitz Art car, Burners without borders, Abraxas Art car, Buddha lounge Sahara Dawn- Women-Life-Freedom Live set video With Special guest sound strider : SAHARADAWN-WLFUpcoming Single :SaharaDawn-WomenLifeFreedom Connect with Sahara Dawn:Website: www.saharadawn.comInstagram: @saharadawnliveFacebook: SaharaDawnMusicLLC: Entheogenic CollectiveBooking @entheogeniccollective@gmail.comSupport the show
Geoff Langston - What Is It Like Running a Music Management Company ?
Feb 27 2024
Geoff Langston - What Is It Like Running a Music Management Company ?
Co-Founder of Geoff Langston Artist Management (GLAM.RED)Geoff is an experienced artist manager having developed and delivered an album launch campaign culminating in a sell-out show at the iconic Bush Hall in West London. He has planned and managed tours, developed successful social media campaigns and works with artists to develop and plan their careers in music. A multi-instrumentalist playing the guitar, trumpet, keyboard, drums, violin, mandolin, and is currently learning tabla. Geoff knows that music is a business and has a proven track record in successfully turning artists’ passion for music into a business by: Developing easy to understand personalised career action plans that can be implemented  Identifying and maximising income streams e.g. through merch, live performance, digital media etc. Relationship management and how to do this well Geoff has an extensive (and growing) network of contacts in the music industry. He has developed strong and active relationships through involvement in, and as a member of (not an exhaustive list):Music Managers Forum (MMF)  Association of Independent Music (AIM) Featured Artist Coalition (FAC) British Country Music Association (BCMA) Americana Music Association (AMA) BBC Introducing Live at the AIM A&R providing feedback at their centrehttps://www.glam.red/https://www.linkedin.com/in/geofflangston/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://twitter.com/geofflangston?lang=enSupport the show
Fiona Ross - What Is It Like Being a Female Jazz Artist, Community Builder & Journalist ?
Feb 24 2024
Fiona Ross - What Is It Like Being a Female Jazz Artist, Community Builder & Journalist ?
Named among the 100 Alternative Power Music List for 2020, multi-award winning jazz artist, editor-in-chief, journalist and founder of the award winning Women in Jazz Media organisation Fiona Ross never stops. As vocalist, pianist, composer and producer, Fiona has become known for creating her own contemporary jazz sound incorporating fast paced Latin Jazz, vintage Jazz club, a little neo soul along with heart wrenching ballads. She came to the worlds attention as ‘the artist that gave Ed Sheeran his ‘first push’ but very quickly established herself as an artist in her own right and has received incredible reviews and awards across the globe for all of her albums. Her live performances have seen her perform at prestigious venues including 606 Club, Pizza Express, Hampstead jazz Club, Nells Jazz and Blues, Jazz Café Posk and Toulouse Lautrec and festivals such as the EFG London Jazz Festival and her music is played on radio stations all over the world. Fiona has achieved many accolades for her work including Best Jazz Song from the World Songwriting Awards, Outstanding achievement awarded by the Global Music Awards and International female songwriter of the year from the International Singer Songwriters Association. She has been featured in many publications including Tinnitist, Jazziz, Record World Magazine, Jazz Corner, Ink 19 and Jazz Quarterly. Fiona’s song ‘Mistress’ which was recorded live in a stairwell, was selected to be included in the British Library archives for prosperity. There has rarely been a day since then for Fiona that has not centered around music. Enrolled in dance, drama and singing lessons at the age of two, piano at age six. At what moment did Fiona make a conscious choice to pursue a career in music? There wasn't a moment. There was never a time when there was any other choice. By the age of eight years old Fiona was starring in London's West End. Talent like Fiona's doesn't go unnoticed; soon she was signed to an agency and was featured in a string of television commercials and print advertisements and was recording radio jingles for everything from ketchup to Fairy dishwashing soap. At the age of fourteen she lied about her age and talked her way into gigging on weekends in jazz clubs throughout London, from the classy nightspots of the elite to some rather seedy pubs that were no place for an ordinary teenager. There were never any contracts to sign, it was always cash in hand at the end of the night. No one even suspected that a voice that startling in its maturity and passion could belong to a singer barely into her teens. Fiona says “ Telling them that I had a job singing and playing Jazz as a solo artist in a club in London, I was so thrilled, but they were furious - well, I was only 14 at the time. ” Fiona attended the prestigious Arts Educational School (the English equivalent of New York's High School for Performing Arts) where Julie Andrews, Catherine Zeta Jones and Will Young, to name just a few, also trained. Fiona's career has taken her all over the musical map. She has worked as a musical director, session musician, composer, choreographer, director, dancer, actor, model - She even sang back-up for a rock and roll band called Rocking Willie and the Y-Fronts when she was 15. Alongside this, educating young people has been Fiona’s passion and she was Head of British Academy of New Music, London, for nearly nine years, where she was responsible for the training of Ed Sheeran, Rita Ora and Jess Glynne, to name a few. Support the show
Marc Carey - How Can We Make The Music Industry More Eco Friendly & Sustainable ?
Feb 17 2024
Marc Carey - How Can We Make The Music Industry More Eco Friendly & Sustainable ?
Marc is presently CEO of Evolution Music – the business is a partnership of music industry, business and sustainability experts working to EVOLVE the music industry to become sustainable, environmentally, and socially responsible. In addition, Marc is involved in routes to commercialisation for innovation-based products and services. He is also actively involved in music as a host of several radio shows across several platforms. He is an award-winning presenter/DJ and hosts his regular show every Thursday night on a UK platform DR (Deal Radio). Marc is a passionate advocate for ‘talent’ – promoting and spring boarding artists/musicians through his work with radio and via the independent record label that he co-founded – Roulette Records. Marc has previously run Carey-Ambrose Ltd, Aspen Waite Southeast and is co-founder of an innovative values-driven eco-enterprise developing new solutions that address gaps in the renewables and wind energy sector (Heritage Wind Ltd) Social Media Handleshttps://www.facebook.com/EvolutionMusicLPhttps://www.facebook.com/rouletterecordshttps://www.facebook.com/UYCExperienceRadioShowhttps://twitter.com/EvolutionMusiLPEvolution Music is on a Mission to INNOVATE OUR WAY TO AN ECOLOGICALLY SOUND FUTURE FOR MUSICIf you are an investor or work with investors and are interested to discuss options for investing in Evolution Music, please complete and submit our Investor Enquiry form below. We will then contact you and start the conversation to understand your needs and interests in more detail.https://evolution-music.co.uk/invest-in-evolution/Support the show
Wyatt O’Brian Evans - What Is It Like Being a Black Gay Author, Radio Host, Domestic Abuse Officer & Journalist In The USA ?
Jan 27 2024
Wyatt O’Brian Evans - What Is It Like Being a Black Gay Author, Radio Host, Domestic Abuse Officer & Journalist In The USA ?
Wyatt O’Brian Evans is the quintessential Renaissance man: Journalist; Author; Radio Personality; Voice-over (V/O) Instructor and Talent; Intimate Partner Violence & Abuse (IPV/A) Subject Matter Expert (SME), Advocate, and Speaker. And now, Mr. Evans has just launched his brand new radio program, WYATT!WYATT! is cutting-edge, insightful, probing, and oh-so entertaining radio! This new internet radio show spotlights, explores, and dissects relevant, timely, and critical issues that impact gay/SGL (Same-gender-loving) gentlemen. Of course, WYATT! resonates with the entire LGBTQ Community.Noteworthy and accomplished guests from all walks of life weigh in: authors, relationship and wellness experts, comedians, activists, media personalities, politicians, musicians…even adult performers! Truly fascinating and eclectic individuals, sharing their intimate stories and expressing their unique voices.The WYATT! Podcast is uncut and uncensored. And guess what? I have a rather “dee-li-cious” sidekick who drops by from time to time: Madam Pussygalore Cockadoodledoo! This “Drag Queen Supreme” gives us her take on “thangs,” and injects biting humour into the mix.WYATT! Is one helluva thrill ride into the unexpected! And, it’s EARGASM for the Grown Folks! Trust and Believe.https://www.wyattevans.com/ linktr.ee/Saskhiahttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2020328/supporters/newSupport the show
Joshua (Satch) Satchell - What is It Like Being a Trans (male) Singer / Songwriter in the UK music Industry ?
Jan 25 2024
Joshua (Satch) Satchell - What is It Like Being a Trans (male) Singer / Songwriter in the UK music Industry ?
Small town born and fled, Joshua ‘SATCH’ Satchell migrated to Brighton to pursue his songwriting career, eventually forming and fronting the band ‘‘Frankie Furlow’, with long time collaborator Will Nash. The project enjoyed early success and performed at major festivals such as Glastonbury, The Great Escape and Reeperbahn and at venues across the UK and Europe, but something was missing. After coming out as Trans, his voice breaking and the lowering of the keys of many songs, it was time to write some new ones.With lyrical candor, genre-queer pop arrangements, and a band of talented friends alongside him, SATCH began sharing his story at Pride festivals all over the country, including headlining the first ever trans led stage at Pride in London. Simultaneously, the young wordsmith was inspired to help others to tell their stories, and started co-writing with artists and producers around the globe, while also interviewing various trans voices on his esteemed podcast ‘Satch and Leo’s Transmission’.His ground-breaking, autobiographical debut album “Present In The Post'' was released in October 2023. Launched to a packed out Phoenix arts club in London, one music journalist remarked ‘'Satch is one of the most impressive new songwriters of this year. He speaks from the heart and stands out from the crowd’.Sonically connecting with the marginalized, SATCH isn’t a project aiming to change the music industry. SATCH is a project aiming to change the world.Support the show
Unraveling The Mysteries Of Neighbouring Rights & Sync With Lionel Lodge
Jan 20 2024
Unraveling The Mysteries Of Neighbouring Rights & Sync With Lionel Lodge
Lionel's journey continues being the founder and CEO of SyncLodge. The company wants to replace the scrambling of competition with ease of flow in the sync licensing industry. They want to amplify the creative joys of the music supervisor and let computer systems do the heavy lifting of the tedious and frustrating. Allow all who create music to have equal opportunity in sync placement, regardless of where they are in the world, regardless of their connections, finances, or level of fame.With over 40 years in the entertainment industry, Lionel has been involved with a diverse spectrum of the industry as a creative as well as a business manager. This includes running a live music venue, a live music booking agency (exited after 4 years), founding and being senior editor and co-publisher of an entertainment magazine (exited after 2 years), and managing a sync licensing agency. Lionel is currently holding the position of CEO of SyncLodge, the Full-Service Music IP Management Platform. And, Lionel is on the board of directors and co-chair of the education committee for IAFAR, the International Association For Artists and Rightsholders. On the creative side, Lionel has played 1000’s of shows in many countries, written hundreds of songs, and co-written many more. He has produced albums, engineered recordings, arranged music, and has 12 albums released under his name.Lionel is currently seen as an expert on the entertainment industry, with the core focus on the mechanics and revenue streams of the music industry. He is consistently being invited to speak at industry conferences and to do educational workshops at recognized industry educational institutions.Most Recent Press Article: TheCIOLeaders 2023 Press: INC Magazine  Inspire Zones  TheElitex  TimeIconic  SiliconLeaders   Businessshouts   MirrorReview   CIOViews  InsightsSuccess   CIOLook   CIOTodayAwards:The CIO Leader: 10 Most Promising Business Leaders – 2023 WinnerCIO Views: 10 Most Inspiring Business CEOs – 2023 WinnerElite X: 10 Inspiring Male Entrepreneurs – 2023 WinnerInspire Zones: Top 10 CEOs Of The Year - 2023 WinnerSyncLodge: SyncLodge is the Award Winning Full-Service Music IP Management Platform with the core focus on the needs of the Licensee (Music Supervisors, Visual Production Companies), and their teams. It is not a marketplace or an agency. It is a best-in-class global ecosystem for the managing the workflow of the sync licensing (legal usage of music in TV, film, video games, advertising) industry. SyncLodge accesses all the world’s released music and its associated ownership data. It offers portals for each sector of the industry to work together with tools specifically designed to bring ease and clarity to sync licensing management, team management, communications, agreement confirmations, and placements, plus much more. After over 4 years in designing and building with input from hundreds of industry stakeholders, SyncLodge is bringing creative leverage to professionals in many countries around the globe.SyncLodge: www.synclodge.com Awards:Business Champion Awards: Business Innovation of the Year Award – 2023 NomineeCorporate Live Wire: Specialized Media Platform of the Year Award - 2022/2023 WinnerCorporate Live Wire: Innovation & Excellence Award – 2023 WinnerCorporate Vision: Corporate Excellence Award – 2023 Winner linktr.ee/Saskhiahttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2020328/supporters/newSupport the show
Chords of Diversity: Lola Pony TV's Perspective - Being a Mexican Lesbian in the European Music Industry
Jan 10 2024
Chords of Diversity: Lola Pony TV's Perspective - Being a Mexican Lesbian in the European Music Industry
Mexican Born singer songwriter Lola Pony Tv is currently releasing her next single and has a show coming up on November 14th in London Link Below .. LGBT Icon and Dance, trance pop  singer came to the UK to become the next big Superstar. vocal jazz trained and performed in festivals around Mexico, she ended up here in London taking a course on music production. If you would like to find out more links are below https://www.instagram.com/lolaponytv/?hl=en-gbhttps://www.outsavvy.com/event/16658/bar-wotever-november-14thhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/220TdFBGDcqRON4FVSiVJQ Hosted By Saskhia Menendez Saskhia Menendez  FRSA –   Innovator @ Keychange                                                  Board of Directors – The F List Music                                                  LiVE Diversity Expert Panel Member A multi award winning equality & diversity ambassador, researcher, public speaker, mentor, artist and social change activist. Saskhia works to help diversify the music industry landscape, as well as help improve representation, equity and inclusion. She helps to educate and inform others of the issues and barriers certain underrepresented groups face. She is a multi-racial trans woman who transitioned 12 years ago, a parent of two children, and has over 10 years’ experience in the music industry. She is also in the process of making some brand-new tracks, which are due for release in 2024. She is also preparing to undertake a PHD in gender equality in music, mainly around trans and non-binary inclusion in music. She finalised her MA in Music Marketing in 2021 and has had a musical education from the age of 8. linktr.ee/Saskhiahttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2020328/supporters/newSupport the show
Austel - Annie Rew Shaw - What's It Like Being A Female Producer, Artist & Sound Engineer
Jan 7 2024
Austel - Annie Rew Shaw - What's It Like Being A Female Producer, Artist & Sound Engineer
Austel - aka Annie Rew Shaw - is a Devon-born London-based artist, songwriter and producer, crafting introspective, brooding music led by ethereal vocals and intimate lyricism. Influenced by a wide range of artists spanning from Bon Iver to Thom Yorke, Cocteau Twins to Jon Hopkins, Nick Cave to Elliott Smith, Austel fuses her background in classical music and songwriting with ambient textures, cinematic soundscapes and contemplative electronica.Having cut her teeth as a session musician performing at Glastonbury Festival, supporting Fleet Foxes, and touring the UK with multiple bands, Austel began collaborating with guitarist, producer and music technologist Adam Stark (MiMU Gloves, Rumour Cubes) - developing her own songs with a fresh lens.Austel’s 2018 self-released debut EP ‘Unfold’ received plaudits from the likes of BBC 6 Music, Killing Moon and The Line of Best Fit, while 2020’s ‘Cold Love’ drew further support from O2 Music, BBC Introducing and Fresh On The Net. In 2022, she released ‘Feathers’ - a ghostly, piano-based reworking of her discography to date, followed by dream-pop single ‘Cut Me Down’, a collaboration with artist/producer Ruby Smith aka post-dusk. Austel’s single ‘Beds Of Stone’ was co-produced with Grammy-award-winning producer and engineer Guy Massey (The Beatles, Manic Street Preachers, Richard Hawley), and featured on Spotify UK & Ireland’s Fresh Finds, RTÉ, Amazing Radio & BBC Introducing. Her highly-anticipated debut album is scheduled for release in February 2024.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2020328/supporters/newSupport the show
Breaking Boundaries: Tana's Journey as a Black Female LGBTQI+ Artist and Its Impact on Her Career Path in UK Music
Jan 6 2024
Breaking Boundaries: Tana's Journey as a Black Female LGBTQI+ Artist and Its Impact on Her Career Path in UK Music
Join us for an insightful conversation with Tana, a genre-bending artist based in London, whose career is influenced by the rich and diverse perspectives of gay culture. As a Black female LGBTQI+ artist with Italian and Nigerian roots, Tana's journey in the UK music scene is unapologetic, revolutionary, and deeply committed to diversity.Having signed her track 'Savage' to Sony US & Babygrande records and showcased her talent on the A3C compilation album, Tana is a remarkable artist and songwriter with a unique gift for lyrics and melody. Her artistic prowess extends beyond borders, as evidenced by her work for Chinese artist 'Jike Junyi.'Tana's impact on the music scene has not gone unnoticed. Her recent main stage performance at UK Black Pride 2022, where she captivated an audience of 25,000 people, marks a milestone in her career. She has also graced stages at NXNE Festival, Tallin Music Week, and London Pride, solidifying her presence as a force to be reckoned with.This episode explores the intersectionality of Tana's identity—being Black, female, and LGBTQI+—and its profound effect on her career path in the UK music industry. Tana's tracks have garnered attention from notable platforms such as 'Gay Times,' and her journey has been featured on BBC Introducing, Reprezent Radio, Soho Radio, Pulse 88, Gaydio, and Trace Urban. Numerous publications, including Earmilk and AnR Factory, have also recognized her artistry.Tune in to hear Tana's story of resilience, creativity, and advocacy as she navigates the music landscape, placing diversity at the heart of her art. This episode promises a vibrant discussion on the challenges and triumphs of being a Black female LGBTQI+ artist in the UK and the transformative power of Tana's unapologetic and revolutionary approach to her craft Hosted By Saskhia Menendez Introducing Saskhia Menendez FRSA, a distinguished figure in the music industry, celebrated for her innovative contributions as an Innovator at Keychange and a member of the Board of Directors at The F List Music. As a LiVE Diversity Expert Panel Member, Saskhia's multifaceted role encompasses being a multi award-winning equality and diversity ambassador, researcher, public speaker, mentor, artist, and social change activist.Saskhia is deeply committed to reshaping the music industry landscape, striving for improved representation, equity, and inclusion. Drawing on over a decade of experience in the music industry, she passionately educates and enlightens others about the issues and barriers faced by underrepresented groups. As a multi-racial trans woman who transitioned 12 years ago, Saskhia brings a unique perspective to her advocacy efforts.In addition to her impactful work, Saskhia is a devoted parent of two children and is currently in the process of creating brand-new tracks set for release in 2024. Her commitment to academic excellence is evident as she prepares to undertake a PhD in gender equality in music, with a primary focus on trans and non-binary inclusion. She recently completed her MA in Music Marketing in 2021, building upon a musical education that began at the age of 8.Saskhia's journey is marked by a tireless dedication to driving positive change in the music industry, both through her professional roles and her creative pursuits. Stay connected with Saskhia Menendez  linktr.ee/Saskhiahttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2020328/supporters/newSupport the show