Music Ally launched our Creative Entrepreneur Programme (CEP) in early 2020 as a way to give skills and support to young people in the UK between 18 – 25 who want to understand how the modern music industry works – but may not have the support or resources to access opportunities, or lack access to traditional academic or vocational pathways.
Our goal was to support young people in the UK by giving them access to the same level of knowledge and skills that we know people who work in the industry have and to hopefully help them to grow in confidence and develop their network in the process.
We partnered with UK charity Youth Music to help us reach people outside of academia, or the world of internships, or – basically – London: people who want to make a difference in the modern industry, whether as artists & creators, or as the next generation of entrepreneurs.
After a long seven month process with 100 students involving specially-designed learning pathways of Music Ally’s information and education content, various drop-in sessions and a two month mentoring programme with leading music business figures around the world, we selected two outstanding performers: Jenuelle Na-Oy on our business strand and Nelson Navarro on the artist / creator strand.
We chatted to Jenuelle and Nelson about their experiences in the CEP scheme, what they learned, and what they did next. Here’s what they had to say…
What were your ambitions when you started the CEP scheme?
Jenuelle Na-Oy: My ambitions were to gain more confidence in my knowledge of the music industry. I was hoping to learn about what it’s like working in the music industry because you hear all sorts of job roles and wonder what actually goes on behind the scenes – so it was nice to talk to experienced professionals and gain an insight from them!
Nelson Navarro: To meet like minded creators and collaborate on a project together, learn more about the music industry and develop connections with industry mentors.
What was the CEP scheme like? What did you learn?
Jenuelle: Very informative. Having access to the Playbook was really handy as it was packed with real life case studies. I would say the most useful thing I took from the programme was the online support meetings, since they gave us a chance to talk with other like-minded music enthusiasts.
Nelson: I had a great time and enjoyed the accountability to other people that came with undertaking the program. The biggest asset to me was creating a 12 month roadmap at the end of the scheme. Writing a plan for the year forced me to think ahead about what I wanted to create and commit to some kind of schedule which I had never done before.
So far I’ve committed pretty strictly to my Roadmap and actually beaten it in some places. I’m really grateful for the team for undertaking this endeavour and especially trying something of this scale for the first time. Taking risks is the most important way to grow in business and personally so it’s inspiring to see it happen in front of my eyes with other people.
How have you used what you learned in real life?
Jenuelle: When it comes to completing tasks such as writing press releases and creating social media schedules, I have used the knowledge I have learnt from the Playbook to add more structure to my release strategies.
Writing out a 12 month plan with TIPS (the artist I was assigned with) was helpful. I learned a lot about planning and time management. We were able to organise meetings and discuss how we could structure his releases.
Nelson: Learning that deadlines are super valuable is a big one. I kind of already knew this from uni and other projects – but creating my roadmap and having a chain of goals all dependent on the previous one being completed has really kicked me into gear and I recommend it wholeheartedly – particularly if you’re a creator with chaotic tendencies like me!
Other things like the release advice in the Playbook and information about music copyright have been so helpful. I finally understand the difference between PRS and PPL! Took me long enough…
Did you make useful connections during the CEP?
Nelson: Some of the conversations I’ve had with my mentor, Aaron Horn, have been really helpful – we spoke about burning out and making your efforts sustainable. He asked me at one point: “can you do what you’re doing now for the next 10 years?” I felt like I was burning out and when you hear words like those from someone who’s had a career in the music industry far longer than you… it makes you think!
Since then I’ve really been trying to maintain a vision for myself that is sustainable and gonna keep me happy for many years in the process… It’s challenging and exceedingly worthwhile. One of my recent songs says “Smiling more, I’m learning and I’m grateful cos I’m working on a vision that I don’t have to escape from”. Kinda says it all.
What’s next for you, and how can people contact you?
Jenuelle: Now that the programme is complete, my ambition is to work alongside musicians and help them to get to where they want to be. Currently I’m studying Management at LIPA and I’m continuing on with projects on the side, such as writing press releases for bands I’m working with.
Recently I’ve been taking part in Sound City’s Rip It Up programme, which has been an amazing experience so far. I’d be more than happy to chat to people about potential projects, they can email me or find me on Instagram.
Nelson: I’m releasing songs and videos every single month and I’ve got projects planned out til the end of 2021. Viruses permitting, you’ll catch me playing my songs at a gig REAL SOON (please, please…) and get to see them backed by my live band – which is honestly such a treat.
If you couldn’t tell I’m a super-friendly guy so tweet me or DM me on Instagram – I love chatting so be prepared for a virtual chinwag! Plus I’m looking to collaborate right now so maybe we can make some magic…
Thanks again to Music Ally for the opportunity and knowledge. I’m truly grateful for all the support.
The CEP is supported by Youth Music, a UK charity that helps to give young people a chance to make music whatever their backgrounds.
And we are also grateful to Linkfire and Chartmetric for also providing free access to their tools to eligible participants in the programme, as well as our mentors on the programme. More details can be found here.
Music ally always gives me many insights of music marketing. Many congrats to them