Future Leaders: Keychange announce a new 2022 cohort of 76 artist and innovator participants from 12 countries to lead global movement for gender equality in music 19 Jan 2022
-
Keychange welcomes 76 new artist and innovator participants from 12 countries to its 2022 talent development programme
-
Featuring up-and-coming artistic talent and innovators who are already leaders in their field (in production, marketing, management and beyond), participants are selected by industry experts as future leaders of the music industry
-
The innovative year-long talent programme provides women and gender minority participants with the skills, resources and opportunities needed to fast track them to the next stage in their career
-
The programme features international network meet-ups, showcases, workshops, seminars, studio sessions and masterclasses, as well as an invitation to a mentoring scheme in collaboration with shesaidso.
-
International collaboration lies at the heart of the programme.
-
The programme launches with a digital kick-off February 16th - 18th 2022
Today Keychange, the pioneering international initiative for gender equality in the music industry, welcomes 76 new faces to its 2022 talent development programme. Selected by industry and export experts as future leaders, the new cohort of artists and music industry professionals from 12 different countries will take part in a year-long programme, following an open call that received 590 applications.
Participants include Shereen Perera, Senior Producer of Women of the World Foundation (UK), Samantha Slattery, Founder of Women in Music Canada (CA), Mathilde Neuville, Co-founder of Consentis for the prevention of sexism and sexual violence in music (FR) and the hotly tipped alternative indie Rough Trade artist, Laura Lee & the Jettes (DE) who is poised to play key festival slots this March at NYC Festival New Colossus and SXSW.
Keychange is delighted to introduce the 76 new participants:
CANADA: (Artists) Alysha Brilla, Liliane Chlela, Mise en Scene, Paris Pick
(Innovators) Flora Garnier, Isabelle Banos, Noreen Hamid, Samantha Slattery
ESTONIA: (Artists) Anett, OOPUS, Tuulikki Bartosik, Vera Vice
(Innovators): Britt Randma, Kertu Mägar, Sandra Perens
FRANCE: (Artists) ٥٥ گليثرGlitter, Anna Majidson, Bandit Bandit
(Innovators) Emily Gonneau, Gwendolenn Sharp, Mathilde Neuville
GERMANY: (Artists) Albertine Sarges, Laura Lee & the Jettes, lùisa
(Innovators): AZLAY, Imke Machura, Katharin Ahrend
ICELAND: (Artists) Possimiste, Sunna Margrét, Ultraflex
(Innovators) Anna Dungal, Björt Sigfinnsdóttir, Bryndís Jonatansdóttir, Kim Wagenaar
IRELAND: (Artists): Dani Larkin, NIMF, shiv
(Innovators): Ismay Bourke, Laura McCabe, Naoise Roo Callan
ITALY: (Artists) Anna Bassy, Arya, effe effe
(Innovators): Flavia Guarino, Sara Colantonio, Silvia Nocentini aka NoOx
NORWAY: (Artists): Nedja, Cham Léon
(Innovators): Camilla Christensen, Kine Lundervold, Lennea Lyssand, Sofie Søndervik Sæther
POLAND: (Artists) IFI UDE, Misia Furtak, Moriah Woods
(Innovators) Gosia Bego, Inga Plewicka, Tamara Kaminska
SPAIN: (Artists): airu, Efe Ce Ele, LAU
(Innovators): Alayna Hughes, Ariane Paras, Jeanny Ricci
SWEDEN: (Artists) Fågelle, The Magnettes - Rebecka Digervall, Sissel Wincent
(Innovators) Affa Alizadeh, Ivy Ofori,Sofia Sandqvist
UK: (Artists): caro♡, Eliza Shaddad, IMOGEN
(Innovators): Bishi, Eve Horne, Shereen Perera
Listen to the Keychange 2022 artist playlists here: SoundCloud, Spotify. Read more about each of the brilliant participants on the Keychange website here, which also serves as a vital resource of fresh international talent for festivals and Keychange signatories to draw upon.
Keychange Talent Development Programme 2022
Launching with a digital kick-off on February 16th - 18th 2022, this extensive programme aims to equip the 76 women and gender minority participants with the skills, resources and opportunities needed to fast track them to the next stage in their career.
Alongside the full network meet-ups, participants will take part in Creative Labs at the 13 festivals that are partnered with Keychange in Europe and Canada. The Creative Labs will take the form of workshops, seminars, studio sessions, masterclasses and more. In addition to these opportunities, the programme’s artists will take part in international showcases, Innovators will be invited to international music conferences and each participant will be invited to benefit from a mentoring scheme created in collaboration with shesaid.so.
International collaboration lies at the heart of the programme, which will be curated by Sofie Marin throughout 2022.
Sofie Marin, Keychange Capacity Building Lead, founder and CEO of From Sweden Productions says, It is a great honour to curate the programme for the 2022 cohort in close partnership with esteemed Keychange colleagues and partners across Europe and Canada. Keychange is a unique project in the sense that as a capacity building initiative it not only provides the strategies, tools and connections for up-skilling, mastery and growth. It also empowers the participants with a voice, clarity and direction to bring about positive change as emerging cultural leaders in their respective fields. Something that is much needed in the world today. She continues: Now more than ever there’s a need for human connection, interaction, inclusion, and support across the borders which will be at the core of everything we do; whether physical, hybrid and/or digital. More details about the programme will be presented in London 16-18 February.
Merle Bremer, Project Lead Keychange (Reeperbahn Festival) says, With joy and excitement, I look forward to the coming year and to seeing the many talented artists and innovators who will participate in the Keychange Capacity Building Programme 2022.
Unfortunately, Covid is still ubiquitous. Studies show that women and non-binary people are more affected by the impact of the pandemic than others. However, I am confident that with Keychange we are creating a motivating programme that will support all participants to (re)build their professional and personal skills and achieve their career goals in 2022. In this context, Keychange is working hard to deliver a better experience for participants and use all the tools at its disposal to create a robust and truly worldwide network - even across European borders.
The announcement comes at an exciting moment for Keychange, as the number of music organisations that have signed up to the gender balance pledge surpasses 550 - with latest signatories including Believe, Snowbombing festival and Ted Baker’s Street Party Sessions, who also join the movement as a Sponsor. Watch the Ted Baker X Keychange: Clare Amfo in conversation with Jamz Supernova piece here.
To date, 133 participants have taken part in the Keychange programme, the impressive achievements of its alumna include:
The Business with Attitude 2020 prize (FR) awarded to CEO & Cofounder of NomadPlay / NoMadMusic Clothilde Chalot. Organised by Madame Figaro, it is part of the annual 100 Femmes de Culture list selection (Top 100 women of the French cultural sector). Folk artist Hafdis Huld received double platinum recognition for her album Vogguvisur, ranking Top Artist Iceland #1 in Spotify Charts. In Canada, indigenous indie electronic artist Iskwe received a Juno Award 2020 (CA) for ‘Video of the Year’, and was nominated for the SOCAN prize shortly after.
we.grow Mentorship Programme extends to 2022
Keychange and shesaid.so are proud to reveal that their mentoring collaboration, we.grow will continue into 2022, providing the latest participants of the Keychange talent development programme with one-to-one mentoring throughout the coming year.
The we.grow mentorship collaboration was launched in April 2020, when Keychange and shesaid.so united to develop a bespoke peer to peer mentoring programme for women and gender minority artists and innovators. This collaboration has endured throughout the pandemic so far, providing invaluable connections and professional support through difficult times, by bringing more than 35 mentoring pairs together for both peer-to-peer sessions, as well as providing participants with mentorship from music industry professionals from multiple sectors.
Andreea Magdalina, founder of shesaid.so says
Following the success of our partnership in 2021, we’re excited to be able to continue our journey with Keychange to deliver a high impact mentorship programme for the 2022 Cohort. At shesaid.so we believe in the transformative power of mentoring on an international level - to develop careers in the music industry and help build businesses that have a strong understanding of cultures and markets worldwide. At such a pivotal time for the industry, it's more important than ever to provide individualized professional development for women and gender minorities that allows them to create connections, and be guided by role models.
Quotes from 2021 Keychange participant
Magda Cholyst, Founder of Artist in Bloom, Artist Coach, Educator (PL) says
Keychange is like a huge mastermind. You get a unique opportunity to be in active conversation with an experienced, inspiring, open-minded international community. For people who seek not only for business growth, but also understanding of themselves as well as the world changing everyday, this experience is priceless. For me, as a woman in the music industry, cultural entrepreneur and human being, Keychange is one of the turning points in my personal and professional story.
NEWS & PRESS
The FAC and University of Hertfordshire expand their Propeller Sessions project to London’s Jazz Cafe
Recent Nettwerk signing Olive Jones, a former awardee from the FAC’s Step Up Fund, is among the latest artists to benefit from free, high-quality video performance footage after recording a Propeller Session To date, more than 20 FAC PRO Members have...more
Generator launches landmark Japan partnership to put northern music on the global stage
BACKED BY REGIONAL MAYORS, THE INITIATIVE MARKS A MAJOR STEP FOR THE NORTH’S INTERNATIONAL MUSIC AMBITIONS FEBRUARY 2026 JAPAN EXCHANGE ANNOUNCED, CONNECTING NORTHERN TALENT WITH JAPAN’S MUSIC INDUSTRY AND THRIVING CREATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERSHIPS ANNOUNCED WITH CUEW, MUSIC CITY COUNCIL OF FUKUOKA AND KEF, WITH COLLABORATION FROM OTHER MAJOR INDUSTRY PARTNERS North-headquartered music development agency Generator has today...more
Believe UK and Tileyard Music launch new frontline label Tenace Records
Label to be spearheaded by Co-Presidents Charlie Arme & Michael Harwood. Former Universal Marketing Director Chris Dashwood appointed GM.Globally touring guitar-pop force Pale Waves revealed as debut signing. Believe UK and Tileyard Music have launched a new boutique, frontline label as part...more
Hannah Karp appointed EVP & Chief Communications Officer for Warner Music Group
Accomplished Journalist and former 'Billboard' Editor-in-Chief Joins WMG’s Executive Leadership Team Warner Music Group (NASDAQ: WMG) today announced that highly regarded editor and journalist Hannah Karp has been named EVP & Chief Communications Officer, effective January 26. She joins the company’s executive...more
Universal Music Greater China launches Def Jam Recordings China in Chengdu, the capital of Chinese hiphop
Together With Migu, A Leading Digital Content Platform Under China Mobile, UMG Opens Global Pathways for Chinese Hip-Hop Rooted in Local Culture Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced...more
Audiotool Launches Multiplayer Cloud DAW and Debuts Nexus, an Industry-First Platform for Building Music Production Tools
Audiotool, the browser-based music production platform with more than 300,000 monthly active users, today announced the open beta launch of its redesigned Audiotool Studio, featuring NEXUS, an open developer platform and API that empowers creators and partners to build custom...more
Jacob Alon revealed as this year's BRITs Critics' Choice winner
SUPPORTED BY RADIO 1 THE FIRST WINNER TO BE REVEALED FOR THE BRIT AWARDS 2026 WITH MASTERCARD SATURDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2026 AT CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER ON ITV The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard have today announced that Jacob Alon is the winner of the prestigious BRITs Critics' Choice award...more
WMA announces Global Promotions and new hires as it celebrates 10 years in the US
As it celebrates its 10th anniversary in the US, global digital marketing and creative agency WMA today announced several new executive hires and key promotions internationally. Marking a decade at WMA herself, Crystina Cinti has been elevated to Global Senior...more
Pipeline emerges from stealth and unveils groundbreaking financing platform for independent music sector
Backed by Jamen Capital, Pipeline Raises Over $200 Million to Help Independents Unlock their IP Value, Fund Growth and Compete at Scale Pipeline, a new financing platform focused on music and the wider creative industries, has unveiled its company and offerings...more
Sonopress launches ecorecord.org
New platform consolidates information on sustainable record production around EcoRecord Sonopress, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of physical media, has launched ecorecord.org, a new platform dedicated to sustainable record production. The website expands the company’s existing sustainability approach, EcoRecord, and...more
Mouth Culture sign publishing deal with Notting Hill Music
Fast-rising Leicester alt-rock outfit Mouth Culture are pleased to announce they’ve signed their publishing with Notting Hill Music. The band have been making waves across the UK and beyond with their undeniable melody and musicianship, which hits hard in a...more
The Other Songs have recruited executive Harri Davies to the team as Head of A&R
Global independent music and entertainment company The Other Songs have welcomed globally recognised executive Harri Davies to the team as Head of A&R. Davies has an extensive record of identifying and breaking world-class talent. Most recently serving as Head of A&R...more
RTÉ Choice Music Prize - Irish Album of the Year 2025 / Shortlist Announcement
Celebrating 21 Years of the RTÉ Choice Music Prize RTÉ Choice Music Prize In association with IMRO and IRMA Irish Album of the Year 2025 - Shortlist Announcement A Week of Announcements on RTÉ 2FM Live in Vicar St, Dublin 5th March - with...more
WIN Elects New Board, Appoints New Chair and Vice Chairs in 20th Anniversary Year
Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), the international network that brings together the global independent music community, has appointed its new board of directors for 2026, with Mark Kitcatt, CEO of Everlasting Records (Spain), as its new chair. Kitcatt has spent over four...more
Zoe Ball hosts a new award-winning podcast series
BBC Eras: Phil Collins for Radio 2 and BBC Sounds Zoe Ball is the host of a new series of the award-winning podcast Eras for Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, focussing on the life and legendary career of Phil Collins, who...more
Netease Cloud Music and Universal Music Group announce strategic, multi-year licensing agreement for China
Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, and NetEase Cloud Music, a leading music streaming service provider in China, today announced a strategic multi-year license agreement for UMG's world-leading music catalog of artists and recordings across NetEase Cloud Music's streaming...more
Jerome Porritt named as Head of A&R at RCA Records UK
Sony Music UK today announces the appointment of Jerome Porritt as Head of A&R at RCA Records UK. Reporting into co-presidents Glyn Aikins and Stacey Tang, Porritt brings over a decade of experience in A&R, and most recently held the position...more
Nick Bright to join KISS
KISS is turning up the heat with the announcement that Nick Bright is joining the station, bringing one of the UK’s most exciting broadcast voices to the KISS line-up. Former BBC Radio 1Xtra presenter Nick, will be on air from Monday 2nd February as he takes...more
Universal Music Group launches UK pilot of global education initiative ‘Sound Generation’
Sound Generation kicks off with UK pilot featuring a set of tailored music education resources for primary school The free, online programme will be piloted across all Camden primary schools before rolling out nationwide later this year This builds on UMG UK’s...more
2026 MOBO Awards: Nominations announced for Manchester ceremony
EUROPE’S BIGGEST CELEBRATION OF BLACK MUSIC AND CULTURE COMES TO CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER ON 26 MARCH TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW - VISIT MOBO.COM/TICKETS 2026 MARKS 30 YEARS OF THE MOBO ORGANISATION, THREE DECADES OF SHIFTING CULTURE, CHAMPIONING TALENT AND CREATING ICONIC MOMENTS SHOW HOSTS, SUPERSTAR PERFORMERS AND SPECIAL HONOUREES...more
AYO Music Group Grows Roster and Catalog, Expands Gapfinder Tool, and Releases Reissue of Rare Joe Washington Vinyl
Since its official launch in 2024, AYO Music Group, an active copyright administrator offering global administration of publishing, neighboring rights, and recordings, continued to grow throughout 2025 with new additions to their roster, further development of their Gapfinder tool, and upcoming...more
BMG launches SYNC+
A Unified Global Music-for-Media Powerhouse BMG announced today the launch of SYNC+, a new global service uniting Commercial Sync, Production Music, and Media Services under one integrated brand. SYNC+ combines BMG’s world-class repertoire, creative expertise, and strategic music services to deliver a seamless,...more
Youth Music reveals the next generation of diverse music talent in ‘Ones to Watch 2026’
Youth Music unveils 20 emerging artists tipped to shape the future of the UK music industry Alumni from Youth Music’s Ones to Watch lists, including ALT BLK ERA, JayaHadADream and Mali Hâf, have gone on to win MOBO awards and perform at Glastonbury Youth Music’s Ones to Watch list is powered by Wingstop for...more
Open letter from WIN to European Commissioner Dombrovskis: “Europe as a beacon of fair competition”
With just a few weeks until the European Commission’s final decision on the Universal/Downtown deal, WIN wrote to Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis to warn that the proposed remedies will not mitigate the grave risk that the merger poses to fair competition...more
Modern Women have signed to One Little Independent Records
Modern Woman, the London art-rock outfit fronted by primary songwriter Sophie Harris, are set to release their anticipated debut album ‘Johnny’s Dreamworld’ on May 1st 2026 via their new label One Little Independent Records. ‘Johnny’s Dreamworld’ represents the culmination of...more
TMRW Music Group Joins LabelWorx for Global Distribution and Label Services
LabelWorx, the leading global distribution and label services provider for independent electronic music, today announced a new partnership with TMRW Music Group, one of Australia’s most respected and influential electronic music companies. Under the new agreement, LabelWorx will provide full...more
Atlantic Screen Group Secures $30m from Corrum Capital to Accelerate Film, TV Score and Music Catalogue Acquisitions
Atlantic Screen Group (ASG) is pleased to announce that it has secured up to $30m in funding from Corrum Capital. The investment will enable ASG to continue its strategic acquisition of film and television scores, while also providing additional capital...more
Amazon Music Unveils Global 2026 Artists to Watch Campaign
The initiative spotlights breakout artists poised to shape music in 2026, including Destin Conrad, Seyi Vibez, EJAE, Max Styler, PRESIDENT, NewDad, MEOVV, and Adam Klobi across 28 key playlists worldwide The program also includes seven new Amazon Music Originals from VENGAYO,...more
First details revealed for BRITs Fringe with Brighter Sound
BRING ON THE BRITs WITH MASTERCARD: THE 2026 NOMINATIONSWATCH ON WEDNESDAY 21ST JANUARY FROM 5PM ON THE BRITs’ INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK WHATSAPP ANNOUNCED AS 2026 OFFICIAL VOTING PARTNER THE BRIT AWARDS 2026 WITH MASTERCARDSATURDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2026 AT CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER ON ITV In a...more
Mercury Prize shines global spotlight on Newcastle and the North East
New figures have shown the region's economy received a boost of more than £1.4 million by hosting the 2025 Mercury Prize. A new report commissioned and published by Newcastle City Council has highlighted the huge impact the awards ceremony and fringe activity had...more
THE HEADLINES
Music Venue Trust annual report highlights ongoing issues, and optimism (see News)
Do Spotify’s AI Playlists change how algorithmic discovery actually works? (see Features)
A&R 2026: We lost "R" (see Opinion)
Do most artists peak with their first album? (see Analysis)
Court battle over unpaid royalties could have implications for the industry in the streaming era (see News)
Luminate released its 2025 year-end music report (see Reports)
Impala sets out crucial questions on UMG/Downtown, AI, sovereignty and more for EU & music sector (see Comment)
Spotify’s new co-CEOs highlight what’s ahead for the company (see Digital)
Music publishers sued by X in growing licensing battle (see News)
Call on EU to clamp down on unauthorised ticket reselling (see News)
Lucian Grainge outlines UMG's 2026 plans in staff memo (see News)
Skye Newman wins Radio 1's Sound of 2026 (see News)
Spotify now lets you share what you’re streaming in real time with friends (see Digital)