CRE8 panel discussions include:
The Management Panel
This panel explores the real role of artist management in today’s music industry. Drawing on first-hand experience, the discussion looks at whether artists actually need a manager, how to choose the right one, and the most common management mistakes. The focus is on building sustainable, long-term careers rather than short-term wins.
Speakers:
Jasmine Igoe - Artist Manager - tsz
Annie Josephine - Founder - Coalesce / Ex Head of Ultra Records UK
Lee Haslam - Co-Founder - LGRP
Kurt Hurst - Co-Founder - You&Me and Hide&Seek
The Label Panel
This presents an inside look at how music labels operate and what they’re really looking for when signing artists. This panel breaks down how releases are developed and scaled, how labels assess long-term potential, and what successful artist–label relationships look like beyond a single release.
Speakers:
Sam Hutt - Head of A&R, tszr
Coyrn Brunavs - A&R, Good Company
George Wyatt - A&R, You&Me
Omar Khan - Label Co-Founder & Artist Manager, Hyperactive World
Phil Sagar - A&R, Armada
The Promo Panel
This panel breaks down the growing world of label services and promotion, exploring how artists can access marketing, distribution and campaign support without traditional label deals. Drawing on real-world experience, the discussion will cover how label services work, what promo teams actually do, and how artists can use these tools strategically to build momentum, grow audiences and maximise the impact of each release.
Speakers:
Jay Ahmed - Head of Promotions - Your Army
Ben Brindle - Head of Promotions - Helix
More to be announced.
The Promoters Panel
This session focuses on the realities of live bookings and why some artists consistently get booked while others don’t. Venue operators and promoters share insight into what they look for, how artists can stand out, and how to build long-term relationships rather than one-off opportunities.
Speakers:
Stuart Forsyth - Promoter - Mint Festival & Mint Warehouse
Kurt Hurst - Co-Founder - You&Me and Hide&Seek
Steven Braines - Co-Founder - HE. SHE. THEY.
The Agents & Artist Panel
This panel demystifies artist representation, exploring when it makes sense for artists to seek an agent and what agents do that artists can’t easily do on their own. The discussion centres on collaboration, expectations, and building productive relationships that support sustainable career growth.
Speakers:
Matthew Johnson - Founder - The Pool
Sally B - Artist
The Social Media Panel
This is a practical discussion on how artists can cut through on social media while maintaining authenticity. The panel explores best practices for building visibility, connecting with audiences, and promoting releases, with a particular focus on short-form platforms such as TikTok.
Speakers:
Grahame Farmer - Founder - Data Transmission
Lawrence James - CMO - Crossfader
The Immersive Audio Panel
This forward-thinking panel explores how immersive audio and next-generation hearing technology are reshaping music production, DJ performance and audience experience. From creative possibilities in three-dimensional sound to the practical realities of immersive workflows and formats such as Dolby Atmos, the discussion will examine how innovation across technology, studio craft and artistry is redefining how music is created, heard and experienced.
Garry Spittle - Founder, Sonical
Marcela Rada - Founder, Immersive Lounge
Simon Todkill - Recording and Mix Engineer
Ace Clvrk - Artist
Click here for the full panel discussions taking place at CRE8.
