Championing Leicester’s music scene

Leicester is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich musical heritage and ecology, from grassroots venues to internationally recognised artists. The music scene is an exciting part of the city’s cultural and creative economy.

To ensure this continues to thrive, the Leicester Music Board (LMB) brings together a cross-section of the city’s music industries, music education sector and the wider music community to champion local talent. 

Through collaboration on shared events, the LMB aims to address issues such as funding gaps, accessibility and opportunities to perform. Building on the success of last year, this year’s Leicester Music Conference aims to make an even greater impact, bringing together artists, industry professionals and organisations to collaborate and shape the future of music in our city.

Bridging the gap between grassroots creativity and professional success

Led by its founder Dr Yasin El Ashrafi – HQ Creative Arts Network (HQ CAN) – and supported by the LMB, the conference is taking place this week.

HQ CAN has long been a champion for emerging talent, providing access to high-quality training, industry mentorship and performance opportunities. Its commitment to inclusivity ensures that musicians from all backgrounds have the tools and knowledge to navigate the music industry.

The first day is open to young people aged 14 to 18 and explores the various routes into a music industry career, helping to illustrate the diversity of roles available, from tour manager and artist to producer and music lawyer.

The second is aimed at established and emerging artists, grassroots organisers and music industry professionals, offering a schedule packed with panel discussions, workshops and live performances. Through this conference, HQ CAN continues to bridge the gap between grassroots creativity and professional success.

Challenges and opportunities

With sessions delivered by TikTok, Universal Music, Ableton and other leading music industry organisations, we hope to inspire and inform attendees with topics that include copyright, funding opportunities and artist development. 

Experts from UK Music will share insights on the essential steps for artists to thrive, while Universal Music will offer insights into how major labels discover and develop talent.  Other key sessions address the music industry’s challenges and opportunities.

The conference will provide guidance on copyright and revenue streams, with experts from the organisation music:defined helping artists ensure they are release-ready and able to maximise their earnings.

The Night Time Industries panel will discuss how Leicester can strengthen its position as a key hub for touring artists while continuing to nurture homegrown talent. In short, it’s not just about supporting artists but creating a more connected and sustainable music ecosystem.

Engaging with global networks

As conference co-organiser, and my role with TiME (Technology in Music Education), my passion is for ensuring that technology, education and industry expertise create coherent opportunities and pathways for emerging artists. 

It is important to me that these function at the local level and are part of Leicester’s music landscape. By bringing together key industry figures and experts, such as Simon Lyon from Ableton, who will explore music production and the role of technology in today’s industry, the event will strengthen the regional music scene and drive meaningful change.

A focus on Leicester’s role in the global music economy will explore how the city’s music scene connects with international markets, creating pathways for artists and industry professionals to engage with global networks and drive new collaborations.  Representatives from BBC Asian Network and Lila Music will highlight international opportunities.

The conference culminates in an evening of live performances, celebrating Leicester’s exceptional musical talent. With diversity at the heart of the city’s musical identity, the conference will highlight the contribution of diaspora artists, including a special showcase of celebrated South Asian musicians.

The performance programme also features a BBC Introducing East Midlands stage to spotlight emerging talent alongside established artists and musicians. The night finishes with a set from the legendary DJ Roni Size.

Local support essential

The Music Venue Trust has highlighted the decline in national touring circuit stops and increasing challenges for grassroots venues, so local support is essential to reverse this trend. The LMB is dedicated to championing Leicester’s music scene, strengthening connections between music education and professional careers, and driving industry growth.

By showcasing the city’s diverse talent on a national stage and shaping a lifelong music strategy from early years to industry, the board is committed to ensuring Leicester’s music sector thrives.

The Leicester Music Conference plays a central role in that mission, attracting national industry leaders and creating new opportunities for East Midlands artists and professionals. Supported by Leicester City Council, it is a key part of the city’s Creative and Cultural strategy, with plans to expand into a full weeklong city-wide festival by 2027. 

Making Leicester a recognised destination

Looking ahead, the ambition is to incorporate live performances, workshops, networking events and industry showcases across Leicester’s music venues.  Inspired by the success of other major cities’ festivals, the goal is to establish Leicester as a recognised destination for music industry activity, attracting artists, professionals, and audiences from across the UK.

Events like this couldn’t happen without the support of the wider music community in Leicester. With over 40 organisations represented and 300 people in attendance, last year’s event demonstrated a clear appetite for collaboration. The Leicester Music Conference provides a platform to address challenges, share knowledge, and build meaningful connections.

For artists taking their next step, venue owners adapting to change, and music lovers eager to engage with Leicester’s scene, this year’s will be an unmissable event.  Leicester’s music scene is ready to take centre stage.

You can find out more information about the Leicester Music Conference here.