The Artist Development Programme

In partnership with Stellar Songs

What is The Artist Development Programme?

In 2014, we successfully launched Izzy Bizu, utilising the in-house team at iluvlive. We officially launched our Artist Development Programme with funding from Arts Council England. We have now worked with over 15 artists including Nao (when she was part of the Boxettes), Laura White, Lylo Gold, Jords and Emmavie, all of whom subsequently signed recording and/or publishing deals. The programme was born out of a desire to help further the careers of acts via our expertise, platform, and networks.

Since 2023, the programme has been in partnership with Stellar Songs. This partnership has added a powerhouse of support for artists and ensured sessions as part of the Programme.

The chosen artist receives a budget of £5000 on hard costs, such as mixing, mastering, PR, plugging, tour support, videos, etc. A lot of what we do comes from the expertise we have as a team and from being able to utilise our contacts to your benefit. Our team includes Rachael Bee (CEO), Lauren Louise Powell (MD) and Victor Redwood-Sawyerr (Strategic Business Consultant), who collectively have over 50 years of music industry experience, including working with internationally known R&B, Rap and Grime artists and running the first incarnation of Def Jam UK.

Jords Speaks About His Time On The Programme

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I apply?

The Artist Development Programme is open every six months for two applicants to join the 12-month scheme. Two artists will be accepted into each round of the Programme.

Applications for our next round are now open and close on 25th April 2025 @ 5 pm.

Please sign up to our mailing list and follow us on our social platforms for more announcements and information.

Do you need assistance in completing your application?

We believe in providing equal access to all our opportunities. If you need assistance completing your application form due to a disability, please e-mail us using the subject line “Application Assistance.”

Please e-mail AD@iluvlive.co.uk.

What are the criteria?

Music artists based in England (occasional travel may be required, but the fund will cover travel costs).

Can I send a file of my tracks as part of my submission?

Links we ACCEPT:

  • Private link on Soundcloud

  • Unlisted video on YouTube

  • Link to Google Drive (please give us viewer access)

  • Untitled Stream

  • DISCO

Lins we DO NOT accept:

  • WeTransfer

  • Links which require downloading 

How is the programme structured?

The programme is divided into five main pillars:

  1. Pitching: We can write a pitch for your upcoming release, send it to you for approval, make any necessary amendments, and then send it to our DSP contacts.

  2. Advertising: We will review the assets and discuss the budget and strategy. Once we agree, we can set up Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and TikTok ads.

  3. Marketing/Social Media Rollout Plans: This can range from brainstorming ideas to jointly creating a plan for the content rollout during your release campaign.

  4. A&R support: This support comes from both iluvlive and Stellar, with a preference for Stellar's expertise. This involves potential collaborations between the artists on their roster and broader music industry introductions.

  5. Finding creative collaborators/industry contact introductions: This involves helping to search for creatives, such as graphic designers and photographers, and introducing you and your team to key industry partners, such as DSPs, A&Rs, and PR companies.

We are open to discussing other topics outside these pillars; however, these pillars best align with the experience of the iluvlive & Stellar Songs team.

Some artists/artists' teams will already have experience in all or some of these areas, while others will need more support. We aim to empower those who lack experience to enable them to continue growing even after the programme ends. For those further along, we can offer an extra pair of hands to ensure projects stay on track and are released with maximum impact.

How do we keep in touch?

  • Biweekly 30-minute sessions: They alternate between the iluvlive team or our team alongside Stellar Songs. The sessions will be available ad hoc, allowing for more flexibility so you can attend when it suits you best. 

  • Email communication: The iluvlive team will set up an email thread with all parties. This is where we will share documents and information that needs to be sent more formally.

  • Day-to-day communication: A WhatsApp group (the iluvlive team will set up this group upon joining) will communicate with us daily; we usually share opportunities, events, content ideas, and other grant opportunities.

Hear our previous Artist Development alumni talk about their time on the programme

What we ask for in return for being on our programme

We ask all acts on the Programme to agree to perform at one of our shows free of charge.

As your career develops, we ask if you can perform free of charge at a bigger show (for example Jessie J, Naughty Boy and Emeli Sande all played our 10th Birthday).

When you become a successful recognised artist, we also ask that you provide a quote and picture so we can add you to our website as a Programme Ambassador.

As a Programme Ambassador, we may ask you to take part in iluvlive initiatives such as;

    • Giving a talk about your journey to new Artist Development acts.

      Showing up to an event to help promote what we do.

    • Curating a Spotify playlist for us.

Overall, we ask artists to advocate for our not-for-profit work by letting people know about our work, whether that is a mention in an interview about our part in your journey, a shout-out on the radio, or letting new talent know about us.

Occasionally, we may be able to secure artists a brand deal. If we source and negotiate this, we would ask for 10% of any fee secured.

Meet Our Talent Selection Advisors

Talent Selection Advisors (TSAs) are dedicated volunteers who support iluvlive’s Artist Development Programme. With iluvlive receiving many applications, TSAs provide essential support by thoroughly reviewing each one. Their insights are vital to maintaining the quality of iluvlive’s selection process, helping us discover emerging talent and foster the next generation of artists in the music industry.

  • Chloe Amore

    Artist Manager / Represents two talents in the music industry & worked alongside artists such as Emeli Sandé, Clean Bandit, Sarz and LeoStayTrill.

  • Luca Aureli

    Artist Manager, A&R, Founder UNFLTRD / Artist Manager of Hibachi & Crxssxs. He’s worked alongside producers of Dua Lipa, Kehlani, Burna Boy, and H.E.R.

  • Alisha Banghard

    Creative / Determined to strengthen A&R with a passion for developing talent.

  • Joy Cambalon

    Creative, A&R, Live Events Curator / A vocalist and DJ focused on platforming underrepresented voices through music, digital storytelling, and community-driven events.

  •  Lillie-Apple Charters

    Music Journalist / Dedicated to spotlighting talented individuals and championing fresh, emerging voices in the music scene.

  • Nick Cole

    Producer, Songwriter, Founder of Open Sonix / Worked with JRocs, DJ Seinfeld, TS Graye, and Just Lil. Releases music as Neo Cole with ChillGhost and has multiple sync credits with MediaTracks.

  •  Leesa Daniel

    Co-founder of Hungover Jams / Creative with roots in iluvlive and The Sunday Show, known for breaking acts like Mo Gilligan and Ed Sheeran. Supported talents include JVCK James, Sophie Faith, and Novelist.

  • Eve Dieteren

    PhD Researcher, Kingston University / Focused on gender, race & sexuality in Soul, Hip Hop & R&B, blending academic research and cultural commentary to spotlight marginalised voices in music.

  • Hazel Durrant

    Talent Development & Strategy / 25+ years in the creative industries, specialising in talent, governance, and impact-led projects. Supported organisations like Jazz Re:freshed, Black Lives in Music, Hackney Empire, UD Music, Create Jobs and Music Education Hubs.

  • Leah Elaine

    Founder of RNB Remedy / Advocate for emerging R&B talent, creator of LOCAL HEADZ, where she’s interviewed Bellah and live events like Sweet Nights & Enfield Culture Festival. 

  • Vaby Endrojono-Ellis

    Senior Strategist, Emerging Tech, Warner Music Group / Founder of Soulgirl Collective, uniting 200+ female creatives. Focused on artist development and AI integration.

  • Monique Eristhee

    Artist Manager & A&R / Started in artist management in 2016, passionate about discovering talent. Interned at iluvlive in 2024, sparking her interest in A&R.

  • Paula Flack

    Artist Manager / With 25 years in music, started in marketing at EMI Records, working with artists like Radiohead, Nick Cave, and NWA, now managing talents including Vinx, Mike McKenzie, and Aiden Grimshaw.

  • Wendi Harriott

    Singer, Actress, Voice-Over Artist, Confidence Coach / Collaborated with John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Muse, Demi Lovato, Ellie Goulding, and Emeli Sandé. Award-winning theatre performer.

  • Johnathan Homer

    Label Manager, Creative Strategy, Artist Developer / Decade experience in major and independent record labels, launching live music events and nurturing emerging talent. 

  • Kase

    Creative Consultant, A&R, Artist Coach / Former manager of Xadi, now refining UK underground talent. Works with brands, collectives, and in fine art and film. Member of the it'sLeftfield collective.

  • Thomas Morgan

    Photographer & Creative Director / Captures culture-driven stories, with work for Supacell, Mixmag, KOKO, Krept & Konan, Mo Gilligan, Soulection, and Live Nation x Ends Festival.

  • Ellie Payne

    Music Professional, Vocalist & Coach / Founder of LiveWorks Presents, curating grassroots events. Experienced with Live Nation, mentoring emerging talent, and specialising in live events and artist development.

  • Pharaoh

    DJ & Radio Broadcaster for BBC Radio 1Xtra. Performing at venues & festivals like Fabric, KOKO, City Splash and Notting Hill Carnival. Collaborated with Amazon, Nike, Apple, and interviewed artists like Sean Paul and Masego.

  • Troy Senn

    Music Producer & Sound Engineer / Music Production and Business Management graduate, passionate about exploring genres and collaborating with emerging artists to create unique musical visions.

  • PJ Somervelle

    Music Manager & Independent A&R / Passionate about UK R&B, Rap, and Pop. Former journalist and charity professional, offering PR services and mentorship to emerging UK talent.

  • Matt B. Thorns

    Artist & Talent Manager, A&R / Developing emerging talent like Blvck Viølet and Coco Vieno. Formerly at Snafu Records, now oversees ELAM industry academy & mentors.

  • Rellik

    Radio Presenter & Event Host / R&B specialist, championing the genre in the UK. Hosted stages at Parklife and T-Live, and curated Sony’s Made in the UK R&B playlist, featured in Spotify’s Riffs & Runs campaign and a member of the MOBO Voting Academy.

  • Jazmyne Ricketts

    A&R & Marketing Professional / Founder of Jaz Unplugged, dedicated to amplifying and nurturing emerging UK R&B talent. Event curator, workshops, and mentoring, Jaz is a driving force in cultivating emerging R&B talent within the UK.

  • Ciara Rushe

    Client Services & Development at PPL / Supporting artists in neighbouring rights, licensing, and funding. Passionate about A&R and emerging talent, and a steering group member at The Cat’s Mother, supporting the next generation of music professionals.

  • Roché Writes

    Music Reviewer / 6 years of experience spotting talent and capturing the essence of artists across genres. Passionate about translating her perspective on music, wordplay, and stage presence to readers.

more info about our tsa's