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.

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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 the programme are CLOSED.

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.

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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.

  • Luca Aureli

    Founder of Unfiltered / A&R and Artist Manager of Hibachi / Events Assistant at Roundhouse and Live Nation.

    He worked on Olivia Dean and Beyonce shows, and collaborated with producers and songwriters of Dua Lipa, Burna Boy, Kehlani, HER, etc.

  • Andra Cee

    PR, Creative Consultant

    Andra Cee is a PR and creative consultant with over 5 years of experience in the music field. With a background in music journalism (former GRM Daily writer), A&R, and marketing, she actively discovers and develops new talent and supports independent artists through educational content she produces in collaboration with established music figures. Her work is available at @_andra.cee and @onethreeprhouse

  • Anastasia Gyasi

    iluvlive Intern

    Supports the Artist Development Programme and other programme strands. She holds a degree in Business Management and has a background in events, from live music shows and dance showcases to social spaces and is passionate about championing emerging Black British talent.

  • Johnathan Homer

    A&R & Artist Manager

    Over a decade of experience in major and independent labels, focused on nurturing talent and career growth. Launched and curated live music events in West London, providing platforms for emerging artists.

  • Ashley Medina

    Creative / iluvlive Intern

    Supports and spotlights UK talent through artist development, social media strategy, tour management, and cultural programming. Collaborated with Live Nation, Festival Republic, Cloud X, Spotlight First, Rhythm In Britain, and iluvlive.

  • Domenica Simpson

    Creative & Community Specialist

    Over 10 years in the creative sector, focusing on youth engagement, programme management, and community arts. Key contributor to Youth Music’s NextGen Community Programme, supporting emerging creatives through funding, opportunities, and nationwide networking.

  • Estelle White

    A&R Assistant, Universal Music.

    Works as an A&R with experience in live events, touring, artist development, and creative direction. Has supported artists including Morgan Munroe, Lizzie Berchie, NSG, Loski and many more.

more info about our tsa's