iluvlive Announces Their Talent Selection Advisor Cohort for March 2025
iluvlive is thrilled to introduce its newest Talent Selection Advisors (TSA) cohort, a dedicated team of volunteers supporting the current Artist Development Programme Open Call.
Talent Selection Advisors will significantly contribute to selecting the following two artists to join our Artist Development programme, helping iluvlive maintain an effective and high-quality selection process.
By becoming a TSA, volunteers gain valuable, hands-on experience in talent scouting, artist development, and music industry insight. In return for their support, all TSA’s receive complimentary tickets to iluvlive shows, support for their own music-related initiatives, and access to industry news.
iluvlive are proud to have these passionate individuals onboard, bringing their energy, expertise, and enthusiasm to support the discovery and growth of the UK’s next wave of musical talent.
Managing Director of iluvlive, Lauren Louise Powell, shares: “I’m truly grateful for our new Talent Selection cohort, who bring experience from various music industry sectors. With such an eclectic mix of passion and experience, I’m confident we have the right support to choose the best talent deserving our support for the next 12 months”
The March 2025 TSA cohort includes:
Chloe Amore
As a musician turned artist manager, my passion lies in navigating, guiding, and developing artists on their creative journeys. I represent two credible female talents in the industry, and I’m dedicated to elevating their careers to new heights. With a background as an artist seeking development, I bring a unique understanding to artist management. My industry experience includes working with incredible acts such as Emeli Sandé, Clean Bandit, Sarz, LeoStayTrill and many more. I am excited to bring this wealth of knowledge and passion for artist development to the iLuvLive Artist Development Programme as Talent Selection Advisor.
Luca Aureli
Luca is a music industry professional with over two years of experience in A&R, project management, marketing, and events. Holding an MA in Music Business Management, he has secured PRS funding and created sold-out showcases through his platform, UNFLTRD, focusing on R&B, Soul, and Hip-Hop talent. Luca’s expertise in playlisting and talent scouting has led to over 300K Spotify streams and media features on BBC Introducing and BBC series Boarders. He has worked with songwriters and producers who contributed to records of artists like Dua Lipa, Kehlani, Burna Boy, and H.E.R., to name a few.
Currently, Luca is an Admin & Playlisting Assistant at Decent Music PR, where he handles playlist placements and strengthens industry ties. He also manages emerging House, Afro, R&B, and Hip-Hop artists/producers Hibachi & Crxssxs, dedicated to empowering talent and increasing their visibility in the industry.
Alisha Banghard
Creative and determined A&R with a passion for developing talent and working with producers to find artists and writers for them to collaborate with.
Joy Cambalon
Joy, also known as Sampii, is a London-based music creative, content creator, and talent advisor with Filipino roots and a deep love for global sounds. Her experience spans A&R, Artist and Stage Management, and Live Event Curation, bringing strategic insight and grounding energy to every project. Currently working at Soundway Records, Joy is a vocalist and DJ passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices, celebrating culture, and building community through music and digital storytelling.
Lillie-Apple Charters
Lillie-Apple is a Leeds-based singer/songwriter/producer turned music journalist; her main goal in music is to shine a light on the talented individuals already around us and the refreshing, upcoming artists joining the scene.
Studying music production at Leeds Conservatoire, Lillie has written, produced, released and promoted two EPs independently, and has even more music on the way. The creation of music isn’t the only thing connecting Lillie to the industry, however, as she is now a resident writer at Saving Grace - a Yorkshire-based artist promotion platform - giving interviews to local artists and bands.
Her aim as a Talent Selection Advisor is to find unique, authentic and passionate artists to join the team and to help them reach their full potential.
Nick Cole
Nick “5UPE” Cole is a Brixton-raised producer, songwriter, guitarist, and sound engineer blending Hip-Hop, R&B, Afro Dancehall, and Lo-Fi. A Gibson-endorsed musician and founder of Open Sonix, he’s worked with JRocs, DJ Seinfeld, TS Graye, and Just Lil, and also releases music under the alias Neo Cole with Lo-Fi label ChillGhost. Nick has signed multiple compositions for sync with MediaTracks.
Leesa Daniel
Leesa is a dynamic and passionate individual with a rich background in the music and entertainment industries. She began her journey with the acclaimed Sunday Show, known for breaking major acts such as Mo Gilligan and Ed Sheeran. Building on this foundation, Leesa interned at iluvlive, where she further deepened her knowledge of artist development and live event curation.
Driven by her dedication to supporting emerging talent, she co-founded Hungover Jams, a grassroots showcase platform that has featured standout artists including JVCK James, Sophie Faith, and Novelist. Though she later transitioned into the sports industry, Leesa has remained committed to helping individuals unlock their potential and thrive in competitive environments.
Her unique blend of creative industry insight, event production experience, and genuine passion for people makes her a natural connector and a strategic partner in identifying and nurturing top talent.
Eve Dieteren
Eva Dieteren is a PhD researcher in popular music at Kingston University London. She explores how gender, race, and sexuality intersect in contemporary Soul, Hip-Hop, and R&B. With roots in feminist activism, she has contributed to projects focused on the representation of women in popular culture and music. Her work bridges academic research and cultural commentary, aiming to centre marginalised voices and highlight the political potential of popular music.
Hazel Durrant
Accomplished business, strategic and Talent Development professional with over 25 years of experience driving sustainability and growth within the cultural and creative industries. Expertise in talent development, operations, governance, and social impact-driven projects for the benefit of underserved, marginalised communities and SMES. Proven leader with a successful track record of securing significant funding for revenue and capital projects and developing strategic partnerships with funding partners interested in bolstering the arts and creative sector.
Supported 100s of early entry and early career creative practitioners via Talent Development programmes, mentoring and with bursaries, working with organisations such as Jazz Re:freshed, Black Lives in Music, Hackney Empire, UD Music Foundation, Create Jobs and Music Education Hubs.
Leah Elaine
Leah is a passionate advocate for emerging talent in the music scene, with a particular focus on R&B. With a career background in marketing, she uses her expertise to amplify the voices of rising artists. Leah has developed live music events celebrating Enfield’s cultural diversity, including the Enfield Culture Festival and Sweet Nights, and interviewed R&B sensation Bellah through her creative conversational platform LOCAL HEADZ. In 2024, Leah took her commitment to supporting new talent and love for R&B a step further by founding RNB Remedy, an online platform dedicated to showcasing all things R&B. Through RNB Remedy, she produces original content such as song and artist recommendations, music history, artist interviews, playlist curations and live show recaps. With a knack for uncovering hidden gems in the music scene, Leah is dedicated to connecting with a global audience who shares her passion for R&B music and culture.
Vaby Endrojono- Ellis
Vabyanti (Va-bee-yan-tee) is a forward-thinking music professional and music artist actively shaping the industry's future. Recognising the power of community, she founded the Soulgirl Collective in 2023, rapidly growing to 200 female creatives united by collaboration. Her innovative spirit extends to her role as Senior Strategist in the Emerging Tech Team at Warner Music Group, where she champions AI integration across the business. Driven by a passion for artist development, Vabyanti envisions launching the Birth Collective to equip aspiring musicians with the skills and strategies needed to thrive in the "new music industry."
Monique Eristhee
Born into a large family of musicians, Monique immersed herself in the world of music from an early age, pursuing her passion for singing. With a deep-rooted love for the industry, Monique transitioned into artist management in 2016, initially managing DJS and organising music events. Over the years, she continued managing various artists while advancing her education, enrolling in a Music Business degree in 2022. In mid-2024, during her final year at university, Monique interned with iluvlive, where she discovered a newfound passion for A&R. Her diverse experience and genuine enthusiasm for nurturing talent continue to drive her commitment to discovering and developing the next wave of musical talent.
Paula Flack
Paula has worked in music for the last 25 years, starting as a Marketing Manager at EMI Records, working on a diverse roster of catalogue that included artists such as Glen Campbell, Radiohead, Nick Cave, NWA, Jane Birkin, Bobby Womack, Labi Siffre, Jethro Tull and many more incredible artists. In recent years, she has been working as an artist manager, starting with American Jazz musician @vinxmusic, and now including Scottish singer songwriter @mikemckenzieonline, indie-folk/rock duo @nightflightband, composer & pianist @mattiamorleo, ethereal indie-folk artist @aiden_grimshaw and the classic rock band you need to know @theguiltymenhq.
Wendi Harriott
Wendi Harriott is a dynamic singer, actress, voice-over artist, and confidence coach, celebrated for her versatile talents and vibrant stage presence. A graduate of the BRIT School, she has built a multifaceted career spanning music, theatre, television, and personal development.
Music Career Wendi has established herself as a sought-after session and backing vocalist, collaborating with a diverse array of renowned artists. Her impressive portfolio includes performances and recordings with John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Kesha, Demi Lovato, Ellie Goulding, Nicole Scherzinger, Tom Jones, Rod Stewart, Emeli Sandé, and many others. Notably, she contributed backing vocals to the track 'Heaven' featured on Emeli Sandé’s acclaimed album Our Version of Events.
Theatre & Acting In the realm of theatre, Wendi has taken on prominent roles in various productions. Her performances include Aunt Bunny in An Officer and a Gentleman (UK Tour 2024), Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty (2023), and the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella (2024–2025). Her portrayal of Carabosse earned her the “Best Villain” award at the 2024 UK Pantomime Awards.
Voice-Over & Coaching Beyond the stage, Wendi has lent her voice to various commercial projects, including campaigns for WaterWipes and educational platforms like Maths Flex. As a certified confidence coach, she is passionate about empowering individuals, particularly performers, to build self-assurance and achieve their goals.
Johnathan Homer
With over a decade of experience in both major and independent record labels, Johnathan has built a career that brings together creative strategy and label management. His work has consistently focused on nurturing talent, with a strong commitment to artist development and long-term career growth. This dedication also led him to launch and curate a live music event in West London, creating a platform for emerging artists to reach new audiences. Johnathan brings a deep understanding of the music industry and a proven track record of supporting artists at every stage of their journey.
Kase
After getting his start as a manager launching the career of iluvlive Artist Development Program alumnus, Xadi, Kase has gone on to work with several of the UK's most exciting underground talents. Now working more as a creative consultant/coach and A&R, Kase works closely with artists to refine their sounds and drive sustained growth through coherent brand strategy. He is also a member of the it’sLeftfield collective (which also features another iluvlive Artist Development Program alumnus, DeeRiginal), works with brands and collectives on their music and marketing strategies, and has even led projects across fine art and film.
Thomas Morgan
Thomas Morgan is a London-based photographer and creative director known for capturing authentic, culture-driven stories through visual media. His work spans music, fashion, and branded content, and he has worked with leading names such as Converse, Louis XIII, Channel 4, Google, Mixmag, Supacell, Bombay Sapphire, KOKO Camden, and Boxpark. He has also worked with talent including Krept & Konan, Mo Gilligan, Cara Delevingne, Jayda G, and Anthony Joshua x Daniel Dubois, as well as organisations like Soulection, The Qube, and Live Nation x Ends Festival.
With a deep passion for artist and brand development, Thomas brings a sharp eye and thoughtful approach to every project. He’s excited to join the iluvlive Artist Development Programme as a Talent Selection Advisor and contribute to shaping the future of UK talent.
Ellie Payne
Ellie is a London-based music professional with a rich and varied background spanning performance, live events, and artist development. As a vocalist and vocal coach, she brings technical expertise and creative intuition to every project. She founded LiveWorks Presents, a live events company dedicated to curating and managing grassroots music nights that spotlight emerging talent. Her experience also includes working with major industry players such as Live Nation, where she gained hands-on insight into live music operations at large-scale festivals. In addition to her work in events and performances, Ellie is an experienced music educator who mentors young artists as they build confidence, develop their skills, and take their first steps into the industry. With her broad skill set and deep industry knowledge, Ellie has a sharp eye for talent and a strong understanding of what it takes for artists to thrive in today’s music landscape.
Pharaoh
Pharaoh is a multi-genre DJ and national radio broadcaster for the world-famous BBC Radio 1xtra. He has showcased his talents in various countries, including Ibiza, Spain, Portugal, France, and the Netherlands.
Pharaoh has graced the stages of renowned venues like Fabric, Electric Brixton, KOKO, Soho House (White City & Shoreditch), Ministry of Sound, and Somerset House.
His portfolio includes collaborations with corporate giants such as Amazon, ITV, Nike, Apple, the NFL, Adidas, Knotel, and many more.
His broadcasting career has allowed him to work alongside some of the world's biggest stars, including Sean Paul, Mo Gilligan, Ishowspeed, Raheem Sterling, Swizz Beats, Ghetts, Masego, and Keke Palmer.
Notting Hill Carnival, Rototom Fest, Wireless, City Splash and Reggae Land are major events where he has left his mark.
Troy Senn
Troy is a dedicated music producer, sound engineer and graduate in Music Business Management and Music Production. His journey into the world of music has always been driven by a deep passion for sound, creativity, and a constant desire to learn. After completing his studies, he has gained the knowledge and experience to blend the technical aspects of music production with a strong understanding of the music industry. Helping other producers with their projects and hosting tutorials allows him to manoeuvre with a professional edge. Troy has always been fascinated by how music evolves and loves exploring new genres, experimenting with different styles, and pushing creative boundaries. Whether attending gigs looking for new emerging artists, collaborating with other musicians, or creating his own compositions, he is constantly learning and growing within the ever-changing music landscape. Troy is always excited to connect with new artists, including different projects, and looks forward to bringing your musical vision to life.
PJ Somervelle
PJ is a London-based music manager and independent A&R passionate about grassroots UK R&B, Rap, and unique Pop music. After years in the charity sector, he began showcasing emerging artists as a journalist during the pandemic. He now provides PR services and mentorship to up-and-coming talent, aiming to nurture the next generation of artists in the UK music scene.
Matt B. Thorns
Matt B. Thorns is an artist manager with expertise in artist development, A&R, and talent management. A music producer by background, Matt has a proven track record in scouting and nurturing talent across various genres and continents. During his time at Snafu Records, he developed 10 major artists and managed international talent.
He also plays a key role at the ELAM industry academy, overseeing a program that connects 60 final-year trainees with industry mentors and leaders, including preparing artists for A&R showcases with labels like Universal and others. Also finding time to manage his own roster, Matt represents emerging artists like Blvck Viølet, Coco Vieno, and Charlie Baker, having developed over 150 artists with success in live performances, sync deals, publishing, and label opportunities.
Rellik
Rellik is a seasoned radio presenter with nine years of experience, specialising in creating engaging and impactful content for diverse audiences. After hosting a successful drivetime show for five years, he now leads a dedicated R&B specialist show, where he passionately champions the genre and its growth within the UK. Known for his ability to connect with listeners, Rellik has interviewed acclaimed artists such as Raye, Mahalia, and Mr Eazi, delivering insightful and memorable conversations that resonate with audiences.
His versatility extends to live events, where he has hosted stages at major festivals like Parklife, T-Live, and Cloud X, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and engaging presenter. Rellik’s contributions to UK R&B have earned him significant recognition within the industry. Sony Music selected him to curate the Made in the UK R&B playlist. He was featured in Spotify’s prestigious Riffs & Runs campaign. As a member of the MOBOS Academy, he has built an extensive network. He continues to use his platform to elevate emerging talent and the genre.
Jazmyne Ricketts
Meet Jaz, often referred to as ‘That girl’, a dynamic and agile creative with an unbridled passion for constructing UK R&B culture. She is a force to be reckoned with in the Music Industry, currently with experience in A&R & Marketing and nurturing her platform ‘Jaz Unplugged’. Jaz Unplugged stands as a testament to Jazmyne’s Unwavering commitment to amplifying, unearthing and cultivating emerging R&B talent within the UK. Her Mission is clear: to provide meaningful opportunities for these artists to blossom and thrive. She achieves this through an array of avenues, including curated Events, transformative workshops, Mentoring and much more.
Ciara Rushe
Ciara currently work across the Client Services and Development team at PPL, supporting artists with neighbouring rights, licensing, and funding. My background also includes live music production and talent development.
I’m particularly interested in A&R and emerging talent, and I stay connected to the industry through regular involvement in gigs, showcases, and music conferences, as well as maintaining relationships with PPL’s partners and various music initiatives. Alongside my role at PPL, I sit on the steering group of The Cat’s Mother — a women’s initiative supporting the next generation of music professionals.
Being part of iluvlive’s Talent Selection Advisor cohort allows me to contribute to a platform that shares these values and plays a key role in artist development. I’m excited to be a part of this work!
Roché Writes
Meet Roché! With 6 years of experience within the writing / music community, she knows how to spot a talented artist and capture the moment. In her own words, "It's all part of the journey as a Music Reviewer. Finding the flare in different genres, artists, wordplay, musicality, stage presence, etc. I love it... But most of all, I love being able to translate that from my perspective to the reader.
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