Above The Noise is Bristol’s new music industry event designed for anyone actively working in music to connect them with the modern music industry and provide inspiration, advice, and insight they need to boost their professional skills.
Bristol Beacon has joined forces with Association of Independent Music (AIM) to create this one-day event especially for artists and music professionals based in Bristol and the South-West region looking to advance their careers to the next stage.
Over the course of the day, you’ll get to hear from top industry experts from AIM’s independent music network including representatives from Partisan Records, Because Music, Black Acre, Finesse Foreva, Notion Magazine and YouTube Music.
A number of key music support organisations will also be joining the discussions including PRS Foundation, Help Musicians, Musicians’ Union, PRS and PPL among others, through a series of specially curated talks and workshops.
Sessions will cover topics including modern day music business models, independent record label operations, media platforms, artist case studies, funding support, knowing your rights, royalties and more.
Read on to find out more about the programme sessions and speakers.
Presented by Bristol Beacon
Format: In-person standing event
Age: 18+
Event times
Doors: 11:00
Start: 12:00
Finish: 18:00
In partnership with Association of Independent Music
Supported by the PRSF Talent Development Network
Ticket prices
Standard price: £10.00 incl. booking fee
Open concession: £7.00 incl. booking fee
Open Concession tickets are available to anyone who cannot pay the standard ticket price at that time, or there is another reason which means you normally benefit from a concessionary price.
You do not need to explain or prove why you need to access a lower price, but it is there if you need it.
About the conference
Above The Noise is open to anyone currently working in music, and those who aspire to make their career in the industry.
Whether you’re an artist, producer, manager, record label, promoter, or venue, you’ll leave with actionable plans, fresh knowledge, and creative ideas to apply to your working practice in the commercial music business.
You’ll learn about the latest models of running modern-day record labels, artist teams, and platforms from members of AIM’s independent music network, and explore funding options plus creative and professional development opportunities with key sector organisations.
Plus you’ll meet and make new connections with key national trade association and industry figures alongside the Bristol music industry community.
Talks and Workshop Sessions
Independent Labels in 2025
Powered by AIM
12.00 – 13.00
If you want to build a serious music business, you’ll need to make early and ongoing decisions ensuring your business can handle the pressure when the opportunities and challenges arise. How can you make sure your setup handles and performs well under the mounting pressure of activity needed to create success? How can you find the capital you need, put it to the best use, and expand for the future? The speakers on this panel have all been through this journey, building and running successful music businesses today, and will share their insights.
Panel:
- Moderator: Olivia Swash (Podcast Producer at 101 Part Time Jobs and Features Editor at The Line of Best Fit)
- TK (Co-Founder at Finesse Foreva and Publishing Exec at Sentric Music)
- Rose Williamson (Audience Development & Content Manager at Because Music)
- Peter Quicke (Chair of Ninja Tune)
Pitch & Promote
Powered by AIM
14.00 – 15.00
Navigating the ever-changing landscape of music platforms is key to building a sustainable career. From streaming services to digital media, knowing how platforms work can give you a serious edge. This session dives into how and where you should pitch your music, boost your profile, and make platforms work for you. Whether you’re an artist or a label, our speakers will break down the latest opportunities, industry hacks, and real-world strategies to help you cut through the noise and build a career that lasts.
Panel:
- Moderator: Eva Greene (Director & Music Manager at Black Acre)
- Liam Cattermole (Content Editor at Notion Magazine)
- James McGuiness (Label Relations Manager at YouTube)
- 1-800 GIRLS (Independent Artist & DJ)
Meet The Team Behind: Ezra Collective
Powered by AIM
16.00 – 17.00
Following Ezra Collective’s recent two back-to-back sold-out tour dates at the Bristol Beacon, AIM have invited the team behind the AIM Independent Music Awards, Mercury and Brit Award winners. Join Matt Howes and Connie Rose from Partisan Records (IDLES, Fela Kuti, PJ Harvey, Laura Marling) and Ivano Maggiulli from Brace Yourselves PR to find out the different roles involved behind the scenes, key points in the band’s journey, and how a dedicated team can help independent artists reach new heights.
This panel will explore how strategy, teamwork, and timing played a part in Ezra Collective’s rise — from building buzz to securing major accolades. Whether you’re an emerging artist or part of an independent label, gain insights into what it takes to navigate the industry and create lasting impact.
Panel:
- Moderator: Erica McKoy (Presenter, Broadcaster & DJ with Worldwide FM, Rinse FM and BBC)
- Connie Rose (Audience Development Manager at Partisan Records)
- Ivano Maggilulli (Founder & Director of Brace Yourself PR)
Breakout Sessions
Applying For Funding with PRS Foundation
13.10 – 13.55
An overview of the different grants available for artists and their teams, this conversation will provide information on how to effectively apply for PRS Foundation’s vital support for artists and industry professionals, including insights from south west professionals who have been successful in the past.
Panel:
- Moderator: Ben Price (Grants & Programme Manager at PRS Foundation)
- Pete Cunningham (Band Leader of Ishmael Ensemble & Label Manager of Severn Songs)
- Grove (Independent Artist)
Know Your Rights with The MU
13.10 – 13.55
Providing vital knowledge about music rights, key contractual terms, important clauses, and strategies to ensure artists, songwriters, and producers receive fair compensation for their work.
Panel:
- Ruth Ballantyne (Regional Officer for South-West England at The Musician’s Union)
- Andy Warnock (Regional Organiser for South-West England at The Musician’s Union)
Accessing Support with Help Musicians
15.10 – 15.55
A guide to all the charity offers to help develop musician’s careers, including financial support for releasing music, help with business skills, mentoring and health and wellbeing services. Joined by two south west artists who will share their experiences of successfully applying to Help Musicians.
Panel:
- Moderator: Sarah Williams (Engagement Manager for Help Musicians)
- NGAIO (Independent Artist & DJ)
- Emily Magpie (Independent Artist)
Essentials of Royalties with PPL and PRS
15.10 – 15.55
Join PRS for Music and PPL as they provide insight into the role of each organisation and explore copyrights and royalties and how songwriters, composers, producers and artists can generate revenue from their music
Panel:
- George Prince (Relationship Manager at PPL)
- Stuart Belsham (Outreach Manager at PRS For Music)
Plus, networking sessions to take place 17.00 – 19.00.
Further details TBC
Above The Noise Showcase
Spotlighting exciting new music from the south west
Thu 3 Apr
Lantern Hall
Three of the most exciting and innovative artists that the South-West has to offer – Holysseus Fly, Nat Oaks and Waldo’s Gift take to the stage in the intimate setting of Lantern Hall.
This is an opportunity to experience an eclectic variety of new music performed live by some of the region’s most ground-breaking acts, covering everything from ethereal alt-pop, soulful hip-hop and experimental and angular jazz.
About our venues
Beacon Hall, Lantern Hall and Weston Stage
Beacon Hall
Beacon Hall
Our wonderfully restored flagship venue; international standard acoustics with modern comfort.
Lantern Hall
Lantern Hall
An elegant and versatile performance venue; Victorian beauty with modern drama.
Weston Stage
Weston Stage
Atmospheric subterranean brand-new performance space and state-of-the-art education centre.
Bridgehouse
Bridgehouse
Renamed and reimagined, our entrance hall can be transformed into a vibrant performance space.
The venue
Bristol Beacon
Getting to the venue
Location: Bristol Beacon is located in the city centre with entrances on Colston Street and Trenchard Street.
Address: Bristol Beacon, Trenchard Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
Bicycle
Bicycle racks can be found in front of the main entrance on Trenchard Street, Colston Street, and on the city centre promenade. Find your nearest cycle routes using Cycle Planner.
Car parking
Trenchard Street multi-storey car park is 50m away directly behind Bristol Beacon.
Bristol Clean Air Zone
Bristol Beacon is inside the Bristol Clean Air Zone. Check if your vehicle will be charged and how much you’ll have to pay.
Bus
The city centre bus stop is 250m from Bristol Beacon where most bus services stop.
Access
Mobility
Bristol Beacon foyer has level access from street level with lifts to all levels and areas.
Assistance Dogs
Registered assistance dogs and emotional support animals are allowed in the venue.
Hearing Facility
There is an induction loop at the box office. You can use this by adjusting your hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting. There is no hearing loop facility for the foyer stage.
Eat & Drink
Eat & Drink
We’ve got plenty of places for you to relax and refill. From coffee and cake, to delicious sharing boards, to full menus.
