Above The Noise is the West of England’s music industry event designed to connect anyone active in the region’s music scene with the modern music business.
Presented in partnership with Association of Independent Music (AIM), this one-day event transforms Bristol Beacon into a hub for artists and music professionals to come together, unlock essential knowledge, and level up the skills needed to advance their careers.
Over the course of the day, you’ll hear from top industry experts and key music support organisations, including representatives of Music Managers Forum, Featured Artist Coalition, Music Venue Trust and UD Music. Through a series of specially curated discussions, gain crucial insights into topics such as label A&R, artist management and brand building, to touring and export in live music, and operating grass-roots music venues.
Presented by Bristol Beacon
Format: In-person, unreserved seating
Age: 18+
Event times
Doors: 11:00
Start: 12:00
Finish: 16:30
A dedicated networking session will also take place 16:30 – 18:00
Speakers and session topics will be announced in the coming weeks.
All timings are approximate and subject to change
In partnership with Association of Independent Music
Supported by the PRSF Talent Development Network
Ticket prices & offers
Ticket prices
Standard price: £16.80 incl. booking fee
Open concession: £11.20 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.
Multibuy offer
Standard price: £22.40 incl. booking fee
Open concession: £14.56 incl. booking fee
Access both the Above The Noise Conference and Showcase for a reduced price with the multibuy offer.
How to book
- add a ticket for each event to your basket
- proceed to checkout
- your tickets will be discounted at checkout stage
Talks and sessions
Starting & Scaling Independent Music Businesses
Powered by AIM
Lantern Hall, 12:00 – 13:00
What does it really take to build a sustainable independent music business and how do you know when it’s time to scale? This panel brings together label founders, artist managers and legal experts to unpack the realities of launching and growing sustainable independent music ventures.
From early-stage decision making and structuring your business, to navigating contracts, cash flow, partnerships and long-term growth, this session will offer the vital insights for anyone looking to turn ambition into a viable independent business.
Panel:
- Moderator: Izzy Cross (Co-Director, Noods Levels)
- Alice Boeglin (Band Manager, Wasteland Management)
- Luke Bunce (CEO / Co-Founder, TLD Records)
- Yasin El Ashrafi (CEO, HQ Familia)
Demystifying A&R
Powered by AIM
Lantern Hall, 13:30 – 14:30
A practical look at how pitches turn into deals and what comes after. This panel examines the role of A&R across labels and publishing, the types of partnerships available and how artists can position themselves for success.
From first contact to post-signing support, the session offers insight into building sustainable relationships and making the most of industry partnerships.
Panel:
- Moderator: Elise Brown (Director, Revere Arts)
- Carlos De Los Santos (Head of A&R, Submarine Cat Records)
- Rhiannon Bramley (Senior A&R, Bucks Music Group / BDi Music)
- Paul Jones (A&R Manager, Rough Trade Records)
Meet the team behind Finesse Foreva
Powered by AIM
Lantern Hall, 15:00 – 16:00
Go behind the scenes with one of the UK’s most exciting independent music teams who have worked with Russ Millions, Ivorian Doll, Skengdo & Am, 808 Gadget, Gotcha, JB MadeIt and Sebz Beatz. In this intimate ‘Meet The Team’ session, Finesse Foreva open up their internal workings. From how they identify and develop talent to the day-to-day realities of building a modern music company.
Expect honest insight into roles, structure and strategy alongside practical advice on how artists and emerging professionals can connect with teams like theirs. Whether you’re looking to understand how the pieces fit together or how to position yourself within the industry, this session offers a rare, unfiltered look at what it really takes to operate and grow in today’s independent sector.
Panel:
- TK (Co-Founder & Publishing Executive, Finnesse Foreva / AIM Board Member)
- Monique Togara (Artist)
WHO AM I: BERWYN in Conversation with The Ivors Academy
Powered by The Ivors Academy
Terrace Bar, 12:45 – 13:45
What does it take to write an album that stops a room? Trinidad-born, Romford-raised and Ivor Novello recipient, BERWYN’s debut album WHO AM I is a personal exploration of his own identity, belonging and survival.
Join us for an intimate conversation, moderated by Ivors Academy Senator, Dr Jill Thomas, tracing his journey to this point, exploring how he turned lived experience into some of the most compelling songwriting of his generation and why the protection of that voice matters more than ever.
Panel:
- BERWYN (artist)
- Dr Jill Thomas / J Edna Mae (Songwriter / Senator at The Ivors Academy)
Touring & Export: Challenges vs Opportunities
Powered by Featured Artist Coalition
Terrace Bar, 14:15 – 15:15
Live music is the bedrock of the UK’s vibrant music culture, with performing artists forming one of the sector’s largest driving forces. Yet, amid a growing “cost of touring” crisis, many artists are facing mounting financial pressures that are making it increasingly difficult to get shows on the road. This session explores both the challenges and the opportunities within today’s touring landscape.
Hear about the FAC’s newly launched UK Artists Touring Fund, created to directly support domestic touring, and gain insight from MOBO Award-winning act ALT BLK ERA, who leveraged BBC Introducing and PRS Foundation’s partnership fund to take their music beyond borders at a pivotal moment in their career.
Panel:
- Moderator: David Martin (CEO, Featured Artist Coalition)
- ALT BLK ERA (Artists)
- Westley Holdsworth (Grants and Programmes Manager, PRS Foundation)
The future of Bristol’s grassroots music venue landscape in an ever-changing city
Powered by Music Venue Trust
Weston Stage, 13:30 – 14:30
Despite the fact the grassroots music sector contributes over £558m to the UK economy annually, the difficulties many music venues continue to face are well documented.
Join this session to hear about some of the innovative models that three beloved Bristol-based music venues have adopted in order to survive in the current climate, and how MVT’s deployment of crisis-support, policy change, advocacy and investment can work in concert to help venues thrive into the future.
Panel:
- Moderator: Jay Taylor (National Coordinator / England, Music Venue Trust)
- Hadie Abido (Co-Founder / Director, The Jam Jar)
- Jamell Ackford (Director of Culture, Trinity)
- Leigh Dennis (Co-Founder, Director & Live Bookings Manager,Strange Brew)
Managing Expectations: What Management Looks Like Today
Powered by Music Managers Forum
Weston Stage, 15:00 – 16:00
Music management today is more complex than ever. Managers juggle creative vision, business strategy, digital platforms, and artist wellbeing—all while navigating an industry that never switches off.
This conversation explores how managers set expectations, build sustainable careers, and redefine what management means in the modern music landscape.
Panel:
- Moderator: Paul Bonham (Professional Development Director, Music Managers Forum)
- Annie McIntyre (Artist Manager, AND Artist Management)
- Hannah Beasley-Garrigan (Artist Manager, Repercussion Management)
- Raphael Adekunle (Paralegal / Artist Manager, RAX Productions)
UD presents: Brand Building in DIY culture
Powered by TRENCH
Terrace Bar, 15:45 – 16:45
From the underground up, this session explores how artists can independently grow a strong brand identity through both online and offline networks, while learning how to effectively connect with music media platforms — all with a do-it-yourself mindset.
Hosted by Laura ‘Hyperfrank’ Brosnan, the panel will draw on the latest ideas shaping creative strategy and challenge what brand vision looks like for artists in 2026.
Panel:
- Moderator: Laura ‘Hyperfrank’ Brosnan (Executive Editor, UD Music / TRENCH)
- Sara Vieira (Founder, Red Box Records / Creative Manager, Believe UK)
- Cat Couture (Artist / Director, We Are All Alike)
- Naz Hamdi (Writer / Curator, TRENCH)
MMF Manager Meet-UP
Powered by Music Managers Forum
Weston Stage, 16:00 – 17:00
Open to managers at all levels or those with an interest in entering the profession, this social event is an informal chance to gather, share and meet with Paul Bonham, MMF, Professional Development Director.
No RSVP necessary.
Space to Connect
Stalls Bar, 11:00 – 18:00
Throughout the day our central area will provide room to network with fellow attendees, hold meetings, meet even more music organisations and take part in speed advice sessions. Present on the day will be:
- Music Declares Emergency known for their striking #NOMUSICONADEADPLANET and #HOPEOVERFEAR campaigns, harness the power of music to put the climate emergency on the front page of culture
- Headstock, an award-winning music and mental health social enterprise that have launched MUSIC 85258– a dedicated mental health text support service for anyone working within the music industry.
- Musicians Union, who work to protect musician’s rights and campaign for a fairer music industry, will be on hand to offer vital information on matters from contracts, health and wellbeing, and career advice
Secure a 121 speed advice slot with YouTube Music, Arts Council or Musicians Union, sign-ups for these 20 mins slots will be offered at the registration desk on a first-come first served basis, please be aware that spaces are limited so arrive early at the start of the day to be in with a chance of bagging one.
As the conference sessions wrap-up, stick around for a drink to continue the conversations, reflect on learnings, and swap contacts with counterparts you’ve met from 4.30pm until 6pm.
Marla Kether, ssadcharlie, t l k and Tlya X An
An Above The Noise Showcase
Thu 2 Apr
Lantern Hall
Discover bold new music from the West of England’s most forward-thinking artists at the Above The Noise Showcase as Marla Ketther, ssadcharlie, t l k and Tlya X An take to the stage in the intimate setting of Lantern Hall for a night of fresh sounds and standout performances.
Above The Noise 2025
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Above The Noise 2025
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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.
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