The Coventry Music Mixer, held earlier this week at The Box, Fargo Village, brought together the city’s vibrant music community for an evening of conversation, collaboration, and celebration.
The event welcomed a wide cross-section of Coventry’s music industry, from artists and DJs to promoters, educators, venues and music organisations. They all gathered with one shared goal, to build a stronger, more connected local music ecosystem.
80 people attended the event, making it a buzzing hub of ideas and energy.
The night featured a lively panel discussion around the theme of unlocking the power of Coventry’s music industry and it can be further developed.
The expert panel, hosted by journalist and MOBO Award winner Colleen Harris, included:
- Sarah Morgan, CEO, Tin Music and Arts
- Joe Frankland, CEO, PRS Foundation
- Charlie Murdoch, Founder, Highfield Music
- Yasin El Asrafi, Founder and Director, HQ Leicester.
Live performances added to the atmosphere, with standout sets from Credo Kampeta and DJ Alien She (Cov Sauce), showcasing the creative talent thriving in Coventry.
Councillor Naeem Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, covering Culture at Coventry City Council, said: “Events like the Coventry Music Mixer are vital for nurturing the talent and energy that exists in our city’s music scene. By bringing people together, from grassroots artists to national organisations, we’re laying the groundwork for a sustainable, collaborative music industry that reflects Coventry’s creativity and diversity.”
The Coventry Music Mixer was an event designed to amplify voices within the city’s music scene, spark connections, and explore pathways for long-term development.
Joe Frankland, CEO, PRS Foundation, said: “I loved meeting such a broad range of music creators and industry professionals at the Coventry Music Mixer. The buzz in the room demonstrates the appetite within the city for bolstering music ecosystems and ensuring the talent within Coventry connects with others in the region and across the UK. I look forward to connecting more with the people I met, and I’m excited about future events.”
Sarah Morgan, Chief Executive / Artistic Programmer, The Tin Music and Arts, added: “For a while now exciting things have been bubbling away in various music scenes in Coventry. It feels like there are more bands and performers than there has ever been, new promoters are shining a light on local talent whilst bringing national and international touring artists to play here. There are some great venues and alternative creative spaces and we're lucky to have talented sound engineers, event producers and artist liaison professionals. Emerging artists are recording, playing live and generally making things happen, but we often work in silos.
“The Music Mixer was an exciting opportunity to connect the dots and for everyone involved in music in Coventry to come together discuss how we can strength the music ecosystem and support one another.”
Colleen Harris, Presenter and MOBO award winner, said: “I’ve been so inspired by Coventry’s emerging music scene - there’s a real confidence coming from grassroots talent determined to build something of our own. So, it was a pleasure to host this discussion and see such a strong turnout. I’m excited to see what comes next and to help keep the momentum going with people who share that energy.”
The Music Mixer was delivered by Coventry City Council.