Kayla Sibanda reports on the key takeaways from a recent music industry event focused on how to better connect with and support marginalised young people in forging pathways into the industry.
Musically Unorthodox is a creative initiative, equipping young people, within Northamptonshire, with the skills and resources they need to explore their passion for the music industry. Founded in 2018 by Daniel ‘HD’ Johnson, the programme typically supports young people who may otherwise be unable to receive support for their creative pursuits, including young people outside mainstream education and work (NEET) or youth offenders.
The programme is run by In Music In Media, a UK-based Community Interest Company (CIC) and social enterprise that uses music and creative media production to mentor and support marginalized young people, particularly those at risk of exclusion or not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
It provides ‘unconventional opportunities,’ connecting young people with practical work experience within the industry. This includes, work-experience placements, workshops and (since 2025) an annual Youth Summit featuring industry professionals.
Musically Unorthodox Summit 2026
Held at the Black Diamond venue recently in Northampton, the Summit was divided into three separate themes: Reach, Routes, and Reality.
Reach explored the barriers affecting many young people who wish to enter the industry. ‘How do we find and engage marginalised young people?’ Elli Brazill, the co-founder of Art Not Evidence, explored music advocacy and the pervasive barriers that exist within the criminalisation of rap music. Keynote speakers featuring youth practitioners and members of the Youth Violence Intervention Unit revealed how a balance of conventional and unconventional approaches to connecting with young people was key.
Routes explored key pathways into music-based careers, whilst Reality explored the realities many young people face when they embark on their career journey.
Passion is the Starting Point
Perhaps it’s rather self-explanatory but it’s still important. Through panel talks and interviews with industry professionals, educators, young creators and community organisations, passion remained a consistent theme.
Seani B, one of the founding architects of DJing as we know it now, demonstrated how passion can be a guiding force through the highs and lows of a challenging industry. Of course, it is important to remain realistic, but that should not come at the detriment of creativity.
The music industry escalates what the artist initiates.
The industry is expanding – and so are the roles.
Attempting to enter the music industry can feel like a daunting prospect. Yet one of the most reassuring realities is that it is constantly evolving, with new opportunities emerging all the time. Today, music relies not only on the talent of musicians, but also on a wide range of other disciplines. From social media specialists and graphic designers to music producers, sound engineers, data analysts, marketing strategists, playlist curators, event managers, and even AI and tech developers, the industry thrives on collaboration across diverse skill sets. As technology and culture continue to shift, who knows what the future will hold?
The importance of community
There are undoubtedly great opportunities within London, but if Musically Unorthodox has shown one thing, it is that there is room to display and celebrate a passion for music within local communities.
Fiona Connolly, for example, runs a successful reggae festival in Bedfordshire, while Jack Hughes and Jerome Graham lead Shoobz Events, delivering nightlife experiences almost exclusively within Northamptonshire. Similarly, Adam Joolia is dedicated to supporting emerging musicians in West Sussex.
As an artist you have to be a bit delusional; you have to believe you are the best.
Start now – and opportunities will follow
There are many reasons to procrastinate, or tell yourself you’re going to wait but – as we all know – nothing can happen until you actually make a start.
The industry isn’t linear; opportunities often evolve from previous experiences, with each role, connection, or project opening the door to new and unexpected pathways.
So much of the magic comes from taking initiative and actively seeking out opportunities.
In the digital age productivity can take place online but going outside and meeting people is where the magic of connectivity often happens.
Mimi the Music Blogger, a London based music journalist, revealed how a proactive approach led her into music journalism, eventually opening doors to work with Amelia Dimoldenberg of Chicken Shop Date fame. It’s a clear example of how taking initiative can create momentum—something that underpins many of the success stories we see across the industry.
Making a full-time career as an artist.
The million dollar question many young creatives ask is how can you make a full-time career from something that starts as a passion project? This topic was explored by keynote speakers including Chris Martin (Raise the Bar Booking Agency) and Seani B from BBC1 Extra. Many creatives hold portfolio careers, juggling multiple creative projects in and out of the studio, it was revealed during one panel discussion.
The Summit closed with an inspiring keynote presentation by Riki Bleau, a pioneering entrepreneur who founded Since ’93, the UK’s leading Black-owned record label.
To learn more about our work and programmes, visit the In Music In Media website: https://inmusicinmedia.com/