The Music Managers Forum (MMF) and YouTube Music have announced that the Accelerator Programme for Music Managers will return for its third year in 2021.
Firmly established as the world’s first independent funding and professional development programme designed solely for artist, songwriter, DJ and producer managers, Accelerator offers a combination of financial and educational support - including 12-month grants of up to £15,000, alongside expert-led professional development training.
Since launching in 2019, Accelerator has benefitted 45 individual managers across England and Scotland, between them representing more than 130 clients including Joy Crookes, Moses Boyd, Nafe Smallz, Henry Brill, Joesef, Steam Down, Shabaka Hutchings, Dream Wife, Poppy Ajudha, IDER, Murkage Dave, Shakka, Glasvegas and Be Charlotte.
Paul Bonham, Accelerator Programme manager, MMF, said: ‘Accelerator has made a substantial impact to music managers across all parts of the country, and the programme’s benefits have been even more pronounced in this strange and difficult year. It’s a real privilege to work with the next generation of music industry leaders at such a pivotal time in their lives and, with the backing of YouTube Music, I’m delighted we’ll be back in 2021 to add another cohort of talent to our increasingly successful alumni.’
Dan Chalmers, YouTube director of music, EMEA, said: ‘The class of 2020 have shown no limits to their drive, creativity and resourcefulness in spite of incredibly difficult challenges this year. With the music and creative industry facing unprecedented challenges, there has never been a more important time for programmes like Accelerator, which help British artists and managers to grow and thrive. We are delighted to continue creating opportunities for diverse voices in music through our support in 2021 and look forward to seeing what they achieve in the years to come.’
Tim Hampson, Candy Artists (Dream Wife, Dry Cleaning, Willie J Healey, Our Girl), said: ‘In what has been an incredibly difficult year with the loss of touring, it’s still been successful with me overseeing the release of two albums and negotiating new record and publishing deals. Through all this the Accelerator programme has been a brilliant support network, enabling me to grow my business, and providing the confidence to explore opportunities with an understanding like never before. I also know that I will remain part of the MMF / Accelerator family way beyond 2020 which in itself is invaluable!’
Applications close on Monday 19 October.
Full details can be found on the MMF website.
