THE MELOCOMPASS PODCAST Nicky Langley

Welcome back to part 2 of this special episode with Dr Sally Anne Gross. Sally is an industry legend and had a wealth of label experience both major and independent. In this episode we discuss her career transition into academia and shaping the Masters Course in Music Business Management at the University of Westminster as well as her extensive research into mental health in the music industry.
The impact that Sally's incredible research study 'Can Music Make You Sick?' has had on the music industry is incredible and really unpacks areas for development in an industry where so many struggle from stress and wider mental health issues. Further sources such as Help Musicians have reported on this study and are pushing its findings into the industry to promote healthier working environments for creatives.
This conversation holds so much insight and we really hoped you enjoy! Don't forget to like, comment and share!
LINKS:
Website: Sally Anne Gross
LinkedIn: Dr Sally Anne Gross
Book: Can Music Make You Sick?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are thrilled to share part 1 of our discussion with industry legend Dr Sally Anne Gross! Sally has had quite the varied career from being the first female A&R at Mercury Records, taking trips to San Fransisco to scout artists to running her own record label from her kitchen table and later studying for her Law Masters.
We discuss the key differences that Sally found in her experiences in the DIY scene and at major labels. Her role as an Artist Manager; shifting records and remixes for dance acts and how the title and responsibilities have changed. Later Sally began studying Law at Birkbeck University night school, all whilst managing a career and a family, falling in love with the Law and deeper understanding the structures that influence it.
Sally has such a wealth of experience and wonderful stories, we absolutely loved working on this episode! Don't forget to like, comment and share.

LINKS:
Website: Sally Anne Gross
LinkedIn: Dr Sally Anne Gross
Book: Can Music Make You Sick?
Help Musicians Report: Mental Health In the Music Industry


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we spoke with duo Bella & Alex. Working on both sides of the industry although working closely together, Bella is a freelance content creator and strategist Summer of '96 (her creative agency) and Alex in the dance marketing team at Atlantic Records. They both have had experience working for what many of us would consider 'Dream Companies' and we unpack what this looks like.
In this episode we discuss both of their career journey's starting from university and the experience and guidance they received whilst studying. Also as internship season is approaching we discuss Alex's application journey into major label internships, resilience in the music business and Bella's decision to start her own company after working at big names in the brand and culture space.
They also share insights on collaborating working for Issey Cross and the success of the 2023 campaign for her release 'Bittersweet Goodbye' leading to a viral surprise performance with Tiësto.
Thank you for tuning in, we hoped you enjoyed this episode! If you did please like, comment and share with a friend.

This episode was recorded remotely in 2023.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we spoke with the wonderful Lex Hearth (fka Lex on the Decks).
Lex previously worked as a strategist for brands and culture in the advertising industry before pivoting into music. Lex now wears many hats: a presenter, artist and 'Groovy House' DJ, best known through her podcast ‘Hot Girls’ and artist releases, which have been featured on BBC Introducing, and BBC R1 Dance.
Lex is also the Founder of digital magazine Cleopatras and creator of Dance Music Digest (@dmduk) that launched in 2024.
In this episode we discuss her career path to date, overcoming challenges and the launch of her new platform Dance Music Digest. We also delve into managing priorities with such a varied and busy schedule and Lex's journey into DJ'ing.
We had a blast working on this episode and hope you enjoy it. Don't forget to like, comment and share!
LINKS:
DMD Instagram: @dmduk
DMD Radio is launching weekly in April. You can sign up to the newsletter which is bi weekly.
Spotify: Lex Hearth
Cleopatras: @cleopatrasworldwide
Events:
Lex is DJing on an all female line-up on 29th March at Cafe 1001 (more info).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Season 5 of the Melocompass Podcast!
We are so excited to be back with you and are kicking off this series with the wonderful Nikki McNeill.
Nikki has 25+ years of music Industry experience and has a wealth of knowledge on PR and communications for festivals and events. Nikki is passionate about this all around the world and founded Global Publicity in 2007, she works with clients that she really believes in and speaks on authenticity that her voice projects by doing so.
Nikki is an extremely active member in the wider music industry community; being on the executive board for the Night Time Industries Association. She also heads up the Brighton chapter of shesaid.so and is on the advisory board for both Moving the Needle and NOWIE, organisations that support and empower women and minorities working in music.

Thanks so much for listening! Don't forget to like, comment and share :)
LINKS:
LinkedIn: @Nikki McNeill
Global Publicity
Join the SheSaid.So Brighton Facebook group

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 4 finale!
In this final episode of the series, we spoke with Alex Ampofo. Alex is an absolute powerhouse across the music industry - she is a Live Music Promoter at one of the UK's leading gig promoter and has worked on the shows and tours of some of the world’s leading talent’s such as; Ms Lauryn Hill, Robbie Williams, Janelle Monae, Ella Mai, SiR, Nao, Mura Masa, Goldlink, Jordan Rakei, Ghetts. As well as rising talents, Kojey Radical, Etta Bond, Arlo Parks, and Che Lingo to name a few.
In this episode we discuss Alex's early entry into Live Music and the differences in responsibilities in various roles within live music promotion.  
We also dive in to the various organisations Alex has founded including Acoustic Live which Alex founded in 2013. Acoustic Live is an award-winning events company, dedicated to the manifestation of acoustic talent and keeping stripped back music alive. Through this company, Alex has built a dedicated community, providing a powerful platform that offers artists a chance to flourish. 
Alex is also known as a Founder of Women Connect an established female forward collective creating safer and inclusive spaces as well as equal opportunities for women, non-binary and gender fluid people within the creative industries.
In addition to this, Alex also works across The Ends Festival, Somerset House, The F List (director), Black Music Coalition and UNICEF Music Group.
There is so much packed into this episode - we'd love to hear your feedback via hello@melocompass.uk or DM us on @melocompassuk on Instagram.
Don't forget to like, leave a rating and share with a friend!
Links:
Instagram: @planetalex
Twitter: @planetalex_

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.