Anna Prior (Metronomy)

Hailing from Yorkshire, Anna began her career playing drums in local function and original bands whilst simultaneously discovering her passion for DJing by spinning CDs and records in nightclubs and bars from the age of 18.

A move to London in 2008 was the turning point in Anna’s career when she was asked to drum for Dev Hynes’ (aka Blood Orange) Lightspeed Champion.
Now, as a drummer and full time member of globally successful band Metronomy,

Anna has toured the world with sticks in hand and to the beat of her own drum.

Lucy Wood (Latitude Festival)

Lucy Wood

As well as coordinating ReBalance, a pioneering project aiming to get more women into recording studios, Lucy is the Music Talent Buyer for Latitude Festival, a 40,000 capacity music and arts festival in Suffolk, UK, renowned for its diverse programme appealing to devoted music-loving folks of all ages.

Prior to joining Festival Republic, Lucy worked at London live music promoters Eat Your Own Ears for 7 years programming and producing gigs, festivals, and other cross-arts cultural events. She has worked in the music industry for 15 years, with other roles including stints at Sonos Studios, Warp Records and 19 Entertainment.

She also recently completed a research project on audience engagement as part of an MSc in the Sociology of Culture at London School of Economics.

Mike Malak (Coda Music Agency)

Mike Malak

Mike Malak has been an agent at CODA Agency for the past 6 years, looking after acts from Jess Glynne to Desiigner, Billie Eilish, Yung Lean, Lil Uzi Vert, Kelis and more. Previously to this he ran his own agency and enjoyed stints at Warner Music and for Steve Aoki’s management as well as a long lasting relationship with the Black Eyed Peas.

Mike founded KID Talks 3 years ago and the program focuses on panels, advice sessions and workshops for young people aiming to get into the industry. Having worked in most parts of the industry from management to PR, booking agency, graphics/web design, promotion, Mike has a strong understanding for what it takes to bring all these pieces together.

Emily Marlow (Girl Gang)

Emily Marlow

Emily is a founding member of Girl Gang Leeds. Along with the rest of the core team, Emily works on all aspects of the organisation, this includes everything from event production, marketing and business management to sitting on the door at events, admin and cleaning up after everyone’s gone home.


Prior to Girl Gang Leeds, Emily worked as a Festival Assistant with I Like Press working on events such as Live at Leeds, Slam Dunk, Long Division and Beacons Metro.

Jamie Hutchinson (Studio 12)

Jamie Hutchinson

A continual passion of mine is to provide a free, accessible multifunctional space for people of Leeds. Where people can access the latest industry developments. A space that allows people to grow, develop and find a way into a positive and fulfilling role within the audiovisual media arts. We are in a lucky in Leeds to have such a forward thinking Library Service and to have such a place with Studio12 that i have been running for the past 14 years.

Each year I open my door to 1000’s of young people with the expectation of discovering the latest groundbreakers from this city. To be in a position where I can offer opportunities to young people to reach their full potential fills me with great honor and I champion the talent we have, the great creativity and the great richness in this city.