The highly-anticipated Youth Music NextGen Community Event, sponsored by Ticketmaster, took over Amazing Grace in London on Tuesday, September 12th, and it was a resounding success. This exclusive gathering provided emerging young creatives with a unique platform to network, gain invaluable industry insights, and enjoy live performances by up-and-coming musicians.

The event, hosted by Youth Music, the UK’s leading young people’s music charity, was not only an excellent opportunity for young talents to connect with like-minded individuals but also a source of inspiration from a panel of industry professionals. These experts shared their knowledge, offering a roadmap for navigating the intricate music industry landscape.

The NextGen Community Event revealed the announcement of this year’s Youth Music Awards nominees. Chloé Abrahams-Duperry, Artist & Promoter Relations Manager at Ticketmaster Music, was one of the judges. The highly-anticipated shortlist was unveiled, setting the stage for the forthcoming awards show at London’s Troxy on Wednesday, October 18th.

Recent survey data from Youth Music’s NextGen community revealed that 19% of young people identified a lack of industry connections as the primary barrier to pursuing careers in the music industry. The NextGen Community Event aimed to bridge this gap, allowing young creatives to forge connections with peers and collaborators who share their aspirations.

Matt Griffiths, CEO of Youth Music said “Thank you to our sponsor, Ticketmaster, for supporting our NextGen Community Event in London. And the fantastic performers, who have all been backed by Youth Music funding either directly or through a project. Our research shows that a lack of connections is one of the main reasons young creatives facing barriers struggle to access the music industry. So, it was great to see so many people building new relationships and hearing from inspirational figures in music.”

Andrew Parsons, Managing Director at Ticketmaster UK said: “Ticketmaster is honoured to have championed this event. Together, we are dedicated to supporting creativity and innovation while embracing the boundless potential of these emerging artists. Empowering young talent is essential for our industry.”

As the music industry continues to evolve, events like these play a crucial role in fostering the next generation of talent and breaking down barriers to entry.

For more information about upcoming events and opportunities, please visit Youth Music’s website here.