This is an exciting new project to support the next generation of music promoters, musicians and creative innovators. Interested?
This project is open to anyone involved (or wanting to get involved) in the music industry - promoters putting gigs on, musicians wanting to further their own careers and anyone else keen to understand the music industry and move forward. Any genre. All ages (over 18, sorry). Everything kicks off with the launch event - see below for details.
It can feel hard to get into the music industry from outside London, so our aim is to fasttrack the process, give a bunch of knowledge to up and coming promoters, musicians and others wanting a home in the music industry and hopefully save people years of struggle and misunderstanding. People may well come to these sessions to learn to be a promoter or how to promote their own music, then bump into other parts of the industry that interest them more - record labels, publishing, management, touring etc. Promoters need to understand every aspect of the business to be really good at their jobs, so this project is a perfect introduction.
What is "Creating The Future"?
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Monthly group meet ups to build your knowledge, relationships & networks.
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Individual mentoring to address your career development.
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Gigs in collaboration with project participants to provide opportunities for musicians, help you learn & create community around the project.
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Work with industry experts & existing regional promoters to enhance business knowledge & music industry contacts in Rushmoor.
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Nurture partnerships with local and national organisations to help publicise the project
The launch party is on 2 May 2026 at the West End Centre.
Doors at 7pm. All welcome!
This is a chance to get together and celebrate this area's music scene.
(Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult)
Huge thanks to the Arts Council for making this possible - Creating The Future is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as part of the UK Government’s Creative Industries sector vision, £5 million has been invested to support Grassroots Music.
*Barney is leading on this project. He has put on hundreds of gigs by Biffy Clyro, James Acaster, The 1975, Kathryn Ryan, Architects, Romesh Ranganathan, Songhoy Blues, Angela Barnes, Foals, Frank Turner, Joe Lycett, Bloc Party, Miriam Margolyes and more. He has lectured in music business at UCA (as well as a guest speaker at Waterbear, ACM and University of Surrey), and these days he runs Kick Arts UK, advising creatives, managing musicians and booking gigs nationally and internationally. It's about time to pass on some of the tips and tricks to the next generation of movers and shakers - 30 years down the line from his first Aldershot gig in 1996!
