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FUGA: Route To Success - Building Your Core Team

Moderator: Sarah Johnston [FUGA’s Client Relations Manager, EMEA - FUGA]

Speakers: Bjorn Sandberg [Head of Streaming - Domino], Ben Wynter [Director of Business Development & Partnerships - AIM], Denise Allan [677 Media Management] & Stevie Kempner [Lawyer]

Panel Description

The landscape for independent artists is changing. With more and more evolving services becoming available for independent creators, from digital marketing and fan-finding tools all the way through to distribution, publishing and promotion, it can be tough to know where to begin. This is why building the right team to support your music is crucial to navigating the music industry in a modern age. 

Join FUGA’s panel of expert professionals from across the spectrum of the music business to discuss how you can build the right team, what you should be looking for and why this will lead to success.

  • What is currently available for independent artists (services, tools, funding options)

  • Who should be the key members of your team (distro, manager, label, publisher etc)

  • How can an independent artist access this info/find the right team members (trade orgs, charities, networking events etc)

  • The work of independent services who work as a 360 (FUGA as an example, distro/marketing/neighbouring rights etc)

Sarah Johnston [Client Relations Manager, EMEA - FUGA]

Sarah Johnston works out of the UK as FUGA’s Client Relations Manager for EMEA. Joining FUGA in 2018 after 5 years at MERLIN, Sarah has honed her skills and knowledge of the independent music global landscape to be a trusted voice for labels, distributors, DSP’s and Trade bodies alike.

Sarah joined FUGA as the first UK Operations team member in 2018 after 5 years at Merlin, where she played an instrumental role in expanding Merlin's membership within key markets such as Brazil, India and Nigeria. Working initially as a Royalty & Administration Co-ordinator, Sarah progressed to become their Member Services Manager.

Whilst at FUGA and in the short space of 2 years, Sarah grew from being the Client Onboarding Manager to overseeing the entire supply chain cycle from DSP relations and content delivery to payments for the whole of UK operations. Now, her role as FUGA's Client Relations Manager EMEA sees Sarah representing FUGA's top-tier clients including Ninja Tune, Beggars, Domino Records and Cargo Records.

Bjorn Sandberg [Head of Streaming - Domino]

Half Swedish / Glaswegian Björn Sandberg began his career as a musician and artist manager before stints with Thrill Jockey Records, FUGA and Marathon Artists. He is currently Head of Streaming at independent label Domino Records, where he's led global streaming campaigns for Grammy and Brit Award winning artists including: Wet Leg, Franz Ferdinand and Arctic Monkeys.

Ben Wynter [Director of Business Development & Partnerships - Aim]

Ben Wynter is a highly accomplished music and media executive based in the UK, boasting an impressive two-decade track record within the music industry. His career has encompassed key roles in management, both in Major and Independent Record Labels, and he stands as the visionary founder behind Unstoppable Music Group, a multifaceted conglomerate encompassing Management, Production, Record Label, and Cultural Marketing.

With a keen eye for innovation, Wynter spearheaded innovative initiatives during his tenure at the PRS Foundation. Among his notable achievements, he conceptualised and successfully launched the Hitmaker Fund, a much needed program that extends vital grant funding to behind-the-scenes songwriters and producers. Additionally, his forward-thinking leadership saw him launch the Future Hitmaker grant and the Momentum Accelerator grant.

In his capacity as Director of Business Development and Partnerships at A.I.M (Association of Independent Music), Wynter takes the helm in steering strategic partnerships and presenting unique business prospects to AIM. His unwavering commitment extends to guiding independent music entrepreneurs and rights holders, empowering them to navigate the intricate music and media landscape for the optimal realisation of their assets. Notably, he pioneered the ground breaking AIM Angel Investment Syndicate, a pioneering venture that introduces fresh insights into capital investment and enhances access to capital for creative entrepreneurs across the UK.

Wynter also stands as the Co-Founder of the esteemed Power Up! initiative, an award-winning endeavour that ardently combats anti-black racism while championing a more equitable and inclusive music industry in the UK.

Denise Allan [677 Media Management]

Denise Allan is a founding partner and Director of 677 Media Management; an independent Artist management company based in Glasgow. Guiding platinum sellers Glasvegas to success and driving talent development of an eclectic roster of young women including Plasticine, Lamaya & Cherry.