The F List for Music announce their 'Youth Industry Network' accelerator programme

You’ve been putting in the hours. Maybe you’re producing tracks in your bedroom, promoting gigs for your friends, or even working behind the scenes at your local venue. Breaking into the music industry can sometimes feel like everyone else already knows the right people, speaks the lingo, or has some secret handbook you missed. If that sounds familiar, this is for you.

The F-List’s Youth Industry Network is a new programme made specifically for young women and gender diverse creatives – whether you’re an artist, in production, or handling the business end of things. As a UK-based non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting gender equality in the music industry, this collaboration with Youth Music is set to support the next generation of music creatives whilst shaping the future of our industry.

The programme is led by Mimi Harmer, an award-winning creative producer and sound designer, with a background in music, tech, education, and the cultural sector. 

“Having The F-List be one of the first organisations to build upon Youth Music's Industry Connect Coalition is a really powerful opportunity to amplify the voices of emerging female and gender minority artists in our local music networks, and to build a more safe, inclusive, connected, and creatively vibrant industry from the ground up. I'm really proud to be a small part of it.” - Mimi Harmer

Delivered through a mix of online and in-person sessions, with local activity hubs in Croydon, Wolverhampton, and Darlington, the programme does not require to live in these areas, but you must be able to travel to the location you apply for.

If successful, you will benefit from:

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced industry professionals.

• Workshops: Skill-building sessions covering various aspects of the music business.

• Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders.

• Resources: Access to educational materials and industry insights.

We had the chance to speak with Alexandra Ampofo, the Croydon lead for the Youth Industry Network – and someone who truly walks the talk. With over a decade in live music, Alexandra promotes shows for major artists at Metropolis Music (part of Live Nation UK) and champions equity through initiatives like Women Connect, The F-List, and the Black Music Coalition. She shared her top tips for crafting an application that gets noticed – and we’re sharing them here to help you stand out.

Make sure you apply now to get your application in before the extended deadline of 8th May 2025.

About the organisations

The F-List for Music CIC started off as a means of making women and gender diverse musicians visible, but it is not just a list, it’s a growing community with over 6,200 listings featuring musicians, songwriters, and composers from every genre of music. This helps them be found in one place enabling them to get heard, signed, receive commissions and festival and event bookings. The F-List also develops, runs and provides free training programmes and career tools for its community.

Youth Music is a national charity that supports marginalised young people to make and monetise music. Each year, it raises £10 million to fund inspirational grassroots music projects and provide opportunities for aspiring young creatives across the UK. The organisation is actively campaigning to break down barriers for young people who face inequity, exclusion and discrimination. In collaboration with a wide network of partners, Youth Music is empowering the next generation to transform their lives through music.