Our Story
We're Brighter Sound, a music development organisation rooted in Manchester and open to the world.
We've been creating transformative experiences for young creatives, emerging artists and up-and-coming music professionals for nearly 25 years.
We pioneer new ways of exploring creative potential. Our projects are a safe space for artists to take risks, connect and collaborate, and develop skills and confidence. Our events are opportunities for audiences to discover the cutting edge of the North’s creative talent.
Equalising opportunity is in our DNA. At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to helping create a fairer music world. One where every voice is heard, every community served. Because we think the power of creativity belongs to everyone.
“It’s the sort of opportunity that decides a career, turns on a light … the kind of opportunity that can give someone the boost they need for stepping into the next generation of British music.”
Bethan, residency participant
What We Do
We produce creative projects, residencies, commissions, training and events that support people to carve their own unique path in music.
We draw on our huge network of partners, industry contacts and established artists to help us do this - whether it’s trading bars with Kendrick Lamar or running a record label that champions women and people of marginalised genders.
We’re proud of our Northern roots, and so we spread them far and wide – from co-creating global exchange programmes to representing our home city on the world stage as sector lead for Manchester Music City.
Our Initiatives
We deliver change-making initiatives with partners on our doorstep, and across the world.
Our Community
Explore the creative journeys of some of the brilliant people we've worked with over the years.
Story
30 October 2023
Spotlight on B!TEZ
Meet B!TEZ - from participant to commissioned artist.
Story
29 November 2023
Spotlight on CHAINES
For composer CHAINES, their experience has been about community, not competition
Story
28 May 2024
Spotlight on is33n
Manchester-based creative is33n on artistic identity and finding their own path in music.
Story
10 November 2022
Spotlight on Tom
Artist and young leader Tom wants to be a role model for future generations.
Story
21 November 2022
Spotlight on Chesqua
Artist and facilitator Chesqua's journey has come full circle over the last 12 years.
Our Team
Like you, everyone at Brighter Sound has a passion for music. We use that passion to develop the music creators, leaders and industry professionals of the future.
Kate Lowes
Director
Andrea Ahimie-Carthy
Project Coordinator
Kinaya Said Ibrahim
Project Manager
Rebecca Horn
Head of Marketing and Communications
Gareth Davies
Head of Operations and Finance
Issy Patience
Operations Manager
Jonas Roberts
Senior Programme Manager
Tim Chatterton
Project Manager
Joe Clegg Prada
Marketing and Communications Officer
Lucy Wallace
Senior Programme Manager
Artists and Collaborators
From hip hop icons to some of the most exciting names in experimental music, we’ve been lucky to work with some truly inspirational artists and collaborators.
Do you share our passion?
We couldn’t do what we do without our brilliant network of local and international partners. And we’re always open to working with new people and organisations.
