Conversations Unearthed — February 2026

March is over and done with, and this month's panels made it clear that the industry is not for the weak, but the stubbornly determined. AI and streaming are intricately linked, meaning its even more important than ever to have an awareness of metadata and be an active pursuer in your earnings. Then, a quick visit to Union Street's LCCM lent us WMG's Joe Kentish, who reminded us of whats really important: the process.

Every month, countless industry panels and talks happen that most artists never see. You don’t have to be everywhere at once — we do the listening and bring the highlights to you. Here’s what stood out in February 2026.

  1. 1. UD’s Industry Takeover Series: Women in Music Roundtable
  2. 2. KEF Music Gallery x re:sonate: ‘Nightlife is Broken: What’s the fix?’

1. UD’s Industry Takeover Series: Women in Music Roundtable

Based in East London, UD is an organisation championing Black Music in multiple admirable ways. Their site points towards having supported the early stage careers of the likes of Wretch32, Little Simz, Ghetts, Andreya Triana, Maverick Sabre, Dyo, Devlin, Labrinth, Skepta and Paigey Cakey.

In UD’s own words:

“Since its launch in 2009, our Industry Takeover Series has built a reputation for offering an unrivalled programme of professional developmententertainmenteducation and networking opportunities to hundreds of industry-minded hopefuls.”

Women at the panel included the following. Host: Martha
Guests: Sophie Faricy (executive producer and music supervisor at Native Music), Nell Jordan-Gent (career coach), Adelaide Lawson Olivia McKenzie (BORN N BREAD co-founders).

Our notes


Summary

  • Find the space that embraces you and you can mutually embrace back, its what lands you your place in the industry
  • Don’t let the industry be your life: to stay sane, have an outlet and your tribe
  • Educate yourself on underground culture for a deeper sense of community and value as an artist, how can you add to to the space?
  • Goal setting is massively important if you wanna stay motivated, especially while working 9-5

KEF and re:sonate Present: The Big Questions.

KEF Music Gallery is designed for guests and partners and serves as an “inspiring, immersive” space for brand and creator collaborations, while re:sonate are a duo consultancy organisation with a combined 25 years in the industry.

Speakers at the panel included:
Tim Garcia (re:sonate Founder), Lucy Atkinson (Agent, ROAM)​
Declan Cosgrove (Events and Marketing Manager, Grow Hackney, eco-friendly venue) & Nadine Noor (DJ, cultural producer, consultant and party founder, Pxssy Palace)

Our notes

Summary

  • Although figures show a rough time for nightlife, there’s no better time to get creative with tours, shows and parties
  • As a promoter, don’t base your event’s worth on the lineup alone, create a space people feel empowered and safe within (stickers on phones, accessibility, travel options, and take feedback)
  • To support nightlife as a culture not nuisance: advocate for it, go to events, and buy tickets sooner rather than later

Read the suggestions to support London’s nightlife culture >

Find some of the most artist friendly grassroots venues in London>

That’s all for now. We’re still working on how to make this format the most comprehensible so – please bare with us!

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