A Hull Music Board has been formed to oversee a 5-year plan to put the city on the music map.

Involving input from professionals from across the music and wider creative industry, the Hull Music Board has been formed with the aim of satisfying the city’s ambition to land UNESCO city of music status.

Among the board members is Sam Ryder, the general manager of Hull’s 4,000-capacity Connexin Live, which is operated by ASM Global, and Chrysalis Records senior VP of marketing James Meadows.

Hull’s musical heritage includes The Beautiful South and Everything But The Girl, and more contemporary acts such as Chiedu Oraka and LIFE. Hull-based live events include the region’s biggest festival for independent music, the Humber Street Sesh, which takes place in the Marina and Fruit Market area of the city.

Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture said: “Hull already has the creativity, grit, and raw talent. What we need now is the infrastructure and backing to match it. This board is one of the first steps to show the world we’re serious about building a real music industry – one that creates lasting opportunities, raises the bar, and proves we are well worth paying attention to.”

Hull Music Board members include:

  • James Dickinson, Head of Hull Music Service and Lead Partner for the Humber Music Hub
  • Jenni Harrison, Creative Director and co-lead of Hull Music Net
  • Sam Ryder, General Manager of Connexin Live
  • Cllr Rob Pritchard, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure
  • James Meadows, Snr Vice President Marketing at Chrysalis Records / Blue Raincoat Music
  • Gerard Gibbons, grassroots music advocate and business leader
  • Damien Greco, cultural marketing professional and promoter
  • Elle Douglas, Creative Manager at The Warren Youth Project
  • Sarah Shiels, Director at The New Adelphi Club CIC and youth music champion

Pictured left to right: Sarah Shiels, Cllr Rob Pritchard, James Meadows, Damien Greco, James Dickinson, Jenni Harrison, Sam Ryder

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