Parallel Music Conference welcomes hundreds to Solent

Launched in 2024 by Jamie Ford and Matt Bisgrove, who both studied Music Business at Solent, Parallel Music Conference has been designed to bring industry professionals to Southampton in a bid to not only place the city on the music map, but champion creative careers outside of the capital.

Taking place across Thursday 6 and Friday 7 March, this year’s conference brought leading music professionals to Southampton, including Grammy Award-winning producer, Robbie Nelson, Ruth Barlow of Beggars Group and Radio X DJ, John Kennedy. The panels also featured alumni of Solent’s Department of Art and Music who are now thriving in their own careers, including Jo Howarth, who recently donated a platinum disc to Solent for her role in Jazzy’s hit single, Giving Me, reaching 150 million global streams.

Other Solent music graduates featured at the conference were Elodie Junkere, who is now working at Warner Music Group; James Moodie who is thriving at Sony Music’s The Orchard; Oliver Gamston, Head of Sync at music publisher, OTM; and Alice Frith, who programmes live music at Southampton’s Heartbreakers and Papillon venues.

With their success in 2024, Jamie and Matt expanded this year’s conference to panel discussions and networking events across two days; tripling the number of speakers and companies involved.

This year’s conference also marks the first time that Solent University and the University of Southampton have collaborated on a music event like this, united in their passion for the industry. James Hannam, Course Leader Music Business and Event Management, says:

"We were delighted to host the second Parallel Music Conference, organised by two of our Music Business graduates. The line-up of guest speakers was brilliant once again, with some fascinating industry insights and expertise shared with our students. We were also very proud that two of our current music students, Harvey Cecil and Vanessa Gbingie, did an excellent job of chairing two panel discussions with music industry experts.

“The response from the local industry and colleges this year was fantastic, and we're already looking forward to the next conference in March 2026!"

This event not only showcases what is possible for Solent alumni but gives music and media students the opportunity to gain experience, get connected with industry, and gain insight into carving out a career in music. Across the two days, students got involved by capturing videography and photography, chairing events, lending their marketing and social media skills, and helping ensure the overall smooth running of the conference.

Eden Gains, a Music Business undergraduate who took part in the conference, says, "This week has been so beneficial for me. I have learned so much working at Parallel and attending each of the panels.

“I’ve had the chance to meet with industry professionals and potential mentors, while creating short form content for social media. Having the chance to create content for a music industry conference has been such a golden opportunity to extend my knowledge and experience.”

During the opening ceremony of Parallel, Jamie Ford shone a light on why a conference of this kind is so important for the city:

“After leaving uni, I thought I would have to live in London to work in music, but that’s not always the case. We’re trying to bring the music industry to Southampton and give everyone a chance to network, while putting a spotlight on all the great things that happen here.”

Find out more about music and event management courses at Solent here.

Image credit: Sam Williams