Saffron

"Our relationship to the way we treat women and the way we treat the planet is very similar" It was such a balm to have Kiran Gandhi join us for Saffron's final 'Tech Dissect' of the year, delving into the power of electronic music production to inspire environmental awareness. Facilitating authentic engagement in online spaces that bridge divisions of geography and social disparity is such a privilege. The confidence and camaraderie that grows out of these workshops is ever-inspiring. If you're part of a forward-thinking organisation that would like to support Saffron's digital activities to connect and empower marginalised music makers, I'd love to chat...

Yesterday, I met my research hero, Dr. Stacy L. S. from University of Southern California, and left London feeling so inspired about what’s to come. Saffron has been quoting the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative’s report, highlighting the fact that only 5% of women, and less than 1% of women of colour, are represented in the music tech industry since our inception. These stats underscore our reason for existing. The power of research is phenomenal. It has the ability to uncover trends and patterns within the industry, examine the historical context that brought us to this point, and, most importantly, provide clear guidance on the steps needed to drive meaningful change. Great having BPI (British Phonographic Industry)and Charter Oak Advisory witness this too. I also attended the PRS Foundation’s Prelude launch in partnership with Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios It’s incredible to be working alongside PRS Foundation and its initiatives to create change in the industry. They’re such an exceptional team—more than just funders. They identify issues, bring the right partners on board, and actively support the creatives who need space to thrive in the industry. Witnessing such inspiring work was moving, especially hearing Nainita Desai talk about her journey into sound design, working with Peter Gabriel at Real World Studios, and the critical importance of thoughtful critique. Meeting Caius Pawson at Young Space was final highlight. Hearing and seeing his vision for community-building and supporting emerging music creators and A&Rs felt uplifting. It’s inspiring to see such honest, integral work happening in the music industry. Feeling like 2025 is going to be a great year, working alongside all these visionaries!

We are pleased to open applications for the 2024-25 chapter of our Artist Development Project, supporting Black music creators who are also women, non-binary, trans or gender non-conforming people. The transformative programme, whose alumni include artists such as Marla Kether and GROVE, will support artists based in South West England towards self-releasing their music and building self-reliance in their careers as independent creatives. Full info: https://lnkd.in/eFw5i4Ps With thanks to the PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner Network for helping to make this project happen 📸 Naomi Williams

Really enjoying seeing Marla Mbemba fly. One of the most talented and humbled musicians around. Starting with Saffron on our members platform in the pandemic, to our artist development program, working as our social media officer and now just seeing her taking strides, up on stage with Little Simz on the Pyramid stage at Glasto and now this. We are your no.1 fans right here!! So much love

At Saffron, we know how valuable it is for marginalised creatives to connect with other people in their community, supporting each other with creative expression and learning, whilst seeing positive role models thriving.  That’s why we partnered with Beatport to launch Soundpaths, a mentoring programme supporting Black women, non-binary, and trans individuals who are emerging electronic music producers and DJs. The project supported 20 artists across the UK, providing personalised sessions with industry experts including Ikonika, Ehua, Pops Roberts and Glade Sinclair, plus three monthly group workshops on Saffron’s Digital Members Platform, featuring tutors like France Jobin, Object Blue and ML Buch. As a non-profit organisation, Saffron is seeking forward-thinking partners who share our vision for an equitable UK music industry. If you would like to demonstrate your commitment to fostering greater diversity in the music tech landscape, we’d love to hear from you.

We're delighted to partner with The Halley to launch our audio mixing course for intermediate music producers in London. This intensive one-day workshop, led by Lara Jones, will support women, trans, and nonbinary artists in moving beyond the creative process, focusing on the technical aspects needed to polish tracks and elevate them to a professional level. Full info and apply: https://lnkd.in/eydkgTfc #audiomixing #careerprogression #skillsprogression #inclusivity #inclusion #musicindustry #musictechnology #musicproduction #partnership

In 2019, Izzy McPhee took part in our beginner sound engineering course in Bristol. 5 years on and not only is she a mastering engineer for Weird Jungle and our go-to for all Saffron Records releases, but she is also sharing her expertise at the Society for Music Production Research conference. Izzy's journey illustrates the progression that can be achieved when underrepresented people in the music tech industry are supported to develop their skills, confidence and sense of community. If you'd like to open up a world of opportunity for more people like Izzy, we offer a range of meaningful opportunities through our course sponsorship and bespoke partnerships. Drop us a message if you'd like to find out more.

There are so many rewarding aspects of my role at Saffron, but one of the best has got to be working with the British Council to provide supportive learning spaces and connections for underrepresented artists in Pakistan. Last December, I had the privilege of travelling to Karachi to meet some of the individuals I've been working with online, IRL. I learnt so much and was humbled by the perseverance of Pakistan's grassroots music creators in the face of huge barriers to access, funding, distribution and live gig opportunities. I'm excited to share the extension of this project into its fourth year, and can't wait to connect a new cohort of artists adding their voices to the scene. If you're based in Pakistan, or know someone who is, you can find out more here and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gGqK2w9T

We are delighted to announce our fourth year of partnership with the British Council, providing safe learning spaces and nurturing connections for underrepresented creatives pursuing music in Pakistan. This collaboration has been such a huge learning opportunity for us and we can't wait to connect and create space for a new cohort of artists seeking to add their voices to Pakistan's grassroots music scene. Find out more & apply: https://lnkd.in/ekCszf9q

It's our 9th birthday and we're giving thanks to nine people who have carried us on our journey from a one-woman operation to an initiative supporting thousands of people worldwide to find music education and community.