Artist Development With LNPL: From First Chords to Sold-Out Gigs

Live Now Play Later (LNPL): Supporting Emerging Musicians in the UK

Live Now Play Later (LNPL) is a UK-based organization devoted to helping independent and emerging musicians through live showcases, collaborative workshops, artist development, and networking. Founded in 2019, LNPL has grown from a small London music night into a multi-faceted platform empowering new artists to “live now, play later” – in other words, seize opportunities now so their music can flourish in the future.

‍

‍

History and Mission of LNPL

LNPL was founded in 2019 by singer-songwriter Carolyn Oakley (artist name Jaayns) with a clear mission: to support, connect, and showcase new music talent across the UK. What began as a humble live music night celebrating original songwriting quickly expanded in scope. Oakley’s vision was to give some of the best new/undiscovered songwriters, artists & producers a platform to share their work with a receptive audience. Early LNPL events were intimate gigs where emerging artists performed their own songs to an attentive crowd. This format not only entertained listeners but also fulfilled LNPL’s core aim – connecting artists to a listening audience and providing opportunities to songwriters whose music should be heard.

‍

From the start, LNPL tapped into an unmet need in the independent music scene. Traditional gigs often relegate new acts to noisy pubs or opening slots where their music struggles to make an impact. LNPL flipped that script by curating nights focused exclusively on original new music, with an attentive atmosphere more akin to a songwriter round. Audiences were invited to “discover brand new music and hear the stories behind the songs, direct from the songwriters”. This focus on storytelling and artist-audience connection set LNPL apart. Within its first few years, LNPL earned a strong reputation – even selling out shows in London, Leeds, and Bristol as the word spread. The success of these showcases demonstrated both the demand for quality original music nights and LNPL’s ability to deliver engaging events.

‍

Encouraged by the response, LNPL broadened its mission beyond concerts. The team understood that emerging artists often need more than just gigs – they benefit from guidance, collaboration, and a community. Thus, LNPL’s motto became about “supporting artists and bands” in a holistic way. Today, LNPL’s mission encompasses live performances, educational workshops, creative retreats, mentorship, and even management services, all designed to nurture independent talent. Through a creative introduction anything could happen – this hopeful slogan (proudly displayed by LNPL) captures the spirit that by bringing people together in the right environment, great musical things can unfold.

‍

LNPL Programs and Offerings

LNPL offers a range of programs to uplift emerging musicians. These include live music events, songwriting workshops and retreats, artist development support (mentoring & management), and plenty of networking opportunities. Let’s look at each in detail:

‍

Live Music Events and Showcases

At its heart, LNPL is known for its live showcases – intimate live music events in the UK that feature outstanding independent musicians. These events (often simply called Live Now Play Later shows) take place in venues around the country, from London to Leeds to Bristol. Each showcase bills a lineup of promising singer-songwriters and bands, usually in a listening-room environment. LNPL London nights, for example, have introduced audiences to “some of the best new U.K. based songwriters” performing original music. A typical LNPL show might include multiple artists playing in turn, sometimes even in a Nashville-style round format, where songwriters share songs and stories in an alternating sequence.

‍

The atmosphere at LNPL gigs is deliberately curated to foster respect for the music. Hosts often remind the crowd to be present and attentive – no clinking glasses or chatting over the songs. This echoes a broader movement in live music (similar to Sofar Sounds’ secret gigs) where listening is paramount. In fact, LNPL’s events at The Hobo Club in Loughton were billed as “an intimate night celebrating new music and songwriting”, where you can “hear the stories behind the songs, direct from the songwriters” . By prioritizing original material and artist storytelling, LNPL turns its concerts into both showcases and learning experiences for the audience.

‍

Beyond London, LNPL has hosted shows in cities like Leeds and Bristol, giving artists from different regions a chance to perform. Many of these nights have been completely sold out, demonstrating the appetite for fresh talent onstage. The lineups often mix genres – you might see an alt-pop artist, an acoustic folk singer, and an indie band on the same bill – reflecting LNPL’s inclusive approach to “songwriters from across the U.K.”. For emerging musicians, these gig showcases are invaluable. They provide independent music showcases in professional settings, allowing artists to hone their live performance skills and build a fanbase. They also serve as music networking events; artists frequently connect with one another at shows, and sometimes industry guests are in attendance scouting new talent. In short, LNPL’s live events create a supportive spotlight for new artists to live now (share their art in the present) so they can play later (reap the rewards as their careers develop).

‍

Songwriting Workshops and Retreats (Write Now Play Later)

LNPL doesn’t just stop at putting artists on stage – it also brings them together behind the scenes to spark new musical creations. Under the banner “Write Now Play Later,” LNPL hosts songwriting workshops, retreats, and collaboration sessions for music creators. These gatherings are essentially music collaboration workshops where songwriters, producers, and artists can meet and co-write in a relaxed, supportive setting. The retreats range from one-day co-writing intensives to multi-day music retreats at dedicated centres in scenic UK locations.

‍

Since launching the retreat program, LNPL has organized around 8 songwriting retreats across the UK, in places like Leeds, Suffolk, York, Derbyshire, London, and Norfolk. Each retreat typically brings together a group of ~20 active songwriters and producers of various genres for a concentrated burst of creativity. For example, in April 2025 LNPL is hosting a two-day songwriting retreat at Loughton Music Academy in London, aiming to unite over 20 songwriters across genres to write and collaborate. Participants are usually selected via an application (ensuring a good mix of styles and experience), and then they spend the retreat forming teams, writing songs from scratch, sharing ideas, and often recording demos by the end of the session.

‍

The emphasis is on collaboration, not competition. LNPL explicitly fosters a non-judgmental environment described as “creative and supportive spaces… with the aim of bringing music creators, producers and artists together to connect and collaborate”. In these workshops, a pop writer might team up with an electronic producer and an R&B topliner – combos that might never happen outside of a retreat context – and the results can be magical. “We write together, have fun together, connect, collaborate & support each other through the songwriting process and challenge ourselves to be the best that we can be,” says LNPL of the retreat ethos. This quote encapsulates the retreat vibe: it’s equal parts serious craft and camaraderie. By the end of a retreat, many attendees walk away not only with new songs, but with new friends and potential long-term collaborators.

‍

These UK music retreats serve as a form of professional development for independent musicians. They are comparable to other songwriting camps and songwriting workshops in the UK – for instance, Tileyard Education’s writing camps or the famous retreats led by veteran songwriter Chris Difford – but LNPL’s retreats are unique in being grassroots-driven and genre-agnostic. Through Write Now Play Later, LNPL is cultivating a growing community of songwriters who continue to write together even after the official retreat ends. In turn, some of the songs born at LNPL retreats have gone on to be recorded and released by the participants, adding tangible outcomes to the experience. (One LNPL participant even noted that simply “through a creative introduction anything could happen, just by those people knowing each other and working together” – a testament to how networking in these workshops can lead to future projects.)

‍

‍

Artist Development, Mentorship and Management

Beyond events and writing sessions, LNPL provides artist development programs on a more personalized level. Carolyn Oakley and the LNPL team recognize that emerging artists often need guidance navigating the music industry – whether it’s career advice, branding, release strategy, or just someone in their corner as they take the next steps. To address this, LNPL offers mentorship and even some artist management services for select artists.

‍

Through its music industry mentorship (UK) efforts, LNPL pairs upcoming musicians with experienced mentors (often drawing on LNPL’s network of artists and industry contacts). This mentorship might involve one-on-one conversations about songwriting improvement, stage presence coaching, or mentoring on the business side (like how to promote a single or approach labels and media). The goal is to provide emerging acts a form of music industry mentorship in the UK – essentially a trusted guide to help them make informed decisions early in their career. This kind of support can be crucial for independent artists who don’t yet have managers or label A&R to turn to. LNPL’s mentorship is informal but impactful, giving artists a sounding board and access to expertise that can accelerate their growth.

‍

In addition to mentoring, LNPL has ventured into artist management on a boutique scale. The organization’s Instagram profile proudly lists “Management” as one of its pillars, alongside live shows and retreats. This indicates LNPL is actively managing or co-managing a handful of independent artists. Under this artist management service, LNPL might help artists with long-term career development: organizing their releases, pitching them for opportunities, and generally acting as an advocate for their music. It’s a natural extension of LNPL’s work – after showcasing an excellent new artist at a live event, LNPL can further support them behind the scenes in a manager role. This integrated approach (from stage to studio to strategy) sets LNPL apart as not just an events company but a nascent artist development program in itself.

‍

It’s relatively rare for a grassroots initiative to also handle management, which is typically left to separate professional agencies. Yet, LNPL’s on-the-ground perspective is valuable for nurturing talent. By helping artists with everything from songwriting to artist management services, LNPL acts almost like an incubator for emerging musicians. It’s the kind of comprehensive support that can take an artist from writing their first songs to performing on bigger stages – all while remaining independent. This aligns with LNPL’s DIY ethos: empowering artists to build sustainable careers without necessarily waiting for major-label backing.

‍

Community Building and Networking Opportunities

Across all its activities, LNPL places heavy emphasis on community and networking. In the often intimidating music industry, LNPL has created a welcoming micro-community where emerging artists can meet peers, learn from each other, and grow together. Every LNPL live show or retreat doubles as a music networking event in practice. After an LNPL gig, artists and audience members mingle – it’s not uncommon to see songwriters exchanging Instagram handles, producers offering beats to singers they just heard, or event organizers (like LNPL’s team) introducing artists to one another for future collaborations. This organic networking can lead to new projects. For example, an artist who played an LNPL showcase in Bristol might end up co-writing a song with someone they met at that event, or get invited to perform at another gig through a connection made that night.

‍

LNPL also extends its community beyond physical events. It runs the LNPL Podcast, where emerging artists are interviewed about their creative journeys. This podcast acts as a virtual networking and learning tool – listeners (who are often fellow musicians) gain insights and feel a sense of solidarity hearing others’ stories. The podcast has featured guests like UK indie-pop artist Natalie Shay and Irish singer-songwriter BLÁNID, who share how they write, release music, and overcome challenges. By spotlighting these voices, LNPL is essentially creating mentorship content accessible to all. It also reinforces the network: artists who appear on the podcast often become part of the LNPL family, staying connected through social media or future events.

‍

‍

Additionally, LNPL has embraced online platforms to broaden its community. During the pandemic era, LNPL hosted sessions on Clubhouse (an audio chat app) via a “Live Now Play Later Club,” where musicians could join weekly new-music listening sessions and songwriting discussions. This kept the networking alive even when in-person events were on pause. The Clubhouse bio of founder Carolyn Oakley highlights LNPL’s role in “supporting, connecting and sharing music from some of the best new songwriters…with live shows & podcasts” , underscoring that community connection is a year-round effort, not just at isolated events.

‍

Overall, LNPL functions as a hub where emerging musicians can find support in the UK music scene. Whether it’s meeting a future co-writer at a retreat, getting a confidence boost from a mentor, or simply feeling less alone after hearing a peer’s story on the podcast, these networking and community aspects of LNPL are perhaps its most valuable offerings. The music industry can be a tough place for newcomers, but through LNPL’s network, artists gain a tribe – a group of like-minded creatives and supporters who celebrate each other’s wins and navigate challenges together.

‍

Success Stories

The impact of Live Now Play Later is best illustrated through the voices and achievements of the musicians it has supported. Many artists who have participated in LNPL events or programs speak highly of the experience and have gone on to find greater success, crediting LNPL as a helpful stepping stone.

‍

One recurring theme from participants is the supportive, inspiring environment LNPL creates. Songwriters emerging from the Write Now Play Later retreats often rave about the collaborative spirit. In fact, LNPL’s own retreat motto reads: “We write together, have fun together, connect, collaborate & support each other through the songwriting process and challenge ourselves to be the best that we can be.” This isn’t just a slogan – it echoes the feedback of many attendees. Artists frequently mention how an LNPL retreat pushed them out of their comfort zone in a positive way, helping them finish songs they’re proud of and forging friendships that continue afterwards. For a rising musician, that sense of camaraderie and creative spark can be transformative. It’s not unusual to see attendees posting on social media after a retreat, thanking LNPL for an “unforgettable weekend” and talking about how many songs they wrote or how much they learned from fellow writers.

‍

LNPL’s live showcases have their own success stories. Because the events bring together high-caliber new artists, they can be a launchpad for wider opportunities. For example, Becca James, a spiritual alt-pop artist based in London, took part in LNPL’s songwriting retreats and showcases as a relatively new songwriter. In her biography, Becca notes that she has collaborated with other talents through Live Now Play Later’s writing camps, among other programs. Shortly after involving herself with LNPL, Becca achieved a major milestone: one of her co-written songs was placed in a Netflix series (Wellmania, 2023) . While LNPL wasn’t directly responsible for the Netflix deal, the experience and connections Becca gained through LNPL’s retreats contributed to her development as a songwriter capable of such success. It demonstrates how LNPL is part of the ecosystem that helps emerging artists go from unknown to internationally streamed. Becca’s journey – from regional songwriter to having music on a global platform – is a testament to what nurturing environments like LNPL can help facilitate.

‍

Another LNPL-affiliated artist, BLANID, appeared on the LNPL Podcast as a “new voice on the UK music scene” and later went on to release acclaimed music and build a following. Similarly, Natalie Shay, who performed at LNPL events and spoke on the podcast, has since become one of London’s trending indie pop artists. While these artists certainly drive their own careers, they often acknowledge platforms like LNPL for giving them early exposure and confidence. As Natalie shared during her LNPL podcast episode, many independent artists start young and learn by doing – having an interview or show via LNPL early on helps them hone their story and act like professionals from the start .

‍

Perhaps the most powerful success stories are the less famous ones: the songwriter who was on the verge of quitting, then joined an LNPL retreat and rediscovered her passion; or the band that formed because two members met at an LNPL networking night. These individual tales, while not in headlines, reflect LNPL’s mission in action. Even a small quote from an LNPL artist sums it up well: “Through a creative introduction anything could happen, just by those people knowing each other and working together”. LNPL is facilitating those very introductions, and anything has indeed happened – from songwriting partnerships to career breakthroughs.

‍

Moreover, LNPL’s ability to consistently draw audiences to new music is itself a success worth noting. Selling out multiple showcases in different cities means that hundreds of fans have bought tickets to hear completely unfamiliar artists – a challenging feat in any music scene. This indicates that LNPL has built trust and brand recognition: fans know that an LNPL night will be high-quality and inspiring, even if they don’t recognize the names on the bill. For the artists on stage, that means an opportunity to convert strangers into fans under optimal conditions. A number of LNPL performers have remarked that playing an LNPL show felt special because the crowd was so attentive and open-minded – a far cry from the typical pub gig. Such positive live experiences early in their careers encourage these musicians to keep going and improving.

‍

In summary, the testimonials and outcomes tied to LNPL highlight its role as a catalyst. Whether it’s collaborations leading to new releases, skills gained leading to career milestones, or simply the confidence an artist gets from a supportive showcase, LNPL has already left a mark on many emerging musicians’ lives. These success stories reinforce the value of having organizations like LNPL in the music community – they truly help talented individuals shine, often lighting the spark that turns potential into reality.

Comparison with Other UK Organizations Supporting Independent Musicians

Live Now Play Later is part of a broader landscape of UK organizations and initiatives focused on emerging musicians' support. Each has its own approach – some provide live performance opportunities, others offer funding or mentorship, and many do a mix of everything. Here’s how LNPL compares to a few notable similar UK-based organizations that support independent musicians:

‍

Help Musicians UK 

Help Musicians UK, a leading UK charity for musicians of all genres “from starting out through to retirement”. Help Musicians offers financial grants, career development programs, and wellbeing support. For example, their Do It Differently Fund gives project grants to independent artists, and their Co-Pilot mentoring network pairs emerging talent with experienced music professionals for one-on-one guidance. Unlike LNPL (which directly runs events and workshops), Help Musicians operates more behind-the-scenes as a funding and mentorship body. An emerging artist might play an LNPL showcase, but also apply to Help Musicians for a grant or a mentor – these supports aren’t mutually exclusive but complementary. Essentially, LNPL creates grassroots opportunities while Help Musicians provides structural support (money, advice, health resources) to help artists capitalize on those opportunities.

‍

BBC Music Introducing

BBC Music Introducing (needs no introduction) is BBC Radio’s platform dedicated to “supporting unsigned, undiscovered, and under-the-radar UK music talent.” It operates across the UK via regional BBC Introducing radio shows where artists can upload their tracks for potential airplay. Many now-famous UK acts (Ed Sheeran, Florence + The Machine, etc.) were first championed by BBC Introducing. The program also hosts stages at major festivals (like Glastonbury and Reading/Leeds) exclusively showcasing new artists. In comparison to LNPL, which might put an artist in front of 50-100 people at a local venue, BBC Introducing can broadcast that artist’s song to thousands of radio listeners or give them a slot in front of large festival crowds. LNPL and BBC Introducing share the same goal – exposing fresh talent – but through different media. Notably, LNPL’s founder Carolyn Oakley often encourages LNPL artists to leverage BBC Introducing (for radio play) alongside their live efforts. BBC Introducing is a more national exposure platform, whereas LNPL is a more intimate, community-driven experience. Both are crucial: LNPL can be a stepping stone that prepares artists for bigger stages like those offered by BBC Introducing.

‍

Sofar Sounds

Sofar Sounds is a global music events startup that began in London in 2009. It creates “secret gigs and intimate concerts” in unique spaces, connecting emerging artists with audiences in living rooms, shops, or other non-traditional venues. Sofar shows, much like LNPL nights, focus on attentive listening – they famously keep the lineup secret and expect silence during performances. Today, Sofar operates in cities worldwide (430+ cities as of 2019) , and in the UK it’s active in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and more. Independent music showcases are the bread and butter of Sofar, so in that sense it’s very similar to LNPL’s live shows. However, Sofar is a larger enterprise with a standardized format and, in some cases, paid tickets that contribute to a company. LNPL is more of a grassroots collective – likely volunteer-run or passion-driven – whereas Sofar has become a well-funded organization. One advantage LNPL has is its deeper involvement in artists’ creative process (through retreats and mentoring), whereas Sofar largely focuses just on the gig experience. Some artists perform at LNPL and Sofar at different times; Sofar might widen their fanbase, while LNPL might help them network with other musicians. Both provide valuable live music events in the UK for emerging acts.

‍

‍

iluvlive

Founded in 2004, iluvlive is a long-running UK platform that combines live showcases with artist development – in many ways a predecessor to what LNPL is doing, but on a larger scale. It began as a London showcase night (hosted by BBC Radio DJs) giving new acts their first live-break with a full band, and grew to 70+ events a year across six UK cities. Over the years, iluvlive supported early performances by artists who later became stars (e.g. Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sandé, Jessie J, and many notable UK urban artists). Today, iluvlive runs a structured Artist Development Programme where a couple of unsigned artists each year receive 12 months of support, including £5,000 funding, mentoring, marketing guidance, and live session opportunities. In addition, iluvlive continues to host regular showcase gigs. LNPL and iluvlive share the ethos of “new talent first” and providing live exposure, but LNPL is newer and smaller-scale. Think of iluvlive as a seasoned veteran in the UK scene – it’s even a not-for-profit company – whereas LNPL is an up-and-coming effort extending similar principles to a new generation of songwriters (and perhaps in more genres beyond the urban/pop focus that iluvlive historically had). Both run independent music showcases and offer artist development programs, but iluvlive has formal funding and a track record of alumni success that LNPL (founded 15 years later) is just starting to build. Still, LNPL’s model of retreats is something even iluvlive doesn’t do, highlighting a niche LNPL fills (songwriting incubation). An ambitious LNPL artist might perform at LNPL to get their start, then apply to iluvlive’s development scheme when ready for the next level – the ecosystem can work hand-in-hand.

‍

Brighter Sound

Brighter Sound is a Manchester-based music charity focusing on creative development for young and emerging artists, particularly in the North of England. Brighter Sound runs projects like songwriting residencies, mentorship schemes, and networking events (for example, they’ve hosted women-only music leadership programs and youth songwriting labs). They aim to “equalise opportunity” in the music industry, often spotlighting underrepresented voices. In comparison to LNPL, Brighter Sound is more geographically rooted (Manchester/Northern England) and often project-based (e.g., a one-off weeklong project to create new music around a theme). LNPL, on the other hand, is an ongoing series of events and retreats that move around the country. Both however emphasize collaboration and networking – Brighter Sound might connect emerging artists with established musicians in a workshop, similar to how LNPL connects emerging artists with each other (and occasionally pros like producers at retreats). One could say LNPL is to independent songwriters what Brighter Sound is to the broader creative music community: a nurturing ground to experiment, learn, and be seen. It’s encouraging that in different regions, these kinds of organizations exist to ensure talent isn’t being overlooked due to lack of support.

‍

mélo

Mélo is a live music marketplace designed to connect grassroots artists with gigs in non-traditional spaces—pubs, private events, and even house parties. Unlike platforms that focus on artist development, grants, or mentorship, Mélo streamlines the gig booking process, allowing independent musicians to secure paid performances without agents or industry connections. While LNPL nurtures artists through showcases and songwriting retreats, mélo provides a direct pipeline to performance opportunities, ensuring emerging artists can get onstage, build experience, and get paid. It functions as a self-service gig economy platform, complementing initiatives like BBC Introducing or LNPL by giving artists tangible, low-barrier entry points into live performance.

‍

Other notable mentions in the UK include The PRS Foundation (which provides grants like the Women Make Music fund and the PPL Momentum Fund to emerging artists), and Youth Music (which funds grassroots music projects for young people). Each contributes to the mosaic of artist support available. Music industry mentorship is also championed by groups like the Ivors Academy (which partnered with Help Musicians on the Co-Pilot scheme) and the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC), which runs an apprentice mentoring program for new artists. There are even genre-specific and regional showcases – from jazz talent programs to folk music retreats – ensuring that whatever an emerging musician’s style or background, there is likely an initiative out there to help them.

‍

In this landscape, LNPL stands out as a jack-of-all-trades support system – it touches live shows, writing, mentoring, and more – whereas many other orgs specialize in one area (only gigs, only funding, etc.). LNPL’s multi-pronged approach is somewhat reminiscent of the artist development pipelines that used to exist at record labels, but delivered at an independent level and with a community-centric touch. It complements the bigger players: an artist might hone their craft at an LNPL retreat or gig, then leverage something like BBC Introducing or a PRS Foundation grant to reach wider audiences. Together, these organizations create a network of opportunities that independent artists can navigate as they build their careers.

‍

Next Steps for Emerging Artists: How to Get Involved

Live Now Play Later may be a relatively young organization, but it embodies the passion and DIY spirit fueling the independent music scene in the UK. In just a few years, LNPL has built a nurturing ecosystem where emerging musicians can perform to attentive crowds, collaborate in songwriting getaways, receive mentorship, and connect with a supportive community. Its “live now” ethos encourages artists to grab the microphone (or pen) today, rather than waiting on industry gatekeepers – and by doing so, to “play later” on bigger stages or with greater skill. The history, programs, and success stories of LNPL highlight the impact that dedicated grassroots support can have on artistic development.

‍

For readers and aspiring musicians, LNPL’s journey offers both inspiration and a blueprint. It shows that the music industry is not just top-down (with labels and radio deciding who gets heard); it’s also bottom-up, built by collectives of creatives who uplift each other. Organizations like LNPL, along with the others we compared, are vital in this bottom-up infrastructure. They ensure that talent doesn’t slip through the cracks and that independent artists have access to the knowledge, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive.

‍

If you’re an emerging musician in the UK, seeking out these kinds of opportunities could be a game-changer. Attend or perform at a local showcase night (maybe even an LNPL show if you can), apply for that songwriting retreat or workshop, reach out for mentorship – put yourself in the environments where growth happens. Likewise, if you’re a music fan, supporting nights like LNPL can be incredibly rewarding: you’ll discover amazing new music and directly contribute to artists’ careers at a crucial stage.

‍

Live Now Play Later demonstrates that when musicians are given space to create, play, and connect – magic happens. Songs are written, careers are launched, and the music scene as a whole becomes richer and more diverse. In an industry often focused on the next big hit, LNPL is a refreshing reminder that behind every “overnight success” are years of unseen development and community support. Thanks to organizations like LNPL, that support is increasingly available to those who need it. The result? More great music for all of us to enjoy – now and later.

‍

Artist Development FAQ

What does artist development do?

Artist development is about nurturing your creative vision and helping you grow from a bedroom musician to a more polished, confident performer. It is about honing your songwriting chops, refining your stage presence, and learning the ins and outs of the music industry. At Live Now Play Later (LNPL), artist development happens through live showcases, songwriting retreats, and mentorship, giving emerging musicians a supportive launchpad. Instead of jumping in blindly, you get real guidance and community connections that help you navigate everything from gig bookings to song releases.

‍

Is artist development worth it?

Absolutely—especially if you’re tired of playing to half-listening crowds and want to gain genuine feedback. Artist development means sharpening your craft, clarifying your goals, and learning how to market yourself so you can reach the right audience. At LNPL, for instance, artists not only improve their musical skills but also pick up essential “behind the scenes” know-how (like release strategies and networking). This can result in a stronger foundation to grow your career and make your music heard—without feeling lost or overwhelmed.

‍

What does an artist development plan look like?

An artist development plan typically includes a mix of vocal or instrument coaching, image/branding work, release scheduling, and ongoing mentorship. At LNPL, that might look like attending a Write Now Play Later retreat to co-write new material, performing at an intimate showcase to test your live chops, and getting one-on-one guidance on everything from Spotify playlist pitching to social media strategy. The main goal is to ensure your music, presentation, and long-term vision all align, so you can build momentum step by step.

‍

What does an artist development manager do?

An artist development manager is like having someone to guide your personal roadmap for your music career. They help you define your sound, plan releases, and navigate industry hurdles—like setting up brand partnerships or scouting the right producer. At LNPL, the artist management angle is particularly grassroots: the team gets hands-on with emerging musicians, offering tailored support based on each artist’s goals. Whether you need advice on booking shows, budgeting for studio time, or fine-tuning your creative identity, an artist development manager keeps you moving forward—minus the corporate fluff.