30 Under 30: Music Industry Creatives Making Waves Right Now

Over the years, there have been numerous never-quite-spot-on-but-always-well-intentioned captures of young professionals making inroads behind-the-scenes in the British music industry.

Taking into consideration the cultural capital of the musical landscape today, there's really no credible reason a snapshot of "the future" should look like The Brady Bunch. Putting aside any racial blindspots that may be in place, and with all due respect to those placed, there also seems to be an altogether old school stance and approach to some of these selections. Ignoring names pushing the boundaries of creativity and capability behind the scenes, in multi-faceted, non-traditional guises, time and time again there's a refusal to realise that the music industry's lifeblood doesn't only run within strategic corporate sit-downs and under company email signatures.

Failure to properly position ears to the ground and on the heartbeat of the source is a criticism often levelled in regards to scouting for acts, and now, in regards to the changing nature of its own quarters, the industry's deciders and gatekeepers appear horribly out of touch. In an effort to help right these wrongs, Complex has put together a list that better represents the look of our music game today. This is 30 Under 30: Music Industry Creatives Making Waves Right Now.

Job title: Director, SighTracked / Presenter, 1Xtra

Age: 25

Twitter: @SianAnderson

You might only know Sian Anderson from her weekly show on BBC Radio 1Xtra, but there's so much more to her than that. As well as dominating the airwaves, she also runs her own PR agency, SighTracked, and regularly pens gripping articles for the likes of RWD, Noisey and The FADER. In her monthly column for the latter, Sian has made it her business to issue the final word on the most-debated issues in the music industry; from the rise of pirate radio, to pop stars jumping on the grime bandwagon.

Job title: Founder, Boiler Room

Age: 29

Twitter: @blaisebellville

Previously acknowledged by Rolling Stone as one of the 50 most important people in EDM, Blaise Bellville (a former magazine editor) revolutionised the online music game when he founded Boiler Room in 2010—the premiership of live streaming. As a man who respects the culture of music and demonstrates a real understanding of the hardship endured by homegrown talent, Bellville puts his money where his mouth is. With projects based on real passion and relationships, this man cannot lose.

Job title: CEO, Link Up TV

Age: 28

Twitter: @rashidkasirye

Founder and brainchild of the now well-established Link Up TV, Rashid Kasirye has been at the forefront of promoting unsigned and emerging talent for the last few years. Now amassing over 1 million likes on Facebook and nearly the same amount of subscribers, Link Up have featured artists such as Wretch 32, Section Boyz and Skrapz in their videos. They continue to be the go-to channel for various Chip beefs and continually put out the best grime and rap tunes coming out of the UK, with J Hus, WSTRN and MoStack among those utilising the channel's seriously huge reach.

Job title: Founder, British Values

Age: 28

Twitter: @Kieran_Yates

A freelance writer and documentary maker with a penchant for music and politics, Kieran Yates' work can be seen in Dazed, NME, The FADER and more. Yates, 28, is co-author of Generation Vexed, publisher of new magazine British Values and former co-host of The Guardian Music Weekly podcast. Having recently been nominated for Culture Writer Of The Year at the Words By Women Awards, launching a print publication in a digital era is a very bold move. But bold moves are what generally win.

Job title: Freelance Photographer

Age: 23

Twitter: @ashleyverse

Whether he's by the side of a stage, a catwalk, or behind the camera at a video shoot, when iconic moments go down, you can be sure Ashley Verse isn't too far from the action. Instrumental in the early visual success of Stormzy, Ashley has progressed to shooting live and editorial content for the likes of British GQ and us here at Complex HQ. Everyone from Chip and Frisco to Drake and Future are noted fans of his work.

Job title: Freelance Photographer

Age: 19

Twitter: @vickygrout

Having captured some iconic moments over the last few years (check her editorial work or shots of Skepta and Lord Of The Mics as evidence), the still-teenage Vicky Grout isn't afraid to shoot on 35mm film (now commonly regarded as a dying art form) and the results are timeless. With skills superior to many of her peers, Grout's ability to be at the right place at the right time won't go amiss. Already scoring accolades for her editorial and fashion work, she's a go-to photographer if you want the right results first time round.

Job title: Presenter, Beats 1

Age: 27

Twitter: @JulieAdenuga

From working at an Apple Store in London, to becoming a global face of Apple's Beats 1 Radio, Julie Adenuga's previous low-key approach has been well and truly upended. With musical genius running through the whole Adenuga bloodline, Julie initially emerged as a presenter and then a DJ on Rinse FM. Recently partnering with Sian Anderson in establishing youth program, One True Calling, the aim is to further arm young Brits (16-24) with the tools to embark on a healthy media career. The future for Julie appears to be very bright indeed.

Job title: Founder, Radar Radio

Age: 25

Twitter: @ollie_radar

Ever since Radar Radio first aired on October 31, 2014 (at 8pm), the station's founder Ollie has built it into something of a broadcasting giant. No longer the outsider, London's No. 1 underground music station now boasts some of the most progressive radio shows in existence. In fact, if you want to hear a 10-man MC set live on radio, uncensored, you'll probably find yourself on Radar's website.

Job title: Director, Official Media PR

Age: 26

Twitter: @LilzOfficial

Lilz is a trusted name in the worlds of grime and UK rap. Working tirelessly on campaigns for Eskimo Dance and house parties such as Audiowhore, she's been instrumental in the careers of DVS, Fekky, Stylo G, Blade Brown, Crazy Cousinz—and the list goes on. Mastering her craft of PR and marketing at ILUVLIVE six years ago, Lilz churned out line-ups that included Ed Sheeran, Krept & Konan, Wretch 32 and pretty much every urban act before they went platinum. Previously a columnist for DJ Mag and MAXIM—and working on advertorials for JD Sports and RWD—this south London gal has had her fingers in many successful pies.

Job title: Photographer, Places + Faces

Age: 23

Twitter: @BIG_IMS

Along with co-founder Soulz (Boyede), Imran Ciesay has built Places + Faces into a photography platform covering music, fashion and lifestyle all over the globe. It's not just a case of right place, right time (although that helps), Ciesay's photography is marked out because of his use of film, forcing him to be decisive and focusing as much on the situation and atmosphere as the subject. Having grabbed memorable shots of Kanye West (smiling), A$AP Rocky, Big Sean, Skepta and more, it's kinda hard to believe P+F has only been around for a little over two years.

Job title: Head of A&R, Method Music

Age: 26

Twitter: @crueljamila

Having risen through the A&R ranks after starting out as a management assistant, Jamila Scott was poached from Polydor by team Disclosure to head up A&R at Method Music. And did we mention she's only 26 years young? Renowned for her talent spotting—and nurturing—Scott's currently developing a roster of talent that will set the tone for years to come.

Job title: Promoter — Eskimo Dance, Audiowhore, Siesta, Malia Live

Age: 29

Twitter: @stevencee_

Over a decade ago Steven Cee was distributing Wiley's early vinyl releases, now he's the face of Eskimo Dance having resurrected the dance. With a sold out tour, his house nights are continuously growing too. A lack of consistent grime events led to the genre's initial demise, but with promoters like Cheeky at the forefront—and its culture—the sound can continue to flourish.

Job title: Editor, GRM Daily / A&R Manager, XL Recordings

Age: 21

Twitter: @carolinesm

Passionate about helping to breed the new wave of artists through the underground, Caroline SM started her journey by becoming the Editor of online platform GRM Daily last year. Embodying the nature of the modern-day creative, CSM has connected and weaved her way forward ever since, fronting #NewGenRadio on Radar Radio and frequently running #NewGenLive events in the capital. Most recently taking on a new role at XL as A&R Manager, there's surely some promising developments ahead.

Job title: Founder, Eton Messy

Age: 27

Twitter: @blondesound

Born as a YouTube channel in 2011 for then-student Adam Englefield to share tunes he liked, Eton Messy is now synonymous with big club nights and breaking new DJ and electronic talent whether it's through the channel, events or the record label. Did we mention Bristol's Englefield is also half of production duo Blonde? Unlike many YouTube channels, Englefield was able to develop a brand that holds weight across online and offline space. Having built up his business with fellow friends Charlie Wedd and Ed Byass, realness wins—and will continue to do so.

Job title: Manager, WSTRN & Donae'O / A&R Consultant, Sony

Age: 28

Twitter: @MorganKeyz

Initially known by many as the go-to man behind the camera for SBTV, Morgan Keyz moved into management, with current act WSTRN easily one of the most surprising success stories of 2015. Morgan has also taken on an A&R role at Epic/Sony, highlighting a positive move by a record label in positioning adequate talent-finders and tastemakers where they need to be.

Job title: Founder, NANG / Presenter, Radar Radio

Age: 25

Twitter: @RalphHardy

In a seemingly short space of time, Ralph Hardy has managed to cram his many talents into a wealth of avenues. Formerly a columnist for RWD, the DJ and music curator hosts NangSelection each and every week on Radar Radio. Revealing the ambitious mission behind NANG (his new music platform and club night), Hardy says the overall aim is "to continue to cultivate and curate a sound hub to progress into a tastemaker's lifestyle for music."

Job title: Director, Wired PR

Age: 26

Twitter: @missrcc

Along with her equally dynamic team (Joss Meek, Corrie Parris), Rachel Campbell runs the music PR firm Wired—notching various successes with the likes of Stormzy, Nick Brewer, and Little Simz. More recently, Rachel has moved onto Atlantic Records, continuing with the unenviable task of keeping a watchful eye on independent and signed talent not only in Britain, but also around the world.

Job title: Journalist, VICE

Age: 26

Twitter: @thugclive

VICE writer and presenter Clive Martin's influence on the developing conscious of next gen UK is profound and wide reaching. Relatable and informed, his ability to speak about complex political and cultural issues with clarity—underpinned by his distinct, dry humour—is unique and effective. The content Clive generates for VICE regularly invites the greatest number of hits (and controversy) to the website. His ability to predict what interests his contemporary cohort of late 20s to 30s accurately represents real life, completely stripped of censorship or ego. A rare feat in journalism.

Job title: Presenter, 1Xtra / A&R Consultant, Parlophone

Age: 28

Twitter: @AmplifyDot

In the advent of a short-lived musical career, A Dot made the surprisingly bold decision to remain within the industry but to explore different avenues. A move that has clearly paid off, she now hosts weekly shows on BBC Radio 1Xtra, works as an A&R consultant for Parlophone, and manages to still keep us entertained on a daily basis with her LOL-inducing Twitter feeds.

Job title: Associate Editor, Noisey

Age: 24

Twitter: @ryanbassil

Ryan Bassil has made a solid ascent in music writing in the past 4 years. After starting Decibel Soup back in 2012, he went on to freelance for various platforms before interning at Noisey. He has gradually been building up a strong portfolio of globally-read features whilst climbing the ranks from Staff Writer to Assistant Editor, before becoming Associate Editor of Noisey earlier this month. Bassil has penned articles on everything from Japanese house to Kendrick Lamar and grime, as well as an important piece on mental health in the music industry. Alongside his 9-5, he also manages artists and runs his own record label, One Time Recordings. 2016 is already his.

Job title: Associate Editor, The FADER

Age: 24

Twitter: @aimeecliff

Aimee Cliff has been steadily killing it on the music scene since becoming Editor of DUMMY at 21. She went on to work there for a year, before freelance writing for Dazed, VICE, Red Bull, Complex and The FADER about music and eloquent insight into gender in pop culture. She also wrote the intimate world exclusive interview with Shia Labeouf with Dazed (which was massive), where she was also Music Editor for a short period of time. Now aged 24, she remains passionate about bringing women in the music industry to prominence as the first full-time employee of The FADER outside the US. Aimee currently works there as the Associate Editor whilst co-hosting the excellent Angel Food show on Radar with E.M.M.A.

Job title: CEOs, Butterz Records

Ages: 28

Twitter: @Eli1ah / @Skilliam

As founders and CEOs of Butterz, Elijah & Skilliam have put out some landmark records in their time. Terror Danjah, Flava D, Royal-T (and t q d, of course) and Trim have all featured in the outfit's impressive catalogue, but their lot in life isn't limited to simply releasing records from the UK's finest. They've also become one of grime's biggest exporters. The States' current infatuation with the sound can, at least in part, be attributed to the duo's trips to New York and alliance with DJ Shiftee (check out the two very excellent mixtapes Elijah and Shiftee made) several years ago. They played a huge role in laying the groundwork there and now they've got their sights set on Japan with a solid outpost already set up and a lot of YouTube and Instagram footage chronicling the unmitigated successes they've had. Expect Butterz Russia, Butterz Zimbabwe and Butterz Brazil (probably) very soon.

Job title: Presenter, NTS / DJ, Boiler Room / Promoter, Cherryade

Age: 26

Twitter: @siobhanbell_

Currently one of the most in-demand DJs in the scene playing alongside the likes of Post Malone, Skepta and A$AP Mob, Siobhan Bell started her career in the industry working in Birdman's office on behalf of Cash Money Records. The East LDN beat-maker and slick mixer fuses all the best sounds coming out of the UK, US and further afield. She's played all over the world and continues to "think big" in both her effortless style and sets on NTS.

Job title: Co-founder, Pressd PR / Broadcaster, Radar Radio

Age: 21

Twitter: @tiffanycalver

Tiffany Calver is a 21-year-old with a bright future. She's a PR, DJ and journalist on the rise and has worked with names such as Father, Sango, and Soulection. Tiffany decided to get into the scene to inspire more black women to "be whatever the fuck they want", and particularly for them to get involved in television and radio. Her own successful YouTube channel, events brand M&O and show on Radar Radio showcase her talent on the regular and continue to highlight her ascension to the top of the industry.

Job title: Publisher, Viper Magazine / Broadcaster, Rinse FM + Beats 1 Radio

Age: 28

Twitter: @LilyMercer

Lily Mercer impressively emblazoned the first three copies of her hip-hop mag, Viper, with Darq E Freaker, Kali Uchis and Schoolboy Q. Irreverent, determined and uniquely creative, the north London music fan and critic hosts her own weekly Rinse FM show every Monday from 1-3am, chatting mainly about good beats and tomorrow's next best thing. She's also a regular on Apple's Beats 1 Radio. Writing for a variety of creative online platforms, profiling high-brow and leftfield talent, Mary J. Blige, Pete Rock and Wu-Tang have all been grilled by the young, wise, cultural activist. Lily's focus is on promoting the important voices of the future and speaking out against inequality across cultural boundaries.

Job title: Founder, GetMe!

Age: 28

Twitter: @thisisgetme

Alex Hislop is the man behind GetMe!—the alternative club night hailing from a small room at The Globe in Ladbroke Grove, which now also serves as a label imprint. The area's rich musical heritage served as inspiration for Alex's sonically eclectic night, with GetMe! playing host to an array of household names from across the musical spectrum such as The xx, King Krule and Julio Bashmore. After a decade at the focal point of GetMe!, Hislop has released EPs on his label under his alias Lixo, which offers various shades of techno, house and electronica. The results are both evocative and compelling, and with several NTS shows and releases on the way, 2016 looks set to be another big year.

Job title: CEO, Coyote Records

Age: 27

Twitter: @YesTomas

Being a music journalist and starting a label in 2016 may seem like a lunatic move but, through authoritative writing and shrewd label signings, Tomas Fraser has proved there's life in both mediums. Having written for FACT, Crack, The Quietus, Dummy and more, he quickly turned his attention to releasing, rather than critiquing, music. Coyote Records hasn't wasted any time in rising from tiny bedroom label to full-blown paragon of quality, due pretty much exclusively to Tomas' hard work. Ostensibly catering to the "instrumental grime with bits of trance, IDM, hip-hop, R&B and some other stuff" crowd, Coyote Records have managed to forge a strong identity by releasing memorable records from Last Japan, T_A_M, TS7, Chemist (of Silk Road Assassins fame) and Tom E. Vercetti. And don't even get us started on Spokes' "Green Eyes" or Letta's debut album, Testimony.

Job title: Co-founder, License 2 Trill

Age: 28

Twitter: @NickBam

Nick Bam is co-founder of the iconic underground club night, License 2 Trill. Promoting to raucous crowds all over London each month, his consistently upbeat and energetic take on event promotion is original and super-infectious. As one of the founding members of cloud rap crew Piff Gang, Nick's prominent voice in emerging culture is regarded as important to next generation talent as his father, Baz Bamigboye (Daily Mail), is to the mainstream. Booking talent for Channel 4 music shows, Nick started out his career working as an assistant at XL, which led to him consulting across various media platforms for brands including adidas, Lemonade Money and Partizan. Writing, broadcasting, promoting and raving, Nick is a lover of good times.

Job title: Producer, Bala Club

Age: 22

Twitter: @Kamixlo

Kamixlo is the producer and DJ behind Bala Club, which he runs with an ardent desire to encourage freedom and a spirit of "anti-dickheadness." His night is expressive and spontaneous, having come out after wanting to run something on his own rather than going to other people's nights. Bala Club has a distinct Latin-American flavour within the brutal-yet-brilliant reggaeton sounds that have soared in recent popularity. Kamixlo is at the forefront of bringing some of the freshest and eclectic vibes to London club music.

Job title: Creative Director, PC Music / Music Editor, DIS Magazine

Age: 24

Instagram: @finnmactaggart

As well as being cited by LOGO magazine as a style icon, Finn Diesel is the strongly named Music Editor of DiS Magazine. Along with childhood friend A.G Cook, he helps run the PC Music label too, which has generated ongoing hype in the last few years with their post-internet aesthetic and mesmerising electronic sounds. He hosts a regular DIS x Rinse FM radio show which has featured the likes of SOPHIE, Mssingno and Arca, and continues to stretch the boundaries in the scene with his style, sound and direction.