Introducing FFWDx: A New Era for FastForward

16 April 2025 - Press release

FFWDxLEEDS to debut on 10th June

 

After a decade of successful global events, music industry economist Chris Carey is launching FFWDx - an evolution of the FastForward (FFWD) music conference. The debut edition, FFWDxLEEDS, will take place on 10th June 2025 at Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen in Leeds, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Music Network (WYMN) and supported by SoundCloud.

Since its inception in 2015, FFWD has championed greater equality and progress across the music industry, delivering 14 events across London, Amsterdam, and Sydney, featuring 750+ speakers and welcoming over 5,000 attendees.

FFWDx marks the next step in the FFWD journey, designed to expand the brand's impact by partnering with like-minded organisations to build a more inclusive, locally connected music ecosystem.

Founder Chris Carey said "We launched FFWD into a crowded marketplace, and it was very innovative at the time. After 10 years of FFWD it is time to innovate again and we are delighted to partner with West Yorkshire Music Network to launch FFWDx in Leeds." 

 

About FFWDxLEEDS
Delivered in partnership with West Yorkshire Music Network, launched by Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin alongside Leeds Conservatoire, Come Play With Me, and CREATEBritain, FFWDxLEEDS aims to bridge the gap between local artists and the wider music industry—without requiring a move to London.

With a focus on supporting career growth from within the region, the event offers networking, knowledge-sharing, and inspiration for anyone committed to building a long-term music career in the North.

"We're really excited to help bring the hugely successful FFWD conference to Leeds as part of its first foray into other cities in the UK. It's great to be able to show the northern regions have a wide array of experts, and that you don't have to move to London to find like minded successful people in the music industry" said Harkirit Boparai Promoter, West Yorkshire Music Network.

 

First Announced Speakers Include:

Eve Horne, Founder, We Are The Unheard Academy

Gus Unger-Hamilton, Artist, alt-J

Julie Weir, Head of Music for Nations, Sony Music

NikNak, DJ and Turntablist

Hazel Savage, CEO, Syntho

Emma Stakes, Director, Reimagine Records

Tabi Gazele, Founder, Butterfly Futures

Josephine Sillars, Artist / West Yorkshire Music Network

Chris Carey, Founder, FFWD

Harkirit Boparai, Promoter / West Yorkshire Music Network

 

Programme Highlights
A full day of keynotes, panels, and solo sessions (FastFifteens) will tackle current challenges and opportunities in music:

 

Keynote
Life Lessons of an Artist, Producer and Activist – Eve Horne
A candid interview covering Eve's journey from artist to producer, including her advocacy with We Are The Unheard and Mothers Write, her experiences as a woman of colour and single parent, and her recent recognition as Music Week Women in Music Roll of Honour.

Eve shared, "I'm delighted to be giving the first keynote at FFWDxLEEDS! I've worked with Chris and FFWD a number of times before and I'm super excited to share my story with the amazing people of Leeds and help drive positive change in West Yorkshire and beyond."

 

Panels

Building Local, Growing Regional, Going International

Managing Dynamics as Artists Grow

Building Communities Around Artists

Growing Music Cities Takes a Village

 

FastFifteens

Key UK Trends

Positive Uses of AI for Artists

Bringing the World's Stars to West Yorkshire

Passion is the Portfolio: Building a Unique Career

Breaking Down the Stigma of Parenthood in Music

 

Tickets on sale now 

Early Bird tickets start from £35(+VAT), available now from 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ffwdxleeds-tickets-1319809177779

 

FFWD and WYMN take financial inclusion seriously and if people cannot afford to attend please reach out to one of the WYMN team or Chris from FFWD to talk about gaining access.