Success on your own terms
Leeds Artist Development Day, October 2026
“Jazz North brings together a sometimes fragmented northern network of jazz people in such a helpful and beautiful way”
Our Leeds Artist Development Day took place at The Attic and was delivered in partnership with Jazz Leeds and Leeds Jazz Festival. The focus was ‘Success on your own terms’ with the sessions aimed at mid-career artists. We wanted to give this often overlooked demographic a well-deserved boost, reminding them that there isn’t just one single definition of success and identifying resources to help navigate an ever changing music industry. Throughout the day attendees had the opportunity to jam, make connections and hear from industry experts.
A panel discussion facilitated by Heather Spencer offered an insight into the varied career pathways shaping the north's jazz scene, with a special focus on Leeds, Sheffield, and Newcastle.
Building northern ecosystems
A panel discussion facilitated by Heather Spencer - offered an insight into the varied career pathways shaping the north's jazz scene, with a special focus on Leeds, Sheffield, and Newcastle. The panel consisted of Nicola Farnon (acclaimed singer songwriter, double bassist), Hannabiell Sanders (multi-instrumentalist, composer and activist), Kieron Ferries (Festival Coordinator at Leeds Jazz Festival, programme coordinator at Music:Leeds) and Steve Crocker (programmer at Jazz Leeds).
Our host city Leeds was identified as having a really healthy, vibrant, creative scene but not always getting the recognition that it deserved. During the panel, speakers highlighted the importance of creating your own opportunities and safe, cultural spaces. Crucially, they emphasised that musicians need fair compensation, genuine mentorship, and sustainable practices to truly thrive rather than just survive.
Participants’ jam session
“A great event, full of insights and thoughtful discussions with knowledgeable people - all delivered in an accessible way and welcoming atmosphere”
Jeni Illingworth
Two interactive workshop sessions - Make marketing work for you delivered by Jeni Illingworth and Getting gigs delivered by Steve Mead - encouraged participants to reflect on their own musical journeys and ways to move forward. Jeni spoke of the importance of being authentic and how your personality, artistic goals, audience and capacity impact on your social media presence. She emphasised that building a bank of assets can help to make marketing feel less stressful and more sustainable. Steve identified 3 key ingredients needed for success as an artist and how these all need to be visible to a promoter when applying for a gig.
3 key ingredients for success as an artist
MISSION - define your mission and stay on it
GROWTH - feed yourself and encourage others to grow
JOY - find joy in your process and people
Steve Mead encouraged artists to reflect on their own musical journeys and ways to move forward.
Our special guest was Stan Woodward, bass player and composer from the Mercury Prize nominated band Knats. Stan spoke to Helena Summerfield about growing up in Newcastle, its music scene, moving to London and Knats’ evolving ‘Geordie jazz’ sound. Stan’s honesty, passion and drive were evident throughout his interview. He shared that he is currently working on Knat’s 3rd album and that the band will be touring the US next year. Closer to home, Knats will be starting a Tomorrow’s Warriors style monthly project at the Glasshouse in Gateshead. These activities will be free so that there is no financial barrier for young musicians to attend and show them that it is possible to pursue a career in music.
The day ended with a jam session giving participants the opportunity to play with Stan or just sit back and enjoy the vibe.
Stan Woodward at the jam session playing his 1960’s Gibson EB-0 bass
“This event reminded me what my mission is, what next steps to take in order to get where I want to be and above all, it reminded me that the main reason why I’m not where I want to be yet, is solely because of myself! ”
Photography: Nigel Slee