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LGBTIQ+ List 2021: Remembering this year’s queer pioneers

This year, IQ Magazine launched the LGBTIQ+ List 2021 – the first annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business.

The landmark list was the jewel in the crown of IQs first-ever Pride edition, which was published on Monday (28 June) and followed our Loud and Proud agency-curated playlist.

The 20 individuals comprising the LGBTIQ+ List 2021, as nominated by our readers and verified by our esteemed steering committee, are individuals that have gone above and beyond to wave the flag for an industry that we can all be proud of.

The inaugural cohort comprised agents, promoters, COOs, CEOs, event producers, wellness specialists, tour managers and more, all of whom identify as LGBTIQ+ and, in the face of adversity, have made enormous contributions to their respective sectors.

“IQ received an unbelievable amount of heartwarming testimonials”

In no particular order, the LGBTIQ+ List 2021 is:

Steven Braines, co-founder, He.She.They (UK). Full profile here.
Sean Hill, director of tour marketing, UTA (UK). Full profile here.
Zoe Williamson, agent, UTA (US). Full profile here.
Will Larnach-Jones, managing director/head of bookings, Iceland Airwaves (IE). Full profile here.
Raven Twigg, promoter assistant, Metropolis Music/founder, Women Connect (UK). Full profile here.
Nadu Placca, global event & experience architect, The Zoo XYZ (UK). Full profile here.
Maxie Gedge, Keychange project manager, PRS Foundation (UK). Full profile here.
Mark Fletcher, CEO, Manchester Pride (UK). Full profile here.
Maddie Arnold, associate promoter, Live Nation (UK). Full profile here.
Lauren Kirkpatrick, promoter assistant, DF Concerts (UK). Full profile here.
Laura Nagtegaal, guitar technician and tour manager, MsGyver (NL). Full profile here.
Joanne Croxford, wellness + diversity specialist/ live touring/ tour assistant (UK)
James Murphy, chief operating officer North America, See Tickets (US). Full profile here.
Guy Howes, music partnerships executive, CAA (UK). Full profile here.
Doug Smith, SVP field operations UK & Ireland, Ticketmaster (UK). Full profile here.
Chris Ibbs, agent, CAA (UK). Full profile here.
Leigh Millhauser, coordinator, Wasserman Music (US). Full profile here.
Austin Sarich, director of touring, Live Nation (US). Full profile here.
Daniel Brown, event producer/programmer, Birmingham Pride (UK). Full profile here.
Rauha Kyyrö, head promoter, Fullsteam Agency (FI). Full profile here.

“I never imagined I’d be so thrilled to see my inbox soar into triple digits – that is until we opened nominations for the LGBTIQ+ List 2021,” says IQ staff writer Lisa Henderson, who guest-edited the Pride issue. “We received an unbelievable amount of heartwarming testimonials from across the business but, thanks to the help of our revered steering committee, we’ve ended up with 20 exemplary individuals who continually prove that diversity is the industry’s greatest strength.”

Subscribers can read the entire Pride edition (issue 101) of IQ Magazine now.

Click here to subscribe to IQ for just £5.99 a month – or check out what you’re missing out on with the limited preview below:

 


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The LGBTIQ+ List 2021: Sean Hill, UTA

The LGBTIQ+ List 2021 – IQ’s first annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business – was published in the inaugural Pride edition (issue 101) this month.

The 20 individuals comprising the LGBTIQ+ List 2021, as nominated by our readers and verified by our esteemed steering committee, have gone above and beyond to wave the flag for an industry that we can all be proud of.

To get to know this year’s queer pioneers a little better, IQ asked each individual to share their challenges, triumphs, advice and more. Each day this month, we’ll publish a new interview with an individual on the LGBTIQ+ List 2021. Catch up on the previous interview with Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride in the UK here.

 


Sean Hill
him/he/his
Director of tour marketing, UTA
London, UK
Uk.linkedin.com/in/hillsean

Tell us about a personal triumph in your career.
Managing and leading the promotional strategy for the Swedish House Mafia reunion in 2013 was an incredible moment in my career. It was a combination of ground-breaking experiential marketing, creative partnerships, visual artistry and a jaw-dropping live headline performance.

What advice could you give for young queer professionals?
Persevere and never give up. I have had many rejections on my journey but you can’t lose focus of what it is you want to achieve. I believe anyone can accomplish anything they want if they are determined.

Tell us about a professional challenge you often come across as a queer person.
For me, it’s just the simple ignorant comments or stereotypes. “That’s so gay” or “I’m surprised you’re into that.” I think those remarks stem from insensitivity, ignorance or a lack of personal experience with the LGBTQIA+ community.

What one thing could the industry do to be more inclusive?
Give more people a chance and widen the recruitment pool. Look in new places.

“I have had many rejections on my journey but you can’t lose focus of what it is you want to achieve”

A cause you support.
AKT, a charity for LGBTQIA+ youth who are homeless or living in a hostile environment.

What does the near future of the industry look like?
More women and individuals from under-represented communities in powerful roles.

How could the industry build back better, post-pandemic?
Innovation! Let’s not go back to our old ways. It’s time to shake things up. I feel the pandemic has taught us a lot and we need to learn from that. I love that we are now using digital and mobile to improve the customer experience at events.

People of all ages are coming online to purchase mobile tickets, which reduces the impact on the environment, decreases queuing times and makes everything available to you at the click of a button… even a drink during the interval at your favourite show!

 


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UTA continues London expansion with new hire

Talent and entertainment company United Talent Agency (UTA) has appointed marketing expert Sean Hill to its music division in London.

Hill joins the agency as director of tour marketing and will focus on promotional initiatives for UTA’s music clients worldwide, excluding the Americas.

“We are thrilled to have Sean join our expanding global team,” says Eddie Clemens, head of tour marketing for UTA. “His wealth of experience working on marketing initiatives across both labels and management is hugely beneficial to the new role and we look forward to being able to add value to our clients’ campaigns out of the London office.”

“[Hill’s] wealth of experience working on marketing initiatives across both labels and management is hugely beneficial to the new role”

Hill has spent the last five years working at ATM Artists (Amy Thomson), initially in the role of head of digital. In this position, Hill worked across the company’s live agency and artists management divisions to provide digital and social strategy to artists including Swedish House Mafia, Alesso and Axwell Ingrosso.

Following ATM Artists’ acquisition by Azoff MSG Entertainment in 2014, Hill relocated to Los Angeles to set up the company’s US office. Returning to London in 2016, Hill took on the position of head of marketing, overseeing all tour marketing, recorded music marketing and partnerships.

Prior to ATM, Hill worked for music promotions company Lucid Group, which was acquired by Sony Music Entertainment in 2010.

UTA Music’s roster includes the Spice Girls, Mariah Carey, Craig David, Foals, Pink Floyd, Ringo Starr, Post Malone, Brian Wilson, Muse, Christine & The Queens, Underworld and many more.

 


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