Introducing the Hull Music Board

Hull-born marketing professional with 15+ years’ experience in music, film, and cultural events. He manages campaigns for live music venues, festivals, and promoters, including Social, Humber Street Sesh, and Under The Influence. Damien works across Hull’s creative sector, promoting national and regional talent, developing creative partnerships, and championing Hull’s grassroots scene and live music culture across the North.

“Hull’s music scene has shaped who I am—working in it, going to gigs, watching it grow—so I’m excited to be part of shaping what comes next. The Board feels like a chance to back great ideas, open more doors, and help Hull’s music culture get the recognition it deserves.”

Elle Douglas is the Creative Manager at The Warren Youth Project: the only youth centre in the country that is part of ACE’s National Portfolio; giving young people in the city access to creativity, with a huge focus on developing young artists in grassroots music.

Elle has 13 years experience in the creative industry and worked as a freelance singer after studying musical theatre, performing for companies such at Hard Rock Cafe and Royal Caribbean. Elle still sings in self-developed vintage music shows, mostly performing at public community events and for people living with dementia. 

Elle is excited to be on Hull’s Music Board to advocate for young people and musicians in the city and to ensure, with partners, that Hull’s music scene continues to grow and thrive.

Emily is the Gig Buddies and Campaigns Manager at Hull Red. A charity which aims to reduce social isolation and increase access to music. Emily runs Gig Buddies, a scheme which supports people with learning disabilities to attend gigs and Nice Twice Club, a local campaign working with venues to improve accessibility.

Emily has over 12 years in the music scene as a community musician, specialising in reducing barriers to access music across all forms including, performing, listening and composing. Emily runs an inclusive band called Tuesday Tea Club which delivers improvisation sessions for people with learning disabilities. Emily’s passions are inclusive community led development through music and art, working with various creative techniques to engage and empower communities.

Emily is excited to be on Hull’s Music Board to advocate for inclusion and reducing barriers to accessing music. 

Fágbèmí Ọ̀ṣìnúgà is a cultural curator, marketing strategist and creative entrepreneur committed to platforming African talent in the diaspora. He began his career in Nigeria, working on campaigns for international brands such as Coca-Cola, Heineken, Qatar Airways and Budweiser. After relocating to the UK, he founded Morpheus Multimedia, a marketing consultancy, and launched The Gidi Vibes™ in 2024; a creative events platform dedicated to showcasing African artists across music, comedy, theatre and visual arts.

Through The Gidi Vibes™, Fágbèmí has delivered several landmark events in Hull, including Lasgidi Vibes Afrobeat Showcase (June 2024) at Social on Humber Street, Felabration UK (October 2024) at Ferens Art Gallery and Sauti Sessions, a quarterly live music series. In February 2025, he produced the sold-out Yorkshire debut of comedian Basketmouth’s Yes I Said It tour at the Albemarle Music Centre.

His work is rooted in storytelling, cultural heritage, and community engagement. He served in a voluntary capacity as Curatorial Research Consultant on Echoes of Our Heritage at the William Wilberforce House Museum with the Black Heritage of Hull Collective and also supported the Ferens Art Gallery as a Research Consultant for an exhibition celebrating Afro hair and African identity. In March 2025, he was a panellist at the University of East London’s Making It Work: Migrant Q&A, reflecting his commitment to inclusive cultural narratives and cross-cultural collaboration.

I am a passionate advocate for grassroots music and venues. A commercially successful leader known for building efficient, profitable businesses and        developing creative teams. Committed to sharing skills and experience to support a sustainable future for the music sector in Hull Area (and beyond). 

Aims for the Board – To create an inclusive open and exciting agency that engages with all genres within and without Hull, which becomes a nationally recognised positive environment and region for a thriving music sector. 

My musical journey began learning the French horn with Hull Music Service when it was based in Park Street. I subsequently played in the National Youth Orchestra as well as attending the Junior Department of the Royal College of Music and reading music at Oxford University (Lady Margaret Hall) I worked as a brass teacher, orchestral manager, mastering studio manager and a marketing manager of two IT companies before I was appointed Projects & Activities Manager for Hertfordshire Music Service in 2003. I became Head of Hertfordshire Music Service in 2007. I was elected as a Music Mark (UK Association for Music Education) Trustee in 2016 and served as Chair 2017-2023. I returned to Hull in 2018 as Head of Hull Music Service, based in the Albemarle Music Centre. In September 2024 Hull Music Service became Lead Partner for the Humber Music Hub. My team of 42 instrumental teachers and I are committed to “putting music at the heart of Hull.” I am also a Trustee of Yorkshire Young Musicians and The Warren Youth Project.

Born and raised in Hull, James is currently the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Chrysalis Records, where he leads on global marketing campaigns for a diverse roster of artists such as Laura Marling, Marika Hackman and De La Soul. With over 15 years in the music industry, he’s gained a trusted reputation and strong network, built on delivering award-winning campaigns that blend creative storytelling with strategic and commercial impact.

Once a former musician and club promoter in Hull’s own vibrant scene, he brings both homegrown grassroots experience and global industry insight. Passionate about developing the next wave of talent and helping shape the future of the industry, he’s proud to give back to the city that shaped his journey.

Jenni is a creative director, lifelong champion of Hull’s music and DIY spirit, and a local gig goer. She’s toured and collaborated across the UK creative sectors, working with clients from grassroots projects to internationally known names. Locally, she represents Hull for Independent Venue Week, co-leads Hull Music Net, and mentors local creatives to elevate visions and opportunities.

“Hull already has the creativity, grit, and raw talent, what we need now is the infrastructure and backing to match it. I’ve been around the UK and the people who know Hull already know it’s mint, we are just often overlooked and underestimated by those who don’t care to pay attention. We have something real here. This board is one of the first steps to show the world we’re serious about building a real music industry, one that creates lasting opportunities, raises the bar, and proves we are well worth paying attention to.”

Sam is the General Manager of Connexin Live in Hull and has worked with ASM Global for the past nine years, operating both York Barbican and Connexin Live. With over a decade of experience in venue management and live event production, Sam’s background includes leading operations at major UK venues and working on international festivals. His strategic insight and commitment to supporting local talent make him a valuable addition to the Hull Music Board, where he contributes to shaping a thriving, inclusive music scene for the city.

Sarah Shiels is a music venue director and creative practitioner working across Hull and Yorkshire. A Director at The New Adelphi Club CIC and an active musician, she works for Hull Culture and Leisure, supporting the development of music, learning and culture across the city.

Sarah is passionate about embedding music at the heart of Hull’s cultural identity, recognising its role in placemaking, wellbeing and collective expression. Through venue leadership, project delivery and creative practice, she champions independent artists, promoters and community-led initiatives, helping to strengthen pathways for participation and progression at all levels. 

Rob feels honoured to live in Hull and has had a varied career, from starting out working in retail, working as a nurse, bank clerk, chief officer of several voluntary and community organisations, and now a City Councillor.

Rob believes everyone needs beauty in their lives and strives to make this a reality, in 2016 he became a HEY volunteer to be part of Hull’s City of Culture year, which brought about a renewed desire to be involved in the creative sector in Hull.

Rob has a passion for his city and loves being involved in making it a better place to live. He loves the arts in all its forms and feels privileged to be the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, where he gets to meet amazing people from around the city and beyond. Recently he has been involved in the creation of Hull’s cultural strategy and Hull’s application to be a UNESCO creative City.