Fraser T Smith announces Future Producer Academy to support underrepresented talent
‘I’ve had an unorthodox career journey, and there have been many times when I’d loved to have a more experienced hand in the business sit down and help me understand how things work’
Fraser T Smith has launched a new academy to support budding music producers.
Announced today (April 28), the acclaimed producer and musician has teamed up with music licensing company PPL and the Music Producer Guild with the aim of supporting underrepresented producers to succeed in the music industry.
The academy plans to select promising producers who will work directly with Smith and his network, supported by a “combination of financial backing and unique educational opportunities”.
“I’ve had an unorthodox career journey, and there have been many times when I’d loved to have a more experienced hand in the business sit down and help me understand how things work,” Smith said at last night’s (April 27) Music Producers Guild Awards 2023, where he was presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution to UK Music.
“The idea of the Producer Academy is to do just that – to be the trusted friends who can open their networks and provide sound guidance when it matters most. We work in an amazing, but uneven, industry, and I am excited about this venture with PPL and the MPG to play a part in bringing more diversity into production.”
PPL will be providing access teams across legal, finance, communications and industry engagement to create a “bespoke producer support programme”.
Individual development sessions will focus on topics such as: understanding rights, negotiating production contracts, developing and managing a project budget – including managing risk and understanding the mechanics of fees – advances and royalties.
The foundational training will also look at building a brand through organic and paid avenues, creating content that will resonate with audiences, working with journalists, and building a personal profile.
Natalie Wade, PPL’s director of Music Industry Engagement, said in a press statement: “Working closely with industry partners to build a better music industry is core to what PPL stands for. Partnering with Fraser to support his vision to bring a bespoke programme to life for deserving producers has been a joy.
“It is on all of us to make the music industry a more equitable, diverse and inclusive place in which to work and do business. This programme gets to the heart of making that happen, and we are delighted to be the founding contributors, bringing the expertise of our teams out of the office and into the studio.”
Cameron Craig, Executive Director of the Music Producers Guild, added: “The MPG is proud to be associated with the Fraser T. Smith Future Producer Academy announced when Fraser received his Outstanding Contribution to UK Music Award at the MPG Awards 2023.
“We look forward to working with PPL and Fraser to make this a lasting success, to inspire and champion diversity and creativity for those who wouldn’t normally get the opportunity.”
PPL said interested applicants should “stay tuned” on how to apply.
At the end of March, Smith shared new single ‘Your Love’ featuring Biig Piig from his Future Utopia EP, out June 9 via The Orchard/70Hz.
It follows ‘We Were We Still Are’ with Kae Tempest, released back in January, which marked Smith’s first outing under his Future Utopia moniker in 2023.