MUSIC INDUSTRY INSIDER

Saskhia Menendez: Helping Diversity Ripple Through The Music Industry

Learn More On This Music Marketer & Manager Bringing Representation In Music

SASKHIA HAS RECENTLY GRADUATED FROM TILEYARD EDUCATION, STUDYING INTERNATIONAL MUSIC MARKETING WHICH SHE HAS JUST GRADUATED IN WITH A DISTINCTION. SHE IS EXTREMELY PROACTIVE WITH A STRONG PASSION FOR MUSIC CREATIVITY, MUSIC MARKETING, BRANDING, ARTIST DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY BUILDING, EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND THE WIDER CREATIVE INDUSTRIES. A SELF-STARTER THAT'S HIGHLY RESILIENT, AND A LADY THAT DOESN'T GET DISCOURAGED EASILY, HIGHLY MOTIVATED WITH A GREAT PERSONALITY AND POSITIVE CAN-DO ATTITUDE.

SASKHIA REALLY ENJOYS MEETING LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE IN THE ENTERTAINMENTS INDUSTRY AND FINDS IT EXTREMELY INSPIRING. SHE ATTENDS A VARIETY OF MUSIC INDUSTRY CONFERENCES AND TALKS AND IS ALWAYS WELL-INFORMED ON CURRENT ISSUES, TRENDS, AND LEGAL ISSUES, WITHIN THE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRIES.

Why is fostering a positive culture in the music industry important to you?

I am passionate about equality, diversity, and inclusion and enjoy representing unheard and underrepresented voices in the music and entertainment industries.

My main aims and motivations are to help diversify the music industry landscape, as well as help improve representation, and access, as well as help educate and inform others of the barriers certain groups face.

I love helping artists form campaigns, and marketing personas and improve in terms of artistic development, and commercial success. For this reason, I am looking to form a company to help represent unheard voices and offer music marketing, artist development, and management advice. I am currently managing dance/ electronic house artists, but I am looking to form the first commercial transgender girl band in the UK!

What’s the story behind how you got to where you are today?

Being a transgender music professional has come with barriers and challenges. I help inform and educate others on Barrie’s people from underrepresented and unheard communities face across the U.K.

What’s your day-to-day like?

Mentoring, informing, educating, Attending conferences and events, collaborating with other professionals, and issues around equality and diversity.

What's your favorite success story or moment when you knew you had to pursue a career in music?

My MA in International Music Marketing with Distinction and forming the first commercial trans girl group

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome to be where you are today?

To be honest, confidence and funding!

How do you want to be recognized or remembered as?

Like someone who helped to diversify the music industry landscape

What are your top 3 favorite artists or musical influences and why?

Missy Elliott - for her all-around talent and abilities.

Pharell Williams - same as above.

Prince - for his diverse musical abilities.

What’s one piece of advice you could tell the readers that could impact their lives?

Follow your dreams, stay true to yourself, and don’t ever give up. Stay resilient.

What's the best advice for people who want to contact you or approach other artists/professionals in the industry?

Be polite and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

HER PODCAST

"MUSIC INDUSTRY INSIGHTS WORLDWIDE VOL.2"

ABOUT EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS COMING OUT IN FEBRUARY

VOLUME 1 IS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PLATFORMS

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