Last night, iconic London youth charity and venue the Roundhouse joined forces with Spotify to host the second annual Spotlight Session. The electrifying live showcase celebrated young emerging artists, helping them forge meaningful connections directly with the music industry.
Held in the Roundhouse’s Davey Studio, the intimate showcase provided an invaluable live platform for six standout Roundhouse Creative Studio Members. Performing to a packed room of friends, family, and peers, the artists also debuted their talents in front of influential music industry executives from across Spotify and the Roundhouse’s global networks.
The evening offered industry insiders a front-row seat to the next generation of musical talent while serving as a collaborative space for peers and tastemakers to connect and discover fresh talent.
The showcase marks the latest milestone in Spotify’s ongoing commitment as Principal Partner of the Roundhouse Creative Studios Membership. Situated directly beneath the venue’s main stage, the Creative Studios offer 13–25-year-olds affordable access to world-class rehearsal spaces, production facilities, professional mentorship, and pastoral support.
With studio hire starting from just £1 per hour, alongside dedicated bursaries covering travel and food costs for those in need, the partnership directly supports the Roundhouse’s work in addressing socio-economic barriers in the arts and opens creative pathways to young people from all backgrounds.
The Spotlight Session underscored this shared mission, delivering an inspiring showcase of grassroots artistry that highlights the vital importance of sustained creative funding and industry mentorship.
The evening also saw the launch of Spotify’s new official editorial playlist Spotlight on: Roundhouse, which has been curated by Spotify’s editors to highlight the most exciting tracks from past and present participants of the Roundhouse youth programme.
The Spotlight Session comes off the back of the Roundhouse and Spotify winning Collaboration of the Year at the London Youth Awards in early November. Spotify has also extended their support of the Creative Studios for another year, allowing the Roundhouse to continue driving impact and providing access to the music industry for young creatives.
Michaela Greene, Director of Partnerships and Impact, said: “We’re so proud to have hosted another fantastic Spotlight Session through our award-winning partnership with Spotify. It’s always a delight to see the incredible work that happens in our Creative Studios and watch young musicians forge real connections with industry professionals. At a time when entering the creative sector can feel harder to access than ever, these sessions are just one of the many ways we’re opening up meaningful access to the creative industries for young people. A huge thanks to our partners at Spotify for their incredible support and commitment to our mission.”
Andy Sloan Vincent, Managing Director, Spotify UK, Ireland and Netherlands, said: “The Spotlight Session evenings are always such a beautiful representation of the work that the team at Roundhouse does every single day. It’s a privilege to be able to play a part in helping bring those to life.”
Ella Crossland of Candar., who performed on the night, said: “It’s so good to have a space to play, to try out new stuff, and to get exposure to people that you might not have before. It’s amazing. We love the Roundhouse.”
Bandmate Finn McAuley added: “So much stuff is online. So actually being able to see these people in person and shake hands and give each other hugs and see each other play, it’s so great. It brings things into the real world. We tell all our friends to come and get involved with the Roundhouse, because it’s been an absolute lifesaver for us.”
For more information and donations, visit www.roundhouse.org.uk.
To listen to the Spotlight On: Roundhouse playlist, visit https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWZW8xOxe4RZ2
