This Music Exec Is Shaking Up The Industry From The Inside

Right now, we’re seeing individuality celebrated in every way, across the world: People are reclaiming their heritage, underrepresented groups are carving out space for themselves where there once was none, and, more than ever, people feel empowered to speak out for what they believe in.

Music has always been a space for self-expression, and while many of the biggest stars killing it right now are fearless, idiosyncratic women, the fact remains that it’s a male-dominated industry.

This is how we arrive at our four-part series, Off The Record. We've joined forces with Sleek MakeUP to spotlight the endlessly creative women who are carving their own paths of success within the music industry, embracing unapologetic self-expression, and rewriting the rules as they go.

In an industry that can feel closed and ruthless at times, RCA Records senior urban artist manager Parris OH isn't afraid to challenge the status quo. Working her way up through Sony Music over the last four years, her success has been driven by a strong sense of identity, finding community in her peers, and inspiring a culture of lifting up those around her.

Whether it be through her style, friends, or voice on platforms like Reprezent Radio, Parris channels her passion for music and representation into everything she does. Advocating strongly for the new generation of music execs who are pushing the industry towards a more diverse future, Parris knows that the key is networking sideways, not upwards, to create positive disruption and form friendships that go beyond the workplace.

Ahead, Parris introduces us to some of the women who are part of her story, including Janette Quaye, Abisola Oke, and Natty Kasambala — just a few of the people who she knows will continue to thrive and change the future of the creative industries.

To radio presenter and DJ Jamz Supernova, actions speak louder than words.

When she started out as an intern in the music industry, Jamz had a clear vision of her future and the doors she would need to unlock to achieve it. Fast-forward to today, and Jamz, with the support of her manager, Helena, is focused on evolving her own career with ambition and authenticity, while being an agent for change.

From spotlighting young creative talent on her 1Xtra radio segment, DIY Generation, to running her label, Future Bounce, Jamz is all about paying it forward — using her platform to champion artists and creatives as they rise. Signing the talented Melle Brown is just one example of how Jamz is creating real opportunities and collaborative spaces for people to thrive, putting tools into the hands of the next generation.

Musician Joy Crookes is solid proof that taking the leap for what you believe in pays off. Having left school to pursue a career in music, Joy has sold out multiple gigs and released her second EP, Reminiscence, earlier this year. Joy's strong family ties and close-knit network of friends, including her best friend and MUA Mata Marielle, are key to keeping her grounded. Unpacking how her art is a celebration of her Irish-Bangladeshi heritage and a window into her life, the singer chats about an emotional homecoming trip that inspired her recent music video, "Since I Left You," and we see her share it with her grandmother for the first time.

From day one, music artist Amun has switched up power relationships and challenged the status quo of the music industry, ensuring that she makes the music that she wants to. For her, it’s important that people relate to her music and feel empowered to embrace their creativity. With inspiring confidence — which runs through everything from her clothes to her lyrics — the west London singer tells us how the backing of high-school friend Nadya Maki helped kickstart her career. We go with Amun on the journey of her success, from her dad's shed to the community center that gave her the tools she needed to reach her potential to the studio where she recorded her latest EP.