IN FOCUS: Partnerships – In Conversation with ESEA

Downtown presents IN FOCUS, a series exploring the ideas shaping the future of music and technology. 

Each episode spotlights a key theme and features short, candid conversations between our team and our clients or partners – deep diving into the questions, trends, and insights driving change across the industry. We share key takeaways from each conversation to help shed light on different areas of the music business and spark new ways of thinking about its future.

You can find all episodes of IN FOCUS on Downtown’s YouTube channel here.

IN FOCUS is also available as a podcast, listen to all episodes released here.

Episode Sixteen: IN FOCUS: Partnerships

Topic: In Conversation with ESEA Music

Episode sixteen sees Emma Cordell, Director of Media & Partnerships, Downtown Music, in conversation with songwriter, vocalist, and Sesame mentorship facilitator, Aileen de la Cruz. Together, they discuss the work of ESEA Music, a community-led non-profit championing East and Southeast Asian artists and professionals in the UK, and how grassroots initiatives are driving representation and opening pathways into the industry.

Key takeaways:

– Why representation and community are critical to building a more equitable music industry

– How mentorship accelerates learning, confidence, and access for emerging talent

– The importance of sharing lived experience to support the next generation

– Why partnerships and funding are essential to sustaining grassroots initiatives

– How giving time, knowledge, and support can create long-term impact across the industry