University of Sheffield Students Introduce Unique Record Label to Assist Young Artists

A new record label managed entirely by students – believed to be the first-of-its-kind in the UK – has been launched by students at the University of Sheffield.

Octagon Records publishes new music from student artists who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to have their music heard.

First established last September, in less than a year the label has already forged a number of partnerships with leading music organisations, including Hudson Records, Tramlines festival and HMV.

The idea behind the initiative is to help aspiring student musicians break into the music industry. Tapping into the city of Sheffield’s rich musical heritage, which has provided some of the biggest names in world music, the label is working to provide mentoring opportunities and help student musicians develop hands-on skills in music promotion, distribution and event management.

Thanks to generous alumni donations, the label has been able to purchase high tech equipment for making music videos, live streaming, promotional campaigns and materials for online platforms.

Octagon Records is supported by Sheffield’s music department, but is open to all aspiring student musicians at the University, regardless of their degree, in what is believed to be a UK first. The label also receives support from Hudson Records, a professional music label releasing music worldwide with artists such as Seckou Keita and Bellowhead. This provides invaluable experience to the students who get to connect with industry professionals.

Mia Sedgwick, a member of Octagon Records’ student committee, who is an aspiring music marketing manager, said: “Having a student run label within the relatively risk-free University environment has allowed me, and many other students, to explore opportunities within the music industry and discover where we could see ourselves working. Octagon Records gives students the freedom to explore their own passions and interests, the flexibility to do it alongside their degree, and the support and knowledge from industry professionals to allow them to flourish.

“Students learn many valuable transferable skills, such as leadership, teamwork, communication, perseverance and innovation. In today’s competitive music industry, projects which provide experience like this are incredibly valuable when it comes to employability. And to be able to do it alongside a degree just adds even more value to the experience. To me joining was a no-brainer and it has been an incredibly positive and informative experience.”

Since its launch, Octagon Records has provided a series of masterclasses with industry experts, which has given an insight into artist management in the live and recorded music scene. Production trips have helped students experience the making of music videos and access to Bellowhead’s reunion tour at Sheffield City Hall enabled students to meet artists, crew and sound engineers to gain an understanding of how a tour is managed.

Octagon Records also hosts regular open-mic nights to help further develop new artists in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Rochdale-born Leo Howard-Cofield has been playing the guitar since primary school. Now making music from his flat in Sheffield, he is being supported by Octagon Records and has gone from playing open mic nights in the University’s pub to performing at the city’s Tramlines Fringe festival – the festival overall attracts around 40,000 people every summer.

Leo said: “I think Octagon Records is super important because, as a student, it’s already hard enough to make yourself heard, let alone as an artist. I think the leg up they provide into the world of music, whether that be by helping to record, release, or perform all while being students themselves is vital to keeping young musicians creating and keeping them inspired.”

Sophie Steele is a British/French young up and coming artist. She has been singing since she could speak and playing guitar since the age of 10, her influences range from folk to jazz, rock and pop.

Sophie said: “Working with Octagon Records gave me a wonderful first taste of what it will be like going into the music industry and for that I am very grateful. They were attentive, willing to listen to my concerns and be there to help and be efficient all while trying to complete a degree of their own.

“I am very much looking forward to continuing our musical adventure with new recordings and am sure to experience the same reliability and fun energy!”