Remi Harris is, at heart, someone who loves supporting creative people, and has spent over 20 years finding ways to increase their knowledge and success, whilst being a passionate advocate for diversity in the industry. A founder staffer at Association of Independent Music in 1999, Remi produced over 100 events, mentoring and training programs, creating the London Connected program while General Manager at AIM in 2007 to improve access to the digital market for hundreds of indie labels. As Director of Operations at UK Music in 2011 Remi lobbied for better access to finance for music companies, inspiring her to write the book: Easy Money? The Definitive Guide to Funding Music Projects in the UK (2013) described as essential reading for the DIY Sector. Remi chaired the Alliance for Diversity in Music and Media 2007-2012, a group that proposed the first 'diversity pledge' getting diversity on the agenda at industry organisations. Remi Harris now runs consultancy Remi Harris Consulting where she uses her experiences of working with small businesses and her MBA degree to train and advise creative businesses and people in business skills like planning, fundraising, governance, strategy, freelancing and finance. She was also co-founder of Young Guns Network, the community for young music professionals. In 2016 she was awarded an MBE for services to the music industry, and in 2019 she was inducted into the UK's Women In Music roll of honour. www.remiharrisconsulting.com
This publication is timely. As the business of making a living from music gets harder this is an essential guide to ways of getting help, and learning the language needed to get that help. There's probably no such thing as easy money from any funder, but as a funder who cares about true talent finding its way, anything that makes it more likely that talent and funding find each other is very welcome. Remi Harris provides a clear and much needed guide to navigating the tricky geography of the funding landscape. Alan Davey, CEO, Arts Council England We live in interesting times; the long term assignment of rights in return for investment is no longer the only option available for musicians and songwriters. The MU has long advocated the DIY approach for progressing a career as a musician and this much-needed guide to raising the necessary funds is a timely and invaluable tool in achieving independence and success. Horace Trubridge, General Secretary, Musicians' Union Artists and small music companies have more control than ever, but navigating the world of funding and finance is a daunting task. The attention to detail, pertinent case studies and practical advice in Remi Harris' comprehensive guide make this essential reading for the DIY sector. Joe Frankland, CEO, PRS Foundation Being an independent artist today inevitably also means being an entrepreneur. In order to thrive and create a sustainable career, I believe a tangible understanding of funding is essential. Remi is an expert in her field of funding and music business consultancy. She sincerely cares about the artists she works with, pushing for their continued success and shining a bright light in an often dark landscape of funding that can feel quite complex and intimidating. Remi is an industry treasure and this book is golden. Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Independent Artist / Hill and Gully Records Investment in British creative talent is at a critical juncture. As our nation struggles to move investment focus away from industrial concerns to internet-driven, knowledge-based youth enterprise, this publication is significant in both its timing and content. British music is a leading light in the creative field, a rare export jewel. Investment in music talent will define whether this sector will grow or decline; it's as simple as that. Easy Money? A Definitive UK Guide to Funding Music Projects will prove a useful tool in helping us push towards the hoped for outcome. Brian Message, ATC Management and Chairman, MMF