Saffron Records

We caught up with Laura Lewis-Paul, the Creative Director and founder of ‘Saffron Records’ for our debut In:depth article. Set up in May 2015 and launching the following September, Saffron Records is Bristol’s first all-female youth record label.

Photo by Camilla Adams

"It isn’t necessarily a feminist label made to ostracise musicians who are male, she affirms it’s ‘about gender equality, it’s really about getting women to a level where they have the confidence to go out in a male-dominated industry"

Saffron Records was established in 2015 as part of the Princes Trust Enterprise Scheme and initiated as a Social Enterprise and Community Interest Company. Laura has been freelancing and building contacts throughout the years, working alongside experienced youth networks and charities such as the ‘Creative Youth Network.’ She is an inspiring woman in our Bristol community and has the determination to succeed in making a difference to future careers for our young women. It isn’t necessarily a feminist label made to ostracise musicians who are male, she affirms it’s ‘about gender equality, it’s really about getting women to a level where they have the confidence to go out in a male-dominated industry....the musical talent in Bristol is here, but where is the support?’ That’s where Saffron steps in, the missing link in the market, to support young women in music in the form of signing some of Bristol’s most talented young musicians to the label and providing entry level apprenticeships.

Saffron Records has come a long way from an ingenious conception to residing in Colston Hall, Bristol’s home of music and largest concert hall and offers three strands of work: Apprenticeships, Getting Signed and Schools Programs. Interns want to have experience networking as well as working start-up with an established company. Currently, there are two women working full time with the label and they’ll receive a Music Business Level 2 qualification upon completion. Boomsatsuma, a creative arts agency, deliver the music framework to interns and their apprenticeship on behalf of Western College. Saffron have partnered with two Bristol based organisations; Futureboogie and Plaster Creative Communications (We Are Plaster) who will take on each relating apprentice for one day a week, enabling them to have an assorted experience within the industry. Naomi Harris is the Artist and Repertoire (A&R) Apprentice and Emma Morsi is the Digital Marketing Apprentice. Apprentices are mentored by people with years in the industry and Laura wants them to feel secure in that position at their age. ‘It’s really important to have the input of the young apprentices so that they have the ownership of what is happening with the label.’

"Eva Lazarus is the Patron for Saffron Records, a well-known artist and Bristol favourite."

Saffron is on a mission to change the way women are perceived in the music industry, one empowered young woman at a time. The next step is signing 16-24 year old artists and it’s so exciting that the the lucky first three had their place secured this month! Be sure to check them out on the website. They’re going to be provided with high quality mentoring and artist development with established artists. Eva Lazarus is the Patron for Saffron Records, a well-known artist and Bristol favourite. Other artists involved include Sian Evans from Kosheen, Beth Rowley, Tanya Lacey and Shanti Celeste; guest mentors will always be making a cameo if they need more assistance with stage presence, branding and generally enabling them to be independent yet empowered. With a versatile team and varied backgrounds in the industry, Saffron is proficient in appropriately supporting those signed with them. The music industry has a history of exploitation and they are ‘driven to identify which roles females are underrepresented in and aim to break down these stereotypical barriers of gender within the industry.’ The girls have got the drive, passion and ambition and the label really see it as their responsibility to truly nurture the creativity and talent that they possess to get them to the best ability artistically.

The schools program works with Bristol schools to encourage young minds to fuel their creativity and passion, so if it comes to a career, they’re confident! There’s a lack of female representation in genres that aren’t so mainstream, such as hip hop and electronic dance music and so many young woman want to pursue these genres yet haven’t had the chance. Young woman are notoriously underrepresented and Laura highlights just how much saying that women made up ‘only 2% of the acts performing at electronic music festivals.’ Bristol Plays Music (BPM) is the music education hub for Bristol and have partnered with the program to join up opportunities for teaching, learning and performance in a way that everyone can have access. The schools program will help women feel normalised as DJs, producers, musicians and artists so they’re comfortable and encouraged.

"There’s a lack of female representation in genres that aren’t so mainstream, such as hip hop and electronic dance music and so many young woman want to pursue these genres yet haven’t had the chance."

Saffron has other musically stimulating ventures coming up throughout the year and you can get involved! An under 25 open mic night will launch in the next few months, hitting well-loved Bristol venues such as Mr. Wolfs and No.51. Temple Records is one of Bristol’s leading record labels for young, aspiring musicians; co-founded by the lovely Laura Lewis-Paul, Temple Records will be working with youngsters and scouting for talent. Open mic nights are ordinarily male and older generation dominated, so this will ensure artists are in safe experienced hands.

The three girls signed to Saffron Records are going to Palestine in August. They’ll be working with the ‘Woman’s Cooperative’ in Jerusalem. After all, artists need to know that music isn’t just about the money and fame. They need to know the importance of the work they’re doing and how far a reach the universal language of music can have, a notion that aided the creation of Saffron Records.

Visit their website - Saffron Records

Written by Elva Stevenson

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