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Writer's pictureAaliyah Williams

Why I Created A Music Promotion Company At Age 14

Updated: Jun 1, 2020


First and foremost, I was an emo.

That, to me, meant that I loved dark heavy metal music, post-core, screamo, and generally anything played on Kerrang TV in 2011. Bring Me The Horizon were gods and Oli Sykes was my future husband. I promise you, this is relevant!

Music was my life. It influenced virtually everything I did albeit my clothes, hair style and even my attitude (that my poor mom had to deal with!).

At the time, my music culture meant that I attended gigs a few times a week at small locations all across Birmingham. I made friends with people who knew people and then more people who were friends-with-people-who-knew-people-who-went-to-college-with-the-band. To me, this was everything! I got to meet musicians, become friendly with them, see what it was like backstage, help out at merchandise stands, drum up some excitement for them on social media in exchange for a free ticket.

That brings me to the gig that broke my heart. A really great local band (who, incidentally aren't around anymore) kept asking for slots to perform at peoples shows. I took it upon myself to be the middle man and convince headline acts to feature them. As I saw the process unfold through strings of emails, I decided it really wasn't all that hard to set the whole thing up myself. That way I can feature who I want, bring who I want, have an amazing night whilst simultaneously getting bands and artists I was passionate about more exposure and more fans.

And so, Da-Costa Promotions was born! I made it my purpose to find venues, iron out the details, drum up excitement and book bands in to play. We carried out photo shoots, interviews, anything you can think of! And enjoyed pizza backstage. It was a really great experience, until I found out whilst I'd thrown all my energy into this, I was kind of failing a few GCSE subjects... had to throw the towel in and buckle up for my studies...

However, now I look back and wonder what would have happened if I'd have gone with my gut instinct and followed up with the company.

Moral of the story: Always trust your gut!

local band (who, incidentally aren't around anymore) kept


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