Mentors
Learn directly from experienced music and creative industry professionals who bring real-world knowledge, guidance and connections to support your development and progression.
The MU Residency is led by experienced professionals working across music, media and the wider creative industries. Our mentors bring real-world knowledge, experience and networks into the residency, providing practical guidance shaped by the realities of building a creative career.
Throughout the 16 weeks, residents will work closely with mentors to develop their craft, strengthen their professional practice, overcome challenges and turn creative ambition into action.
2026/2027 Mentors
With decades of experience spanning DJing, music production, broadcasting, education, entrepreneurship and cultural research, Daniel has built a career connecting music, creativity and opportunity. As the founder of Musically Unorthodox, he draws on extensive real-world experience across the music and creative industries, alongside his work as an educator, mentor and public speaker. From beginning his own journey in music at a young age to working across radio, live events, higher education and international projects, he brings a broad understanding of both the creative and business sides of the industry.
Daniel 'Hussla D' Johnson
With over a decade of experience across music, film and creative entrepreneurship, Ashley has worked with leading brands including Amazon, Reebok, Chanel, Heathrow Airport, The Ritz, the European Space Agency and the British Council. He is also co-founder of the How I Became podcast, where conversations with successful creatives, entrepreneurs and industry leaders provide unique insight into the journeys, decisions and experiences behind successful careers. Ashley brings this real-world knowledge into his mentoring, helping emerging creatives develop their confidence, build their brand and turn creative ideas into sustainable opportunities.
Ashley Samuels-Mckenzie
Connor ‘AON’ Osborn is a DJ, BBC Radio presenter and event promoter with over a decade of experience across the UK and European music scene. Specialising in bass music, he has performed at leading venues and festivals including Fabric, The O2 Arena, XOYO, Boomtown, Reading & Leeds and Beatherder. Alongside broadcasting, Connor is the founder and promoter of murmur., an independent event brand whose launch event sold out four weeks in advance. He brings residents practical insight into DJing, broadcasting, event promotion, audience development and building a successful career within live music.
Connor 'AON' Osborn
British singer, songwriter, live performer and vocal mentor with nearly two decades of professional experience across reggae, dub, soul and jazz-funk. A highly sought-after session and backing vocalist, she has collaborated with artists including Prince Fatty, Mungo’s HiFi, Dub Pistols and Freestylers, and has shared stages supporting music icons including Nile Rodgers & Chic, Chaka Khan and Sister Sledge. Alongside her career as a recording and touring artist, Shniece brings extensive experience in vocal development, songwriting and creative mentoring, helping emerging artists develop their voice, confidence, performance skills and identity as professional artists.
Shniece McMenamin
Morris ‘The Connector’ Lothian is a transformational coach, inspirational speaker, mentor and entrepreneur dedicated to helping young people build resilience, confidence, purpose and a positive mindset. After overcoming significant adversity in his own life, Morris went on to establish and successfully grow his own chauffeur company, driving top celebrity music artists and high-level business executives. This provided him with first-hand experience of entrepreneurship and building a business. Today, he uses both his lived and professional experience to inspire others, working across schools, universities and community programmes. As an MU mentor, Morris will support residents to strengthen their mindset, recognise their potential, build meaningful connections and develop the confidence to turn their ambitions into opportunities.
Morris The Connector
Shay is a music producer, recording artist, vocal engineer and videographer specialising in songwriting, music production, recording and visual content creation. Having started his journey through Musically Unorthodox in 2020, he has progressed from learner to professional practitioner and tutor, while also gaining industry experience working with production teams including NALO. With hands-on experience across both music and visual production, Shay brings a patient and practical approach to mentoring, helping emerging creatives develop their skills and turn their ideas into professionally finished music and content.
Shay 'Solo' Stapleton
Eli is a creative director and multidisciplinary producer from Northampton whose journey started at just seven years old. He leads projects end-to-end, production, mixing, mastering, visual direction, design, and marketing. Eli has co-founded live events, led campaigns for indie artists, and played shows opening for artists including Paigey Cakey and Nafe Smallz. His focus is building culturally resonant work that connects sound, story, and image.
Eli
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