Titania Altius from PPL has a wealth of experience in the industry and is involved in many aspects of it, keeping things fresh and exciting.
Tell us about your background, your upbringing, and your introduction to the world of music.
I was born and bred in Stonebridge and Harlesden, NW London and I still live in the local area. I have been involved with the music industry in some shape or form since I was a small child and my uncle played steel pans at Notting Hill carnival. My brother is the drum and bass DJ ‘Brockie’ and my mother worked in music so it feels like music is in my genes.
How did you get into the music industry?
I started off working in Music PR for a small firm and working the door at DnB raves like Hospital Records ‘Hospitality’ and London clubs like Ten Rooms and Home (showing my age). I studied Law at University but quickly realised I was no lawyer so did an MA in Entertainment Law at Westminster University and got my first ‘9-5’ job in the industry at MCPS as a licensing researcher back in 2005. I later became an account manager looking after around a hundred record labels. I then worked at PRS for Music as a consultant for Online and Mobile music licensing where she worked with brands such as Spotify, Google and Apple, a creative producer on the London Borough of Culture projects leading on engagement, participation and the education programmes on projects with A New Direction, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and delivering the opening event at Wembley Stadium. After that, I moved to Help Musicians as Creative Programme manager before moving to PPL in my current role as Head of Member Services.
What were some of the barriers you experienced, or still do experience, as a woman in the music industry, if any?
The main barrier I faced and still face is moving to more senior roles. To be honest I think this is a combination of being a woman, who is black and from a lower working-class background. There is also the issue of being taken seriously and being given the respect I and all women in music deserve without having to behave in a certain way. That’s an ongoing issue for women in the industry.
What would you say to your 16-year-old self about being a woman in music… what to expect, the difficulties, the excitements?
I’d say to ignore the nay-sayers and that little voice in your head that says you are not enough. You are and if anyone has a problem with that, it’s not your concern. Self-belief is vital and even more so when the chips are stacked against you. The second thing is something I’ve not always been good at myself – I’ve not always been the most confident and outgoing person, and its network and build your contacts – there are lots of women and advocates in the industry that can and want to help you move forward so make the most of it.
What other exciting things have you been working on lately, either work or personally?
I am a lecturer at the London College of Fashion and have run a media Law module there since 2007, I am also a visiting lecturer at universities including Tileyard Education and BIMM.
I want to make a difference in the industry and that’s a real driver for me. I sit on board of a wonderful charity called Raw Material based in Brixton on Robstart Street. They are a phenomenal organisation nurturing raw talent, creative development, and supporting mental health through music and media.
I also co-founded a run the long-running Soul Affair monthly club session in Mayfair which is now in its 10th year so yep, I’m kept quite busy!
