"There are lots of opportunities to collaborate - not just with musicians, but with artists, dancers and other entrepreneurs."
Stephen Lynch - BA (Hons) Music (Business)
Meet hip-hop DJ and producer from Leeds, Stephen Lynch – aka DJ Agent M - who plays soul, funk, R&B and neo-soul, alongside his first love hip-hop. He made his debut on local radio at 16 for the Rapscallion show on Peoples FM in Leeds, and has opened for various artists such as Keith Murray and LA-based rapper Bus Driver. He also hosts his own hip-hop night in Leeds, called Best Kept Secret.
Stephen has been involved in a lot of community events, most notably the hip-hop celebrations in his native Leeds. He currently produces for two labels – Invizible Circle Records and Ftrsndmtrx (Future Sound Matrix).
Stephen successfully completed his studies in July 2018.
Has your music / approach / technique changed at all since your first year?
As a Music Business student, I put a lot of thought into what my audience would like to hear. It's important to know your audience and what songs work for them; this type of marketing knowledge has helped with my releases and also the material I have created with other artists.
What has been the most interesting project you have worked on so far?
My last instrumental album Date Night was inspired by my conversations with musicians both inside and outside of LCoM. There seems to be a common theme amongst musicians who struggle to balance relationships and their passion for music.
I recorded some of the conversations I had with various artists and added them to music; I wanted people to understand what it’s like to love a creative. Creatives are the best.
Is there anything that has really made you push yourself as a musician or anything new that you've not tried before?
The DJ and Production side of my career used to be separate, but being at LCoM has helped me to merge the two. Having tutors that are actually DJs themselves has helped, especially during the one to one sessions.
Being around other producers has inspired me to play more of my own productions in a live setting, and I now do this as part of my collective ‘The Uncanny’. This gives me the opportunity to take my new productions to an audience. My vocalist improvises over the top which means each performance is slightly different from the previous gig.
What do you get up to outside of LCoM?
Outside of LCoM I have my own project studio where I produce and record my own music, as well as collaborations with local artists.
I get involved in community events as a DJ and also help out as an audio engineer when needed. I also produce for two labels, FTRSNDMTRX and Invizible Circle Records.
What is the best thing about living and studying in Leeds?
Leeds is great - it’s my home city so I am biased. The great thing about Leeds is there are lots of venues playing great music every night, and there is literally a scene for every genre.
It's a big city, but also a small world when it comes to networking and collaborations. You just have to make your presence known.
What advice would you give to a prospective student thinking of applying to your course?
From a Music Business perspective, you get out of the experience what you put in. There are lots of opportunities to collaborate with not just musicians but with artists, dancers and other entrepreneurs.
Don't expect to learn everything in the first year, it’s good to have an idea of which area of the industry you are interested in, but not essential.
How would you describe your experience at LCoM so far in three words?
Fun, process, rewarding
Find out more about our BA (Hons) Music (Business) Degree.
Find out more about Stephen Lynch aka DJ Agent.M Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | Mixcloud
