Bradford talent Amplified for a second year in our music-focused talent development programme.
After a brilliant first year, Bradford Producing Hub’s music talent development programme, Amplify, returns and is supporting four more Bradford artists through a series of funding, mentoring, training, and profile-raising opportunities – with free masterclasses which extend to artists across the Bradford district. We’re excited to announce that this year’s cohort includes:
- Daniel Evernard, aka Dan Loops
- Hannah Marsden, aka Hannah Hu
- Larissa Drozd of La Rissa
- Lloyd Forse, aka Lloydfears
"I was drawn to the Amplify programme because it offers the support, resources, and connections I need to realise my creative vision and grow as an artist fully. I’m excited about the opportunity to complete and professionally release our debut album, develop strong visual and digital content, and connect with other artists, promoters, and industry professionals both in Bradford and nationally. Over the coming months, I hope to build momentum for our music, expand our network, and gain the tools and confidence to push forward, breaking through the barriers that have held us back and sharing our distinctive sound and perspective with wider audiences nationally and internationally."
The first year of Amplify supported creative producer and co-founder of Bradford Music Scene, Charlotte the Magpie; soprano and vocal improviser, Milana Sarukhanyan; songwriter and producer, Ollie Lawn; and TyTy Richards of Bradford grime nu-metal band, Rupcha Farms.
“The Amplify programme has helped us massively - developing our press kits, getting branding advice, and accessing funds to upgrade our equipment has pushed us forward. We’ve made new industry connections, got radio links, filmed a new music video, and even got press coverage. It’s been a real boost for our career.”
“Amplify gave me the space and support for real growth. The mentoring came at the perfect time, and the press kit was a must-have. The funding helped me create merch, finish my stage costume, and put on an event. It’s already led to new performances, radio play, press coverage, and building a stronger team and network.”
On reflecting on the year ahead, Lisa Mallaghan, Executive Director of Bradford Producing Hub, said:
“This is an exciting time to be supporting new music and emerging musicians in Bradford. Through support of the PRS Talent Development Network we are now connecting Bradford’s music sector across the UK, and with the incredible Bradford Live venue now open we are working hard to ensure our talent is ready for gigs and performances on these brilliant new platforms. We can’t wait to get to know the next cohort of Bradford music creators and help them to take those important next steps in their careers.“
The success of the programme’s first year has earned Bradford Producing Hub further funding from the PRS Foundation and PPL UK’s Talent Development Network. Additional funding from The Bradford Way and Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture means that support from the Amplify programme can reach beyond the four artists in the cohort.
Free masterclasses on music marketing, songwriting, studio and production skills and career insights will soon be open for music creators across Bradford to book onto. Sign up to our newsletter to hear more about these as tickets are released.
Meet the Amplify artists:
Dan Loops
Genre: Acoustic Rap
For fans of: Kendrick Lamar, J cole, Ed Sheeran, Flight of the Conchords
Dan Loops is a Sheffield-born, Leeds/Bradford-based writer, acoustic rap artist, poet and multi-instrumentalist. Known for blending witty lyricism with intricate guitar work, beatboxing and live vocal loops, Dan has carved out a distinctive place in the UK’s alt-hip-hop scene.
His debut album, An Album, launched to a sold-out crowd in 2016 and is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major platforms. Before that, Dan had already made waves supporting Kae Tempest at the Lyric Festival in Sheffield (2012) and performing at the O2 Arena in 2011. Between 2011 and 2014, he gigged relentlessly, honing his live craft on stages big and small across the country.
A festival regular, Dan has played events including Manchester Pride, Y Not and Tramlines. During lockdown, he wrote, recorded, and independently released his follow-up project, Self-Titled (2022). With fresh material and a renewed drive, Dan Loops is back on the road, gigging up and down the UK.
Photography by dannimaibaum.studio
Hannah Hu
Genre: Cinematic Pop
For fans of: The Shangri-Las, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Nancy Sinatra, Broadcast, Weyes Blood
Hannah Hu is a singer-songwriter currently based in North London. Born and raised in
Bradford, West Yorkshire, Hannah’s upbringing and heritage have had a huge influence on her songwriting and stagecraft. Hu, of British-Chinese heritage, was inspired by a 1960s Hong Kong actress Jenny Hu and when searching for a stage name, Hannah gave a nod to her heritage from her grandfather who was born in Kowloon, HK and immigrated to the UK in the 1960s.
Hu moved to London in 2015 to pursue her desire and passion for music. In her first year at Goldsmiths College, at age 18, Hu began working as a session singer for Scottish band Primal Scream.
Hu has gone on to work with bands and artists such as The Specials, Terry Hall, I Monster and Nouvelle Vague. While continuing to sink her kitten heels into grassroots scenes, venues and communities. Hu is currently writing and recording her debut album with producer Dean Honer. Her musical style is inspired by 1960s girl groups, the femme fatale archetype, and the darker side of fairy tales. The soundscape of her album references the “wall of sound” and the melancholic atmosphere of songs like Lesley Gore’s “It’s My Party,” creating a world that combines both fantasy and reality.
Photography by Conor Burrow
La Rissa
Genre: Darkwave / Post-Punk / Synth-Pop
For fans of: Depeche Mode, Chromatics, Ultra Sunn
La Rissa are a Bradford darkwave duo crafting cinematic synth pop in a dim little attic. With Larissa on analogue synths, vocals, and MIDI controllers, and Tom on live drums, their sound is best described as a cold-wave Lana Del Rey fronting Depeche Mode, wrapped in the brooding intensity of Joy Division. Tipped as ones to watch by BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio, they’ve earned support from BBC 6 Music and Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, and shared stages with post-punk legends A Flock of Seagulls and Belgium duo Ultra Sunn. On stage, La Rissa are commanding and immersive, drawing audiences into their dark, cinematic world with every performance.
Writing and recording new material, their next release promises to be louder, darker, and impossible to ignore.
Photography by Katherine AZ Thomson
Lloydfears
Genre: Post-Grime brit*sh reality music
For fans of: Moor Mother, Billy Woods, Andy Stott,
Lloydfears is an MC, poet and musician from The North of engl*nd. His words confront work; honest and otherwise, deceit for survival and control over destructive desires. Barely there beats and ambient pressure from deep in the warehouse provide the musical backbone to this narrative. Found in the function breaking the trance. Releases on Bait, Sneaker Social Club and Infinite Machine with support from like-minded DJs on NTS, Rinse and Kiosk.
This programme is made possible through funding from the PRS Foundation’s new Talent Development Network, which supports organisations like Bradford Producing Hub in strengthening local music ecosystems and enabling transformational development opportunities for music creators.