SPEAKERS 2024

Julian Emery
Musician, Producer and Songwriter (McFly, Nothing But Thieves)
Julian is a seasoned songwriter and producer specializing in pop and rock. He co-wrote and produced McFly’s #1 album Motion in the Ocean, featuring hits like “Stargirl,” and Matt Willis's debut album, Don’t Let it Go to Waste. With Jim Irvin, he contributed seven songs to Nothing But Thieves' debut album, including the #1 U.S. Alternative single "Trip Switch," and six songs to their second album, Broken Machine, which charted at #2 in the UK. For their third album, Moral Panic (2020), he co-wrote five tracks, including “Impossible” and “Real Love Song.” Julian’s credits include tracks for Lissie, Simple Plan, Lower Than Atlantis, Gavin DeGraw, and Michelle Branch, and recent work with artists like Anne Marie, The Amazons, and You Me At Six.
Danni Diston
Radio Presenter
Danni Diston is a passionate and lively BBC Radio 1 presenter known for her enthusiastic personality and love of fresh, innovative music. Starting out on her university’s radio station alongside co-host Sam MacGregor, Danni quickly demonstrated her talent, winning awards like “Best Entertainment Show” with Sam. The duo’s appeal led them to their BBC Radio 1 debut in 2020 as part of the Christmas Takeover Scheme, where they captivated audiences with their natural chemistry and upbeat style. Since then, Danni has become a fixture across the BBC Radio network, earning recognition as one of Radio 1’s most in-demand cover presenters. Now hosting the Weekend Breakfast show from Cardiff with Sam, Danni’s vibrant energy and passion for connecting with listeners make her a beloved voice in UK radio.
Sam MacGregor
Radio Presenter
Sam MacGregor is a talented BBC Radio 1 presenter with a knack for delivering entertaining and engaging shows. He started his journey in radio at his university station, where he won accolades such as “Best Male Radio Presenter” at the Student Radio Awards in 2019. His chemistry with co-presenter Danni Diston quickly caught attention, leading the pair to become a staple on BBC Radio 1. Since their debut through the BBC’s Christmas Takeover Scheme in 2020, Sam has showcased his vibrant personality and sharp wit across multiple shows, solidifying himself as a versatile voice on the airwaves. Now, as the co-host of Radio 1’s Weekend Breakfast show broadcasting from Cardiff, Sam brings the perfect blend of energy and humor to kickstart listeners’ weekends.
Nels Hylton
DJ / Presenter
Nels is the host of Radio 1's Future Alternative shining a light on the very best in brand new Alternative and underground music from across the globe. With 10 years presenting experience - Nels has become one of the most trusted names in new music and one of the go to voices in the scene. In 2020 - Nels covered Daniel P Carter on the Radio 1 Rock Show as a part of Radio 1's Christmas Takeover before being given his new slot as the presenter of Future Alternative. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in alternative music including Enter Shikari, Kid Brunswick and Beartooth. He has also previously worked with Radio X hosting their overnight weekend show, is a stream host for Scruff of the Neck TV Live on Twitch, which has seen him travel up and down the country for festival coverage including appearances at The Great Escape and Y Not Festival. As well as Radio and TV - Nels is passionate about hosting live events, having hosted In the Round Festival at the Roundhouse and a brand new live music night for the alternative scene Upgrade LDN.
Felix de Jong
Sr. Marketing Manager
Felix is a Sr. Manager of Marketing & Curation at Audiomack. At Audiomack, he oversees global curation and partnerships for Audiomack Electronic, as well as marketing and brand partnerships across Europe and the UK. Some of his notable work includes partnerships with Daily Paper, GRM Daily, Soulection, and DJ Edu, as well as producing the flagship UK Content Series "Patterned" which premiered with Headie One.
Shell Zenner
Radio DJ / Presenter
Shell Zenner presents and curates a weekly show on Amazing Radio and presents weekend breakfast on XS Manchester as well as regularly presenting on BBC Radio Manchester. Shell has also been part an integral part of the team over at BBC Introducing for the last five years, working with the Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Manchester teams.
Ollie Winiberg
Host / DJ
Podcaster, drummer and host, Ollie brings over 13 years experience at the BBC to this year’s The Feeback Sessions. Having appeared regularly on BBC Music Introducing, BBC Radio One, 6 Music, 1Xtra, and the renowned BBC World Service, Ollie departed the BBC in 2021 to create the immersive “The Heavy Hooks Show,” a weekly rock & metal podcast which finds itself in the top 10% of most globally shared podcasts.
RUBII
Artist
RUBII is a Birmingham born singer/creative within the UK Alt-RnB scene. RUBII explores different RnB and HipHop genres with signature relaxed vocals creating a chilled but exciting approach.
Mike Murphy
Global Head Of Events
Mike Murphy is Ditto's Global Head of Events and has led and ran events and partnerships over the past 8 years including Ditto X events globally including the UK's biggest Music Conference at the prostegious O2 London over the into its 4th year. Mike also has a wealth of industry experience spanning 20 years, managing and leasing globally and regional artist campaign artists throughout different stages of their careers supporting the build and growth of Ditto Music label services with a passion for Alternative, Rock and Indie Music.
Joel Baker
Artist
Joel has worked within the music industry for over ten years. He grew up playing in bands in Nottingham and moved down to London to work as a speech writer in Parliament. Joel’s passion has always been to write songs, and being in the capital inspired him to take it seriously. He surrounded himself with writers, producers and artists and sponged it all in. After sending his first single inside Parliamentary envelopes to Radio 1 DJs he got his first radio play-listing and everything launched from there. In 2014 Joel signed his first publishing deal, working with Jake Gosling (Ed Sheeran), Oji Volta (Kanye West), Alex Da Kid (Imagine Dragons), Matt Hales (Aqua Lung, Lianne La Havas), Plested (Lewis Capaldi), Maths Time Joy (Mahalia). Joel signed to Virgin Records in 2016 and released various projects gathering millions of streams, having the privilege of touring around the world with Ella Eyre, Orla Gartland, Jacob Banks, Little Simz, Mahalia, Barney Artist, Maisie Peters, and German mega-band Revolverheld. In 2018 Joel was elected onto the songwriting board of the Ivors Academy, working for a fairer world for songwriters. He launched a project through them in collaboration with Help Musicians to support artists going through mental health challenges. Alongside creating his second album, Joel has been writing and producing for others, securing cuts with Lyn Lapid, Ruth B, Mega, James Vickery, Mega, Guvna B, Ghetts and Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn. Joel’s music taste fluctuates between storytelling folk and rap, but he loves anything with great lyrics. He is a true believer that the form of song has a unique magic, and that we need great songs now more than ever! Outside of music he loves reading, running, and tweaking his fantasy football team.