Name: Mel Rudder
Company: Three Thirty Music
Job Title: Radio Plugger/Music Consultant/Talent Management
Beginning her career on the street team at Atlantic (formally East West Records) back in 2000, Mel soon became Head of the London Team coordinating with other regions whilst studying Marketing at University. After Graduation she began building her craft in Club Promotions for Warner Music Artists, working with various club promoters and DJs across the UK. Once the world of digital and social media took precedence at the labels the Club Promotions departments were dissolved and she was moved to the National promotions department at Atlantic Records where she continued her career managing the Specialist Radio & TV strategy for campaigns, contributing to the team’s consecutive Music Week ‘Best Promotions’ Award wins. After 15 years in-house at Atlantic, Mel had the opportunity to set up her own company, Three Thirty Music, Radio Plugging and consulting for both Major & Independent Artists both domestically and internationally. In 2016, Mel was also able to start up a new London based Management Company & independent Record Label SALUTE THE SUN made up of 2 Directors with 40+ collective years working in the Global Music Industry across Record Labels, Event Planning and Talent Management. With the changing landscape of the industry and red tape restricting Major Labels, the Salute team have created a business that can move rapidly within the music space. Giving artists and managers a platform and time to release their music without the archaic measurements for success of years gone by. Artists in the past include the likes of Barney Artist, Jaz Karis, Gramn and presently Louis Culture. In 2017 Mel, alongside her former work colleague started a non-profit organisation called One Vibe supporting young people in the West London area effected by the Grenfell Tragedy. With the help of local businesses and the community they have been able to put together several live events as well as releasing a single performed by local talents.
Question 1: Who would you say is someone pivotal to your journey so far?
Cookie Pryce, currently at Orchard but was pivotal in my career at the major label as she made me believe in myself when I was about to give up. If I had given in my resignation letter I had written all those years ago I’m not sure what I’ll be doing now.
Question 2: Who would be your ideal mentor, and why?
Jackie Davidson – Hugely success UK industry figure and talent manager
Question 3: What advice would you give the next Trailblazer looking to break into your field?
Do your research in all aspects of the industry you want to be in. Explore all the roles , work out what fits and suits you, It’s about understanding your place in that field, where you may fit or how you will make a difference whilst there.
Question 4: Who would you like to spotlight as your Trailblazer?
Ebony Rhiney-James – head of marketing and comms for Somerset House – Multi-skilled, always challenges herself career wise no matter what, confident, stands on what she believes in and always supportive of others. She’s younger than me (which she’ll make sure she reminds me often!) but she’s my hero!