University News Last updated 15 January
A BCU graduate has received funding from the Performing Right Society (PRS) to support his business, OurTurn.
Alfie McIntyre, who graduated from our Music Industries course in July 2024, started OurTurn whilst still studying at BCU.
OurTurn is a Birmingham-based music events and media company focused on highlighting local and upcoming artists from Birmingham and the surrounding areas.
Founded and run by Alfie, he also has a small team of creatives that assist in the day-to-day operations.
Alfie said: “I started OurTurn as my final major project in university. My course has given me a well-rounded view of the Music Industry as a whole and locally, providing me with a range of knowledge in a range of different fields within it, that I can use in my pursuits now and in the future.”
“I had a great experience studying Music Industries at BCU. I came into the course with no prior knowledge of the music industry apart from what I had gathered from being a passionate Hip-Hop and RnB fan and this is what encouraged me to take a chance and pick my course.”
Alfie was inspired by Birmingham’s music and creative scene, which played a huge role in OurTurn becoming what it is today.
He said: “I was inspired to start OurTurn essentially on the notion that I believe that Birmingham’s music, artists and creative scene, and Birmingham as a whole, doesn’t get the shine or attention that other cities such as Manchester and London receive, whilst we have just as much talent in the city that just needs the platform.
“With the necessary research and planning, this has developed OurTurn into a company for the grassroots music scene. We focus on independent and local artists, with our events also being at local, grassroots music venues such as Suki10C, RMBL and The Night Owl.”
OurTurn promote their events via Instagram, as well as promoting Birmingham-based music content and news, and they also make their audience aware of other events around Birmingham.
They have also hosted a creative networking DJ event which they plan to do again, now funded by PRS, the UK's leading funder of new music and talent development.
OurTurn’s events are currently funded by the Early Career Promoter Fund by the PRS Foundation. Initially introduced to the fund by his personal tutor, Matt Grimes, Alfie kept note of this whilst he decided what direction OurTurn was going to take.
He said: "Once I had decided that I was going to run a bi-monthly event under OurTurn, I decided to apply as funding was essential for my brand’s continuation. The funding was essential for me to be able to keep putting on live music events as at this time I didn’t have the personal funds to be able to do so.
“Receiving the funding gave me the confidence that what I was doing has bigger potential and is also needed in Birmingham.
“I am proud of the confidence I have gained to put myself out there for the funding. It could be argued that I was still relatively inexperienced, but in taking a chance and going for it, I have been able to demonstrate my work-ethic and passion, and this has brought more opportunities my way.”
Alfie received confirmation that he was going to receiving the funding about eight weeks post-application. Once the forms were signed, he received 80% of his funding by the beginning of the project, with the final 20% to be paid at the end.
Alfie would recommend the PRS Foundation and their grants to anyone looking to start an event, develop an existing brand or pursue a new venture in the creative industries.
Alfie said: “My experience with PRS has been very smooth and positive. Communication with the foundation is always easy and they provide any information you need very quickly.
“You are also able to make changes to your project after receiving the funding, which is essential in the music business as so much can change at short notice. Their support has been amazing, I couldn’t have continued my events without being funded.”