The record label that specialises in enhancing young potential, harnessing talent and nurturing development

Born in lockdown, BORN2BE Records was set up to create a dedicated space for young people (ages 18 to 25) in Bristol to pursue and sustain careers.

Self-described as a “development label”, BORN2BE offers insight and experience to what it is like in the music industry.

The idea was born when young people started taking an interest in the music industry through the youth organisation, Aspiration Creation Elevation.

“A lot of young people are interested in pursuing careers in music and want to make a living out of it and we listened to that at ACE [Aspiration Creation Elevation],” Darren Alexander, co-founder of ACE and senior executive of BORN2BE, tells Bristol24/7.

“As we grew as an organization, we eventually had a conversation with Great Western Railway, who were interested in the work that we were doing, and wondered if there could be a relationship between us that would give young people the employability skills in this industry.”

The team recruited their first cohort in at the end of 2020 and, since then, have been going from strength to strength. The label currently has four signed artists, two from the previous year and two newly signed artists.

There is an application process for those who want to apply but what is it they look for when taking on applicants? “We have opportunities for young people, which are entry level, and we have opportunities for those who are finding their feet.

“But this is for young people who kind of know what they want, who are able to commit and conduct themselves in a professional manner. We specialise in enhancing young potential within modern music of black origin, genres that are from black descent so we look for applicants with a keen interest within these specific genres.”

The label took over the main stage at this years Love Saves the Day

Bristol is not lacking in artists, record labels and opportunities for people to get involved in the music industry however BORN2BE believe their is a certian uniqueness to their endeavour.

“Why I think it is quite unique, and why we’re proud of it is because it is really investing in young people and seeing the potential and the talent in them and giving them a platform, and a springboard to pursue a career.”

The label provides workshops, trips and events for successful applicants. From marketing to operating a network of people, the team hope to give young people a range of skills to use going forward.

Despite a few teething issues within the first few months, the label and the artists have achieved success within the past year. One of the newer artists, Raiza, released his first track a month ago and the label has performed at festivals including Love Saves the Day, Shamabala and Bristol Harbour Festival.

The next steps for the BORN2BE record label?

“We really want young people to know about the opportunities they have. We try do as much as we can online and through partners to try and let people know about the label. Hopefully, we can make it as accessible as possible for people to apply.”

Keep up to date with the record label via Instagram.

All photos: courtesy of Born2Be record label

Read next:

• Bristol Sounds announces first names for 2023 lineup
• Venue of the Month: The Jam Jar
• From Shambala to Glastonbury, Chai Wallahs has now come to Bristol

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: