OUR IDENTITY
Founded in 2021, Pool Valley Records is a student-led independent record label championing emerging artists from Brighton’s grassroots music scene.
Closely associated with BIMM University, our team of students brings together a passion for music with hands-on experience across the creative and business sides of the industry. We work alongside emerging artists to develop their music, release their work and connect them with new audiences.
Alongside our releases, we host live showcase events across Brighton, creating opportunities for local artists to perform, build their audiences and become part of the city’s vibrant music community.
BEHIND THE NAME
The name Pool Valley Records takes inspiration from Pool Valley Coach Station, a familiar part of Brighton’s city centre, located close to the seafront and the historic Old Steine. First established as a bus station in 1929, Pool Valley has long been a point of connection between Brighton and destinations across the wider UK.
That idea of connection is at the heart of Pool Valley Records. Just as the coach station connects Brighton with the rest of the country, we aim to connect Brighton’s emerging artists with new audiences, opportunities and the wider music industry.
Our name reflects where we come from, while representing where we want our artists to go - taking the talent found within Brighton’s grassroots scene beyond the city and onto a wider stage.
STUDENT POWERED
Pool Valley Records is closely associated with BIMM University, with the label powered entirely by students from BIMM’s Brighton community. From A&R and artist development to marketing, promotion, events and release management, every part of the label is driven by students gaining hands-on experience within the music industry.
The partnership with BIMM creates a unique environment where students can put their knowledge into practice, working directly with emerging artists and collaborating with other aspiring music professionals.
By bringing together BIMM students and Brighton’s grassroots artists, Pool Valley Records creates a space where learning, creativity, and real-world experience meet - supporting the next generation of both artists and music industry professionals.
WORKING WITH ARTISTS
At Pool Valley Records, we work closely with emerging artists from Brighton’s grassroots music scene, helping them develop their sound, release their music and reach new audiences. We believe every artist has their own identity, and our role is to support that vision rather than change it.
From the early stages of A&R and artist development through to recording, release campaigns, marketing and promotion, our student-led team works alongside artists throughout the process. This collaborative approach allows us to build genuine relationships while giving artists access to a team with a shared passion for their music.
We aim to create opportunities for artists to grow their audience, develop their careers and take the next step in their journey - both within Brighton and beyond.
SHOWCASING NEW TALENT
Live events are a key part of what we do at Pool Valley Records. Throughout the year, we organise and host a range of events across Brighton, including Freshers and Refresher events; in partnership with BIMM University, artist showcases and fundraising events supporting our artists and their upcoming projects.
Our showcases give emerging artists the opportunity to perform their music, connect with new audiences and build their presence within Brighton’s grassroots scene. Our fundraising events also help generate support for upcoming projects, including single releases, giving artists additional resources to develop and promote their music.
Our events are about creating opportunities, building connections and giving emerging artists a platform to grow.
MISSION STATEMENT
At Pool Valley Records, our mission is to support Brighton’s next generation of artists while developing future music industry professionals.
We create opportunities for emerging artists, giving them the support and platform to share their music, while giving BIMM students real-world industry experience.
Through our releases, events and community, we connect Brighton’s talent with the wider music industry.
We’re here to support what’s next.
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