John Sweeney was more than a respected music executive – he was a tireless advocate for songwriters, a trusted colleague, and a passionate fan of music in all its forms. As Vice President, International at SESAC Performing Rights, he became a cornerstone of the UK music community, based in London but revered across continents. Since joining SESAC in 2012, John helped build and support a remarkable group of creators, including Glass Animals, Mumford & Sons, Alt-J, Rex Orange County, Disclosure, Thin Lizzy, and many others. His work focused on songwriter and publisher relationships across the UK and much of the globe.
Each year, he looked forward to programming SESAC’s showcase at Sound City with the latest up and coming acts. We are thrilled to carry on the legacy he built with the John Sweeney Bursary and Stage. This year only, two grants will be given to recipients: The John Sweeney Legacy prize will be presented to an act who has previously played the SESAC Showcase to help contribute to their career growth. The John Sweeney Impact prize will be presented to one of the acts playing at the newly named John Sweeney Stage this year to help advance their career, something John was extremely passionate about. Voted on by an esteemed panel of judges, the Impact prize will continue to be awarded into Sound City’s 20th anniversary year in 2027 and beyond. Additionally, the John Sweeney Stage will be part of the festival programming for years to come.
“John’s impact on our industry is enduring. Over the course of a decades-long career, he helped shape the UK music community with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to creators, earning the respect and admiration of peers worldwide. He was a tireless champion of songwriters and artists at every stage of their journey. It is especially meaningful to see his legacy continue through the John Sweeney Stage at Sound City, a platform he believed in and supported so passionately,” said Sam Kling, Chief Creative Officer, SESAC.
See below for more information on the Legacy prize nominees and judging panel.
John Sweeney Legacy Prize nominees
Judges
James Ainscough OBE
Chief Executive – The Royal Albert Hall
James became Chief Executive of the Royal Albert Hall in 2023, with a mission to diversify its artists and audiences, and to deliver a major regeneration of the building.
Before that, he ran the charity Help Musicians for 5.5 years, during which they distributed a £20m financial hardship fund for freelance musicians during the pandemic, launched the musicians’ mentoring network Co-Pilot, and grew Music Minds Matter into a major mental health service for the entire music industry.
He studied economics at university and initially had a career in finance, including roles auditing in the charity sector, and at Warner Music UK. This led to his first stint at the Royal Albert Hall (2008-2017) where he was Finance Director initially, then Chief Operating Officer for three years.
James is a keen amateur musician, loving a wide range of music and playing piano, bass guitar and ‘cello.
Sammy Andrews
Founder & CEO – Deviate Digital
Sammy Andrews is an award-winning music industry leader and founder and CEO of Deviate Digital, a leading digital advisory agency to the global entertainment business. A former concert promoter, artist manager and independent label founder, she has led digital strategy at XIX Entertainment and Cooking Vinyl, and advised artists, labels, venues and rights-holders worldwide. Sammy is a long-standing industry commentator, writing for Music Business Worldwide, and a regular public speaker on music, technology and commercial innovation. In 2024, she founded and directed SISTERS: Annie Lennox & Friends at the Royal Albert Hall, raising funds for women’s rights charity The Circle.
Jake Beaumont-Nesbitt
Director of Innovation & Education – International Music Managers Forum (IMMF)
Jake is an artist manager, he also advises music artists and technology companies on strategy and development. Jake has worked with self-releasing, and signed artists in Asia, Europe, and the USA. He has taken self-funded, self-releasing artists to #2 album chart success in the Netherlands, major label deals in the UK, and leading indie label deals in the USA. With a background in financial markets, he consults for rights technology companies, and rights holders. Music rights and royalties clients have included Beyonce, Rihanna, The Eagles, Radiohead, and The Clash.
Jake has been part of music industry stakeholder dialogues with WIPO, EU, UK, US policy makers; and regularly speaks on artist management, and music industry innovation topics around the world.
Jake is Director of Innovation & Education at the International Music Managers Forum (IMMF) connecting artists and managers from 65+ countries, with committees on IP, Live, Finance, and all aspects of an artists business agenda. Funded by the European Commission and IMMF Jake led development of a music business education program covering all aspects of the industry.
As part of Project Zero, supporting Ocean conservation projects, he is a keen scubadiver and used to cycle out to John Sweeney’s house at weekends to discuss football and rock ‘n’ roll.
Cameron Craig
Executive Director – Music Producer’s Guild (MPG)
Cameron’s impressive list of collaborators includes globally renowned artists such as Adele, Annie Lennox, Björk, Baxter Dury, Brett Anderson, Grace Jones, Joe Strummer, The Hours, Duffy, Paolo Nutini, and Amy Winehouse, alongside multiple albums and projects over the last nearly 30 years with James Lavelle and the influential collective U.N.K.L.E.
His contribution to Adele’s 25 earned him a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, while his work on Suzanne Vega’s Beauty & Crime secured him his first Grammy for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. Further recognition includes Grammy nominations for Annie Lennox’s Nostalgia, which he mixed, and Björk’s Biophilia, on which he recorded a track. He recorded the orchestra for Duffy’s critically acclaimed Rockferry, a project that went on to win both Grammy and BRIT Awards.
Cameron has also received nominations for Recording Engineer of the Year at the Music Producers Guild (MPG) Awards in 2015 and 2020.
In addition to his studio work, Cameron plays a key role in shaping the future of the music industry. He serves as an Executive Director of the Music Producers Guild (MPG) and sits on the board of UK Music, representing the MPG within the broader music community.
With a career defined by innovation, technical excellence, and creative breadth, Cameron remains a leading force in contemporary music production.
Jamie Dominguez
National Director, Industry Relations – The MLC
Jamie Dominguez is the National Director of Industry Relations at The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC), where she fosters partnerships with music creators, publishers, business managers, attorneys, and industry organizations. With over 25 years of experience in rights management, publishing, artist development, and music education, Jamie amplifies The MLC’s mission by leading outreach at key events and conferences and championing a fairer, more informed music ecosystem.
Jamie began her career in Austin, Texas, earning a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Texas. She moved to New York City to join SESAC, where she spent 19 years supporting and curating a diverse roster of songwriters as Senior Director of Creative Services. In 2020, she joined Sound Royalties as Regional Director, launching its New York presence and guiding creators toward financial empowerment.
A passionate educator, Jamie joined the BerkleeNYC faculty in 2021 to teach in their Master of Arts program at the iconic Power Station. She currently serves her third term as a Governor of the Recording Academy’s New York Chapter, co-chairs its DEI task force, and is a DREAM Ambassador. Her lifelong commitment to equity, mentorship, and creator advocacy continues to shape a more inclusive and sustainable music industry.
Victoria Dry
Victoria Dry began her career at the Performing Right Society, where she worked closely with songwriters supporting and helping them to navigate creative and contractual disputes. Her first manager was the late John Sweeney, with whom she worked for three years. Their professional relationship grew into a lifelong friendship, with John remaining a trusted mentor as well as her best friend.
She went on to join The Ivors Academy (then the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors) during the chairmanship of Don Black. There, she played a key role in organising judging for major categories including Best Song Musically and Lyrically and Best Contemporary Song at the Ivor Novello Awards. She also contributed to the UK selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest and supported early-career artists through curated songwriter showcases.
Victoria, amongst other roles in the entertainment industry, MCs for live storytelling events in London, including True Story, where she collaborates with storytellers and singer-songwriters to bring authentic, personal narratives to the stage.
She is honoured to serve as a judge at Sound City, supporting the SESAC bursary established in John Sweeney’s name, and to help champion new songwriting talent in a way that continues his legacy of generosity, insight, and unwavering belief in songwriters.
Paul Firth
Director, Global Music Industry – Amazon Music
Paul Firth is the Director of Global Music Industry at Amazon Music, based in London. Paul oversees Amazon Music’s strategy and growth initiatives across APAC, EMEA, LATAM and the US. In recent years, Paul has presided over the unprecedented growth for Amazon Music’s international business, leading the expansion of Amazon Music into Brazil in 2019, Chile and Colombia in 2021 and Argentina in 2022, alongside regional and local leaders.
Before Amazon Music, Paul was Head of Music for Entertainment UK, and Head of European Buying at LOVEFiLM. He began his Amazon career in the physical music team, taking on the category leader role for physical music and DVD, before moving to digital music to oversee the launch of two Amazon Music streaming services: the first international role out of Prime Music which launched for Amazon Prime members in the UK in July 2015, and Amazon Music Unlimited which launched in the UK in November 2016.
Scott Jungmichel
President & COO – SESAC
Scott serves as President and Chief Operating Officer for SESAC Performing Rights. In this capacity, Jungmichel is charged with overseeing writer/publisher client services, licensing, royalty administration, corporate development, research and analysis and administrative functions. He is based in Nashville, Tennessee.
Sam Kling
Chief Creative Officer – SESAC
Sam serves as Chief Creative Officer for SESAC Performing Rights, where he oversees the company’s growth strategies for artists affiliations, music publishers and new business opportunities within the creative community. Kling also manages the Creative Services team in London, New York, Nashville, and Los Angeles, where he resides.
Tim Major
President & Co-Managing Director – Sony Music Publishing, UK
Tim Major is President & Co-Managing Director of Sony Music Publishing in the UK. Having started his career in music as a lawyer working on the BRIT Awards and then for Universal, he joined Sony Music Publishing in 2013, and became Co-Managing Director in 2019. During his leadership, SMP UK has worked with some of the world’s greatest songwriting talent, including Ed Sheeran, Charli XCX, Queen, Kate Bush, Arctic Monkeys, Noel Gallagher, Sade and Damon Albarn, as well as signed the next generation of incredible talent, including Olivia Dean, Lola Young, Myles Smith, Little Simz, Wolf Alice and Holly Humberstone.
Alistair Norbury
President, UK, Europe & APAC – BMG
Alistair Norbury joined BMG in 2016 and was appointed President, UK, Europe & APAC in 2024. In this expanded role, he oversees both music publishing and frontline recordings, further strengthening BMG’s position as a global music company.
BMG’s roster under Norbury’s leadership includes a wide array of iconic and contemporary recording artists and songwriters. Publishing clients include Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, George Ezra, Mura Masa, The Chemical Brothers, Jet, Daniel Johns, roselilah, Robin Schulz, Johnny Marr, KT Tunstall and Camille Purcell. On the recordings side, the roster includes Rick Astley, Jean-Michel Jarre, Lenny Kravitz, Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora, Lily Allen, Louis Tomlinson, Gary Numan, Travis, Blondie, Crowded House, Dope Lemon, Francesco Gabbani, Duran Duran, Amy Macdonald, and many more.
As a member of BMG’s Global Strategy Committee, Norbury played a central role in the company’s brand refresh in 2025. His leadership bridges creativity and commercial impact across borders, reinforcing BMG’s unique integrated model and setting a new standard for global music companies.
Immediately before joining BMG, Norbury was an artist manager. He acted for artists including Bryan Ferry, James, and Texas, all of whom enjoyed renewed success through their partnerships with BMG.
Norbury spent 15 years working with Chris Blackwell’s Island Group of Companies, initially as a lawyer at Island Records and then as Managing Director of Blue Mountain Music, the music publisher of U2 and Bob Marley. In 1998, he became founder Director of Blackwell’s new audio-visual label, Palm Pictures.
Before starting his career in the music industry, Norbury graduated from the University of Southampton and the Inns of Court of Law.
May Sweeney
Founder – PATCHWORK
May Sweeney brings a personal connection to music and storytelling as the daughter of the late John Sweeney. Growing up, May, alongside her brother Keir, was immersed in live performances, experiencing firsthand the energy and emotion of music in its most immediate form. She was guided by her father, whose passion shaped her understanding of what makes a track truly resonate, from new releases to the artistry behind great songwriting.
Following her father’s passing, May had the honour of accepting his posthumous Ivor Novello Honours Award, delivering an inspired speech in front of an audience that included influential voices in music and culture such as RAYE, Richard Branson and Kae Tempest. The moment stood out as both a tribute to his legacy and a reflection of the profound impact he had on those around him.
Professionally, May now runs her own production company, PATCHWORK, collaborating with creatives from writers and directors to photographers. Her projects often begin with sound, where music works as a foundation to shape narrative and visual direction. She also works with songwriters to create bespoke music for campaigns, deepening her appreciation for the craft of songwriting and its role in storytelling.
It is a true honour for May to serve as a judge for this bursary. Continuing her father’s legacy holds deep personal significance, reflecting John’s unwavering belief and support in songwriters and creatives. Through this role, she is proud to champion the next generation of talent and contribute to a community that meant so much to him.
Amanda Terranova
Director, Creative & Content – SESAC
Amanda Terranova is Director of Creative & Content at SESAC, where she leads the creative vision behind campaigns, events, and digital storytelling that spotlight songwriters and composers. From large-scale industry moments to day-to-day social content, she focuses on making music feel as impactful visually as it does sonically.
Her work blends strategy with creativity — developing concepts, shaping brand voice, and bringing ideas to life across platforms. Amanda is especially passionate about discovering and supporting emerging talent and is honored to contribute as a judge for the John Sweeney Scholarship, continuing his legacy of supporting songwriters.
Alan Thompson and James Rooney
Confetto
Alan Thompson and James Rooney began working together in 2016 under the name Hoofa later changing their name to Confetto. They were lucky to meet John after a chance meeting over a shared love of music, their conversation went along these lines: ‘Oh if you like them have you heard of this new artist they’re just breaking through? Oh yeah they’re actually playing on our stage in a few weeks!’ A shared love of music and new artists led to a friendship that you can only count yourself lucky to have found.
Alan and James went on to take many roles within the music industry, from touring as SESAC artists to radio presenting, promoting venues, running their own music advertising agency and repping stages, including the 2025 SESAC showcase at Sound City. Their passion for music takes them across many different parts of the industry and have been lucky to have witness the rise of many great acts. Always doing their best to help new emerging artists have an opportunity to succeed. Taking inspiration from John who would always champion new artists whenever the opportunity arose and even when it didn’t.
John would always be there as a guiding hand throughout each and every step of their journey. With both sharing any and all new artists they found to share their exciting new finds and act as sounding boards for what might work. Having been go to gig buddies for almost a decade their taste in music has definitely been joined at the hip. With their last conversations they had together being a focused on whether the artists were happy at their showcase and with the next set of recommendations that we needed to go and see. The love for music truly never stopped.
Confetto are honoured to judge at Sound City, helping artists they know first-hand John would love, the opportunity to succeed and take that next step just as John would’ve done himself.
