April 26th: Today’s Feature

April

Janine Mireille Irons, an esteemed British music educator, artist manager, and producer, has made significant contributions to the music industry. In 1991, she joined forces with her partner Gary Crosby to establish Tomorrow's Warriors, an organisation dedicated to music education and professional development. As the Chief Executive of Tomorrow's Warriors, Irons has played a pivotal role in nurturing and empowering aspiring musicians.

Recognising the need for representation and recognition of Black British jazz musicians, Irons and Crosby took another bold step in 1997 by founding the Dune Records label. This label has become a platform for talented musicians from Tomorrow's Warriors and has been instrumental in promoting and showcasing the rich diversity of Black British jazz. Irons' commitment to supporting and uplifting underrepresented artists extends beyond her role as an educator and manager.

In addition to her work in the music industry, Irons has also explored her artistic talents as a photographer and musician. Her multifaceted approach to creativity allows her to connect with artists on a deeper level and understand their unique perspectives. Through her various endeavours, Irons continues to make a lasting impact on the music community, fostering a nurturing environment for emerging talent and championing the voices of marginalised artists.

Biography

Irons, who was born in Harrow, London, had a diverse range of interests and talents from a young age. While she initially studied classical piano with a reputed teacher who had allegedly worked with André Previn, her passion for music led her to explore other avenues. As a teenager, she showcased her vocal abilities by singing in a funk band, which caught the attention of industry professionals. At the age of 16, she received a tempting contract offer as a vocalist, but she made a bold decision to pursue a different path.

Despite the allure of a potential music career, Irons opted to venture into the corporate world, seeking a career in The City. Initially, she found the work to be financially rewarding but monotonous. Realising that her true passion lay elsewhere, she made a pivotal decision to enrol in a photography course at the esteemed City and Guilds of London Institute. This decision proved to be a turning point in her life. While honing her skills as a photographer, she had the opportunity to cover a jazz performance as a freelance photographer. It was during this assignment that she crossed paths with Gary Crosby, a talented bass player who would later become her partner. Inspired by her encounter with Crosby and her growing love for the music industry, Irons not only managed artists but also delved into the realm of recording and releasing records.

Tomorrow's Warriors

Established in 1991 by Irons and Crosby, Tomorrow's Warriors is a renowned jazz music education and artist development organisation. Irons currently holds the position of managing director/CEO within the organisation. In 1997, the duo ventured into the music industry by founding Dune Records, which quickly gained recognition as an award-winning label. Irons took on the role of managing director within Dune Records as well.

Irons has shared her early experiences within the music industry, recalling the multitude of tasks she had to undertake initially. From photography to liner notes, artwork, press/PR, and distribution, Irons was deeply involved in every aspect of the music production process. However, as Dune Records grew, they decided to enlist professional designers starting with their third release, Denys Baptiste's Be Where You Are in 1999. The album received critical acclaim and even secured a nomination for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize, which recognises the best British music releases across genres. Notable acts associated with Dune Records include Nu Troop, J-Life, Jazz Jamaica, Soweto Kinch, and Abram Wilson, further solidifying the label's reputation in the music industry.

Awards and Recognition

Janine, an esteemed arts leader and consultant, is deeply committed to promoting excellence, genuine diversity, and inclusive approaches in the realm of music education. With a strong belief in the power of black music, she tirelessly works towards its design, delivery, and presentation.

Janine's extensive experience as a creative producer is further highlighted by her remarkable achievement of establishing and managing the renowned jazz record label, Dune Records, from 1997 to 2012. During this time, her exceptional work garnered two Mercury Prize nominations, solidifying her reputation as a visionary in the industry. Additionally, she played a pivotal role as a manager and agent for several prominent UK jazz artists, including Jazz Jamaica, Denys Baptiste, and Soweto Kinch.

Janine's remarkable contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she received a nomination for the prestigious European Federation of Black Women Business Owners award in 1999. Her outstanding dedication and impact on the music industry were further recognised when she was bestowed with the MBE for Services to the Music Industry during HM The Queen's Birthday Honours in 2006. Janine's commitment to her craft has also earned her the esteemed title of Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

In 2019, her exceptional work was acknowledged once again when she was honoured in the Alternative Power 100 Music List, a distinguished accolade established by SheSaid.So. This global network of women in the music industry created the list as a response to Billboard's Power 100 List, aiming to challenge and redefine conventional standards within the music industry. Janine's inclusion in this prestigious list further solidifies her status as a trailblazer and an influential force in the field of music.