It’s time once again for the Black Music Coalition’s Excellence Honourees list, the organisation’s annual celebration of Black music business talent. Here, we sit down with Lucy Francis, managing director at 17Days Music...
Can you sum up the importance of the BMC?
“Its importance is not to be underestimated. Before you even consider all the work, its mere presence has altered the landscape. I’m certainly not saying that there wasn’t any progress beforehand, or that the disparities and discrimination have resolved and disappeared, but the existence of the BMC comes with a level of accountability that I’ve not seen in all my time in music. I know of many individuals who have worked in, invested in and supported the community behind closed doors for years, and that incredible work continues, but to have this organisation exist so publicly is amazing. Then there’s the work – the research, initiatives, advocacy, support and programmes devised, run by and in partnership with the BMC. Pressure creates diamonds, and this organisation was born out of the collective exasperation of the community of Black executives in UK music. We came together in a way I’ve never known. It was a space we needed that had never existed, and it remains so.”
How does it feel to be recognised?
“It’s an honour. Beyond the personal recognition, I feel the BMC shining this light on Black execs year on year inspires and influences change in ways we don’t necessarily see immediately. You have to see it to believe it, right? And this list continues to show people wanting to come into music that this is a place for them and they can do brilliant things, too.”
In terms of your ethos as an executive, what are the qualities that define your work?
“I’m a firm believer in leading with honourable intention, and with that comes a degree of fearlessness. Passion absolutely drives me; I’m almost 25 years into my career and can safely say I’m still surrounded by people who inspire passion and fearlessness in me, daily.”
What impact do you want to make with your management company 17Days?
“It’s my job to facilitate and inspire the ambitions of my clients. With that also comes the responsibility to make sure they’re able to do their best work as often as possible – be it through the rooms they’re working in, the people they’re working with, the number of days they’re working or reminding them to take holidays! Together, we have a responsibility to ensure burnout doesn’t happen. This is a boutique management company by design, which means I have the capacity to listen to those ambitions as they grow and change, and do my utmost to help have them realised.”
What is the biggest issue facing creators today?
“AI. Knowledge is power, so it is important to understand it, even if you don’t use it. I highly doubt we’ll stop it altogether, but we can certainly harness it and make sure its use is declared and therefore assessed accordingly. I heard someone I have huge respect for recently compare the use of AI to sampling culture in production and, whilst I don’t necessarily agree with that sentiment, I understand it. At the same time, I see an increased appetite for authenticity in music and arts beyond, which gives me hope.”
How do you rate the hitmaking landscape in 2026?
“There’s no one formula; there never has been. A ‘hit’ can come from anywhere. I don’t believe that to be the definition of excellence. But as I say, it can come from anywhere and therefore be made in many different ways. There have been plenty of excellent and not-so-excellent hits in 2026 so far.”
Do you think the industry is more open to people from all backgrounds than it was when you started?
“I think there is an increased presence of diversity compared to 20 or so years ago. And sure, there’s a claim that it’s more meritocratic, but where’s the support and development of that talent once it’s through the door? What does the retention of that diverse talent look like? It’s not enough to say, ‘Welcome in, now go figure it out for yourself.’ Not to take away from my hard work and drive, but I’ve been afforded luck, opportunity and privilege throughout my career – and a large part of that was down to the incredible mentorship I’ve received. There are some incredible organisations working in that space like Small Green Shoots, Cre8ing Vision, The Cat’s Mother and more, but these often support individuals trying to enter the music industry. I’m talking about executive training: people who are on the ladder, who – with some proper professional paid-for support and guidance – could well go on to be the next MD of any UK music business.”
Is tackling racism and discrimination high enough on the industry’s agenda?
“No, I don’t think so. I can’t speak to what people are doing behind closed doors but, walking the corridors of many offices, I’m seeing less of a Black presence than I was even two years ago – that’s hugely concerning. What happened to the appointments and commitments made in 2020?”
PHOTO: Calvin Ceile
