An artist development & music production house
The Tinderbox Team
The three practitioners at Tinderbox have over 50 years experience working across many areas of the music industry. They are well placed to nurture and guide upcoming artists whilst also providing them with the skills to maintain a fulfilling and successful career in a highly competitive industry.
Artist Development
Suzi Ireland
Suzi is a respected and influential figure in the UK music industry, with a career spanning artist development, promotion, event and artist management, label operations, and music journalism. She is part of Liquid Management where she manages artists including Charlotte OC and CLT DRP - each known for their bold, genre-blending sound and fearless creativity.
A long-time champion of live music, Suzi has curated and managed stages at major festivals including Glastonbury, Victorious, YNOT, Truck, The Great Escape and 2000Trees. Her industry knowledge and practical approach make her a trusted guide for artists and young professionals alike.
With nearly two decades in music education, Suzi has mentored countless bands and coached aspiring music executives into their first roles in the industry. She’s passionate about discovering new talent and building spaces where artists feel supported, heard and free to grow.
Whether you're just starting out or ready to take the next step, Suzi brings energy, insight and encouragement to help you shape your path and make your mark.
Funding Guidance
Lucy Sheehan
Lucy is fundraiser and development professional with ten years’ experience across the charity sector, with a track record raising funds up to six figures and generating
investment for major cultural heritage sites and large capital projects.
She has worked as a freelance grants’ writer and fundraising manager for projects including music education and access, and most recently national youth mental health charity
Stop.Breathe.Think.
Lucy is an experienced and working musician, having recorded and toured internationally since 2011, releasing music with the rock band Projector and as a solo electronic artist O Hell. Lucy also tours as a session bassist and singer.
She is the co-founder of DJ collective DFWU and has worked as a music journalist, radio DJ and promoter.
Production
Ben Hampson
Ben Hampson is a Sussex-based producer, mixer, engineer, multi-instrumentalist and
writer with over 20 years’ experience in the music industry. He began his career as an
assistant and engineer, working daily with iconic artists including Noel Gallagher, Bloc
Party, Genesis, Status Quo and Editors.
Ben soon established himself as a producer and mixer in his own right, collaborating
with independent acts such as Blood Red Shoes, Tigercub, Ditz, Lambrini Girls,
Noisettes and Sea Power.
He’s known for creating a relaxed, creative studio environment where artists can experiment, learn and make music they’re proud of.
Ben is the founder of AA Sessions, a collaborative recording project that brings together artists from acts like Nadine Shah, Arxx, Blood Red Shoes, Our Girl, Tigercub/Nancy and Ciel.
Alongside studio work, Ben has lectured on music production at BIMM Brighton and
regularly tours as a live musician with Projector, O Hell and AA Sessions, performing at
venues and festivals including Amazon Live, 2000Trees, Scala and Electric Ballroom.
Tinderbox productions are recorded at Ben’s studio, Agricultural Audio—a space
designed for bold ideas and boundary-pushing sound.
