Welsh entrepreneur launches
music management company

A Welsh entrepreneur has launched a music management company in a bid to support young and aspiring musicians in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The new venture is the brainchild of local businessman and keen musician, James Emery, managing director of Barry-based COS Group.

 Mr Emery has set up Seren*e Management, named after daughter, Katie Seren, having uncovered a number of unique, talented songwriters and performers from across South Wales.

A trustee of Llantwit Major charity, Major Music and a lead singer in band ‘The Beard Shop’, the formation of Seren*e Management seemed a natural step for Mr Emery who has been involved in the music industry in south Wales for over 15 years.

On launching the company, Mr Emery said:  “As someone with a passion for music, I was extremely keen to set up Seren*e and mentor new artists. Having worked with Major Music for a number of years, I know that there is so much raw, undiscovered talent across south Wales and I hope that Seren*e will be able to give these artists the chance to get their songs heard!”

Seren*e Management will be looking to take on additional artists, as Mr Emery and his wife, Debbie unearth them, and give them the maximum amount of exposure and direction in their music careers as possible.

The company has already signed two aspiring artists, Grace Hartrey and Steve Collins. Grace, 15, from Dinas Powys has been composing songs from the age of 12 and is an accomplished guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. Steve, 32 from Llantwit Major is a skilled instrumental guitarist and has been likened to Andy Mckee and Don Ross who are renowned for this growing form of music, selling out concerts worldwide.

Both well kept secrets on the music scene until now, Seren*e aims to become a stepping stone for the artists to make it in the music industry.  Both Grace and Steve have already been booked to play several venues across the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff on the back of their signing with Seren*e.  

Continues Mr Emery: “Having worked closely with both Grace and Steve over the last three months it is evident that they are both extremely talented musicians. It is fantastic that they are the first two artists to come on board and I look forward to getting their names and music well known.”