Amanda Maxwell is a passionate advocate for diversity and empowerment within the music industry. With years of experience, she has become a leading figure, both as an independent artist manager and as a connector and mentor for emerging talent. Amanda is the founder of Freelance Queens, a collective supporting minority ethnic, LGBTQIA+, and female-identifying freelancers in the music and creative sectors, now with over 250 members. This community fosters collaboration, job-sharing, and amplifying voices, with businesses like Nando’s, Red Bull, and Warner tapping into the collective for talent.

Amanda also serves as Chair of the UK Music Futures Board, a platform launched in 2016 to amplify the next generation of industry leaders. Initially part of the founding group, she later became the group’s representative on the UK Music Board, and in 2020, was appointed Chair, working alongside Jennifer Geddes to guide the group through challenges like Brexit and COVID. The Futures Group brings together young professionals from across labels, management, publicists, producers, and more, and has become a vital voice for the future of the music business.

Additionally, Amanda previously co-directed the London Chapter of shesaid.so, speaks regularly on inclusion and empowerment, and sits on the BPI’s Equality, Justice, and Advisory Group and Music Week's Women In Music Awards board.

2026 SXSW London Music Jurors

Meet the industry professionals curating and judging this year's SXSW London music program, spotlighting standout talent from across the globe.