Mentorship programme for NI artists announced by Mabfield & Harbour Music Society


Two Northern Ireland music industry professionals have teamed up for a free artist mentorship programme.
Dylan Murphy formerly of District is back on his freelance and podcast buzz with Mabfield Podcast and has teamed up with Peter Gibney of PR company Harbour Music Society independent artist development program.
The programme has been backed by UNESCO & Belfast City Council, this program aims at offering expert guidance, hands-on training and mentorship to enhance creative output, grow audiences and develop sustainable careers.
A press release reads:
Over the years, it’s been clear there’s a massive gap in education when it comes to operating as an artist online. Often, the information available is archaic or unsuited to modern platforms. Given these platforms are constantly evolving and the growing importance of digital platforms for artist discovery and fan engagement, we’ve developed a tailored programme for artists. With support from Belfast’s Unesco City of Music Music Matters Strategy, we’ve been able to dedicate resources to addressing this gap in modern, digital support.
3 successful applicants will receive 3 sessions over a month Followed by one follow up/after care session, with mentorship on content creation, digital strategy, PR and leveraging modern platforms to build careers.
Applications open Tuesday 11th Feb, closes Friday 21st Feb.
Open to artists in the north that are active in the Belfast music scene.
Dylan Murphy
As the former head of content at District Magazine, Dylan has over 6 years of experience in content creation, journalism, and audience development within the music sector. He’s worked with major brands like Hennessy and Warner Music and played a key role in building the magazine’s audience. Now, he runs Belfast-based music podcast, Mabfield, that showcases artists and stories and works with artists and telling their stories online. His passion lies in advocating for Irish talent.
Peter Gibney
Peter, as co-founder and director of Harbour Music Society and Plain Sailing, has been instrumental in shaping Belfast’s music scene for nearly a decade. With expertise in PR, artist management, and consultancy, Peter has helped both emerging and established artists develop sustainable careers in NI & beyond. Harbour Music Society supports artists across the spectrum, while Plain Sailing highlights both local & international talent in Belfast, enriching the city’s cultural landscape.
Hey, before you go...
Nialler9 has been covering new music, new artists and gigs for the last 19 years. If you like the article you just read, and want us to publish more just like it, please consider supporting us on Patreon.
What you get as thanks in return...
- A weekly Spotify playlist only for patrons.
- Access to our private Nialler9 Discord community.
- Ad-free and bonus podcast episodes.
- Guestlist & discounts to Nialler9 & Lumo Club events.
- Themed playlists only for subscribers.
Your support enables us to continue to publish articles like this one, make podcasts and provide recommendations and news to our readers, and be a key part of the music community in Ireland and abroad.


Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.