#RSDUnsigned Competition 2025

Karen Emanuel – Key Production Group CEO and founder

Karen started out in the music business by booking bands and DJ-ing at Leeds University. In the late 80s, she took a job at Rough Trade Distribution, climbing the ladder in an overwhelmingly male dominated sector by asking the right questions and taking every opportunity to learn the numbers side of the business. In 1990, she used a redundancy pay-out to start Key Production which still specialises in the production and manufacture of CDs, DVDs, vinyl records and beautifully art-worked bespoke packaging for music and other industries. Through organic growth and acquisitions, Key is a leader in its field, employing over 60 people at four offices in the UK and Europe. Sustainability is a pillar of Key’s ethos. Karen has made it a priority to continue to research the best practice and share knowledge in this area, placing her as an industry leader. Karen is an advisor to Evolution Vinyl, part of the Vinyl Alliance, and on the advisory board of The Centre for Sustainable Design and Women in Vinyl. She has also contributed to the Impala vinyl pressing group and AIM Climate Action Group. In 2007, whilst on holiday in Nicaragua, Karen saw a sign proclaiming “Island for Sale.” Three years later sees her having built and opened www.jicaroisland.com a luxury sustainable hotel created with Rainforest Alliance certificated wood. Karen’s awards include the NatWest Everywoman Award, Women in Music Roll of Honour and Great British Businesswoman. In her “spare” time, Karen mentors students, talks and volunteers at schools and universities and helps the charity www.migrateart.com. Karen has also set up a CIC (Community Interest Company) called Moving the Needle. MTNnow is an educational initiative to ensure more women achieve life long careers in the Music Industry.

girli

London-born alt-pop powerhouse, girli is a fearless, unapologetic voice for her generation. Known for her bold lyrics, striking visuals, and genre-blurring sound, girli blends personal storytelling with sharp social commentary. From tackling societal norms and mental health to exploring love and self-discovery, her music resonates with fans who see her as both an ally and an inspiration. From the reflective "More Than a Friend" to the empowering "Matriarchy," girli’s music strikes a balance between raw emotion and unapologetic confidence. Her ability to channel her experiences into relatable and honest songs has made her a cult figure and a proud ambassador for the LGBTQIA+ community. A true original, girli is connecting with audiences around the world and redefining what it means to be unapologetically yourself.

Elsie Chadwick - Stamper Discs

Elsie Chadwick is the Customer Service Manager at Stamper Discs; a company who create stampers for the vinyl record manufacturing world. Having joined Stamper Discs in its infancy, Elsie has quickly become the first port of call for pressing plants, labels and artists around the world - giving her a unique vantage point of the vinyl record industry. Sitting where she does in the supply chain means that a day for Elsie and her team can include anything from navigating the murky world of customs to helping artists and labels organise their release schedules and most importantly helping plants around the world keep their presses running.

Emma Perks - Spinning Around Records

Emma is the owner of Spinning Around Records in Wellington, Telford, an independent record store which opened in 2023. After being made redundant from her previous job, Emma decided to open a record store focusing on pop music as she felt this was a sector that wasn’t catered for and what she had a passion for. Spinning Around has been shortlisted to the final 5 for Best Independent Record Store at this year’s Independent Music Awards.