Sound Appoints Sage Todz as Artist Manager

Cardiff-based youth music charity Sound Progression has announced the appointment of Sage Todz as its new Artist Manager, strengthening the organisation’s commitment to supporting emerging Welsh artists into sustainable creative careers.

Sage joins Sound Progression as part of its In Motion2

Industry programme, supported by funding from Arts Council of Wales and the Ed Sheeran Foundation. Sound Progression is the main Welsh delivery partner for the Ed Sheeran Foundation, working to create clear, supported pathways from grassroots youth music into the professional music industry.

An experienced artist and creative practitioner, Sage brings first-hand insight into the realities of building a music career, shaped by his lived experience as a Black Welsh artist working across grassroots and bilingual music spaces. Known for his Welsh-language rap, his appointment strengthens Sound Progression’s commitment to representation, cultural identity, and inclusive progression pathways, both on stage and behind the scenes.

In his new role, Sage will work closely with artists and mentors to support artist development, branding, releases and industry connections, while also helping to coordinate live showcases and festival opportunities across Wales and beyond. Sound Progression artists regularly perform at major events including Green Man Festival, In It Together Festival and Big Love Festival, alongside a growing programme of industry-facing showcases.

Sage Todz said: “I’m very excited to be stepping into this role with Sound Progression. I’m passionate about providing the kind of support I felt was missing when I began my own music development journey. I really value the opportunity to be part of an organisation that creates tangible and genuine outcomes for young artists. Let’s do this.”

Sound Progression’s Chair, Matt Parry, welcomed the appointment: “Sage brings artistic credibility, strategic thinking, and a genuine ability to connect with artists. His lived experience gives him a clear understanding of what artists need at different stages of their journey, making him an excellent fit for this role. We’re delighted to welcome him to the team and look forward to the impact he’ll have on our programme.”

The appointment coincides with Sound Progression’s flagship In Motion event, a free, large-scale youth music showcase taking place at Clwb Ifor Bach on 22 February
, featuring over 50 young acts and bands across multiple stages. The event is funded primarily through the Welsh Government’s St David’s Day Pilot Scheme and celebrates emerging Welsh youth music talent, forming a key part of Sound Progression’s progression pipeline from youth music into professional performance opportunities. Further information, including free ticket booking, is available via Sound Progression’s website and social channels.

Sound Progression supports over 600 young people each year through free, high-quality music programmes delivered across Cardiff. The appointment of Sage Todz marks an important step in strengthening artist management capacity and building clearer progression routes from youth music into the professional industry.