24 July, 2025
89up has established an ethical record label, and seeks exciting new talent
Tonight at a secret location in Waterloo, 89up will be hosting a helluva hoedown - where all the music industry glitterati will be present. 89up are seeking auditions from eager and ethical musical talent that reflect the values of the agency.
Current staff will of course be considered as clearly you all have the X Factor - so we’re gonna spin the wheel, and give you all a chance to hear that golden buzzer tonight.
Just like Simon Cowell, we’ve already created the best band member combinations based on your different talents, stunning good looks and amazing personalities. See below for your band mates.
THE TASK
🎤 Bring your band to life in the most creative way possible!
We want the whole package - the backstory, the bold name, and of course, your fanbase (think Swifties? Little Monsters? Beyhive - 89upers?!!).
No band makes it big without a killer online presence, so you'll also need:
👉 A short social video or a photo montage or imagery that introduces you to the world.
Make us believe you're the next big thing and deserve the contract! Don’t hold back on the drama, uniqueness, or the talent (or glorious lack thereof).
As a group, you will be given:
- A musical genre
- One of our four new agency values (as a theme)
- A central London location that must be included in the assets you create
You must create:
- A band name that brings together the genre and value you are given, and an origin backstory.
- Either an album cover, photo montage or short social video that introduces you as a band
Bonus points for:
- The title of your first album
- Inclusion of random props or costume (including comedy, but intentional, safe-for-work wardrobe malfunctions)
- Sharing a snapshot of your fandom ( vox pops anyone?!)
Q&A
🎤 Do we have to sing ourselves?
Nope - not unless you want to - also open to any lip-sync assassins who might be out there but no pressure (..we all know Charlie uses a vocoder for live!
🎉 Does anything go?!
Go big, go bold, go extra - or keep it cool with a pulled-back approach. You can do as much or as little as you like - it’s all about embodying those values in your creative way.
🚫 Any no-nos?
As above. Pretty much anything goes! This is an open challenge - we want you to get creative, bold, and expressive. That said… maybe steer clear of things that might get you arrested or banned from future Christmas parties (read: no nudity, no fountain frollicking please 🙃).
🤖 Can we use AI?
Absolutely! (isn’t everyone these days..) Feel free to use AI to help write lyrics, or even compose a track, or remix a classic. Humans and robots working in harmony - what could go wrong?
💸 Is there a budget?
Nope - this is truly about flexing that creativity
⏰ What’s the deadline?
Bring the magic to Oasis Farm Waterloo by 4pm and share your masterpiece with the group. (Bonus points for punctuality and glitter.)
Our Bands
Creative inspo
Our Agency Values
#1 Make the world a better place
...is core to how we think and behave. We deliver our best work to win positive long lasting change.
We are here to make a real, positive difference. That means being strategic and relentless in our pursuit of impact, using our integrated skills to deliver meaningful and measurable change for the causes and clients we champion. It means thinking as a true team - making space for training, development and support.
It means understanding that change doesn't happen overnight and so we need to think long term about our work but also our well being.
#2 Be a trusted partner
...is about our culture of collaboration. This is how we show up for our colleagues and our clients. We do not think like a traditional agency, but instead like a partner - internally and externally.
We are part of an ecosystem and our relationship is not simply extractive or transactional. We invest in it. We are generous with our time, insights, knowledge, contacts, ideas and counsel - both with our clients and our colleagues.
When we all have ownership and contribute, we do our best work. In order to do this, we have relationships that are built on respect, trust and collaboration and are supportive and collegiate through challenging times.
#3 Lead the charge.
We are brave and bold, unafraid to lead from the front. We have a strong point of view and the courage to challenge conventions, the brief, the status quo and each other, in order to achieve real impact. We embrace the untested path and take smart, creative risks that serve the mission.
Everyone is encouraged to speak up, back their judgement, and contribute ambitiously, within a safe and inclusive space, where questions are welcome, and stretching beyond your comfort zone is the norm.
#4 Make space for everyone
We believe our strength lies in our diversity. We are actively curious about different perspectives and work to raise up quiet voices and amplify diverse thinking.
We like to come at challenges from different viewpoints and believe ideas can come from anywhere. We continually platform different people within the agency, giving everyone the chance to shine. We champion progressive, authentic representation and work hard to surface a wide range of perspectives.
