After building a thriving career as a music executive, Edward Bruce has taken a bold step by focusing on public relations with the launch of Blackspire Press. Aided by his diverse background in music and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Edward is uniquely positioned to help both artists and businesses navigate the intricate world of media and public relations.
Edward’s journey began at Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen, UK, where he nurtured his passion for music while pursuing a degree in computing science at the University of Glasgow. Despite studying software engineering, he constantly had projects on the go and soon found himself managing his own independent music label, distributing tunes for top UK grime and hip-hop artists. It wasn’t long before Edward was rubbing shoulders with the industry’s elite, applying his knowledge and experience to his PR agency, Blackspire Press, co-founded in 2021.
The origin of Blackspire Press can be traced back to Edward’s long-time high school friend Lewis, who worked in influencer marketing. When the duo moved in together, they began exploring various business ventures and eventually merged their expertise in music and marketing. This unique fusion of skills and industry experience allowed Edward and Lewis to offer a wide range of services, from traditional music PR to marketing and consulting for clients across multiple sectors.
With renowned music clients featured in Noisey, i-D Magazine, and Complex and business clients gracing the pages of Forbes, IB Times, and Men’s Journal, Edward’s foray into PR has undoubtedly made an impact. He attributes his success to a combination of strong creative and technical abilities, an independent approach to the music industry, keen observation skills, and recognizing that the path to success may not always involve pursuing one’s passions exclusively.
Edward has faced his fair share of challenges along the way, with communication being the most significant obstacle. As a naturally reserved individual, he had to learn how to effectively convey ideas and manage expectations when working with passionate artists. Another challenge he encountered was the need for efficient systems and processes when dealing with hundreds of orders and clients. Through a blend of existing technology and custom solutions, Edward is continually refining his approach to PR management.
Some of Edward’s notable career highlights include gold and platinum certifications for his contribution to Loïc Nottet’s Selfocracy album, a silver IMPALA certification for Shogun’s Katana EP, and millions of streams across his music label’s releases. He has collaborated with Red Bull Music and Sony/RCA Records UK and worked with major brands such as Sony Music, Boiler Room, and BBC.
One vital lesson Edward has learned over the years is the importance of staying in motion. Even when business is thriving, it’s essential to keep pushing forward and refining strategies, as setbacks are inevitable.
Looking ahead, Edward’s vision for the future is one of continued growth and flexibility. He dreams of being able to travel the world and work whenever and wherever he wants, potentially setting up a base in the UAE. Regardless of what the future holds, Edward’s transition from music executive to PR powerhouse with Blackspire Press is a testament to his talent, drive, and adaptability.
Stay up to date with Edward Bruce’s journey by following him on TikTok and Instagram or visiting his website, and learn more about Blackspire Press by clicking here.