About Hartley Music Group

Our
Story

Hi, I'm Mike.

I got hooked on music at 13 when a mate's older brother taught him guitar, and he passed it on to me. From that moment, I was all in—learning bass, gigging, touring, and eventually making a living as a session musician playing everything from intimate artist projects to wedding gigs on cruise ships.

Over the years, I've worked with dozens of artists and bands—some just starting out, others further along. And I kept seeing the same pattern: talented musicians getting stuck, overwhelmed, or burnt out trying to figure out the business side on their own.

They'd spend hours scrolling through conflicting advice, trying strategies that didn't fit who they were, or worse—giving up because they couldn't see a clear path forward. Meanwhile, the consultants and "gurus" out there were either pushing cookie-cutter formulas or pricing themselves out of reach for independent artists.

That didn't sit right with me.

So I decided to do something about it. I combined my real-world experience as a working musician with formal training in music business (currently finishing my Masters at Waterbear in Brighton) to create Hartley Music Group—a consultancy built specifically for independent artists who refuse to compromise who they are for the sake of "making it."

What Makes HMG Different?

I've lived what you're going through. I know what it's like to juggle the creative side with the business reality. I've experienced the frustration of unclear direction, the pressure to be everywhere at once, and the fear that comes with taking risks on your career.

But here's what I've learned: the industry doesn't have to change you—you can make it work for you.

Most consultants try to make artists fit the industry mould. I do the opposite. I help you build a career that fits who you actually are—whether you're tackling serious themes or making stupid memes (both are valid, trust me).

HMG isn't about generic formulas or unrealistic promises. It's about:

Getting you unstuck when you don't know what to do next
Building brands that actually reflect who you are
Creating strategies designed for longevity, not just viral moments
Taking confident action—even when it's scary

Because sustainable careers aren't built on luck. They're built on clarity, authenticity, and showing up consistently as yourself.

Start Now

My Approach

I work with artists who are:

Tired of conflicting advice that leads nowhere
Ready to stop guessing and start moving forward
Looking for support that's honest, personal, and rooted in real experience
Building careers for the long haul, not chasing overnight success

Together, we'll cut through the noise, figure out what actually works for you, and build a plan you can stick to—without sacrificing your creativity, wellbeing, or sense of self.

Let's Build Something That Lasts

f you're ready to get clear, take action, and build a career that fits your life—not someone else's blueprint—I'd love to work with you.

Book your free discovery call and let's figure out your next move.