The Genesis of The Space Between
2009: A Spark of an Idea
The origins of The Space Between trace back to 2009, during a conversation the founder—who had been working in various roles within the music industry for 15 years—had with a friend and colleague who was also a vocalist. They recognised a glaring gap in the support available to aspiring musicians. A second, fortuitous and fateful conversation with a UK music icon reinforced this idea: while mentoring existed to help musicians hone their craft in the hopes of becoming a fulltime working musician, no one was addressing how they could leverage that creativity into financial stability and fulfilling careers, outside of the industry.
​Historically, the narrative for emerging musicians has been stark: either starve for your art or sacrifice your creative dreams for an, albeit steady but unfulfilling job. This binary choice left little room for a balanced approach. That, along with the fact that many are discouraged from their creative pursuits as they are deemed non-viable career paths, leads them to leaving music behind. The hazard, apart the obvious, of these choices, is that they can exacerbate a clinically proven predisposition to mental health struggles experienced by musicians as a result of literally being wired differently.
​This realisation became the seed for The Space Between. It would be a resource to guide musicians towards a “third path,” helping them to navigate reality whilst pursuing their dreams. It would validate not only their innate drive to create, but who they are at their core.​
2009–2016: Planting the Seeds
For several years, the founder continued to support musicians through informal mentoring. She helped them understand the intricacies of the music industry, offered guidance on marketing strategies to grow their audience, and explored ways for them to channel their creativity into financially sustainable paths.
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However, while the concept of The Space Between matured, it remained a vision rather than a full-fledged organisation.
2018: A Calling to the UK
A visit to the UK in 2018 marked a turning point. Although the founder had grown up in “Detroit, Rock City” renowned for its music and artists of all genres—and built her career in vibrant music hubs like South Florida and Tempe, Arizona, (where the founder first met a teenaged Chester Bennington) it was the UK that resonated deeply. The country’s rich musical heritage, the unique support available for buskers, and the recognition by the NHS of sound and music as healing modalities, inspired her to relocate to build The Space Between on British soil.
2017: A Catalyst for Change
The loss of Chester Bennington, the lead singer of Linkin Park and a personal friend of the founder, reignited her commitment to the idea. His passing served as a poignant reminder of the struggles musicians face, including mental health challenges, and the vital need for a programme that addressed not just professional success but personal well-being.
​It was during this period that the name The Space Between emerged. The “space between” symbolised the liminal space where infinite possibilities exist—a place where musicians could find their path to balance and fulfilment.
​The founder, an energy healer and Reiki Master, also began integrating holistic support into her work with musicians, to help them overcome stage fright and other emotional struggles, as well as physical ailments and injuries.
2019: Laying the Foundations
Taking a leap of faith, the founder decided it was time to make her way to the UK and begin laying the groundwork for her vision. She visited again and connected with a business coach who shared her belief in the mission, and expanded her network of music industry and creative arts professionals.
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Momentum was building.
2020–2021: Global Challenges
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The world was brought to a standstill, delaying the full-scale launch of The Space Between. However, this time allowed the founder, whilst working in outside employment, to continue to refine the programme’s offerings, ensuring they were tailored to meet the evolving needs of musicians navigating an increasingly complex world.
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Amidst the uncertainty, music emerged as a powerful force of connection. Musicians played from balconies, offering their neighbours moments of solace and joy, helping them to momentarily forget the turmoil around them. As weeks turned to months and then years, virtual concerts became a lifeline, uniting communities and providing comfort when it was most needed. ​Music as medicine—a balm for the soul—highlighting its vital role in our lives and underscoring the need to support those who create it.
2022–2024: Soft Launch and Expansion
By 2022, the pieces were falling into place. A soft launch at the end of 2023 introduced The Space Between to a small audience.
Although more unforeseen challenges caused another delay, the vision remained steadfast.
2025: Ready to Launch
The Space Between is ready to fully step into the world. With years of experience, a robust network, and a clear mission, it stands as a resource of holistic well-being support and professional services for musicians assisting them to build a sustainable, fulfilling life.
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The Space Between is more than a programme—it’s a mission. It’s a testament to the idea that musicians don’t have to choose between their dreams and their reality.
Founder
Michelle Ann
They say if you want to be truly successful, you should do something to which you have a personal connection. As a once aspiring singer, The Space Between is for me a passion project, and what I wish had been available to me in my youth; a source of support on my path, and a resource to help me to find a way to leverage my passion for music in a way that allowed me to have a viable career, whether or not I ever became a rock star. ​Having in my early 20's swapped the limelight of the stage for behind-the-scenes roles, I, for 15+ years worked in various aspects of the music industry including in early days, as a freelance band manager and booking agent. It was during this time I was taken under the wing of and mentored by a multi-platinum & gold record winning former Promotions Manager for Columbia Records turned Advertising & Marketing superstar for Fey Concerts, turned independent artist manager, who brought me on as his booking agent. It was through this connection, upon his recommendation to them, that I landed my role as Marketing Representative for Never Records Group/Proper Sales & Distribution. All of this whilst also holding roles outside of the music industry as an events professional, marketer, entrepreneur and energy healer. In 2009 I conceived the idea for The Space Between and have been refining it since. Navigating reality, whilst pursuing my dream.
Vision Statement
Between the conscious (supraliminal) and the unconscious (subluminal)
there exists
the liminal space.
The space between here; where one is
and there; where one will be.
The Space Between.
Here it can be uncomfortable. Here it can be unclear.
And here, it can be said, exists the possibility of all possibilities.
It is in this space those who are born as makers of music often get lost.
Lacking authentic support, and clear direction can be hallmarks of this space.
The line leading to the place they wish to be is crooked, and loaded with pitfalls.
It is here that we will meet them; as their teacher, their mentor, their fan, and friend.