Linda Coogan Byrne

Founder & MD, Good Seed PR & Founder, Why Not Her?

A moment in your career when you really backed yourself.

“Leaving the security of large record labels to build Good Seed PR was the biggest professional risk I’ve ever taken.

Founding Why Not Her? demanded even more conviction. I knew challenging systemic inequality in the music industry wouldn’t always make me popular, but I also knew the data didn’t lie. I chose to speak up rather than stay comfortable.

That decision has led to international research, policy work and campaigns that have helped push the conversation around gender equity forward. I  am always artist first in my approach to everything I do.”

One thing you’re proud of in your career.

“Receiving the UN Women UK Award for Outstanding Contribution to Gender Equality is an honour I’ll always treasure because it recognised years of work dedicated to creating a fairer music industry.

I’m equally proud of building Good Seed PR into one of Ireland and the UK’s leading independent music PR agencies while establishing Why Not Her? as a respected voice for research, accountability and lasting cultural change.

Seeing artists thrive and knowing the work has opened doors for other women means more to me than any headline.”

Name another woman in music who inspires you, and why.

“Annie Lennox.

She has never separated artistry from integrity.

Throughout her career she has used one of the most recognisable voices in music to speak about women’s rights, the global conflicts such as the genocide in Gaza, HIV/AIDS, poverty and injustice without compromising her artistic identity.

She has shown that success and conviction are not opposites. As someone who believes music should have both cultural and social impact, I’ve always admired the courage and consistency with which she has used her platform.

I please feel free to grab an image from my website or IG as I’m on the road now and don’t have my laptop!"