Jo Dargie is an international PR manager, music journalist and educator working at the intersection of electronic music, creative careers and industry access.

Growing up in Fife, a career in the creative industries wasn’t the obvious route. After turning down five university offers to pursue an HND in Music Business, much to her school’s dismay, Jo was determined to turn her interest in music into a career. Two years later, aged 19, she moved to Ibiza just 48 hours after graduating from Edinburgh College to begin working as a music at Ibiza Spotlight. 

Today, Jo works in-house at international music PR agency Urban Rebel, leading creative campaigns for global artists which have included Darude, Cristoph, Amelie Lens and John Newman. 

Alongside her PR career, Jo is launching Eat, Sleep, Excel Sheet Repeat, a workshop series for colleges and universities designed to equip creative students with practical skills in career strategy, freelancing, networking and professional communication. Drawing on her experience working in the industry today and her global industry network, the programme helps students navigate the transition from education to employment and build creatively and financially fulfilling careers.

Jo also delivers talks and workshops through the Discover Creative Careers Programme, a collaboration between Futures For All, Creative Access and Creative UK, introducing secondary school students to the breadth of opportunities available across the creative industries. 

She advocates for meaningful change across the sector, contributing to conversations with Edinburgh City Council and Hen Hoose, and co-founding Not The DJ’s Girlfriend, an Edinburgh-based community connecting women in behind-the-scenes music roles and championing their visibility. 

Guided by the mantra “it’s PR, not ER”, Jo has also volunteered as an Activity Coordinator with Barnardo’s at Saughton Prison, supporting children and families during visits with a serving family member. Across her work, from music PR to community initiatives, she is driven by a desire to create opportunities and make a difference beyond her immediate industry.