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Musoplex film opinions on Music in the West Midlands

February 2, 2012 in Artists, News, Other, Pitch, Strategy by Mark Badger

Musoplex, a rehearsal and recording studio based in Oldbury, is looking for opinionated creative residents of the West Midlands e.g. promoters, bands, artists and management, to have a chat on video about the state of music in the region.  They have posted a few of their pilots online, filmed and edited by Musoplex Director Andy Ward.

Andy said “Musoplex as a studio and rehearsal rooms hears a lot of opinions as to the good and bad going on in music in the area. We have decided to do something about it, we are documenting views and opinions on film. If you want to offer your own opinions or comments to camera, in no more than a 10 minute interview e-mail andy@musoplex.com.”

Watch the videos for yourself, and if you have something to say, get in touch.

Another 10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry.

October 19, 2011 in News, Other, Pitch, Strategy by Mark Badger

Last year, Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry was asked to answer 10 Questions. In 2011 The Music Network is asking Another 10 Questions to continue the discussion. Replies by email can be sent to: info at birminghammusicnetwork.com

In May 2011 UK Music published “Destination: Music” the first study of its kind to scope the economic contribution of music festivals and major concerts to tourism throughout the UK. You can read all about it at http://www.ukmusic.org/news/post/147-music-tourists-contribute-at-least-864m-a-year-to-the-uk-economy

In recent weeks Emma Williamson (Group Overview and Scrutiny Manager) & Baseema Begum (Research & Policy Officer) at the Scrutiny Office of Birmingham City Council have been in touch. Emma & Baseema sent through several documents that ask a number of interesting questions. Rather than try to answer the questions on your behalf, The Music Network has decided to pass the questions on to you direct. The questions have no deadline for submission, the questions will be open to anyone to answer at any time. Your thoughts and opinions are welcome, at any time. We hope the discussion will continue. For more opinion, consultation and research we have collected together, read through our posts so far in the Strategy category.

If you want to submit your own “Ten Questions” or even just “One new question” please email them in. When we have enough, I’ll post them as “More Questions”. Completed submissions will be published at http://www.birminghammusicnetwork.com unless you state otherwise. Please include your Name, brief biography or information about who you are and what you do, and links to your website or blog. You will be credited as the author of the response. Views from all sides are sought so don’t be afraid to speak your mind. We may learn something. I will invite Emma, Baseema and their colleagues to read your published answers here on the website for themselves.

The following questions have been inspired by the contents of a letter to Birmingham Music Network from Councillor Philip Parkin, Chairman – Leisure, Sport and Culture, Overview and Scrutiny Committee, The Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BB. (The letter was dated 29 July 2011)

Destination Birmingham: Birmingham, A Music City Read the rest of this entry →

All participants in the Music Industry

August 8, 2011 in News, Other, Pitch by Mark Badger

Birmingham Music Network is an organisation set up for the benefit of all participants in the music industry.  It is unfunded and run by volunteers drawn from the local industry including Mark Badger from Iron Man Records and Anthony Hughes and Andy Derrick from Sostenuto. There is no particular agenda other than that suggested by attendees at our regular monthly meetings and by material sent to info at birminghammusicnetwork.com

Our monthly meetings are held at the TEE faculty of Birmingham City University at Millennium Point on the last Thursday of each month. We are grateful for the support of Dave Taylor and his team at the TEE for providing the room and refreshments free of charges and for advertising us alongside the larger Creative Networks events. Read the rest of this entry →

10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry.

March 5, 2011 in News, Other, Pitch, Strategy by Mark Badger

The Music Network invites people with an interest or active role within Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry to answer 10 questions.

There has a been a lot of discussion around these Ten questions. The questions have no deadline for submission, the questions will be open to anyone to answer at any time. You thoughts and opinions are welcome, at any time.

Ten Questions have already been answered by:

Andy Derrick, Keisha Thompson, Jon Cotton, Pam Bishop, Andy Roberts, Ben Calvert.

For more opinion, consultation and research we have collected together, read through our posts in the Strategy category.

If you want to submit your own Ten Questions or even just One new question please email them in. When we have enough, I’ll post them as “Another Ten Questions”.

Completed submissions will be published at http://www.birminghammusicnetwork.com unless you state otherwise. Please include your Name, brief biography or information about who you are and what you do, and links to your website or blog. You will be credited as the author of the response. Views from all sides are sought so don’t be afraid to speak your mind. We may learn something.

Submission by email send to: info at birminghammusicnetwork.com – Thank You.

10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry:

1. In your view, what is the current state of the region’s “Independent Music Industry?”

2. What do you think are it’s immediate needs with reference to the areas that you are most familiar with?

3. As far as the region’s “Independent Music Industry” is concerned, what do you think shows the greatest potential for the next few years?

4. In recent years, there has been a range of initiatives and projects designed to support the development of music in Birmingham. Can you list 5 projects or initiatives that you think have proved beneficial to the “Independent Music Industry?”

5. Can you list any projects or initiatives that you think have proved “of little use or benefit” to the “Independent Music Industry?”

6. With regard to your answers to questions 4 and 5, do you think Birmingham should continue to pursue the idea of more initiatives and projects designed to support the development of music in Birmingham?

7. If you could make any changes to, or include any new ideas for, any “strategy for supporting the development of music in Birmingham” what would your top priorities be?

8. If you were given the task of evaluating whether a project or initiative had been successful, what would you suggest as the best indicators of success, failure, benefit or disaster for the “Independent Music Industry?”

9. As far as your knowledge or understanding of the region’s “Independent Music Industry” is concerned, what are it’s greatest strengths, and what are it’s greatest weaknesses?

10. If you could do anything to “support the development of music in Birmingham” what would you do and why would you choose to do that?

(The term “Region” as far as these questions are concerned refers to Birmingham or the geographic area Birmingham City Council works within.)

I have also quoted a number of existing articles below. Can anyone suggest any other existing articles that the group should read and consider that may have been omitted?

A DIGITAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ACTION PLAN http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2008/03/06/a-digital-and-creative-industries-action-plan/

The people who control the Funding are damaging the Creative Industries in The West Midlands by Anthony J Hughes http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2008/06/12/the-people-who-control-the-funding-are-damaging-the-creative-industries-in-the-west-midlands/

Birmingham Twinned with Your Darkest Thought? by Mark Iron Man Records http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2008/11/10/birmingham-twinned-with-your-darkest-thought/

A Year later – Perspectives on the West Midlands Music Industry – Scott Roe, Solar Creations http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2008/11/10/a-year-later-perspectives-on-the-west-midlands-music-industry-scott-roe/

What is your view of the West Midlands’ music industry? by Mark Iron Man Records http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/02/03/what-is-your-view-of-the-west-midlands%E2%80%99-music-industry/

A Vision for the Music Industry in the West Midlands by Clare Edwards June 2008 http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/02/03/a-vision-for-the-music-industry-in-the-west-midlands-by-clare-edwards-june-2008/

Another view of the West Midlands’ music industry and FUNDING by Andy Ward http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/02/10/andy-ward-another-view-of-the-west-midlands%E2%80%99-music-industry-and-funding/

Countercultural Capital & the Creative Economy – How do 1990s DiY Music ‘Entrepreneurs’ talk about the contemporary music business?” by Charlotte Bedford 2008 http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/06/04/countercultural-capital-the-creative-economy-how-do-1990s-diy-music-%E2%80%98entrepreneurs%E2%80%99-talk-about-the-contemporary-music-business-by-charlotte-bedford-2008/

Funding the Creative Industries by Andy Derrick 13th Feb 2009 http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/02/13/funding-the-creative-industries-by-andy-derrick-13th-feb-2009/

The Scottish Music Industry Association(SMIA) – launched at Go North conference http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/07/21/the-scottish-music-industry-associationsmia-launched-at-go-north-conference/

Redefining the Music Industry – A public consultation on the future shape, needs, direction and ambitions of the music industry. http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/09/10/redefining-the-music-industry-a-public-consultation-on-the-future-shape-needs-direction-and-ambitions-of-the-music-industry/

National Survey and Mapping Exercise assessing provision & scope of music support work across UK 2009 http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/09/22/national-survey-and-mapping-exercise-assessing-provision-scope-of-music-support-work-across-uk-2009/

How does Iron Man Records choose it’s artists and how does it promote them? http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/11/28/how-does-iron-man-records-choose-its-artists-and-how-does-it-promote-them/

your comments please…..

cheers Mark – The Music Network, January 2011

Music World Radio. A few words from DJ Readman

January 26, 2011 in News, Other, Pitch, Radio by Mark Badger

This is DJ Readman, broadcasting from Banbury every week, delivering LIVE interviews, either through SKYPE or locations with great songs and new music

Music World Radio is non profit organisation, but lives for music of any style from all over the world and in any language.

The station has its own independent top 20 chart, which has been running for over a year and many artists contribute songs and it seriously does measure who is popular.

Send your music to Music World Radio: http://www.musicworldradio.com

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000675702090

DJ Readman
www.facebook.com/deejay.readman

Vocalists wanted for recording

January 13, 2011 in News, Other, Pitch by Mark Badger

Musician, singer-songwriter Ben Webb is looking for vocalists for a new project.

Ben writes: “Basically I’m looking for both a Female and Male vocalist for a Dance/Electro track I’m producing.  It’s going to be aimed for placements in the gaming industry as well as possible film/tv.  Vocal style, along the lines of Jessie J, Katy B, Magnetic Man, Pitbull and Far East Movement.

Another track, I’m looking for a Male vocalist, in the style of David Gray, The Script, Matt Kearny.  It’s an Adult Contemporary, singer-songwriter track aimed for Film and TV placement. Note this one is rather urgent, as I already have projects that I can pitch to, but don’t yet have the master!There will be a chance of huge exposure for the artists chosen for recording!

Ask people to email me on ben_webb@live.com with a link to past recorded projects so I can hear how they sound recorded.”

Keyboard Teacher Wanted – Birmingham

November 26, 2010 in News, Other, Pitch by Mark Badger

A Message from Gary Seeney

Keyboard Teacher Wanted

Playing and reading to a minimum of Grade 5, ideally Grade 8 with a good knowledge and understanding of pop and rock music.

The ability to improvise would be an advantage, together with an understanding of programming and the making of backing tracks on keys.

We are looking for an individual with an outgoing personality – “the personality of children’s TV presenter.”

Your job will be to teach, encourage and inspire children, young people and adults. The ideal candidate will be a team player, who will be willing to go the extra mile for their students and The Birmingham Yamaha Music School.

Everyone working at Birmingham Yamaha Music School is required to have a CRB check. Our lessons take place evenings and weekends in our fabulous, fully equipped Yamaha studios in the Jewellery Quarter – near Birmingham City Centre.

The successful candidate will be trained by Yamaha on 2 residential training courses. Hard work and commitment are rewarded with good pay, regular Yamaha training, a great team environment and superb facilities. Further details of hours of work, training and pay will be discussed at interview.

Please send your CV clearly marked KEYS VACANCY to info at byms.co.uk

Save Rhubarb Radio

November 26, 2010 in News, Other, Pitch by Mark Badger

A message from Jenny Tate:

Rhubarb Radio:

We have 6 weeks, well actually, 5 weeks now, to get some urgent funds in to save Rhubarb! Due to the resigantion of Dan Cremin, our director and funding issues, we’re having to start fund-raising ourselves, in order to continue in Jan. We’re all determined to save the station and will do whatever’s necessary, but we do need some help and support in terms of funding and involvement with fund-raising activities. We’re inviting any interest in helping us out with funds or even just funding ideas. We now have a donate button on the Rhubarb website and the fb page, which we’re inviting everyone to join. Please could we have soem more people show their support by clicking the like button or if they’re able and willing to, donating? We’d be very greateful indeed. There’s a draft press release being prepared at the mo.

Aside from that, I’m no longer working with Violet Sky and Hope.Order.Truth. so if anyone needs to contact me by phone, please use my number, which is 07887565412. They can also email me on jennytaterocks at googlemail.com or of course, contact me on here and the show fb page, which is http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saturday-Rocks-with-Jenny-Tate/

Thanks,
Jenny

Adapt Productions – looking at making more music videos for local artists

October 21, 2010 in News, Other, Pitch, Video by Mark Badger

“I am from a local video production company called Adapt Productions.  We are looking at making more music videos for local artists.

Here is an example of one we have recently done for an unsigned acoustic artist http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCQpU0T0IdA

I would like to meet some people from the local music industry.”

Regards,
Nitesh
07850835104
www.adaptproductions.co.uk
twitter.com/adaptvideo

Handsworth Evolution – a documentary by Robin Valk for Birmingham Music Heritage

October 6, 2010 in Artists, News, Other, Pitch by Mark Badger

Robin Valk says “It’s all there – the story of how the children of those early post-war immigrants came up with a vital new approach to reggae, mixed, matched and mashed up… and invented whole new styles of music along the way. And right now, there’s even a third generation doing new and vital stuff. Now, with the blessing of Birmingham Music Heritage, whose commission it was, I am making it available via Sound Cloud, after the jump. Know what? I love internet publishing.

The programme is in three parts – I built it so it would allow for a news bulletin and breaks for promos and/or ads. It’s also on offer to local community stations for rebroadcast, gratis – email me, using the link at the botton of this post, and I’ll send you a DropBox invite. In the meantime, tag away to your hearts’ content on the Soundcloud files.”

http://radiotogo.blogspot.com/2010/10/handsworth-evolution-documentary.html

Just click to play:
Handsworth Evolution Part 1

Handsworth Evolution Part 2

Handsworth Evolution Part 3

Birmingham Music Heritage – Untold Stories revisits Birmingham 1965 – 1985 when the city dominated the world’s music scene.

October 6, 2010 in News, Other, Pitch, Radio by Mark Badger

In partnership with Radio To Go, Birmingham Music Heritage – Untold Stories revisits Birmingham during the period of 1965 – 1985 when the city dominated the world’s music scene. Capturing memories and stories from some of the actual people who helped pioneer Birmingham’s music industry, the venues key to its success, and an insight into the musicians and music they produced with the influence from the city’s culture on their sound. Over the next two years the project will be filming a series of interviews for a documentary about Birmingham’s popular music story.

It will also be recording a number of radio interviews & podcasts for free download from the project’s website which will include stories, information and photographs relating to the artists themselves. A heritage trail will also be published with the release of the project DVD for free distribution across Birmingham at a number of exhibitions also during 2010.

The team’s consultants included local pop legend Bob Lamb, who has had a colourful career since the 60’s, including successes in bands such as, ‘Locomotive’ and the ‘Steve Gibbons Band’. He also produced UB40’s debut album ‘Signing off’, recorded Duran Duran’s first material, The Lilac Times (Steven ‘Tin Tin’ Duffy) and Ruby Turner to name a few.

http://www.birminghammusicheritage.org.uk/

Birmingham Music Heritage

Are You Britain’s Best Undiscovered Music Act?

April 25, 2010 in News, Other, Pitch by Mark Badger

Are You Britain’s Best Undiscovered Music Act? If the answer is ‘YES’ then we want to meet you…

We are looking for acts of all ages and all genres for a brand new prime-time TV music talent show – and as long as you can sing or play music (or both), then you’re in.

Solo artists, musicians, bands, groups and choirs of all sizes are welcome to audition.  For the winner, there is a prize of a lifetime.

For more information, and to register your interest, email us now, and include a daytime contact number

music at princesstv.com

We’re looking for exciting, unique, original, diverse and talented music acts in Birmingham to take part in a brand new music show. We want real musicians and singers with real talent. A rock band, opera singer, choir, samba band, bhangra band, singer/songwriter… It doesn’t matter, we want to hear from them and give them the opportunity to showcase their talent.

We want to let the music acts of Birmingham and the surrounding areas know that there’s an opportunity for them. Any suggestions or help would be much appreciated as this is a great opportunity for someone.

Many thanks in advance.

Chris Allen | Researcher | Princess Productions
T: 02079851864

Musoplex, Monkey Business, Get A Gig, Recording Studio, Photoshoots and the rest…..

April 22, 2010 in Get a gig, News, Other, Pitch by Mark Badger

Monkey Business gigs…

At

The Olde Queen’s Head,
Birmingham Street
Halesowen B63 3HN
0121 585 8228
Thurs 29th April Skull Fox + Frozen Theory Metal Night

Also Musoplex is offering:
Half a day in the studio (Mon to Fri).
Pay just £15 a song for anything you want to take with you from the session.
Book a photo shoot for £40 and get songs for £10 each

Rehearse, Get  a Gig, Recording, Pictures, Video….all in one place

http://www.musoplex.com

CREATIVE LEAP – A NEW FUNDING AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR ARTISTS

March 14, 2010 in Artists, News, Other, Pitch by Mark Badger

CREATIVE LEAP…..

Call all Artists who want to kick start a career in the creative sector

Creative Leap is a new development programme for emerging artists which will enable you to turn your creative ideas into reality…..

It is open to artists working in any artform including film and digital media, visual and performing arts, written and spoken word.

The scheme is aimed at individuals who have had limited opportunities to produce and showcase work.

Artists from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.

Creative Leap will offer artists the chance to:

·         Apply for a grant of up to £2,000 to develop and showcase innovative new work/projects
·         Participate in a professional development training programme working within a pool of artists
·         Work with an artform mentor to support the development of creative ideas and new work
·         Work with a career start-up mentor and receive industry information, advice and support

Creative Leap is about new work, new collaborations and new ideas to create work in both traditional and unusual spaces.  We want ideas for new work to be artist generated and led, and we’re here to discuss your ideas with you and to support you from the initial development stage through to showcasing.   We’re also here to help newer artists access or progress in the industry and to support your career development needs.

A Creative Leap introductory meeting will take place in early May and the programme will then run in part time stages with showcasing taking place between September 2010 and March 2011.

Taking part in the programme is free of charge.

To apply for a place on Creative Leap, you will need to be:

·         Over 18
·         Living or working in any of wards making up the following Birmingham constituencies :

Erdington     -  Erdington, Kingstanding, Stockland Green, Tyburn wards
Hodge Hill   –   Bordesley Green, Hodge Hill, Shard End, Washwood Heath wards
Ladywood   -  Aston, Ladywood, Nechells , Soho wards
Perry Barr   –   Handsworth Wood, Lozells & East Handsworth, Oscott, Perry Barr wards

·              The deadline to apply for a place is  Wednesday 14th April 2010

If you want  further information on Creative Leap, and to apply for a place, please contact:

Pat Dawson on 0121 446 3267 or email pat@sampad.org.uk and mention you got the details from Birmingham Music Network.

Creative Leap is a collaborative project run in partnership by sampad, Ulfah Arts and the Drum.

MUSIC WORLD RADIO Top 20 Chartshow – Vote & Nominate at http://www.topchoons.com

March 1, 2010 in News, Other, Pitch, Radio by Mark Badger

The Alternative Top20 Chart – February Week 4

MWR Weekly Listener Music Chart – Music by the People, voted for by the people and played for the people.

Music World Radio – Our mission is simple; to bring great music to music fans, no matter the style or genre. We are sometimes eclectic and different but always classy and never ever staid or boring. If you love great music, Music World Radio is the place to be for all your musical tastes and needs and perhaps you’ll hear some stuff you’ve never heard before. So check our schedule, tune in and get involved with one of the hottest cool music stations out there. Remember, it’s your music, your world, your radio! Contact MWR here

http://www.musicworldradio.com

MWR Top 20 Chartshow – Vote & Nominate at http://www.topchoons.com

1. Nice As Pie – Bad Girl

2. Rudy Jr & The Lovepirates – Stupid Chick Opus8

3. Neongrau – Hi Level Slacker

4. Dead Drunk Society – Black Beauty Musclecar

5. Redlight – Whats Going On ?

6. Katrin the Thrill – You Make Me Wanna Die

7. Victims of Bad Television – Questions

8. Johnny Normal – Time

9. Fistfuzz – Tongue Depressor

10. Shag Nasty – Punk Anthem 77

11. Iguana – Undone

12. The Satin Dolls – Walk Away

13. Pop Incorporated – Looking 4 KLF

14. Seven Thorns – Forest Majesty

15. Frauenarzt & Manny Marc – Disco Pogo

16. Sarah June – Cowboy

17. The Rotten Rebels – My D-Day

18. Richard Snow & The Inlaws – Silent Girlfriend

19. Vinyl Fiction – Dont Call For A Revolution

20. Conflict and Kemmikal – The Dancer

MWR Top 20 Chartshow – Vote & Nominate at http://www.topchoons.com

The Alternative chart at Music World Radio is presented live on air every friday night – a guarantee for airplay to every track that makes it to the Top20. A wide selection of nomimations are equally given a spin on air during the chart show – and over the week by all the MWR DJs.

No genre is left out of the MWR Alternative Top20. If the listeners want dance, techno, death metal, punk or indie rock – thats what theyre gonna get – and if they change their mind and jump on the europop train, so does the chart. The listeners have all the power to nominate and vote!

If you have an appetite for more music rants, alternative charts, album reviews, news from Club Impulse Second Life and a wide variety of other music related randomness drop past the gossip blog and leave your comments.

Check out the bands in the charts here, there are plenty of goodies from new and unsigned acts burning through the barriers with fresh ideas, established acts firing up the party with monumentally powefull musical parades and thought-to-be has-beens making their way back to the charts with new interesting material