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by Mark Badger

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

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by Mark Badger

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

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by Mark Badger

October 2010 Music Network Meeting Minutes

November 25, 2010 in Meeting Minutes by Mark Badger

Present:
Andy Derrick, Adrian Kimberlin, Darren Roberts, Gary Heywood, Colin Tippin, Vince O’Malley, Iona, Robin valk,

Apologies:
Anthony Hughes
Clare Edwards
Kate Southall
Andy Ward

Announcements:
Andy Derrick, Mark Badger

New Points:
Darren Roberts, Robin Valk, Ioana, Mo Hawk, Colin Tippin,  Andy Derrick,

Andy Derrick:
Andy would like to acknowledge and thank Dave Taylor at BCU for help and support given to The Music Network and of course for supplying Teas and Coffees for the meeting.

Andy lead a discussion about #quitmyspaceday blogged about by Andrew Dubber and the Issues surrounding Myspace both For and Against.

Andy made the point that Myspace is still valid for many people but wanted to ask who else still uses myspace? A lively conversation followed.

Against:
Agreed that it is a terrible interface.
Myspace appears to be in decline.

For:
Still a useful resource to find out about stuff.
Some bands still find they need to use myspace as many people they wish to engage are still to be found on myspace.

If you google a bands name at present….usually first result is myspace.

Suggested alternatives: bandcamp, reverbnation, build your own wordpress site,

Concensus of opinion: Think, be independent, do what you think is suitable for your needs. Andy has invited people to add comments at: www.andyderrick.co.uk

Robin Valk:
The Pilot Project
www.pilot-project.co.uk
Bristish Library New Music Network
Website goes Live on 18th November, Project is working with The British Library.
There is an Audio Restoration project already going on but Robin is interested in targetting contemporary music and had an idea to start an experimental  project on a regional basis to assemble a project.

This will be a curated site as opposed to a band nominated site.

Clare Edwards, Katy Jay, Richard Elms, and many others have been invited to be involved.

Idea is to run the project for five years.

Nick J Townsend:
Made an interesting point that if you live in Kidderminster you can get airplay on Radio Hereford and Worcester but if you live in Brierly Hill, Dudley, Stourbridge then West Midlands Radio doesn’t seem to recognise those areas as part of their geographic catchment area and so does not prioritise playing or engaging music produced in those areas.

Ioana:
Uncle Jeb events
Bristish Bands to Romania
Ioana based in birmingham, she takes rising Birmingham or British bands and organises gigs for them in Bucharest Romania, covers their expenses.

Ioana is looking for indie, guitar based rock, post punk, punk bands

She is looking for bands with a unique selling point

Contact: Ioana Epure
www.unclejebediah.co.uk
Uncle Jebediah Ltd Trading as UnkleJeb Events,
Aston Cross, 6 rocky lane, Birmingham, West Midlands, B6 5RQ
(+44) 0755 476 5967 / (+40) 0724 249 379
She is also a photographer and journalist

Mo Hawk
Artist fusing African music Styles and Hip Hop
Looking for words of wisdom about how to market and promote their music in Birmingham. Suggestions made Giles Petersen
The Block Studio
Mo Hawk
Gambia tel: 220-9983980, 220-4371508
Sweden mobile 46736465996
Mohawkk1@yahoo.com
http://www.theblockstudios.com

Programme called “rooted” about promoting African languages
If anyone can help with a Birmingham gig and help marketing and promoting the record.

Try carlos www.birminghampromoters.com

Suggestions: rhubarb radio, shelley atkinson, brumcast, musicworldradio,

Darren Roberts:
Working on research to include local people involved with music in local government and politics
he has spoken to Councillor Martin Mullaney
suggestions made of Ernie Hendricks, Ed Vasey, David Furmage,
Also playing a gig: 20th november: the void at the actress and bishop
contact Darren: dxr827 at bham.ac.uk

Colin and Vince:
www.musicalexchanges.com
Recruit area where people can find each other, auction area on there
online shopping center for anything music related.
The website is coming together, has a social networking tool
A flyer was given out with more info

Nick J Townsend:
Provided feedback on the Dudly jbs situation. The gig he organised was very successful and the publicity that the venue has had has helped bring in a lot of interest

Next meeting thursday 25th November.

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The Music Network – 4pm Thursday 25th November 2010, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG. All Invited

November 24, 2010 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 25th November 2010 The Meeting will be lead this month by Andy Derrick from 4pm til 5.30pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG

The Music Network, Birmingham, 2008

The Music Network organises a NETWORKING EVENT on the last Thursday of each month, for the benefit of music related businesses in the West Midlands region. If you have any involvement in music, come and talk about what you’re up to and meet some new people. These Networking events are about all things music in the region. They’re about helping you to teach yourself how to do it, by yourself, for yourself and encourages you to share the knowledge with others so they can do the same.  If you are a musician, a student, someone who works with musicians, represents musicians, has involvement with the music industry, or are looking to make new contacts…..the meeting will be useful.

If you have news to report, a presentation to give, an event to promote, any new points for discussion, a pitch to make, business cards or flyers to hand round, an appeal for help, advice or guidance or even if you just want the free tea and biscuits and some serious discussion…you are invited.

You can also post in by email any news or gig dates or press release information for inclusion on the website and for distribution through the mailing list and RSS feed. More details on the website.

There will be luxury chocolate biscuits and good coffee for all. There’s food and drink afterwards supplied by the creative networks too. Please pass this invite on to Musicians you know or anyone else who you think may benefit.

http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Come and Join us.

About Andy Derrick:

Andy is an independent freelance musician based in Birmingham, UK and works as a teacher, conductor, composer and performer

As a performer Andy has worked all over the UK and in Europe and for many different projects from school bands to the West End and from home studios to BBC Radio.  Andy won the Best Trombonist award at the 2005 BBC Big Band Contest and arranges and composes music for all situations including educational beginner music, advanced solo works and music for diverse ensembles from salsa and function bands to orchestras and school groups.  Andy has worked on the current Bass Trombone syllabus Grade 6 and 7 for the ABRSM.

Andy greatly enjoys conducting and is currently musical director of the Sandwell Youth Jazz Orchestra.  Teaching music performance and composition is a passion that sees him working with pupils of all ages and standards across the Midlands.

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The West Midlands Pilots the first phase of the Birtish library’s New Music Network

November 18, 2010 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

Emerging contemporary artists from Coventry, Birmingham, Wolverhampton and the West Midlands will be among the first in the country to have samples of their current work permanently stored in the British Library music archive. This is because they have been selected for a new website which showcases the very best new independent music from the West Midlands, as chosen by a panel of local music experts.

The PILOT PROJECT website – www.pilot-project.co.uk – goes live Thursday, November 18 in Birmingham, at 7pm.

The launch represents the first public step of an ambitious UK-wide scheme. It follows a six-month period of curation, working with a panel of West Midlands music experts. Music on the site will be accessible to stream, and the site database is fully searchable. The music and data will also be stored permanently in the British Library’s music archive as part of the British Library’s New Music Network. This aims to document contemporary British independent music of all types as it is made available through websites, blogs and other digital platforms.

Project co-ordinator, Birmingham radio veteran Robin Valk, said: “The Web has changed everything. Musicians now have access to tools that give them real control over the production and distribution of their work. They can exchange ideas and collaborate, instantly, worldwide, and this opens up huge new areas of experimentation and creativity. There is more good new music, more experimentation and more creativity than ever before, and most of it is online. This is a vital new part of the culture of our country. We owe it to ourselves to preserve it for future generations of music lovers.”

The launch will feature performances from West Midlands musicians Jo Hamilton, Vijay Kishore, and Friendly Fire Band, and representatives from the British Library and the Pilot Project advisory team (listed below) will be available for interview.

Andy Linehan, Pop Music curator for the British Library Sound Archive, said: “This is an important step in archiving new music at a local level for the national collections. So much new and innovative music is being made at grass roots level which bypasses the traditional business model, and it can be difficult to be aware of such activity.

“Successful local activity such as the Pilot Project means we will be able to provide a detailed picture of the diverse and creative output of West Midlands musicians for future generations.”

About the Pilot Project

The Pilot Project has been organised by Robin Valk, veteran radio expert and one of the founding members of staff at BRMB. Music for the project has been selected by a panel of regional advisors, broadcasters and music experts, including:

Chris Downing, Brumcast           brumcast.podomatic.com

Richard Elms, Herbert Media, Coventry    www.theherbert.org/index.php/home/herberrt-media?

Shelley Atkinson, Arts Deville        www.artsdeville.co.uk/?

Clare Edwards                   clareedwards.wordpress.com/about/

Marc Reck                www.marcreck.com/

Apache Indian                en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apache_Indian

Tony Dudley-Evans, Birmingham Jazz    www.birminghamjazz.co.uk/

Kate Southall, Wolverhampton        www.myspace.com/katyjaywcrfm

This website will stay live for six months, showcasing the very best new music being developed in the region. Music selected for the site will be also be saved in the permanent British Library sound archive. Following a period of evaluation, the organisers hope to launch more regional pilots in 2011. The Pilot Project is supported by Digital Content Development at Arts Council West Midlands.

About the British Library

The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom, and one of the world’s greatest research libraries.

It provides world class information services to the academic, business, research and scientific communities and offers unparalleled access to the world’s largest and most comprehensive research collection. The Library’s collection has developed over 250 years and exceeds 150 million separate items representing every age of written civilisation. It includes books, journals, manuscripts, maps, stamps, music, patents, newspapers and sound recordings in all written and spoken languages.

For further information, images, recordings and pre-launch interviews contact:

Birmingham coordinator:    

Robin Valk robin at radiotogo.com

British Library:       

Andy Linehan andy.linehan at bl.uk

www.pilot-project.co.uk
www.bl.uk

Musicians appearing at the launch
www.johamilton.com/
www.vijaykishore.co.uk/
www.friendlyfiremusic.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Pilot Project website launch Birmingham, 18th November 2010

November 16, 2010 in Artists, Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

Radio To Go invites you to the launch of the Pilot Project website, a joint venture with the British Library. The site showcases new online music from the West Midlands for the next six months of web streaming experimentation.

Doors open for guests at 6.30pm, allowing you to meet Pilot Project and British Library representatives. At 7pm the Pilot Project website goes live, allowing guests to explore the site. The exceptional Jo Hamilton, the hugely innovative Vijay Kishore and 3rd generation Birmingham Reggae pioneers Friendly Fire band will all play showcase acoustic sets during the evening.

The Pilot Project site is the first public phase in a two–year long project, whose ultimate goal is to build a comprehensive archive (the British Library New Music Network), documenting and preserving the best British new music. This is a long overdue and welcome development – our music industry has changed beyond all recognition, and new media and web-based creativity has empowered independent artists as never before.

This website is a first step in acknowledging these changes. Supported by Digital Content Development at Arts Council West Midlands, the site is a test bed. In developing the project, the British Library and Radio To Go have experimented with curation to present a first sampling of material. We have worked with regional experts across the West Midlands, drawn from the local music industry and local media, most of whom will be in attendance (for more details, see the attached press release). The site repertoire will be accessible and searchable, with information and contacts for the musicians. Users can choose to stream the repertoire in various ways.

It is planned for the site to stay online for 6 months, while streaming experimentation takes place, yielding further technical research information for future projects.

Doors open at 6.30 pm for welcome reception; the site launch is at 7pm.
Would you like to attend the launch? Would you like to know where the launch is being held? We would very much appreciate your RSVP  to:  robin at radiotogo.com

The Pilot Project website launch Fazeley Studios, Birmingham, 18th November 2010

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Moulettes play live December 9th at Hare & Hounds (Room 2), Kings heath, Birmingham

November 15, 2010 in Networking, News, Other, Tour dates by Mark Badger

One of the most charismatic and theatrical of the new wave of British  folk bands hits the road in support of their acclaimed, self-titled debut album on Balling The Jack Records.

The band have shared stages, recordings, and personnel with the likes of Mumford & Sons (Ted Dwane of the Mumfords was their bassist) Noisettes, Mystery Jets, Band of Skulls (Emma Richardson guests on their album), and even the Ting Tings

They have played Glastonbury, Bestival and Summer Sundae amongst many others. They have busked across Europe and led music workshops with kids in Bosnia. They have enchanted twenty-odd festivals this summer – as well as performing gigs on boats; with a 100-voice choir; up a Maltese mountain and in their own back garden.

Their debut album is perhaps the most ambitious ‘folk’ album you’ll hear all year. It splices together strands of classical, gypsy, jazz, alt.rock and even some avant garde to  create a complex yet accessible whole. Highlights include the atmospheric story-song ‘Devil Of Mine’ (boasting a mind-blowing video); the Zepplinesque folk-metal of ‘Requiem’ and the entrancing prog-pop of ‘Wilderness’. Georgina, the violinist with the band has just done a session for Seasick Steve’s new album. Ruth, one of the singers duets with Paul Heaton on his latest album.

“This delicious music is played with acoustic virtuosity…Complex and beautiful…Intriguing and unique”  **** MOJO

“Divine  harmonies…Orchestral folk at its very finest.” Time Out

Dec 2nd – Snowdrop Inn, Lewes

Dec 3rd – Haymakers, Cambridge

Dec 5th – Jericho Tavern, Oxford

Dec 7th – The Lexington, London

Dec 9th – Hare & Hounds (Room 2), Birmingham

Dec 10th – The Ruby Lounge, Manchester

Dec 11th – The Canteen, Bristol

www.myspace.com/moulettes

More Info and Press: Joe Cushley email: joecushley at yahoo.co.uk

Moulettes play live December 9th at Hare & Hounds (Room 2), Kings heath, Birmingham

Moulettes play live December 9th at Hare & Hounds (Room 2), Kings heath, Birmingham

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The Music Network – 4pm Thursday 28th October 2010, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG. All Invited

October 26, 2010 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 28th October 2010 The Meeting will be lead this month by Andy Derrick and Mark Badger from 4pm til 6pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG

The Music Network, Birmingham, 2008

The Music Network organises a NETWORKING EVENT on the last Thursday of each month, for the benefit of music related businesses in the West Midlands region. If you have any involvement in music, come and talk about what you’re up to and meet some new people. These Networking events are about all things music in the region. They’re about helping you to teach yourself how to do it, by yourself, for yourself and encourages you to share the knowledge with others so they can do the same.  If you are a musician, a student, someone who works with musicians, represents musicians, has involvement with the music industry, or are looking to make new contacts…..the meeting will be useful.

If you have news to report, a presentation to give, an event to promote, any new points for discussion, a pitch to make, business cards or flyers to hand round, an appeal for help, advice or guidance or even if you just want the free tea and biscuits and some serious discussion…you are invited.

You can also post in by email any news or gig dates or press release information for inclusion on the website and for distribution through the mailing list and RSS feed. More details on the website.

There will be luxury chocolate biscuits and good coffee for all. There’s food and drink afterwards supplied by the creative networks too. Please pass this invite on to Musicians you know or anyone else who you think may benefit.

http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Come and Join us.

About Andy Derrick:

Andy is an independent freelance musician based in Birmingham, UK and works as a teacher, conductor, composer and performer

As a performer Andy has worked all over the UK and in Europe and for many different projects from school bands to the West End and from home studios to BBC Radio.  Andy won the Best Trombonist award at the 2005 BBC Big Band Contest and arranges and composes music for all situations including educational beginner music, advanced solo works and music for diverse ensembles from salsa and function bands to orchestras and school groups.  Andy has worked on the current Bass Trombone syllabus Grade 6 and 7 for the ABRSM.

Andy greatly enjoys conducting and is currently musical director of the Sandwell Youth Jazz Orchestra.  Teaching music performance and composition is a passion that sees him working with pupils of all ages and standards across the Midlands.

About Mark Badger:

Mark runs Iron Man Records, based in Birmingham England. The record label has been running since 1996 and in 2000 he set up Birmingham Music Network which is also known as just The Music Network.

Mark has organised more than 1000 gigs in and around Birmingham since 1994 using many different identities but most of them used the name Badger Promotions until 2002.

Mark plays in a band called Last Under The Sun and another called Police Bastard. He works as a tour manager and driver helping bands out on the live circuit and when he finds time he writes and maintains several music related blogs. Mark has assembled simple online strategies for established bands, like the The Orb, and countless other new bands who have asked for help.

Mark has done some lecturing at Birmingham City University as part of their Music Business degree course, and bits and pieces for the Musicians Union, Birmingham City Council, Learning and Skills Council and Advantage West Midlands.

Mark also operates a shop on ebay selling all sorts of good alternative music on cd or vinyl.

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Clive & Matt Ryder at The Boat Inn, Newbold-on-Avon this Monday, 18 October

October 15, 2010 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

Father and son duo, Clive and Matt Ryder bring their special blend of traditional Irish, British and American music as our guests at The Boat Inn, Newbold-on-Avon this Monday, 18 October.

Playing guitar, slide guitar, mandola, accordion, bouzouki and Northumbrian pipes, Clive as been a dominant figure in the Coventry and Warwickshire folk circuit since the 1970s and was a member of the celebrated band Salmontails.

His son, Matt has proved himself an expert player on banjo, guitar, mandola and bass and is winning widespread acclaim for his own interpretation of American music.

The evening will be hosted by BorderLine Crossing featuring the superb singing of Chele Willow plus Pete Willow and Dave Cook on guitars. The music starts around 8.30pm and admission is free – but bring some change for the raffle and guest collection.

The sessions take place on the third Monday of the month and our first birthday night on November 15th sees the welcome return appearance of Kristy Gallacher, the first guest we invited when the club was launched.

Hope you can make it this Monday. Now that the Rugby bypass is open, it is much easier and quicker to drive to the club from Coventry and Leamington – no more dark bendy country lanes!

Further details from Pete Willow 01788 832608 or 07887 552896

www.myspace.com/borderlinecrossing
http://borderlinecrossing.wordpress.com

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OxjamBrum Takeover Festival – Saturday 16th October 2010 Birmingham

October 9, 2010 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

OxjamBrum would like to let you know about a big event event:

Saturday 16th October – OxjamBrum Takeover Festival – 6 city centre venues, 40 acts, 2pm-2am, £6 adv, more on the door.  Artists include Tantrums, Sunset Cinema Club, Malpas, Vijay Kishore plus many many more.

More info and tickets for all events available at www.oxjambrum.org.uk

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Gareth Peirce – Dispatches from the Dark Side Fri 8th Oct, 7.30pm £6 (£4.50) Birmingham Conservatoire

October 8, 2010 in Artists, Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

Gareth Peirce is a human rights lawyer who has faced down some incredible opponents – fighting bitter battles for the wrongly convicted and campaigning for law reform. She represented the Birmingham Six, the family of Jean Charles de Menezes, Guantanamo detainees Moazzam Begg and Bisher Amin Khalil al-Rawi and the families of the victims of the Lockerbie air disaster amongst a plethora of high profile cases. Gaining her inspiration from the rallies of Luther King in 1960’s America, she is considered radical by some, passionate by others. In a career spanning more than 30 years, she is said to have “transformed the criminal justice scene in this country almost single-handedly.” Dispatches From The Dark Side is her first book.

http://www.birminghambookfestival.org/date/2010/10/08/

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September 2010 Music Network Meeting Minutes

October 4, 2010 in Meeting Minutes, News, Other by Mark Badger

The Music Network Meeting Minutes 30th September 2010

Present: Mark Sampson, Darren Roberts, Clare Edwards, Adrian Kimberline, Andy Derrick, Andy Ward, Kate Southall, Simon Howes, Chris Whiting, John Taylor, Nick J Townsend, Saurab Thomas, Parminder, Chris,

Apologies: Robin Valk Radiotogo.com, Anthony Hughes Screen WM,

Andy Derrick:
Midlands Jazz Network, trying to build a community of Jazz Musicians. A hub online of Jazz musicians, venues, promoters. Anything from rag time piano right up to modern jazz fusion, funk, fusion etc.

On the website, place for Jazz Musicians to try and secure more work, news items, promoters from Leamington Spa, Coventry, Warwick, Black Country,

It is helping musicians get more gigs, more promotion, perhaps some advice and guidance.

 http://www.jazznetwork.wordpress.com
email: midlandsjazznetwork@gmail.com please send in content, press releases, news, gig dates, anything from the midlands area. The Midlands Jazz network is a resource network for audiences, musicians and promoters of jazz music in the Midlands.

Band directory, festival lists, latest news posts and more

Initially mostly Andy Derricks contacts but now it is becoming more diverse.

Donations are welcome
Promotion by word of mouth, personal recommendation

Andy also is involved with Sostenuto, runs Black Country Music Network.
Black Country Music Network are currently looking for a new venue to meet.
http://www.blackcountrymusicnetwork.wordpress.com

Andy Ward – Musoplex.com:
First releases coming out now on Universal
Musoplex have joined prs and ppl
Katy Jay did photography for indian artist called Mehsopuria album called  “Fearless” available on Universal in UK
Musoplex Filmed second video for the album

Musoplex.com is a Recording Studio, it has 4 Rehearsal Rooms, a Publishing arm, a Record Label, Photo Stage, Video Stage, and supplies and prints Merchandise.
Short runs of tshirts £5 a picee for minimum run of ten shirts.

Simon Reeves is producer and Engineer at Framework Studios
http://www.musoplex.com
email: andy@musoplex.com

Kate Southall:
Kate has been a Radio DJ for 11 years and has been much more in public eye since 2007. Kate Launched “Freshly Picked” in 2008 but due to radio and broadcasting changes Katy decided to pick from a group of volunteers a new presenter to take over the show.

Kate plans to operate as Katy Jay doing a new regular podcast called “Scene and not Herd” available for download through iTunes. Katy has left WCR and will be developing a hub or hive for unsigned music aimed at local community radio stations.

Clare Edwards and Katy Jay were picked for having access to diverse music in loads of different styles by Robin Valk who is heading up a Music Archive Project. The project is called “West Midlands Music Pilot” and will be working with the likes of Brumcast, Godiva, and many more. There is a website on the way.
For more info contact Robin@radiotogo.com (ask robin for press release.)

Contact Katy Jay: scene.and.not.herd@live.co.uk
There is a blog on its way going up on typepad soon.

Nick. J. Townsend:
Nick writes a column for Ryans Gig Guide, runs a Night at Basement Studios each week on a friday, Plays and sings with a his own band called weak 13 and runs Basement Sound Radio.

Nick talked at length about Dudley JBs. JBs is going into administration. Nick has approached JBs to find out what can be done to help. JBs are struggling and needs peoples help and support.

Nick is putting on three good nights between now and Christmas starting on Oct 22nd, all the money goes to the club. Nick suggested that if JBs goes down, it will affect the midlands as there are so few clubs left that can support good touring bands. Nick wants to try and get 1000 people through the door.

Nick wants peoples help to try and market and promote the club by any means to try and help them out.

Jbs needs help with marketing and promotion, it needs people to support the shows, it needs promoters to take on nights and organise shows, it needs people with ideas to come forward and suggest new ways it can move forward and avoid going bust without compromising the sorts of bands it has been working with up to now. A lengthy discussion followed…..

www.jbsdudley.co.uk
Sam and martin at jbs are the people to talk to. Their email and contact number is on the jbs website.

or contact: Nick J Townsend: www.myspace.com/Weak13music
tel: 07898 181574

Ryans gig Guide now going out to Birmingham, black country, bromsgrove, tamworth, nuneaton, walsall.

Ryans gig Guide is not online, only available as a publication.

Clare Edwards:
Soweto Kinch: “new emancipation” new album is out.
www.soweto-kinch.com
Clare said if you look up bbc music website…it has review with clips from each track.

Darren Roberts
Darren is at Birmingham University and doing research, talking to people in the music industry, still trying to get stories and voices and opinion on the local music industry.

Some of his research has involved some performance and he has been to base studios, bluewhale studios, exit recording. Musoplex was also suggested.

Darren has a gig gig coming up at actress and bishop 6th november, The Void www.myspace.com/voidd and the show itself is part of his research into what is actually going on in local venues and what bands have to go through to get a show.

Darren has been involved in collaborations too. If anyone is still interested in talking to Darren email Darren dxr827@bham.ac.uk

Darren wants to talk to people who have experience and some degree of understanding of what they do and etc in the music industry for example
music promoters, venue owners, musicians, labels etc

John Taylor
Black Sheep Records: John runs a small independent label based in Worcester called Blacksheep records, currently email is: john@blacksheeprecords.co.uk
John has been involved in the Worcester Music Festival and has just done third year. This years festival included 230 acts in over 30 venues across the city. The event was all voluntary, all genres, raised money for charity, in excess of £5,000 raised.

www.wmf2010.co.uk

Site gives details…will be inviting artists for 2011 to submit applications for playing.

Off the back of the first festival from a few years ago, John set up Blacksheep Records to provide a service for artists with limited budget to try and help artists raise their own profile. John provides everything from artwork, design, wesbite, cds, digital distribution etc.

John has a huge love of music and wants to help local artsist get their music out there.

John also works as a business partner with Loungetree, Chis Whiting.

John also trying to organise gigs swaps

Marrsbar, Keystones, a lot of cafe and bars do acoustic music acts, guildhall,

Adrian Kimberline
www.AdrianKimberline.com
Latest release is act called : heatseeker feat Jackie baker track is called (u r my) inspiration

Next Music Network Meeting will be Thursday 28th October 4pm

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by Mark Badger

CREATIVE NETWORKS: Interactive Music & Sound Design Thursday 30 Sept 2010

September 29, 2010 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

CREATIVE NETWORKS: BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY, MILLENNIUM POINT, CURZON STREET, BIRMINGHAM B4 7XG

THURSDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2010, 6.00pm until 9.00pm

INCLUDING THE QUARTERLY NETWORK FOR FILM EDUCATORS, EXHIBITORS AND ARCHIVES 2.00PM UNTIL 5.30PM www.red-rex.com
THE MUSIC NETWORK 4.00PM UNTIL 6.00PM www.birminghammusicnetwork.com

Interactive Music & Sound Design

Guest Speakers – Matt Black and Richard Blackley
www.blitzgamesstudios.com

Creative Networks welcomes Matt Black, Audio Manager at Blitz Games Studios, whose talk will focus on interactive music used in production of the company’s games titles. Founded in 1990 and based in Leamington Spa, Blitz is now one of the world’s largest independent video game developers.

Exploring the collaborative process of fitting the design of the music with the design of the game, Matt will show how that feeds into the composition of the score and how the music functions in the game. Richard Blackley, Senior Audio Designer at Blitz Games Studios, will also be showing several examples of how sound is created and layered, demonstrating third party audio tools, world editor tools and how the playback of the sound is modified at runtime using volume, pan and DSP effects.

Also at this event, discover the benefits of our award winning Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme.

To join us for this FREE event, please email creative.networks@bcu.ac.uk

or call Dave Taylor on 0121 331 5400.

Alternatively, register online at our website www.creativenetworksonline.com

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by Mark Badger

The Music Network – 4pm Thursday 30th September 2010, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG. All Invited

July 16, 2010 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

The Next Music Network meeting will be in September 2010

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 30th September 2010

The Meeting will be lead this month by Mark Badger from 4pm til 6pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG

The Music Network, Birmingham, 2008

The Music Network organises a NETWORKING EVENT on the last Thursday of each month, for the benefit of music related businesses in the West Midlands region. If you have any involvement in music, come and talk about what you’re up to and meet some new people. These Networking events are about all things music in the region. They’re about helping you to teach yourself how to do it, by yourself, for yourself and encourages you to share the knowledge with others so they can do the same.  If you are a musician, a student, someone who works with musicians, represents musicians, has involvement with the music industry, or are looking to make new contacts…..the meeting will be useful.

If you have news to report, a presentation to give, an event to promote, any new points for discussion, a pitch to make, business cards or flyers to hand round, an appeal for help, advice or guidance or even if you just want the free tea and biscuits and some serious discussion…you are invited.

You can also post in by email any news or gig dates or press release information for inclusion on the website and for distribution through the mailing list and RSS feed. More details on the website.

There will be luxury chocolate biscuits and good coffee for all. There’s food and drink afterwards supplied by the creative networks too. Please pass this invite on to Musicians you know or anyone else who you think may benefit.

http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Come and Join us.

About Mark Badger:

Mark runs Iron Man Records, based in Birmingham England. The record label has been running since 1996 and in 2000 he set up Birmingham Music Network which is also known as just The Music Network.

Mark has organised more than 1000 gigs in and around Birmingham since 1994 using many different identities but most of them used the name Badger Promotions until 2002.

Mark plays in a band called Last Under The Sun and another called Police Bastard. He works as a tour manager and driver helping bands out on the live circuit and when he finds time he writes and maintains several music related blogs. Mark has assembled simple online strategies for established bands, like the The Orb, and countless other new bands who have asked for help.

Mark has done some lecturing at Birmingham City University as part of their Music Business degree course, and bits and pieces for the Musicians Union, Birmingham City Council, Learning and Skills Council and Advantage West Midlands.

Mark also operates a shop on ebay selling all sorts of good alternative music on cd or vinyl.

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by Mark Badger

June 2010 Music Network Meeting Minutes

July 1, 2010 in Meeting Minutes, News, Other by Mark Badger

The Music Network Meeting Minutes 24th June 2010

Present:
Clare Edwards, Nicola Toms, Mark Sampson, Gary Hayward, Pete Zimmer, Spence Cater, Rob Heaton, Yammis Yfestos,

Apologies: Anthony Hughes, Andy Derrick, Lyndsey MU cant make Abi Seabrook.

New Points:

Pete Zimmer - Singer songwirter and has been for many years. Plays small pubs and clubs and repetoire blues rock etc. plays covers and a few of his own). just finished a bsc in music tech at BCU. Hosts a couple of open mic jam nights once a fortnight in Amblecote outside stourbridge…at The Maverick. Bands on fridays and saturdays. Once a month on a tuesday night at the queens head in Wolverly out near kidderminster..they have an open mic on a tuesday aimed at singers. Anyone can show up and play. semi acoustic thing…more about singers rather than electric playing etc.
www.petezimmer.co.uk
www.myspace.com/petezimmer
www.facebook.com as pete zimmer

Gary Hayward – Gary has decided to keep and put to one side the new grey whistle test. A project that he’s been working on for past few years.

Gary has bought and set up a brand new website domain called Radio Pebble Mill. He wants it to be a radio station that reflects what is actually going on in the local Birmingham area. Trying to think of good ideas for shows, looking for people to get involved and present shows of their own. it will be internet radio primarily
www.radio-pebblemill.co.uk
If you want to get involved in the internet radio station contact gary: 07842 242593
suggestions were made about : rhubarb radio, radio to go, brumcast, music world radio, vale fm, big city fm, south birmingham community radio, basment sound radio

Clare Edwards – Works with Soweto Kinch.
Clare Edwards is involved in three events in July
17th July: Simmer Down Handsworth park. 1pm-7pm all free with workshops, street dance, carnival for kids, its a Community Festival with Reggae. Band called Legend, Friendly Fire band, Daholl,
www.the-drum.org.uk
The Drum Box office 0121 333 2400

31st july a Festival just outside Ludlow in the grounds of Elton Hall
www.fireflymusicfest.com
Headlines from Scott Mathews, Chew Lips, Muchuu, King Charles, Tom Bradley,
There is camping, tickets about £28.00

4th July Sing up in the park, Mac, Birmingham. All Free

Nicola Toms: Regional manager for Oxjam which is oxfams Music festival and also Moseley Folk Mostly Jazz festival.
Saturday 16th october in multiple city center venues, come and watch local bands and profits go to oxfam. Gig tomorrow at Urban Coffee company. Oxjam are looking for people to put on smaller events to raise funds before oct 16th then event itself is happening on 16th october in Birmingham City center.

Venues to be confirmed. Victoria and Island
looking for volunteers
www.oxjam.org.uk/oxjam
www.oxjambrum.org.uk/fb
emil nicola for more info.

Spence Cater: Project Called “Pathways to Enterprise” which is curretly which is operating in wolverhampton and sandwell offering people who are considering self employment as an option the chance to get help and support in becoming self employed. Spence Cater enterprise coach mobile 07943790266

Rob Heaton: trying to carve out some work in music production…been getting training and experience….recently been working on “two weeks to make it” helping with the making of a film for that project. made contact with a number of media companies.

Rob is looking to find or contact any musicians who are looking to record a demo or any artists who want to make a video or companies
If you want to work with rob bert@wanderful.plus.com
www.soundcloud.com.sonic-vibe
www.vimeo.com/pathway

Yammis:
His band is a fusion of latin funk ska reggae
looking for something in world music
attract fans from all sorts of different styles
looking to record an album in october
looking for a record deal producer etc to get things moving.
myspace.com/frutalokamusic
07907645664
suggestions made for Yammis to contact: poseidon music, jon cotton, sasa music david flowers, also blue whale studios, alan james and bob ramdhanie,

Keisha Thompson: singer songwriter poet,
git a gig next week at the yardbird…open mic night, next wednesday, (happens every other wednesday) featured artist next week. playing guitar plus jazz reggae,
poets singers musicians invited.
if anyone wants to work with keisha she plays guitar, she sings, poetry, spoken word, jazz, reggae…..email: kstarz4@yahoo.co.uk

Steve Hughes: xova plus dj derrick 25th june £5 with special guests dennis seaton of musical youth.

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