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by Mark Badger

Next Music Network – 4pm Thurs 28th July

July 22, 2011 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 28th July 2011 at Millennium Point, Birmingham. The Meeting will be from 4pm til 5.30pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG.

Join us on Twitter for regular updates and discussion.

We invite you to answer 10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry and contribute to the dialogue on the issues involved. The Ten Questions have already been answered by: Andy Derrick, Keisha Thompson, Jon Cotton, Pam Bishop, Andy Roberts, Ben Calvert.

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 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.

Read the minutes from previous meetings here: http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/category/minutes/

Website: http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Join us on Facebook Join us on Twitter

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by Mark Badger

April 2011 Music Network Meeting Minutes

May 22, 2011 in Meeting Minutes by Mark Badger

The Music Network Meeting Minutes April 28th 2011

Present:

Mark Badger, Cheryl Graham, Adam Kyron, Andy derrick, Clare edwards, Chris Hytch, Dmien Morgan, Yaz Alexander, Mart Mullan, Anthony Hughes, Keisha Thompson,

Apologies:

Andy Ward Musoplex, Nicola Toms, Alex Oxjam, Simon Howes, John Taylor, Worcester Music Network, Colin Tippin, Musical Exchanges, Read the rest of this entry →

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by Mark Badger

The Music Network – 4pm Thursday 28th April 2011, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG. All Invited

April 28, 2011 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 28th April 2011 at Millennium Point, Birmingham. The Meeting will be lead this month by Mark Badger from 4pm til 5.30pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG. Join us on Twitter for regular updates and discussion.

You are welcome to answer 10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry in your own way and contribute to the dialogue on the issues involved. The Ten Questions have already been answered by: Andy Derrick, Keisha Thompson, Jon Cotton, Pam Bishop, Andy Roberts, Ben Calvert.

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 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.

Read the minutes from previous meetings here: http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/category/minutes/

Website: http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Join us on Facebook Join us on Twitter

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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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by Mark Badger

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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by Mark Badger

Birmingham and Beyond – Old Library @ Custard Factory Monday 28th June 6.00pm – 10.00pm

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

Birmingham and Beyond in the Old Library @ the Custard Factory
Monday 28th June 6.00pm – 10.00pm

The Musicians’ Union (MU) are presenting an event in the Old Library at the Custard Factory on Monday 28th June aimed at helping Birmingham’s musicians to get themselves onto the Midlands music scene and beyond.   The evening will be a mixture of networking and panel discussions covering topics such as taking care of business, the local music scene and beyond.

The line up is set to include Stu Coleman, creator and editor of Scene Not Heard, Maria Rodriguez, lead singer and guitarist from Birmingham band Gundogs and Ben Eshmade the radio producer and founder of the Arctic Circle.

The doors open from 6 and entry is by registration only.  To get on the entry list or for more details please contact Lyndsey on 0121 622 3870 or lyndsey.hardiman@themu.org
Birmingham and Beyond - Old Library @ Custard Factory Monday 28th June 6.00pm – 10.00pm

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by Mark Badger

The Music Network – 4pm Thursday 28th January 2010, Birmingham TEE, Millennium Point. All Invited

December 22, 2009 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

It has been suggested that Birminghamusic.com spent a lot of money and is no longer running. Creative Insight tried and failed. Creative lauchpad came and went. The Learning and Skills council had a go and gave up, so did the Chambers of Commerce, Mentoring projects got set up and then scrapped, music festivals, seminars, workshops and endless consultations have been and gone, compilation cds have been and gone, websites have been built and taken down, networks were set up and taken apart, even the Universities are at it, but how long will it last? People talk about “all this money.” …..”all this money” to help the creative industries, “all this money” to help struggling musicians in the region, all this help for all these different things, all these schemes to enhance the region’s music industry. And where has it got us? What has it cost? What has been achieved? Where is the evaluation? Will anyone be held to account? Does anyone care? Its a grim history. The place is full of “Music consultants” but still nothing appears to be happening. Or is it? Don’t panic. There’s probably nothing you can do apart from shut up and be happy. Or is there? These funded projects have absolutely nothing to do with you. So rejoice, the good news is this.

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 28th January 2010 4pm til 6pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG.

The Music Network, Birmingham, 2008

If you have any involvement in music, come and talk about what you’re up to and meet some new people.

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. These Events are not about telling you what to do or how to do it, they’re not part of a wider academic research project and this is not some funded project after your name or address, and you’re not part of a wider marketing excercise.

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, work with musicians, represent musicians, have 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 quality entertainment…you are all 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. Jokers and time wasters need not apply.

WARNING: THE MUSIC SCENE IS NOT THE MUSIC SCENE. 

If you want to join a real conversation and get ahead with your own music…..and if you choose not to involve yourself in another botched scheme that pays for everything except anything useful for you and your music…..

…..You know what to do:  http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Started in 2000 and still going on a budget you can stick under a glass. Funded Project? What Funded project? Learn to like it. Come and Join us.

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by Mark Badger

May 2009 Music Network Meeting Minutes

June 4, 2009 in Meeting Minutes, News, Other by Mark Badger

Music Network Meeting Minutes

28th May 2009

Those present:

Andy Derrick – Web Music Solutions http://www.webmusicsolutions.com/
Vince O’Malley – Musical Exchanges / Guitar Tech www.musicalexchanges.com
Colin Tippin – IFA / Musical Exchanges www.musicalexchanges.com
Jamie – Sound engineering student at TIC releasing original electronic music
Josh – Manage and play Holy Moments – punk/hardcore band from Birmingham.
Andrew Bland – re-entering the music scene in Birmingham
Clare Edwards – working on number of music projects around the country and locally – including the Hockley Flyover Show with Soweto Kinch
Simon Howes – freelance sound engineer for tv, live sound etc. www.audioguy.co.uk
Abigail Seabrook – singer and community musician and lurker
Angela – Open mic nights for original
Pete Baker – songwriter/musician

Birmingham Music Network is an unfunded network and information point for anyone working in music in Birmingham and beyond.  The room used at the TIC is kindly donated by Dave Taylor and his staff who run Creative Networks on the last Thursday of each month at the TIC, Birmingham City University, Millennium Point.  The refreshments for the meeting have previously been supported by the Musicians’ Union.  From now on, the £45 cost is being supported by local music businesses and musicians in return for advertising and exposure during the meeting and via the website.  This months sponsor is Web Music Solutions, www.webmusicsolutions.co.uk If you are interested in supporting the Birmingham Music Network in the coming months, please get in touch via the website www.birminghammusicnetwork.com

Andy Derrick – Andy launched his new company Web Music Solutions which provides fixed price affordable and accessible websites for musicians.  www.webmusicsolutions.co.uk is the place to go for more information.  He also reminded those present about his music industry advice blog www.andyderrick.co.uk and his other site www.sessionhornsdirect.com which provides brass, string, percussion and music scoring/preparation services for live music projects.

Vince – Musical Exchanges is nearing launch and will feature a proper auction site for musical instruments and equipment as well as musicians wanted etc. A successful visit to the Manchester guitar show with lots of signups for website test pilots – soft launch soon, etc. They were looking for funding and found banks not liking start ups, and they are lacking finance for PR.  They have now sold parts of the site to various investors and are  looking for investors willing to support in £1k blocks – any potential investors please get in touch via email: enquiries at musicalexchanges.com

Jamie – Birmingham Music Month – as a result of twitter conversations, June should be a celebration of Birmingham music possibly including an online compilation of original artists, covers, remixes.  Anyone interested in submitting a song, cover, putting on a gig, remix etc. a branded event in June 2009 – www.brummusicmonth.wordpress.com  @brummusicmonth is the twitter id.

Angela – community based singer songwriter – looking for open mic focused on original material.  Suggestions included: The Robin – Sunday night, The Roundhouse – Cotteridge, The Tower of Sng – Cotteridge, The Old Moseley Arms – Sunday nights, Katie Fitzgeralds – Stourbridge, The Yardbird – central brum – Tuesday, The Island Bar, near to Alexandra Theatre.

Music Network : next meeting June 25th at 4pm

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by Mark Badger

CREATIVE NETWORKS – THURSDAY 28TH MAY 2009, BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY, MILLENNIUM POINT, CURZON STREET, BIRMINGHAM B4 7XG

May 27, 2009 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

The Music Network 28 May 4pm – 6pm

Marketing for Creatives: Tales from the gaming industry 28 May 6pm – 9pm

Best of FLIP (Animation) CGI 28 May

Screening in the lounge area of our café 6pm

Lord David Puttnam CBE 10 June

Screen WM in collaboration with Creative Networks

Creative Communities Industry Event 16 June

New Generation Arts Graduate Showcase 12 -27 June

THE MUSIC NETWORK – with Andy Derrick
THURSDAY 28TH MAY 2009, 4.00PM UNTIL 6.00PM
BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY, MILLENNIUM POINT, CURZON STREET, BIRMINGHAM B4 7XG
The Music Network leads a monthly networking event at the tic for all music related businesses from the West Midlands region.

Running successfully since 2000, their meetings have proved inspirational in the support, development and promotion of thousands of music related activities. If you have news to report, events to promote, points for discussion or a pitch to make, the Music Network will be useful for you. They offer access to contacts, opportunities, help, advice and guidance – and even free tea and biscuits.

The Music Network is a voluntary, not for profit, social enterprise organisation seeking charitable status. Meetings take place on the last Thursday of each month, 4-6pm at Birmingham City University’s Technology Innovation Centre (tic), Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG.

CREATIVE NETWORKS
THURSDAY 28TH MAY 2009, 6.00PM UNTIL 9.00PM
BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY, MILLENNIUM POINT, CURZON STREET, BIRMINGHAM B4 7XG

MARKETING FOR CREATIVES …tales from the gaming industry
Creative Networks welcomes Bruce Everiss, who will talk about his experiences in marketing and establishing
two major video game companies, Imagine and Codemasters.

In the digital age, we are all Marketeers and, in the current challenging economic climate, finding innovative
ways to promote and distribute content via new media platforms is all important.

Bruce has been involved with the home computer industry since its start in the late 1970s and his commitment
to the medium has helped to establish the U.K. as one of the world’s most important software producers.
Furthermore, as an internet entrepreneur and marketing expert, he has raised the industry’s profile beyond
the attention of enthusiasts and into the psyche of a much wider audience.

To join us for this FREE event, please email creative.networks@tic.ac.uk or call Dave Taylor on
0121 331 5400. Alternatively, register online at our portal www.creativenetworksonline.com

Screening in the lounge area of our café 6pm 28th May
Best of Flip CGI An international selection of some of the best CGI bits from the festival, including 2009 Oscar nominee, This Way Up from UK studio Nexus Productions and Replay, from, award winning French animation school, Ecole Supérieure des Métiers Artistiques. Flip is now in its 6th year; look out for this year’s festival, 5 – 7 November, 2009. For more info and to sign up to the newsletter, visit www.flipfestival.co.uk

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by Mark Badger

The Music Network – 4pm Thursday 28th May 2009, Birmingham TIC, Millennium Point. All Invited

May 19, 2009 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 28th May 2009 4pm til 6pm at Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC), Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG.

If you have any involvement in music, come and talk about what you’re up to and meet some new people.

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 are a musician, work with musicians, represent musicians, have involvement with the music industry, or are looking to make new contacts the meeting will be useful to you.

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 quality entertainment…you are all 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. Jokers and time wasters need not apply.

WARNING: THE MUSIC SCENE IS NOT THE MUSIC SCENE

If you want to join a real conversation and get ahead with your own music…..

…..You know what to do:  http://birminghammusicnetwork.com

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