Musoplex - A collective of music-centric professionals working under one roof in Oldbury

Dictionary: -  Musoplex (aka the ‘plex)

Birmingham’s brightest collective of music-centric professionals working under one roof in Oldbury.

Musoplex is home to: -

Framework Studios - headed up by Si Reeves this legendary studio works across the board - in the last 2 months alone we have recorded everything from acoustic songs for a West End show to the new Police Bastard EP for UK and US release soon and everything in between from tribute bands to mayhem metal from Frozen Theory and indie-disco from Discotheque Wreck. Lee Phillips - Corner Studios, Wolverhampton, is also on our Producer roster.

Rehearsal Rooms - we have 4 - they all work, they are much used cos they are only £9 per hour.

Raven: Record Label - housed in the small office at the front Andy works on finding quality bands (usually by sticking his head out the door and listening to whoever is in) and we record them and release them. Only a year old and 5 releases in but it does get easier as it goes along. March 1st sees the release of a 3 version single - Your Silence - from Discotheque Wreck to be followed by the EP later in March. Pre-orders alone have already made the Top 10 for Indiestore downloads and the songs go live on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon etc on March 1st. The band tour the UK to promote the single and EP soon - see www.discothequewreck.co.uk

Photography - The ‘plex has it’s own photo / video studio too - and 3 photographers to choose from. The last few weeks have seen shoots for The Ganders, Butterfly Fan the Inferno, Planet Rock and more. Competitive to completely creative - you choose what you want from us and we deliver.

Promotion - we have just secured a much-needed local venue for live gig promotion - watch this space.

Videography - We work very closely with Pete of Abstract Reaction. His 4 camera live videos are stunning, his visual creativity beyond compare. Pete is just back from a European tour making a band documentary as well as accompanying Dufus on mush of their UK tour. We are now looking forward to making the first of a series of interview videos. Pete is also a superb Wolves Uni grad photographer.

Learning and Development - Katie Southall (radio presenter Katy Jay) helps us to keep on top of learning and development projects - currently running the excellent Sound It Out project. Katie is also a superb photographer.

We have links to management teams, get our bands radio play and generally help in any way we can.

The ‘plex Team.

Si Reeves - Studio, Head Producer
Andy Ward - Studio, Photography, label, business
Katie Southall - Learning and Development, Photography

Affiliates

Pete Rhead - Videography and photography
Lee Phillips - Producer

Musoplex
Junction 2, M5 - Oldbury
mail at musoplex.com

http://www.musoplex.com

January 2010 Music Network Meeting Minutes

The Music Network Meeting Minutes 28th January 2010

Introductions:

Simon Howes, Robert Edwards, Saurabh Thomas, Gwen King, Jamiee Hewitt,  Dan May-Miller, Jack Kennerly, Simon Evison, Vince O’Malley, Karl  Tippin, Kevin, Tom Prottey, Jack Perry, Aidan Laverty, Darren Roberts, Rob Heaton, Tom, Clare Edwards, Joe Blanks, Doug Blanks, Colin Tippin, Marcus Dellicompagni, Scott Sheppard, Phil Mountford.

Apologies: Mark Sampson, Andy derrick, Anthony Hughes.

New Points:

Karl from Musical Exchanges talked about www.musicalexchanges.com – which has now gone live! This brand new website is social networking site, diary and recruitment site designed for anyone working in the music industry.

Marcus Dellicompagni – Doing a PHD and researching the power relationships in music industry of Birmingham has started by looking at Urban music concentrating on Lozells but now wants to widen the scope to other genres and areas.

Robert Edwards – working in own TV studio making a range of shows from games shows and children’s tv. Interested in finding musicians who can produce theme tunes, perform on the station and help the children presenters develop their own band! To find out more go to www.lovemedialtd.co.uk or contact email: Robert at lovemedia.co.uk

Tom – Jam night from the Roadhouse looking for a new venue as they’ve had to move on from the Roadhouse. Looking for a venue with some backline equipment already – the night attracts about 20 performers and had a good momentum. And is usually a Thursday. If someone knows a venue contact Tom Richardson 07956 368998

Tom – interested in starting offering his services paid and free apprentice work doing almost anything in the music industry. 07956 368998

World Unlimited, Folk night at the Hare and Hounds – Yeah Sparrow performs on 31st January. Also playing are the Kings of Spain and Alex Moir and its £3 in! Also he is playing for Silent Filter Promotions gig at the Wagon Horses in Digbeth and they are trying to set some new nights there supporting local bands. http://www.myspace.com/yeahsparrow and http://www.myspace.com/silentfilter

Simon Howes – Social Media Café is tomorrow (Friday 29th Jan) at 10am at Coffee Lounge and every last Friday of the month – a good way to meet other social media types in the city and get ideas and ask questions http://www.birminghamsmc.com/

Rob Heaton from Wolverhampton – looking to start up a business offering music production, on location recording, audio editing and mixing. Contact Rob on 07858 520318

Gwen King – is looking for someone to write theme music for her TV show and other musicians who can compose good songs email: gwen at gwenking.co.uk

Clare Edwards – updated everyone on Music Central which is a new project probably starting in April 2010 which will be designed to support music industry companies and individuals eg, managers, labels, promoters etc through a programme of mentoring, seminars, networking and a conference. Go to clareedwards@mac.com after April for more details.

Stafford based studio and staff currently mostly taken up by one band – ‘The Tunics’ – no website but you can get a message to them via www.joeblanks.com

Jack Perry - The Razorbax have just made their first record. Go to www.therazorbax.co.uk for more details. Dave Midson has mastered it – they are now looking for contacts for distribution, promotion and getting gigs.

Next meeting Thursday 25th February 2010 4pm – 6pm. Special thanks to Clare Edwards for leading the January meeting and at short notice. If anyone else wants to lead a Music Network meeting get in touch, you know it has to be a good thing to do for local music.

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

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.

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.

‘Routes To Music’ - an introduction to the music industry - July 29th 2009

‘Routes To Music’ is an informal introduction to the music industry for all those interested in increasing their potential, gaining knowledge and looking to get more involved in the many areas of the music industry.

Starting in July across the Black Country, unemployed people* can access free workshops and networking sessions focusing on numerous parts of the music industry.

If you want to look at how to develop your potential and gain con?dence through working in one of the many areas of the music business, then please come along to our introductory workshop:

Wednesday 29th July
10.30am - 2.30pm
The Bingley Enterprise Centre, Norfolk Road, Penn?elds, Wolverhampton, WV3 0JE

To sign up or for more information email info at sostenuto.org.uk or phone/text 07595 663966

*To qualify for a free place you must be unemployed and between the ages of 18 - 65

Routes To Music is run by Sostenuto LLP (www.sostenuto.org.uk) and is supported by

European Social Fund, Learning and Skills Council and the Black Country Consortium.

June 2009 Music Network Meeting Minutes

June 2009

Music Network Meeting Minutes

Present : Andy Derrick (Sostenuto LLP), Mark Badger (Iron Man Records, The Music Network), Adrian Kimberlin (Exit Recording), David Powell, Jayla Nyota (Performance Poet) , Ashley (prole position, numb ratio) and a number of latecomers whose names i didn’t get.

Apologies:  Anthony Hughes, Clare Edwards,

Jayla:
She is putting on a showcase for unsigned acts,
1st july 2009 7.20pm
£2.00 with flyer
lizzie dean(from boy george) basil gavidon(ex steel pulse), shakti, j-disco, chinky, jackpike, jayla
the acorn pub, high street, erdington, birmingham, www.myspace.com/totalydifferent
see flyer.
www.myspace.com/totalydifferent

also she is on student internet radio station called kick fm mostly rnb. jaylas show is called epic fusions www.myspace.com/epicfusions
www.kickfm.com
email: epicfusions at rocketmail.com

Andy Derrick:
Andy runs several businesses.
web music solutions offers fixed price web site deisgn and hosting
www.webmusicsolutions.co.uk
also Sostenuto:
project starts next month called routes to music.
aimed at people who are economically inactive.(ie people who are not working or not studying)
people between 18-65
series of workshops and network meetings
www.sostenuto.org
project will be free, the workshops will start in july. stourbridge west bromwich

There was a long discussion of brum music month both pros and cons. Shame no one involved showed up to talk about how it was going. Brum Music Month is an idea of well meaning people choosing a month to celebrate brum music.

Discussion of Birmingham Social Media Cafe - a regular free monthly meeting friday 26th june at the coffee lounge at the back entrance to newstreet station. 10am til 12pm. free wifi

Discussion of Black Country Social Media Cafe - regular monthly meeting

Ashley: asked question about cd manufacturing and audio mastering. suggestions made of musoplex.com, gavin monghan magic garden, cmat studios handsworth, simon hall conservatoire, and a number of other people and places.
top suggestions for venues in coventry: casbah, covscene.com(website for coventry) the phoenix, taylor johns, tin angel, the golden cross(now called the mint), dog and trumpet, the rising sun, the escape bar,

A number of ther points were raised but more detail will follow in blog posts to the www.birminghammusicnetwork.com website.

The next meeting will most likely be September as Creative Networks will be taking a break from meeting for the next few months. Details of next meeting will be posted to the site.

Is it time to take creative industries seriously? 4pm-9pm Thursday 25th June 2009, Birmingham TIC, Millennium Point

Creative content producers need to take project management seriously, according to one industry expert. Steve Stopps, from Leamington Spa-based Blitz Games Studios, says that many creative companies need to reassess how they run their operations.

Steve, who is the keynote speaker at ‘Creative Networks’ event on Thursday 25 June, believes that project management is increasingly important, given the growth of the creative industries sector. The creative industries are expected to employ 1.3 million people by 2013 - more than the financial sector - and will contribute £85 billion to the UK, up from £57 billion in 2009.

A quarter of those employed in the UK games industry are located in the West Midlands. Steve said: “This is a multi-billion dollar industry, which strongly performs even during the recession.

“The current generation of the highest quality AAA games are similar to Hollywood blockbusters. If a company is going to risk huge amounts of money on a product it needs to gets its project management right. A huge amount of skills and disciplines contribute towards the end product and it’s important that these are properly managed.

“With the possibilities offered by digital technologies there is a real opportunity for the screen and sound based sector to capitalise on the growth in demand for its products, but it has to get serious about managing content production

The Music Network meets at 4pm Thursday 25th June 2009, Birmingham TIC, Millennium Point. Steve will be speaking afterwards at 6pm.

Creative Networks and The Music Network meeting are both part of a FREE event.

Creative Networks was established in 2004 as a regular monthly hub of networking and expertise for those working or hoping to work in the creative industries. For more information call 0121 331 5400 or visit www.creativenetworksonline.com

Visit The Music Network at http://birminghammusicnetwork.com

This months talk follows the visit earlier this month by Lord David Puttnam who addressed more than 200 guests at Birmingham Hippodrome as part of an event called Platform Alteration, hosted by Screen WM in association with 4iP and Creative Networks.

The Music Network - 4pm Thursday 25th June 2009, Birmingham TIC, Millennium Point. All Invited

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 25th June 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.

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

Sostenuto LLP - Birmingham and Black Country

Sostenuto LLP is a partnership of creative workers bringing their collective experience and expertise together under one organisation.

We offer: -

• Consultation

A bespoke service aimed at creative enterprises offering advice and strategy in developing a sustainable business. 

We do this through an initial needs analysis, mentoring and online support in a variety of formats.

• Visual Branding

Using video, photography and other visual media to broaden, enhance and develop marketing strategy, reach and effectiveness.

• Online Strategies

Integration of digital media with established marketing and delivery models leading to a greater targeted online presence and new routes to market.

Areas of professional expertise: - 

• Performing Arts.
• Video and Muliti-Media Production.
• Music Composition and Production.
• Business Training - ranging from SME/ Start up to public and private sector.
• Business Mentoring and Consultancy.
• Education and Network event Development, Planning and Delivery.

If you would like to contact Sostenuto LLP, please email info at sostenuto.org.uk

Oxjam Birmingham is recruiting for October 2009

Oxjam Birmingham will be taking place October 2009

Right now, we are looking for passionate, inspiring volunteers to be at the heart of Oxjam from now until October

Oxjam Birmingham is recruiting for these roles:

•    Event Logistics Coordinator
•    Campaigns and Brand Coordinator
•    Community Participation Coordinator
•    Media and Marketing Coordinator
•    Fundraising Coordinator

Closing date Friday 19th June

http://www.oxfam.org.uk/get_involved/fundraise/oxjam/article.php?ref=268

oxjam.birmingham at gmail.com
oxjam at oxfam.org.uk

We’ll also be looking for organisers, performers, bands, clubs helpers, venues, promoters, musicians, pubs, fundraisers, volunteers, stewards and buskers!

Sounds like you?

Please get in touch!

Rieser - Monday 15th June 2009 - The Roadhouse, Birmingham

Rieser  *Gigs*:
Monday 15th June - The Roadhouse, Birmingham, supporting Miami band ‘Nothing
Rhymes With Orange’, 8pm, £5.
Saturday 20th June - Pivo Pivo, Glasgow, supporting NRWO, 8pm, £5.
Sunday 21st June - Fete de la Musique 09, French Institute, Randolf Cres,
Edinburgh. 5pm, FREE

*Radio*:
Tuesday 16th June - British Forces Broadcasting Service, Interview/Session,
High Wycombe.
Details at: http://www.bfbs-radio.com

*Recent Reviews*:
http://www.sonicdice.com/2009/05/25/ep-review-rieser-drinking-den/

http://www.loudhorizonmusic.com/lhm/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=299&Itemid=70

http://noiseaddiction.co.uk/ Page 18-19 of E mag.

http://www.shout4music.com/album-reviews/drinking-den-ep/86

Have a good week and hope to see you soon, if not this month then in August
for some Highland fun & games!

love
Rieser
www.rieser.co.uk

DJ dates are available for Peter Hook. (Outside of USA)

The following Dj dates are available for Peter Hook. (Outside of USA)

August 7th/8th/14th
Sept     5th/11th/12th + South America available dates on 24th/25th/26th
Oct       2nd/3rd/16th/17th/30th/31st

For info / World bookings contact fletch at onelove-music.com
USA contact brad at windishagency.com
Regards
Fletch

The Flyover Show Saturday 13th June 2009 underneath Hockley Flyover, Birmingham

Saturday 13th June 2009
underneath Hockley Flyover, Hockley Circus, Birmingham, B18, Admission FREE 12:30pm-9pm
Soweto kinch
Linton Kwesi Johnson
Jonzi D
Natty
Bashy
Andy Hamilton
Ty
Basil Gabbidon
Tumi
Corey Mwamba
Audio Visuals
Spokinn Movement
Cleveland Watkiss
Robert Mitchell
Pentalk
Tan
Eat Good
GTA

Come and Join The Revolution

The Music Network wants to share your Music News and Links

Don’t wait for The Music Network to find you, get in touch and come to our next monthly meeting.If you would like to share any News, Information and Links with The Music Network, there are ways to do it.

1. Come to our Monthly Networking Meeting on the last Thursday of each month, 4-6pm at The BCU Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC), Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG.

The Monthly Networking Meeting is an ideal place to present your information and meet others who will be doing the same. 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, or if you wish to make an appeal for help, advice or guidance then the meeting could be useful to you. Any points raised in the meeting will be included in the minutes and posted to the site and you will meet plenty of interested people who may want to question you further or get involved.

2. Send in your Links -  email us your Links with a brief two or three line description for each one. Links will be bookmarked and shared.
3. You can email your News, Information, thoughts or ideas. Send 250 words or more (text plus any links) and any photos or flyers or pictures (jpeg) with your contact details and a link to your own site or relevant page. Be aware that anything you send in may be reproduced on the website in an unedited form. So check your spelling.

4. Get your Gig Listed -  email us your information and i’ll post it to the site. Please include as many of the following details as possible:

• Event Title
• Event description
• Event Date(s) and Time(s)
• Website link to event information
• Website link to book tickets
• An event image (flyer,poster,photo,logo - jpegs)
• Any other external links (such as a performers website)

If you are supplying listings, try and provide all the Event information at least by the month before so your paying punters get a chance to plan a night out!

The Music Network also imports all additional gig listings by RSS feed from Live Brum. Please send your gig listing info to Live brum and they will ensure your gigs are put into the system Please submit event information to events at livebrum.co.uk.

Birmingham JOB VACANCIES - CMAT - looking for four new members of staff

CMAT is expanding and therefore looking for four new members of staff to join its small team and requires professional, friendly and flexible individuals for these posts.

For further information about CMAT, please visit our website: www.cmatltd.co.uk.

Business Development Officer (full-time)
The Business Development Officer is responsible for developing new clients for the commercial recording studio and training and meeting room facilities, and exploring and developing marketing. This post will work closely with the Operations Director developing marketing strategy and building brand awareness.

Marketing Officer (part-time)
The applicant needs to have some experience of marketing, and knowledge of or an interest in the music industry would be desirable.
Experience of CRM systems, database management and managing marketing campaigns is required.

Studio Engineer (part-time)
The applicant needs to have knowledge of computer based DAW, analogue equipment and be fluent using Mac OSX Operating System.
You will also be required to do some basic electrical wiring, and a knowledge and understanding of the music industry would be beneficial.

Evening/Weekend Receptionist (part-time)
The applicant needs to have some office experience and also be computer literate. You will be responsible for managing the reception area, answering incoming calls on a small switchboard, greeting visitors, managing post, dealing with incoming e-mails. A large part of your role will be dealing with customers coming in for evening classes at CMAT, so you will also be responsible for cash handling and register taking.

Application closing date for all posts: 19th June 2009 by email to reception at cmatltd.co.uk (preferred) or hard copy to address below.

Please feel free to forward.

Kind regards

CMAT Ltd.
16 Grosvenor Road
Handsworth
Birmingham
B20 3NP

t 0121 331 4746
f 0121 356 5048
www.cmatltd.co.uk

Music Teacher Vacancies - Birmingham, June 2009 - Keyboard Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Coach

Here is a message from Gary Seeney - Birmingham Yamaha Music School

Hello, My name is Gary Seeney, director of Birmingham Yamaha Music School - located in the Jewellery Quarter, near the City Centre.

I have the following Music Teacher vacancies.

Birmingham Yamaha Music School teaches over 200 children and adults each week - guitar, keyboards and drums to accredited standards.

Due to expansion we require the following teachers -

Keyboard Teacher

Guitar Teacher

Bass Guitar Teacher

Vocal Coach

All positions require great players who can read music and have the personality of a “children’s TV presenter”

We teach only rock and pop music and are open every evening Monday to Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday.

For further information please contact Gary Seeney at info at byms.co.uk

Remember to quote “The Music Network” when applying for any position so Gary knows how you found the vacancy.

Feel free to pass this post on to anyone else who may be interested using the share button

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