April 2010 Music Network Meeting Minutes

The Music Network Meeting Minutes 29th April 2010

Chaired by Mark Badger

Introductions:

Mark Badger (Iron Man Records / The Music Network), Keisha Thompson (M.M.I), Simon Howes (Sound Engineer), Hannah Smith (IAMRUBY Singer Songwriter), Darren Roberts (University of Birmingham), Kieran Williams (ATM), Gary Seeney (Birmingham Yamaha School of Music / Melting Ice Artist Management), Marc Malone (ATM Malone Productions), Richard Mitton (Mitton Audio Live Engineer / producer), Michael Wood(Songwriter performer Composer), Jenny Tate (Violet Sky Management Ltd), Andy Roberts (Blue Whale Studios), Sebastion Tulinski (Decibel Studio), Steve Beddington (Gotseen.com), Kieran Graham (Gotseen.com), Clare Edwards (Soweto Kinch productions), Nicola Toms OxjamBrum, Rose Brown Upbeat PR, Mark Winters (BCC / Songwriter / Performer), Adrian Kimberlin (Exit Recording), Saurabh Thomas (BCI Student), Alice Martinez (Academy of Gospel Music),Itehl Campbell (Accuprint / Promo), Thomas Richardson, GuillameRousere, Spence Cater (Focuspoint photography.co.uk), Ed King (edkingfreelance@yahoo.co.uk)

apologies: Dusky Edwards, Anthony Hughes, Andy Derrick,

Steve Beddington:
Gotseen.com
Music Website, similar to myspace, artist’s do what they like
Gotseen.com offers live streaming of gigs across the net.
At The moment they have permission to use the 02Academy
Recent good reviews in Music Week and Guardian
6 months old so far.
Contact: steve at gotseen.com

Jenny Tate
Launching “Hope Order Truth” - Americana style rock at custard factory
21st 22nd may gig will be under the arches
www.myspace.com/hopeordertruth
info at violet-sky.com

Rhubard Radio:

Bands are invited to sumbit their music on cd or mp3 for airplay

Saturday 1-3 rock show
www.rhubarbradio.com
saturdayrocks at rhubarbradio.com

Michael:
A songwriter, interested in working to promote a christmas song
Looking for a music producer and someone who knows what to do with a christmas song
suggestions: Barry Tomes? Gotham Records?
discussion followed.

Rich:
A sound engineer, interested in looking for work providing technical support
he can offer production management, front of house engineer, looking for work
www.mittonaudio.wordpress.com
Sound engineer for hire plus all forms of production and technical support.

Darren:
Doing a phd at Birmingham university. He wants to talk to people as part of his research, looking to talk to people in the music industry in attempt to get an idea of what happens in the growth and development of entities in the music industry. He is looking at power relations within the industry.
dxr827@bham.ac.uk
07727689806
please get in touch if you want to participate.

Kieran:
Currently working with ITV fixers and looking to get his music into tv like bbc
looking for event opportunities
www.myspace.com/kvibe1
07973998661

Keisha Thompson:
Here on behalf of a friend organising shows on the 2nd and 4th week of month at the yardbird
if you are an artist or musician and want to play at Yardbird
if you want to play jazz blues reggae or soul or acoustic:
Call: 07776 480734

Clare Edwards:
The Flyover Show
working with Soweto Kinch
www.soweto-kinch.com

Miss Dynamite will be playing and exclusively performing new single for first time at the event.
29th May 2010 Saturday
its all freeif anyone wants to volunteer get in touch with clare edwards.
clareedwards at mac.com 07973694913
www.theflyovershow.comEd King:
First year he has worked on the Flyover Show. Concept of the event is using parts of the city that dont usually get used for music.

Nicola:
Oxjam Birmingham wants to put out request for help.
Oxjam is run by volunteers with other full time jobs
Oxjam are trying to recruit a team of volunteers, marketing coordinator, production coordinator, fundraining coordinator details on website www.oxjambrum.org.uk
deadline to apply is 9th May. Job starts early june
also recruiting for one other position:
smaller music event organisers in the region wanted for an idea to put on more events in October which is oxjam month. Oxjam Month is a music month that runs up and down the country.

email: oxjam.birmingham@gmail.com If bands want to get involved by all means send in an email

Rose:
Student from BCU
Rose said that one of the researchers at BCU came up with an idea of a Birmingham Music Month and tried to organise it last year but the project didnt work and was deemed a failure. BCU has suggested birmingham music month should be run as a student project this year and the students are keen to do it properly this time and make it work. The whole idea of a Birmingham Music Month is being relaunched and May is now the Music Month. Rose asked that anyone who wants to get involved in BirminghamMusic Month should get in touch, in particular anyone organising an event in the month of May. Currently the only event organised under Birmingham Music Month is an all day event at the Rainbow May 6th from 2pm
www.brummusicmonth.co.uk
May is now brum music month
the charity to benefit from bum music month will be sound it out. It would be great if people can come to the event or if people want to get involved email: roseybrown@live.com

Mark Winters
New library of Birmingham is starting to be put together, in 2013 it will be a brand new building, possibly to include a recording or rehearsal studios, maybe looking at partnerships to help plan rooms or ideas for the new library
mark.winters@birmingham.gov.uk

Hannah:
Singer Songwriter in pop rock genre
IAMRUBY is her artist name
She has cowritten many of the songs and she wants to get these songs out to other producers also interested in opportunities to play and perfom from september onwards, interested in collaborations.
she will be doing national schools tour backed by global radio and idea is that in certain areas they will be media partners
Iamruby@hotmail.co.uk

on facebook IAMRUBY

www.iamruby.co.uk

Tom:
in a band called Thomas Richardson Blues Band. His band have started opening up for band called after hours
band play originals to covers, play a lot of blues music. Tom is also a sound engineer from yardbird, used to work at venues, foh, thomas.blrichardson at gmail.com

Tom asked about places to play and suggestions made included: tower of song, southern blues collective,

Kevin

from south birmingham college
Kevin is head of Music at South Birmingham Community Radio
He is getting ready for next broadcast and on internet
Kevin wants bands and labels to get in touch: send in cds or mp3
www.southbirminghamcommunityradio.co.uk
sbcradio at gmail.com
put: “attention head of music” in subject of any emails

Lee
Ditto music
Ditto distribute about 12,000 artists and help people set up record labels etc
lee@dittomusic.com
0121 551 6624
also offer digital pr

Alice:
Works at Academy of Gospel Music just opened in hockley
Its a christian type organisation
Currently looking for opportunities
she is a manager of amazing artist called: www.myspace.com/afropunkno1
live sound engineer and also studio engineer
martinez@niktame.re
studio based in hockley part of academny of gosel music

Andy from Blue Whale Studios
does a show on Rhubarb Radio, get in touch with cds or mp3 for airplay

Simon Howes

Birmingham Social Media Cafe
for anyone interested in social media
10am at the coffee lounge navigation street downstairs
www.birminghamsmc.com

March 2010 Music Network Meeting Minutes

The Music Network Meeting Minutes 25th March 2010

Chaired by Andy Derrick

Simon Howes - self employed sound engineer in tv and film

Andy Ward - Musoplex, video, cd and live and merchandise

Katie Southall - WCR - DJ playing music to unsigned bands and musicians regardless of genre - send stuff to katy@wcrfm.com - Facebook - search for ‘katyjay’. Also a what’s on guide is being setup - contact Katie for more info about when and who. Business Development Consultant - making radio stations sustainable with a mixture of private and public funding.

Andy Roberts - Blue Whale @ Custard Factory and writes for The Fly magazine. Blog and a show on Rhubarb Radio. www.rhubarbradio.com - a mix of cutting touring acts playing in Birmingham plus artists from Blue Whale.  Podcast on Speech Fewapy network - 1500 subscribers it’s a feed of different podcasts from around the world.  Promoting gigs at The Rainbow.  Also running Intro to Logic and FInal Cut courses. andrew-roberts at hotmail.co.uk

Alex - BCU Architect Student looking at pathways beyond degree.  Just here to absorb and be inspired. Interested in voluntereering talk2alex@gmail.com @alex_john

Rich - here out of curiosity - guitarist - interested in using media to promote music here and beyond - Post Grad at Aston Business School, former President of Birmingham Uni Students’ Union and promoted many nights. - rj.walker87 at gmail.com

Vince and Colin from Musical Excahnges - Sunday 18th April The Bridge FM 102.2 FM - 2-4pm. Also issuing invites for test pilots for the web site.  Give email for an invite. enquiries at musicialexchanges.com
Also played Newcastle Guitar Show - record signups.  New collaborative diary service.  MX Recruit - musicians and tech recruitment section launching this weekend.

Spence - songwriter and looking for other songwriters with which to collaborate - ones with studios a bonus.  Also a photographer for live music and studio based.  http://www.myspace.com/themackenziefriend
Also a tutor a Access To Music. ATM band playing at the O2 - 3 Joyous performing tonight.

Sam - ATM student - sing semi pro doing a vocal course - also singing teaching - into singer/songwriter.  Looking to collaborate with other artists. myspace.com/samstarrmusic

Sarah - singer, songwriter and pianist at ATM.  Also a tutor at Yamaha Music School.

Jay - form Hinckley - freelance audio engineer - starting a new shared creative studio, space - shared resource centre - large footprint building 4 - 6,000 sq ft. spaces.  secretlabproductions at hotmail.com

Adrian - Exit Recording - songwriter and producer working with a variety of artists. New website www.adriankimberlin.com - Also looking for contacts experienced in placing dance tracks.

Anthony - musician, co-founder of BMN, video production company with proven track record of videos for musicians

Jenny - pa to Dusky Violet Sky Management -  getting exposure for bands. - present Saturday Rocks on Rhubarb Radio - info at violet-sky.com jennytaterocks at gmail.com saturdayrocks at rhubarbradio.com -

Dusky Edwards - Violet Sky Management - artist management, managing talent generally.  Keen on fairly managing and developing talent.  www.violet-sky.com - happy for new talent to get in touch. myspace.com/hopeorthetruth - HOT are a band managed Violet Sky - rock with an electric undertone - American Rock

Keisha Thomson - Action for Haiti - feedback - event really well, 500 people, £3000 raised.  Keisha performed her own track Who Loved Themselves - reggae jazz vibe - looking to develop it as a charity single - @keisha_thompson - twitter

Mark Malone - ATM student - songwriter/musician - released on soundclick - amateur internet store website - good ratings - broad genre - rock/acoustic/folk/indie - also working with Crisis Homeless Charity - looking for vocalists (gravelly preferred). - maloneproductions at live.co.uk - available for session guitar/bass/producer/song writer.

February 2010 Music Network Meeting Minutes

The Music Network Meeting Minutes 25th February 2010

Chaired by Andy Derrick

Andy Roberts - Blue whale studios based at the Custard Factory in Digbeth - looking to connect with potential customers - they offer live location recording, filming plus lots more - blog: http://bluewhalestudios.wordpress.com - also running training courses in music production, final cut, logic etc.

Vince - MX - guitar tech - update on MX
Colin - MX -

Keisha Thompson - singer, songwriter and poet - looking to network with other musicians.

Abi Seabrook - freelance singer and community musician

Katie Southall - Wolverhampton Community Radio (WCR) - community development role - only community station in Wolvo - 280,000 listeners 20-55 age group - volunteer dj’s production training plus courses - http://wcrfm.com

Andy Ward - Musoplex - company of creative enterprise in Oldbury - Framework recording studio, video production and editing, live sound, sound stage, green screen and rehearsal rooms

Tom - local assistant - recently did the sound for amateur film ‘Killing Me Softly’ - student at BCU music technology - electric blues player also

Adrian Kimberline - Exit recording - songwriter and producer - always looking for interesting collaborations.

Paul Linton / Mark Horton - Punch taverns - looking to recruit a partner for a large pub/music venue in the Black Country

Nicola - Oxjam festival - interested in bands, engineers and others in Oct 2010 - 16th April The Victoria, raise money and awareness  - showcasing four acts with female lead -

Caroline Bevan - ex-Kerrang journalist now working as an independent blogger/journo, run the blog for Wolvo Civic Hall

Darren - Birmingham Uni - research in music

Simon Howes - professional live and studio sound engineer with experience in live music and TV.

Gary Seeney - Yamaha music school and melting ice

Robert Lane - singer songwriter - recorded and self released an EP - interested in festivals
www.robertlanemusic.blogspot.com

Minutes

Keisha Action for Haiti - 7/3/10 - charity event for survivors of Haiti earthquake @actionforhaiti - twitter evening gig and afternoon education session. £5 ticket

Andy Ward - looking for publishers interested in licensing a band Discotheque Wreck

Tom - The Camp - open mic night - Thursday nights £9 - Free - Pershore Road - Stirchley - jam/open mic night - looking to expand the night for a broader night - sound assistant looking for work - hard worker - looking for gigs for a blues band (A Boy Named Sue - gigging already in Aylesbury). Teched The Old FOlkers - worth a look - very
entertaining

Paul and Mark - publicans - Punch Taverns - A site in Kidderminster - think it could become a live music venue (with outdoor license and covered area).  Hosting an open day 10th March and have a look. Looking for a pub manager to rent it - no criminal record!, investment required, no experience required - but pub knowledge obviously a bonus.

Nicola - Oxjam - looking for a female compere. Also looking for people interested in putting on smaller satellite Oxjam events.

Caroline - carolinebevan.com - former presenter and newsreader at Kerrang - interested in opportunities in music journalism online/video suggestions: Katie FItzgeralds, City TV, Balcony TV. ELT Records launching a music show in the midlands. Also offers media training for musicians.

Musical Exchanges - week 53 - live! - musicalexchanges.com - 3 parts - networking - 1-facebook-esque  2-auction site like ebay but without traders 3-recuitment(find a muso, crew, arrangers, art work etc.). New: coming soon a diary system.

Carlo - Birmingham Promoters - signed touring bands and local groups

Gary Seeney - Birmingham Yamaha Music School - 350 students - lots of activity for Childline - Beatles Tribute band - gary at byms.co.uk New course - Yamaha - junior play for keys Key stage 1

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

Monkey Business gigs…

At

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

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

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

http://www.musoplex.com

Mark from Iron Man Records interviewed by Katy Jay at Musoplex March 2010

Mark from Iron Man Records interviewed by Katy Jay, unsigned music champion from 101.8WCRfm in Wolverhampton.

Musoplex describes Mark Badger as “…..Head of one of Birmingham’s most loved and influential independent record labels…..Iron Man Records have released music from grindcore to punk and anti-folk over the last 15 years. Hear Mark’s views on bands, recording, touring and being the head of a label. The interview features footage of …..punk band Police Bastard, Anti-folk New Yorkers Dufus and Last Under the Sun.”

Mark talks about Police Bastard and Trogg, Tape Trading and life before filesharing and the Internet, touring with a band on a budget you can stick under a glass, the idea of giving bands a small amount of help at a critical time, Robert Lloyd and The Nightingales, how the label got involved with Seth and Dufus and he talks about his own band called Last Under The Sun.

Here’s a direct link: http://blip.tv/file/3407655

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

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

May 2009 Music Network Meeting Minutes

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

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

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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