Are You Britain’s Best Undiscovered Music Act?
April 25, 2010
Are You Britain’s Best Undiscovered Music Act? If the answer is ‘YES’ then we want to meet you…
We are looking for acts of all ages and all genres for a brand new prime-time TV music talent show – and as long as you can sing or play music (or both), then you’re in.
Solo artists, musicians, bands, groups and choirs of all sizes are welcome to audition. For the winner, there is a prize of a lifetime.
For more information, and to register your interest, email us now, and include a daytime contact number
We’re looking for exciting, unique, original, diverse and talented music acts in Birmingham to take part in a brand new music show. We want real musicians and singers with real talent. A rock band, opera singer, choir, samba band, bhangra band, singer/songwriter… It doesn’t matter, we want to hear from them and give them the opportunity to showcase their talent.
We want to let the music acts of Birmingham and the surrounding areas know that there’s an opportunity for them. Any suggestions or help would be much appreciated as this is a great opportunity for someone.
Many thanks in advance.
Chris Allen | Researcher | Princess Productions
T: 02079851864
Birmingham & Black Country Music Network Minutes Thurs 3rd December
December 4, 2009
BCMN Minutes
Present
Andy Derrick – Sostenuto LLP, - info@sostenuto.org.uk
ADJQ – Jazz fusion quartet – www.adjq.co.uk
Steve Rubenstein – performer of 40 years experience, solo performer – orangepip@south66.fsnet.co.uk
Rob Heaton – Routes To Music graduate, starting a freelance music business, HNC in music production, choral singer looking to develop music production business – bert@wanderful.plus.com
Ken Banks – Co-owner and director of Major Key Studios, foundation degrees for University of Wolverhampton, studio space, TV and live sound recording/production, talent search ‘Captured’ Fridays at the The Public – performance recorded video and edited sound, 32 channel recording with SSL Desk. Producing a live performance recording for the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra – ken@majorkeystudios.com
David Blakemore – Routes To Music graduate – Winchester University graduate in creative industries – plays guitar, writes music – david_blakemore@hotmail.com
Dale and Tracy – MASCA – duet performing worldwide covers and original music – acoustic/electric rock – mascamusic@live.co.uk
Belle Sorelle – Hannah Smith, Gemma Parr, Patsy Parr, Bella Bennewith – samparr@parrmarketing.co.uk
Minutes
Andy Derrick – Sostenuto LLP runs the Black Country Music Network and chairs the meetings, runs the website http://blackcountrymusicnetwork.wordpress.com
ADJQ – Next gig Fri 11th December, Rush Hour Blues, Symphony Hall Foyer Bar, Broad Street, Birmingham – 5.30pm – www.adjq.co.uk - looking for live bookings of this dynamic and award winning group.
Steve Rubenstein – looking for publishing of original songs –
www.taxi.com was suggested as a way of putting your songs forward for possible inclusion in a variety of products from records, tv programmes, web media and computer games. Discussion on royalties and what to do followed, people referred to http://www.andyderrick.co.uk for some free articles on PRS and PPL and also to www.prsformusic.com
Belle Sorelle – 4 girl band recently appeared in X Factor going through to the boot camp. After a series of high profile local and charity events with Bev Bevan and Robert Plant, they are now looking for songwriters interested in writing for Katy Perry / Pink girl band sound. Contact them at samparr@parrmarketing.co.uk or Julie@parrmarketing.co.uk or visit www.bellesorelle.co.uk
Rob Heaton – looking for opportunities, job experience, internships in radio production, live sound production. About to start training as a radio volunteer at WCR in Wolverhampton but keen to know of other studio opportunities available.
Masca – Built a reputation as a function act and originals band all over the world in many settings. Now based again in the UK, they are looking for live music opportunities in the Midlands for their Electric/Acoustic Duo – www.masca.co.uk - mascamusic@live.co.uk
The Black Country Music Network is next meeting on the following dates
Thursday 21st January 2010 – 4pm
Thursday 11th February 2010 – 4pm
Thursday 4th March 2010 – 4pm
All meetings take place at Major Key Studios, The Public, West Bromwich
The Black Country Music Network is run by Sostenuto LLP – www.sostenuto.org.uk - an organisation dedicated to supporting and advising the creative industries.
The network is supported by Ken Banks and Phil Savage of Major Key Studios based at The Public who provide us with free meeting space and refreshments.
www.majorkeystudios.com - Visit their website to see more about the services and facilities on offer at their studios, the live music performance opportunities and their work helping to support the music industry in the Black Country – many thanks guys.
The Music Network - 4pm Thursday October 29th 2009, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point. All Invited
October 27, 2009
The next meeting of the Birmingham Music Network is Thursday 29th October 2009 - 4pm - 6pm, School of Digital Media Technology, TEE, Birmingham City University, Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham.
Who is it for? Anyone involved with the music industry regardless of genre, background or attainment. We welcome everyone from bedroom rock stars and community musicians to music consultants, lecturers and CEO’s. If you are after a real interaction, come and see what Social Media was based on - a meeting of like minded individuals that want to share, interact, promote and seek help. The best news is it’s free and coffee, tea and biscuits are kindly provided the Creative Networks team at BCU led by the very capable Dave Taylor.
Please spread the word and help a musician today!
If you are interested in attending, all you have to do is turn up - details above.The meeting is supported by
September 2009 Music Network Meeting Minutes
October 18, 2009
September 2009
Music Network Meeting Minutes
Present: Mark Badger Iron Man Records, Vince O’Malley and music exchanges, Adrian Kimberline from exit recording, Jennifer Bolton singer songwroter, Simon Howes sound engineer, Darren Roberts Birmingham Uni, Keisha Thompson singer songwriter, Phil Manford, Andy CFO for the beatsmiths
Apologies: Andy Derrick, Clare Edwards,
Vince: Music Exchanges
http://www.musical exchanges.com
This site is developing fast and is about to launch a musicians networking section, auction area to buy and sell, recruitment section for musicians to find people to play with and plaza section. Work continues on the development of the networking side of the site and a section called my band: name details etc. The site will be able to handle multiple bands diaries
Mentioned: 26th-27th sept cocksmoor woods leiesure center
tickets £5 on dar £6 for the weekend
young drummer of the year Richard rainer
www.ukdrumfair.com
rhythm magazine will be at the event. discussions of vintage drum kits
also on following weekend 2-4pm on stourbridge radio: the bridge to discuss music exchanges. hoping to choose a playlist.
The site will be initially going to uk wide.
Dave Taylor
Todays speaker: David Rose who use to be at bbc music pebble mill. head of drama.
Adrian Kimberline: Wanted to talk about mastering.
mention of Simon at Musoplex for mastering.
also for mastering Ian Shepherd based in cambridge soundrecording technology: 01480 461880. http://www.productionadvice.co.uk
also http://www.beatsmiths.co.uk
Keisha:
Mentioned the musicins union event at the drum
discussion followed regarding Musicians Union and activities in the local area.
Keisha mentioned John Morris: nurvrax runs website called http://www.nurvrax.com
There’s a new event every six weeks at venue near drum with open mic etc. plus singers. On 15th october there will be a live showcase
LIME: ladies in music and entertainment. The year anniversary tonight
at the O Bar on broad street.
Darren: doing a phd on the “Geography of Networks” to do with music
He is interested in the music world and is looking at “networks in music”
He is looking at how music emerges in the city, how the city influences music and its emergent forms.
list of networks mentioned:
lozells and the young disciples and urban record label
music exchanges
musicians union
university
studios
audience central
regerasals
press
social networks social media
council
artsfest
anyone interested in discussing info further emai: dxr827@bham.ac.uk
Anthony Hughes from sostenuto: music mentoring scheme and screen wm
Mike: freelence illustrator. He has done comic books, illustration. He’s looking to work with band doing artwork. trying to get into it like flyers and posters
http://www.theartyone.co.uk. A number of people wanted to get in touch and get mike to do some artwork. Some suggestions included to register with national illustration assoc and wrietsr and artists yearbook, also talk to st pauls gallery in hockley
Anthony Hughes: a film called “le Donk” a shane meadows film. bafta event and handful of tickets available, 6th oct, the electric cinema.
Sostenuto: Black Country Music Network on the first tuesday of every month.
takes place at the public. at major key studios. 4-6pm http://www.sostenuto.org.uk
running a program called routes to music across the whole of the black country
http://www.twitter.com/sostenuto
Phil
Mentioned he is very close to releasing an album.
talked about digital downloads: tunecore, ditto music, horus music, ioda,
mentions of last.fm, spotify,
Questions raised regarding Music Lawyers: Musicians Union mentioned, Kevan Tidy from Iron Man Records mentioned, other local lawyers mentioned. Discussions on current state of copyright, creative commons licences and more
Discussion followed including: mention: Andrew Dubber, BCU, Jez and Birmingham Music month, Birmingham Music.
Details of next Music Network Meeting and possible new location to be posted in the next week or so, keep an eye on this site.
The Music Network - 4pm Thursday 24th September 2009, Birmingham TIC, Millennium Point. All Invited
September 23, 2009
The Music Network will next meet on Thursday 24th September 2009 at 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.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.
Please pass this information on to Musicians you know or anyone else who you think may benefit.
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
Redefining the Music Industry - A public consultation on the future shape, needs, direction and ambitions of the music industry.
September 10, 2009
An urgent message from our man Peter Jenkinson: “UK Music has asked us to alert key operators in our network to a consultation paper preparing on the future shape, needs, direction and ambitions of the music industry.”
You can submit your thoughts and response directly to feedback at ukmusic.org
They are closing responses by the 15th September 2009; if you need any further information go to www.ukmusic.org/consultation
Redefining the Music Industry
A public consultation on the future shape, needs, direction
and ambitions of the music industry.
Closing date for responses: 15th September 2009
About UK Music
Established in October 2008, UK Music is the umbrella body that represents the collective interest of the UK’s commercial music industry: from artists, musicians, songwriters and composers, to record labels, music managers, music publishers, collecting societies and studio producers.
Our member organisations are: the Association of Independent Music (AIM), the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers & Authors (BASCA), BPI (British Recorded Music Industry) Limited, the Music Managers Forum (MMF),
the Music Publishers Association Limited (MPA), the Musicians Union (MU), PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) and PRS for Music.
UK Music exists to understand, explain, promote, protect and nurture the UK’s commercial music sector so that its inherent value grows and its positive knock-on effects reverberate ever further and ever deeper. UK Music, through its wide membership, has access to the very best of the talent, creativity, insight and experience of those who together make up the
commercial music sector.
Drawing on such a rich resource, UK Music is the industry unit for:
Public policy and lobbying
External awareness and public opinion
Research and analysis
Industry-relevant education and skills
For more information see www.ukmusic.org
Overview
As we all know, the music industry has been dramatically re-shaped over the past ten years. In equal measures, this has proved disruptive, challenging and exciting. It will continue to be so.
However, within a fast-changing, ever-evolving commercial market, we believe it is vital that our entire industry can pull together; that we can identify and overcome internal and external challenges, plan, strategise, set
policy and forge ahead.
UK Music is currently working on a detailed report - to be published in late October - that will seek to do just this.
In order to take into account the widest spectrum of opinion, UK Music has announced an open, industry-wide consultation that will inform this report.
Consultation Summary
Specifically, we are asking all those working within, or affected by, the music industry, to contribute their thoughts to a vision of where our commercial sector should be heading over the next 5-10 years, the challenges we need to overcome, and the changes and policies that could positively impact on both individuals and businesses.
The UK is home to the world’s most amazing musical heritage. More importantly, on the world stage we continue to punch way above our weight in terms of musical creativity, innovation and commercial success.
To ensure this remains the case, we need your help and input.
To begin with, we would ask you to respond to the following five questions:
1. What are the key challenges to growth in your particular sector? Where are the greatest opportunities for growth? What policies do you think our industry should be collectively developing to address and support these aspects, and why? Is there any role for Government to help in these areas? If so, how?
2. How can our sector offer better opportunities for young people that wish to engage with our sector? How can we best support those at the grassroots level? Can our industry create better entry avenues for those people aspiring to work within our industry and develop a career in the music business?
3. Is there a skills shortage in your sector? If so, what sort of workforce development or training would best benefit your needs? What should our industry be doing to promote further workplace equality in and throughout the sector?
4. What can industry partners – for instance, commercial radio and the BBC – do to help promote new, diverse, local musical talent across all genres?
5. Are there any other significant issues you would like to draw our attention to? (All considerations offered are welcome.)
Download the original PDF here: PDF : Redefining the Music Industry
Petition calling on Prime Minister to stop using Licensing Act to criminalise live music
August 3, 2009
Here is the petition calling on the Prime Minister to stop using the Licensing Act to criminalise live music and to implement amendments that would exempt small gigs.
The Petition has gained well over 1000 signatures since it was launched last Monday, 27 July:
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/livemusicevents/
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to stop criminalising live music with the Licensing Act, and to support amendments backed by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, and the music industry, which would exempt most small-scale performances in schools, hospitals, restaurants and licensed premises.
If you support the petition and the ideas it represents, please sign and circulate the link above as widely as possible.
Many local authorities use the Act to bully small venues, including schools. You may even have had first hand experience of this already if you are involved with live music on a regular basis:
http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/School-show-scrapped-after-head.5080776.jp
Providing musical instruments is of itself a potential offence:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1194875/Strolling-Beethoven-Playing-PIANO-street–start-new-craze.html
Even musical instruments provided by schools are caught in this madness, as confirmed in this ‘Yes Minister’ government response of 15 July 2009 to questions raised by Lord Clement-Jones:
Lord Clement-Jones: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what information or guidance has been provided to schools and local authorities concerning the requirement to license the provision of musical instruments as “entertainment facilities” under the Licensing Act 2003 where such instruments are used in public performances of live music or private performances that seek to raise money for good causes. [HL4839]
The Minister for Communications, Technology and Broadcasting (Lord Carter of Barnes): The department has provided general advice to applicants on its website and detailed guidance to licensing authorities on the 2003 Act as it affects the provision of regulated entertainment. However, the Act has devolved responsibility for the administration of the licensing regime to individual authorities and it is for them to consider each application on its own merits. The Act does not draw a distinction between events which are put on for charity purposes and those which are not.
Although the 2003 Act requires schools and colleges to obtain a licence for regulated entertainment to which the public are invited, or for a private entertainment where a fee is charged with a view to profit, they are exempt from paying the licence fee if the event is provided by, located at and for the purpose of the school or college.
Lord Clement-Jones: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proportion of schools in England and Wales are licensed under the Licensing Act 2003 for performances of live music and the provision of musical instruments as “entertainment facilities”. [HL4840]
Lord Carter of Barnes: We do not hold this information. The statistical data collected by the department identify how many premises have permission, in the form of a premises licence or club premises certificate, to put on regulated entertainment, including live music. However, it is not known how many schools have obtained an appropriate permission to cover live performances of music and the provision of entertainment facilities, or indeed any other form of regulated entertainment such as a dance event or a play. In some cases, a school may decide to put on an event by giving a temporary event notice.
Although the Licensing Act 2003 requires schools and colleges to obtain a licence for regulated entertainment to which the public are invited, or for a private entertainment where a fee is charged with a view to profit, they are exempt from paying the licence fee if the event is provided by, located at and for the purpose of the school or college.
See: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200809/ldhansrd/text/90715w0002.htm#09071576000578
Please cut and paste, or share this post if you support the petition, please sign and circulate the links above as widely as possible http://www.birminghammusicnetwork.com
You are welcome to leave any comments you may have regarding this petition below.
Web Music Solutions - affordable web presence for musicians
July 21, 2009
Web Music Solutions is a small company providing an affordable and accessbile web presence for musicians, bands and other music businesses.
Run by professional musicians with a track record in designing and maintaining web sites since 2000, Web Music Solutions aim to provide a quick, efficient service that is represents good value and high quality.
Web Music Solutions uses the Wordpress system for design and management providing an affordable and classy solution for musicians allowing them ease of access, intuitive systems and a responsive interface with their public.
Contact us today to discuss how you would like Web Music Solutions to assist you in developing and extending your web presence.
Email webmusicsolutions at gmail.com
Tel: 07595663966
Web: www.webmusicsolutions.co.uk
Berkleemusic distance learning program
July 21, 2009
I am writing to you on behalf of Berklee College of Music who have just launched their Berkleemusic distance learning program officially in the UK. One of the things that this entails is that £45,000 have been pledged to be given out to UK students over the upcoming five years to study online with Berklee. Patrons of these scholarships include Sir George Martin and Jeff Beck alongside three other big music names.
The scholarships are open to everyone in the UK and we are trying to boost awareness about them to the British musician community. information provided within the press release below,
Best regards,
Nik Miskov
Music Ally Ltd
1-5 Exchange Court
London WC2R 0JU
Office: +44 (0)20 74204320
Mobile: +44 (0)75 900 400 68
www.MusicAlly.com
www.TheLeadingQuestion.com
www.AliadoDigital.com
download information doc here: Berkleemusic distance learning program doc
The Scottish Music Industry Association(SMIA) - launched at Go North conference
July 21, 2009
To keep you up to date on developments in Scotland, Dave Cross sent us this message after Go North:
“The Scottish Music Industry Association(SMIA) was launched at the Go North conference in Inverness. The SMIA has been many years in the making and has been developed by a team comprising many established leaders in the Music Industry - they will now form its initial Board. The outline objectives, structure and role of the Association was the subject of a feasibility study undertaken by the Scottish Arts Council (SAC) and published in 2005. The formation of the Association then received support of the Scottish Executive and in particular the MSP who Chaired the Cross Party Parliamentary Group on Contemporary Scottish Popular Music. The remit, and integration with local, national and international players was carefully planned and it had been hoped to begin recruitment in 05. The SMIA has this week been able to appoint an administrator, who will be based in the offices of the Scottish Music Centre (next to the City Halls) in Candleriggs, Glasgow.
They have also commissioned Ronnie Gurr, seasoned promoter of networking and coordination of music activity across Scotland, to embarking on a more thorough analysis of the needs and opportunities facing music across all its facets, both in terms of genres and business activity. The Association’s published remit is to act as a representative body promoting the growth of the Scottish music industry with a single, clear voice, supporting the full diversity of Scottish music enterprise in a fair and committed way.
Generator has been closely following and contributing to the processes leading to the SAC feasibility study and the commitment to create the inclusive representative body that was launched today.
Contact them @ The Scottish Music Centre - Candleriggs, Glasgow G1 1NQ Tel 0141 552 5222
info at scottishmusiccentre.com
Download the PDF here: The Scottish Music Industry Association: Feasibility Study pdf
51 Breaks - From self release to the edge of V festival!
July 21, 2009
It’s been a whirlwind year for 51 Breaks. The band from Birmingham have gone from self releasing an a download single with only 100 limited pressed copies to standing on the edge of opening this years V Festival, whilst supporting The Spinto band, The Maccabees, The Infadels and even Tinchy Stryder along the way!
They find themselves as part of the final 6 acts now facing a public vote to see who will open this years V festival. It all came as quite a surprise to the band and their singer Michael Turner, who by his own admission never saw all this coming. ‘’We released 3 tracks, and carried on gigging and soon we were getting asked to play alongside some of our favourite bands, and then from up loading a track onto the V site we get a call saying were into the last 10’’
This saw 51 Breaks play the Great Escape festival in Brighton last month where they supported competition mentor Just Jack. ‘’It was an amazing feeling, to look back at a year ago, wed just finished recording and had a whole load of dates stretched out in front of us, the single did better than we ever thought it could and we just seemed to be on a roll, gigs kept coming and we we’ve now ended up here! Hopefully people will be voting for us and well get to go even further’’
Their mixture of orchestral arrangements, catchy hooks and electro beats has earned them rave reviews and with fans including the NME & Tom Robinson you get the feeling this is far from the end of the ride.
Music can be found for reviews @ http://roadtov.com/artists/51-breaks/
info at 51breaks.com
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