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Musoplex film opinions on Music in the West Midlands

February 2, 2012 in Artists, News, Other, Pitch, Strategy by Mark Badger

Musoplex, a rehearsal and recording studio based in Oldbury, is looking for opinionated creative residents of the West Midlands e.g. promoters, bands, artists and management, to have a chat on video about the state of music in the region.  They have posted a few of their pilots online, filmed and edited by Musoplex Director Andy Ward.

Andy said “Musoplex as a studio and rehearsal rooms hears a lot of opinions as to the good and bad going on in music in the area. We have decided to do something about it, we are documenting views and opinions on film. If you want to offer your own opinions or comments to camera, in no more than a 10 minute interview e-mail andy@musoplex.com.”

Watch the videos for yourself, and if you have something to say, get in touch.

Robin Valk and The Music Network Meeting – 4pm Thurs 26th January 2012 Birmingham

January 24, 2012 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

Robin Valk
Robin Valk will be leading The Music Network meeting on Thursday 26th January 2012 at Millennium Point, Birmingham. The Meeting starts at 4pm and will finish at 5.30pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG. Anyone involved in Music in the region is welcome to attend, its free and there will be tea and coffee provided.

Robin is a broadcast and software consultant. He has been in radio for over 40 years, working on student radio, US Rock Radio, Commercial Radio and BBC Radio 2. When not consulting, teaching, podcasting or writing on radio and music, Robin works on radio and music projects – most recently, a documentary project on the music and musicians of Handsworth, Birmingham, and he’s leading the Pilot Project for the British Library.

Robin is one of the most experienced music programming operators in Europe and offers consultancy in other systems including AutoTrack/Myriad and Station Playlist. Recent consult work has taken Robin to Southampton, Glasgow and Budapest. He is currently developing new ultra-low cost radio approaches for Internet radio streaming.

In recent months Robin has turned his attention to blogging more about local music and the stories he has uncovered. Recent blog posts have included interesting pieces on Steve Gibbons, The Destroyers, Ruby Turner and Jim Cleary

You are welcome to contact Robin through this blog (email to robin@radiotogo.com) for voicing work, software training and database troubleshooting, music consultancy or other radio projects.

The Music Network, Birmingham, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

Music Network Meeting – 4pm Thurs 26th January 2012 Birmingham

January 18, 2012 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 26th January 2012 at Millennium Point, Birmingham.

The Meeting starts at 4pm and will finish at 5.30pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG.

Join us on Twitter for regular updates and discussion. If you are interested in the shape and ambitions of the region’s music industry, you are invited to read and contribute to all posts on the subject in our Strategy Category Read the rest of this entry →

Creative Networks event & Music forum & Film forum 24th Nov 2011

November 23, 2011 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

Register at Reception 4pm for The Music Network and 4pm for Birmingham Screen Image Network, 6pm for Creative Netwoks – FREE food and refreshment in our Café until 7pm, then to Lecture Theatre for panel debate

CREATIVE NETWORKS

Music and Birmingham’s Digital Culture Future
www.creativenetworksonline.com

THURSDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2011, 6PM UNTIL 9PM

INCLUDING THE MUSIC NETWORK 4PM UNTIL 5.30PM – WWW.BIRMINGHAMMUSICNETWORK.COM

AND BIRMINGHAM SCREEN IMAGE NETWORK 4PM UNTIL 6PM – WWW.BSIN.CO.UK

BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY, MILLENNIUM POINT, CURZON STREET, BIRMINGHAM B4 7XG

Music and Birmingham’s Digital Cultural Future – Across Birmingham, new strategies are being developed that will look at the contribution music could make to the cultural and digital future of the city. Birmingham Music Network is leading an independent debate at this month’s Creative Networks event that will examine the issues, ask questions and challenge the preconceptions of the local music industry on what role music can play in this emerging landscape.

Birmingham City Council is currently researching issues surrounding the promotion of Birmingham as a music destination.  This debate is set to cover these issues and the wider areas of live music performance, music archive, the music industry and the support of the local scene.

Those taking part represent a wide array of opinion and experience, they include:

Robin Valk, long time a part of BRMB and developer of the Music Pilot Project (an archive that champions new local music);
Dr Paul Long, a reader in media and cultural history at BCU and the active presence behind many regional cultural archive projects;
Andy Derrick, an award winning professional performer, composer and music educator;
Abi Seabrook, a community and professional musician, also an active member and passionate advocate of the Musicians’ Union.

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

Music Network Meeting – 4pm Thurs 24th November

November 17, 2011 in Networking, News, Other by andyderrick

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 24th November 2011 at Millennium Point, Birmingham.

The Meeting will be from 4pm til 5.30pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG.

Join us on Twitter for regular updates and discussion.

If you are interested in the shape and ambitions of the region’s music industry you can read all the posts on the subject in our Strategy Category

The Music Network, Birmingham, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another 10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry.

October 19, 2011 in News, Other, Pitch, Strategy by Mark Badger

Last year, Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry was asked to answer 10 Questions. In 2011 The Music Network is asking Another 10 Questions to continue the discussion. Replies by email can be sent to: info at birminghammusicnetwork.com

In May 2011 UK Music published “Destination: Music” the first study of its kind to scope the economic contribution of music festivals and major concerts to tourism throughout the UK. You can read all about it at http://www.ukmusic.org/news/post/147-music-tourists-contribute-at-least-864m-a-year-to-the-uk-economy

In recent weeks Emma Williamson (Group Overview and Scrutiny Manager) & Baseema Begum (Research & Policy Officer) at the Scrutiny Office of Birmingham City Council have been in touch. Emma & Baseema sent through several documents that ask a number of interesting questions. Rather than try to answer the questions on your behalf, The Music Network has decided to pass the questions on to you direct. The questions have no deadline for submission, the questions will be open to anyone to answer at any time. Your thoughts and opinions are welcome, at any time. We hope the discussion will continue. For more opinion, consultation and research we have collected together, read through our posts so far in the Strategy category.

If you want to submit your own “Ten Questions” or even just “One new question” please email them in. When we have enough, I’ll post them as “More Questions”. Completed submissions will be published at http://www.birminghammusicnetwork.com unless you state otherwise. Please include your Name, brief biography or information about who you are and what you do, and links to your website or blog. You will be credited as the author of the response. Views from all sides are sought so don’t be afraid to speak your mind. We may learn something. I will invite Emma, Baseema and their colleagues to read your published answers here on the website for themselves.

The following questions have been inspired by the contents of a letter to Birmingham Music Network from Councillor Philip Parkin, Chairman – Leisure, Sport and Culture, Overview and Scrutiny Committee, The Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BB. (The letter was dated 29 July 2011)

Destination Birmingham: Birmingham, A Music City Read the rest of this entry →

Music Network Meeting – 4pm Thurs 27th October

October 18, 2011 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 27th October 2011 at Millennium Point, Birmingham.

The Meeting will be from 4pm til 5.30pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG.

Join us on Twitter for regular updates and discussion.

If you are interested in the shape and ambitions of the region’s music industry you can read all the posts on the subject in our Strategy Category

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

Music Network Meeting – 4pm Thurs 29th September

September 21, 2011 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 29th September 2011 at Millennium Point, Birmingham. The Meeting will be from 4pm til 5.30pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG.

Join us on Twitter for regular updates and discussion.

If you are interested in the shape, needs, direction, lessons learned and ambitions of the region’s music industry you can read all the posts on the subject in our Strategy Category

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

Next Music Network – 4pm Thurs 29th September

August 5, 2011 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 29th September 2011 at Millennium Point, Birmingham. The Meeting will be from 4pm til 5.30pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG.

Join us on Twitter for regular updates and discussion.

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

Next Music Network – 4pm Thurs 28th July

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

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

Join us on Twitter for regular updates and discussion.

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

The Music Network, Birmingham, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next Music Network – 4pm Thurs 30th June

June 10, 2011 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 30th June 2011 at Millennium Point, Birmingham. The Meeting will be from 4pm til 5.30pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG. Join us on Twitter for regular updates and discussion.

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

The Music Network, Birmingham, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Music Network – 4pm Thursday 26th May 2011

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

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 26th May 2011 at Millennium Point, Birmingham. The Meeting will be lead this month by Andy Derrick from 4pm til 5.30pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG. Join us on Twitter for regular updates and discussion.

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

The Music Network, Birmingham, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Music Network, Birmingham, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Music Network – 4pm Thursday 31st March 2011, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG. All Invited

March 21, 2011 in Networking, News, Other by Mark Badger

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 31st March 2011 at Millennium Point, Birmingham. The Meeting will be lead this month by Mark Badger and Andy Derrick from 4pm til 5.30pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG. Join us on Twitter for regular updates and discussion.

Richard Batsford wrote an interesting and thoughtful piece on the Birmingham Music Scene last week and we will be discussing some of the projects he mentions and the issues they raise. If you have any opinions on anything Richard talks about please bring your comments to the meeting.

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

The Music Network, Birmingham, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

Creative Networks 31st March 2011 Birmingham

Creative Networks 31st March 2011 Birmingham

CREATIVE NETWORKS

Thursday 31 March 2011, 6.00pm until 9.00pm www.creativenetworksonline.com

Including The Music Network 4.00pm until 5.30pm www.birminghammusicnetwork.com

Birmingham City University, Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7XG

TRANSMEDIA – What’s the Story? A Case Study of ‘Pulp the movie’ www.pulpthemovie.com

PULP - Tony Leary, the owner of Junk Comics, is gearing up for the launch of his new superhero title, The Sodomizer, at the British International Comic Show, and nothing will stop him from making it a success.  Nothing except a gang of Geordie criminals who are using another comic company to launder their dirty money. Tony is drafted by the police to identify the culprits and bring them to justice.  Aided by his trusty geek sidekicks, Rick and Keith, Tony must defy the odds if he is to become a real life hero.

Phil Bland – Producer Successfully producing PULP, an independently financed feature film, and many other projects, from award winning shorts to feature documentaries, Phil delivers on time and to budget and is leading the way in online content generation, overseeing production of the Pulp/AOL channel.

Matt Hubbard – Co Producer Starting his career with Reels in Motion in corporate advertising, producing adverts for the likes of Jaguar, Vodafone and Michelin, Matt was nominated for the Business Week Online European Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2006 and is now chair of the future finest network.

Adam Hamdy – Producer, Director Currently working on a multi-platform project with Winkler Films, Adam wrote, produced, and co-directed PULP, a feature film set in the world of comic books.  He also devised the Pulp comedy channel on AOL and created The Hunter, a series of graphic novels with over 130,000 readers worldwide; the film adaption is now in progress. Adam has a number of other feature film and television properties in development with top producers on both sides of the Atlantic.

To join us for this FREE event, please email creative.networks@bcu.ac.uk or call Dave Taylor on

0121 331 5400.  Alternatively, register online at our website www.creativenetworksonline.com

10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry.

March 5, 2011 in News, Other, Pitch, Strategy by Mark Badger

The Music Network invites people with an interest or active role within Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry to answer 10 questions.

There has a been a lot of discussion around these Ten questions. The questions have no deadline for submission, the questions will be open to anyone to answer at any time. You thoughts and opinions are welcome, at any time.

Ten Questions have already been answered by:

Andy Derrick, Keisha Thompson, Jon Cotton, Pam Bishop, Andy Roberts, Ben Calvert.

For more opinion, consultation and research we have collected together, read through our posts in the Strategy category.

If you want to submit your own Ten Questions or even just One new question please email them in. When we have enough, I’ll post them as “Another Ten Questions”.

Completed submissions will be published at http://www.birminghammusicnetwork.com unless you state otherwise. Please include your Name, brief biography or information about who you are and what you do, and links to your website or blog. You will be credited as the author of the response. Views from all sides are sought so don’t be afraid to speak your mind. We may learn something.

Submission by email send to: info at birminghammusicnetwork.com – Thank You.

10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry:

1. In your view, what is the current state of the region’s “Independent Music Industry?”

2. What do you think are it’s immediate needs with reference to the areas that you are most familiar with?

3. As far as the region’s “Independent Music Industry” is concerned, what do you think shows the greatest potential for the next few years?

4. In recent years, there has been a range of initiatives and projects designed to support the development of music in Birmingham. Can you list 5 projects or initiatives that you think have proved beneficial to the “Independent Music Industry?”

5. Can you list any projects or initiatives that you think have proved “of little use or benefit” to the “Independent Music Industry?”

6. With regard to your answers to questions 4 and 5, do you think Birmingham should continue to pursue the idea of more initiatives and projects designed to support the development of music in Birmingham?

7. If you could make any changes to, or include any new ideas for, any “strategy for supporting the development of music in Birmingham” what would your top priorities be?

8. If you were given the task of evaluating whether a project or initiative had been successful, what would you suggest as the best indicators of success, failure, benefit or disaster for the “Independent Music Industry?”

9. As far as your knowledge or understanding of the region’s “Independent Music Industry” is concerned, what are it’s greatest strengths, and what are it’s greatest weaknesses?

10. If you could do anything to “support the development of music in Birmingham” what would you do and why would you choose to do that?

(The term “Region” as far as these questions are concerned refers to Birmingham or the geographic area Birmingham City Council works within.)

I have also quoted a number of existing articles below. Can anyone suggest any other existing articles that the group should read and consider that may have been omitted?

A DIGITAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ACTION PLAN http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2008/03/06/a-digital-and-creative-industries-action-plan/

The people who control the Funding are damaging the Creative Industries in The West Midlands by Anthony J Hughes http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2008/06/12/the-people-who-control-the-funding-are-damaging-the-creative-industries-in-the-west-midlands/

Birmingham Twinned with Your Darkest Thought? by Mark Iron Man Records http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2008/11/10/birmingham-twinned-with-your-darkest-thought/

A Year later – Perspectives on the West Midlands Music Industry – Scott Roe, Solar Creations http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2008/11/10/a-year-later-perspectives-on-the-west-midlands-music-industry-scott-roe/

What is your view of the West Midlands’ music industry? by Mark Iron Man Records http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/02/03/what-is-your-view-of-the-west-midlands%E2%80%99-music-industry/

A Vision for the Music Industry in the West Midlands by Clare Edwards June 2008 http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/02/03/a-vision-for-the-music-industry-in-the-west-midlands-by-clare-edwards-june-2008/

Another view of the West Midlands’ music industry and FUNDING by Andy Ward http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/02/10/andy-ward-another-view-of-the-west-midlands%E2%80%99-music-industry-and-funding/

Countercultural Capital & the Creative Economy – How do 1990s DiY Music ‘Entrepreneurs’ talk about the contemporary music business?” by Charlotte Bedford 2008 http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/06/04/countercultural-capital-the-creative-economy-how-do-1990s-diy-music-%E2%80%98entrepreneurs%E2%80%99-talk-about-the-contemporary-music-business-by-charlotte-bedford-2008/

Funding the Creative Industries by Andy Derrick 13th Feb 2009 http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/02/13/funding-the-creative-industries-by-andy-derrick-13th-feb-2009/

The Scottish Music Industry Association(SMIA) – launched at Go North conference http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/07/21/the-scottish-music-industry-associationsmia-launched-at-go-north-conference/

Redefining the Music Industry – A public consultation on the future shape, needs, direction and ambitions of the music industry. http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/09/10/redefining-the-music-industry-a-public-consultation-on-the-future-shape-needs-direction-and-ambitions-of-the-music-industry/

National Survey and Mapping Exercise assessing provision & scope of music support work across UK 2009 http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/09/22/national-survey-and-mapping-exercise-assessing-provision-scope-of-music-support-work-across-uk-2009/

How does Iron Man Records choose it’s artists and how does it promote them? http://birminghammusicnetwork.com/2009/11/28/how-does-iron-man-records-choose-its-artists-and-how-does-it-promote-them/

your comments please…..

cheers Mark – The Music Network, January 2011