Tag: musician (Page 1 of 3)

The challenges facing Musicians in the UK

Musicians face numerous challenges in the post-Brexit landscape. These challenges have raised concerns, leading to considerations of potential career change and a call for government support.

Work Permits and Visas: Musicians can no longer travel and work freely across the EU, requiring work permits and visas for performances in certain countries. This leads to additional costs, paperwork, and potential limitations on touring.

Financial Impact: The music industry contributes significantly to the UK economy, and Brexit poses a threat to its success. Increased costs, potential losses in revenue from European tours, and additional financial burdens affect musicians’ livelihoods.

Uncertainty and Lack of Clarity: The lack of clarity surrounding post-Brexit regulations and the need for bilateral deals with certain EU member states create uncertainty for musicians. This impacts their ability to plan tours, navigate work permit requirements, and make informed decisions

Impact on Live Sector and Music Tourism: The live sector and music tourism may be affected, with potential declines in international collaborations, fewer European acts traveling to the UK, and a negative impact on music tourism.

Iron Man Records Rehearsal Space

Brexit Blues: UK Music Industry Suffers as Artists Face Touring Turmoil buff.ly/4ailv6M

British Music Artists Get Post-Brexit Break, With Europe Touring Regulations Eased buff.ly/3uXMfdO

‘The whole ecosystem is collapsing’: inside the crisis in Britain’s live music scene https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/mar/01/the-whole-ecosystem-is-collapsing-inside-the-crisis-in-britains-live-music-scene

Further festival cancellations – Connect & 110 Above. “The current economic climate means it would be reckless to plough on with such uncertainty and volatile costs – particularly for a fully independent festival” buff.ly/3V0sq08

Brexit: despatches from the downside. The government is starting to give the impression of behaving like the sorcerer’s apprentice, having conjured up forces in Brexit that it doesn’t understand and can’t control. buff.ly/3uIDCUr

AIF Launches 5% for festivals scheme to save UK festivals. This World-leading industry still suffers due to issues around Covid and Brexit, making maintaining a UK festival even more difficult than ever buff.ly/48xEWH

‘UK’s position as live music leader at stake’: nine festivals cancel amid rising costs. Standon Calling among events scheduled for 2024 to call time or postpone amid fears of impact on new talent buff.ly/49MjU8W

UK music festivals at ‘critical point’ as more events cancelled. Covid pandemic, Brexit, the war in Ukraine and cost of living crisis are all cited as contributing factors towards a looming crisis for UK festivals buff.ly/3SSrbxj

Flagship venues and grassroots arts across Birmingham hit by ‘devastating’ cuts buff.ly/4bOtGcE

Birmingham City Council announce “alarming” culture budget cuts buff.ly/4bMyD5C

Brexit may be ‘terminal’ for UK music industry, top academy principal warns buff.ly/3PgAuGr

Face The Music Petition. European Movement launches campaign to shine spotlight on plight of musicians post-Brexit buff.ly/3I7GvBd

European Movement launches campaign to shine spotlight on plight of musicians post-Brexit buff.ly/3I5Wyzs

US visa petition fees for international touring musicians to increase by over 120 per cent buff.ly/3T69KdW

Ministers urged to ‘call Paul and Ringo’ over touring musician tax forms buff.ly/42TpyUv

Opera singer David Butt Philip on how Brexit is impacting British musicians buff.ly/49f3RAD

Introduce ticket levy on sponsors of large music venues to support grassroots music venues – Sign the Petition! chng.it/WM6Ck998

Brexit’s bum note: UK orchestras hit by new touring tax. Musicians fear European tours could become unviable under the new regime. buff.ly/3RSw6xB

Brexit has been bad for the UK economy, majority of Britons believe buff.ly/4aD235G

If you spot any other articles worth sharing with Musicians please email the link/url and follow us https://twitter.com/BirminghamMN

 

 

The brutal truth to earning a living as a Musician in 2023

Birmingham Music Network works with the local music community to stimulate growth, inspire, and share knowledge. We offer practical based industry experience and are not genre specific.

Being a musician involves composing, conducting, or performing music as a profession or as a hobby. Musicians create, perform, and interpret music in various styles, either alone or as part of a group or ensemble. A music performer is generally either a singer who provides vocals or an instrumentalist who plays a musical instrument. Musicians may specialise in different styles of music depending on their background, training, and interests. Additionally, being a musician may involve recording and releasing music as a recording artist, which involves creating both a musical work and a sound recording protected by copyright. Ultimately, being a musician is a passion for creating and sharing music with others. But it’s not easy to earn a living as a musician.

Musicians, like all of us, are facing the biggest decline in living standards in living memory. Millions of people up and down the country are now dependent on foodbanks, with over 100,000 having to access warm banks each week and many more are taking on multiple jobs just to keep the radiators on in their homes and to put food on their table.

Over a decade of austerity, cuts and the Covid-19 pandemic has taken its toll on almost every single aspect of modern society. The lasting negative impact of the cost of living crisis remains to be seen but, for the live music and entertainment industry, it may just be the latest hammerblow to a sector where serious financial issues have gone unaddressed for too long.

Last month, the Music Venues Trust released its annual report for the year 2022 which highlighted the fragility of the British live music industry, which brings in £500m to the UK economy and has a total sector expenditure of just over £499m — leaving a profit margin of just 0.2 per cent.

This, shockingly, is despite 22 million of us enjoying live music performances last year.

It is fair to say that, without urgent action from the government, we could lose a number of important community assets that account for over 30,000 jobs and an incalculable music heritage in towns and cities in every part of the country.

UK to lose 10 per cent of grassroots venues in 2023, as calls grow for rest of industry to invest buff.ly/461GZ5Z

The first report of the 2023 Musicians’ Census has just been released and gives a detailed insight into the demographic makeup of UK musicians, the barriers to career progression and economic challenges buff.ly/3LxL0ag

Brexit continues to hurt UK Musicians and Crew – Hypebot buff.ly/3r7B6oK

Brexit batters incomes of over 80% of UK touring musicians, as calls mount for immediate government action buff.ly/45JNk5T

UK Musicians’ Census reveals insights on earnings and career barriers buff.ly/3rhkDhR

Nearly half of working UK musicians earn less than £14k, new census finds buff.ly/46ug3fl

‘The buildings were a sign of civic pride’: anger as art colleges around the UK close their doors buff.ly/3RkQvNf

Campaigners blame Brexit for drop in European artists playing UK festivals buff.ly/46fBhgB

UK Music and FanFair Alliance deliver their latest calls for reform buff.ly/3ZexfD3

Third of UK musicians earn less than £14k buff.ly/3r51eRn

The Brexit deal has been devastating for touring UK musicians – but this can be rectified https://buff.ly/44DKv56

More Than 80% Of UK Musicians Touring EU Have Seen Brexit Hit Their Earnings

UK musicians’ tour earnings plummet thanks to Brexit

UK Music survey: 82% of artists touring EU say Brexit has hit earnings

Ash’s Tim Wheeler: ‘It’s such a pain in the arse, Brexit’ https://buff.ly/3L2nPVq

Future UK-EU negotiations should discuss the adoption of a cultural passport for the creative industries.

Study Reveals Brexit’s Impact on UK Musicians – Ludwig Van Daily buff.ly/3ONcDNm

British musicians say they are losing out on gigs and jobs in Europe since Brexit buff.ly/3Pju6i1

‘The government has been asleep on the job’: report reveals almost half of UK musicians working less in Europe than before Brexit buff.ly/3P8v3cQ

Almost 50 per cent of UK musicians working less in Europe after Brexit buff.ly/3Ean2h9

Nearly half of UK musicians have lost work in Europe following Brexit, stark report reveals buff.ly/3KQ80kf

Brexit sees UK musicians’s work dry up in EU: ‘It’s killing us’ buff.ly/45nesaG

Quarter of music industry workers have had no work in EU since Brexit buff.ly/3ONHeKy

How to ensure your post-Brexit travel to the EU is seamless buff.ly/3Ea4ygN

Nearly 28% of music industry workers have had no work in EU since Brexit – Access All Areas buff.ly/44wK7pe

Labour MP hits out at ‘massively damaging’ issue facing musicians coming to Scotland buff.ly/47mdM6W

Brussels tells EU states: Ignore UK on post-Brexit trade buff.ly/3DSymOU

Over 80% of UK musicians report loss of earnings due to Brexit | News | ArtsProfessional

Brexit red tape ties up musicians touring EU and cuts into earnings

Post-Brexit talent visa gets just three applicants in two years

Stereophonics’ Kelly Jones Criticizes the Use of AI in Music Industry buff.ly/45drnfc

Visa fee increase for international touring musicians delayed by US government buff.ly/3QbXaZp

UK Music – Study raises questions over unintended effects of constraining British artists to domestic tours post-Brexit. – Birmingham Music Network buff.ly/474bQ2U

How Brexit crippled touring for UK musicians buff.ly/44BZInS

UK music brought in €7.7bn in tourism – but is the scene healthy? buff.ly/3NW8lmk

Brexit adding extra stress to concert promoters – Soundsphere magazine buff.ly/3O59DM6

Live Music Research – Researching the business and culture of live music buff.ly/44G9p4C

UK live music revenue to hit all-time high this year – Access All Areas buff.ly/44sol6g

‘I can’t keep making a loss’: bands shun UK festivals as touring costs rise. Musicians say they can’t afford to go on the road any more, while smaller events are cut back or cancelled

Event professionals. There has been expectation that those looking to break into the industry carry the financial burden of inadequate budgets, and endure long hours, below acceptable welfare conditions, and undefined outcomes. buff.ly/3Css9IO

Trent Reznor Gives Update on Future of Nine Inch Nails. “The importance of music — or lack of importance of music — in today’s world, from my perspective, is a little defeating”

Lords committee urges end to Brexit barriers for musicians and young people buff.ly/44gUhuX

Parliament opens debate on the devastating impact of Brexit  buff.ly/3n67p5D

Ice Cube says AI is demonic and its use in music will spark a backlash: ‘Somebody can’t take your original voice and manipulate it without having to pay.’ buff.ly/3Wt15SZ

Britain’s ever-harsher welfare system means that now only the rich can afford to make art | Alex Niven

The Carry On Touring Campaign

Why UK Bands Playing in Europe Are Booing Brexit buff.ly/3OYvJ4L

Musicians left ‘sad and humiliated’ by disaster of post-Brexit travel for gigs buff.ly/3pQx1V3

Noel Gallagher blasts Brexit: ‘absolute disaster’ buff.ly/43aR4fl

Blur frontman: ‘Brexit was a travesty for young musicians’ buff.ly/3MSist4

Blur’s Damon Albarn labels Brexit a “disaster” buff.ly/3BSXqEg

Midnight Sun Festival launch cancelled.“Rising costs and limited availability on festival infrastructure, as well as the cost of living crisis having an impact on ticket sales means that we are not in the position to deliver the event” buff.ly/421uncy

The Government-backed Live Events Reinsurance Scheme, designed to offer live events operators cover during the Covid-19 pandemic, paid out just one single claim of £180,500 while generating nearly £6m in premiums to cover 169 events buff.ly/3NipTKJ

David Furnish slams Brexit red tape amid slump in UK acts at EU festivals

Musicians left devastated as Brexit takes toll on travel for gigs | The National

EU Provides Clarity Regarding Portable Musical Instruments and Associated ATA Carnet Requirements

The art of Brexterity: the vandalism of one of the UK’s most profitable sectors

Simon Rattle is right: Britain is becoming a cultural desert – and that’s a political choice | Martin Kettle. The arts and classical music say much about us as a country. We will need to fight for their place in our national life

Simon Rattle: UK classical music is fighting for life after ‘swingeing’ funding cuts

37% of young festival-goers put off by increased prices – Access All Areas buff.ly/3AcFLGS

Musician explains why AI will never be able to replicate art & music as humans do ‘Disappointed feeling that there are smart people out there that actually think the artistic act is so mundane that it can be replicated by a machine,’ https://scoop.upworthy.com/musician-explains-why-ai-wont-be-able-to-replicate-art-like-humans-do

Ukrainian orchestra’s key members refused visas to play in UK buff.ly/3KXkmaQ

German band ‘refused entry to UK in Brexit rules row’ buff.ly/3UVnrM8

Glasgow venue ‘struggling’ as Brexit rules are ‘killing’ independent music scene buff.ly/3Ado89Q

Britain is a dying nation in need of new curators | Stewart Lee buff.ly/3GXyZIZ

In Brexit Britain, the arts are being treated as hobbyist luxuries for the independently wealthy. A day job is a reality for many it’s how artists, writers, & musicians, not blessed with independent or inherited wealth, keep themselves afloat buff.ly/40kVtdP

Dominion Festival debut cancelled with only 5% of tickets sold – Access All Areas buff.ly/3Lh3g8c

Ian MacKaye on the “depressing” state of the music industry https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/ian-mackaye-depressing-state-of-the-music-industry/

New US visa 260% price hike will impose further pain on UK touring musicians buff.ly/3okKpzT

British Musicians Suffer from the Cost of Living Crisis – Skipping a Meal, Performing Less, and Finding a New Job Is on Today’s Agenda buff.ly/40qUqc1

Music by the many for the many – SAM SWEEK highlights the devastation Government policies have visited on the music industry
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/f/music-by-the-many-for-the-many

Government accepts key Committee recommendations to provide greater transparency on music streaming work and a more proactive approach to cultural policy
https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/378/digital-culture-media-and-sport-committee/news/194466/government-accepts-key-committee-recommendations-to-provide-greater-transparency-on-music-streaming-work-and-a-more-proactive-approach-to-cultural-policy/

38 Million tracks on music streaming services were played ZERO times in 2022. Nearly a quarter (24%) of the 158 million tracks on music streaming services monitored by Luminate in 2022 attracted ZERO plays that year. That’s approximately 38 million tracks
https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/38-million-tracks-on-music-streaming-service-were-played-zero-times-in-2022-elon-musks-book/

Robomagic’s James Massing on putting artists and the planet first
https://accessaa.co.uk/robomagics-james-massing-on-putting-artists-and-the-planet-first/

Festival Lab 2023 course to tackle lack of diversity in festival industry – Access All Areas
https://accessaa.co.uk/festival-lab-2023-course-to-tackle-lack-of-diversity-in-festival-industry/

UK Music calls on Chancellor to back eight-point plan for jobs and growth | M Magazine
https://www.prsformusic.com/m-magazine/news/uk-music-calls-on-chancellor-to-back-eight-point-plan-for-jobs-and-growth

U.S. Visa Hike May Impact Future Mobility of Touring Musicians
https://americansongwriter.com/u-s-visa-hike-may-impact-future-mobility-of-touring-musicians/

Music venues and clubs warn of mass closures after government spring budget revealed
https://www.nme.com/news/music/music-venues-and-clubs-warn-of-mass-closures-after-government-spring-budget-revealed-3414142

The Price of Music: Artists explain how the monumental expenses of touring make it an unfeasible reality
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-price-of-music-artists-touring/

British Musicians Suffer from the Cost of Living Crisis – OperaWire ?
https://operawire.com/criticism-on-fridays-british-musicians-suffer-from-the-cost-of-living-crisis/

The economy is so bad for British musicians that 25% are having to skip meals – Alan Cross
https://www.ajournalofmusicalthings.com/the-economy-is-so-bad-for-british-musicians-that-25-are-having-to-skip-meals/

British musicians forced to cancel US tours as visa costs rise
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/03/01/british-musicians-forced-cancel-us-tours-visa-costs-rise-badenoch/

Music Venue Trust calls on local councils to help save gig spaces after Preston City Council gives £150k to Own Our Venues scheme
https://www.nme.com/news/music/music-venue-trust-calls-on-local-councils-to-help-save-gig-spaces-after-preston-city-council-gives-150k-to-own-our-venues-scheme-3411676

Cost of living and last minute gig-goer decisions “a perfect storm” for grassroots music venues
https://www.nme.com/news/music/music-venues-grassroots-uk-gigs-cancelled-fans-last-minute-cost-of-living-3391412

Leaked letter: ‘A toxic culture of fear and paranoia’ at the BBC, from the D-G down – SlippediscSlippedisc | The inside track on classical music and related cultures, by Norman Lebrecht
https://slippedisc.com/2023/03/leaked-letter-a-toxic-culture-of-fear-and-paranoia-at-the-bbc-from-the-d-g-down/

Artists in UK public sector making far below minimum wage, survey finds | Arts funding | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/mar/12/artists-in-uk-public-sector-making-far-below-minimum-wage-survey-finds

Tour Management: Crossing the UK/EU Border Using a Carnet
https://ironmanrecords.net/2022/07/tour-management-crossing-the-uk-eu-border-using-a-carnet/

Tour Management: Going to Ireland and crossing the UK/EU Border using a Carnet
https://ironmanrecords.net/2022/11/tour-management-going-to-ireland-and-crossing-the-uk-eu-border-using-a-carnet/

German punk band Trigger Cut refused entry to UK to tour because of Brexit
https://louderthanwar.com/german-punk-band-trigger-cut-refused-entry-to-uk-to-tour-because-of-brexit-bullshit/

German punk band ‘humiliated’ after being refused UK entry due to post-Brexit rules
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/apr/10/german-punk-band-humiliated-after-being-refused-uk-entry-due-to-post-brexit-rules?

In Conversation with Dodgy’s Nigel Clark: all things Britpop, Billie Eilish, and why Britain just isn’t being ‘Good Enough’ to its musicians – The Mancunion
https://mancunion.com/2023/03/10/in-conversation-with-dodgys-nigel-clark/

Let me be clear. If you don’t buy direct from Artists and Musicians, and if you don’t buy physical products from Artists and Musicians, those Artists and Musicians you like won’t be able to survive much longer. Please make your purchases now or make your way to the exit as the store will have to close soon. You have the power to keep Artists and Musicians in work. Think what you are doing. And if you don’t act, those subscription services you like so much…. might just be all that will be left.

Bandcamp Friday – If you have the means to do so, please support Bandcamp Friday & buy direct from artists & labels. It’s a way to support independent musicians directly & sustain their work https://bandcamp.com/ And if you don’t have the means to make a purchase, leave a comment and share, share, share. Everything helps.

Subscribe to the Birmingham Music Network Newsletter on Substack here https://birminghammusicnetwork.substack.com/

If you find any other good articles worth sharing, get in touch.

Tweet us @BirminghamMN

October 2014 Music Network Meeting Minutes

Birmingham Music Network Meeting – 2nd October 2014

Present: Mark Badger, Michelle Dawes, Vix and her Mischiefs, Dan Joyce, Diane Wiltshire, Ferzana Alcram, Josh Herring, Raul Fermoselle, Harpreet Sohal, Richard Blades, Dennis gig promotion and management, Sunjay Kohli, Dave Taylor and a few latecomers…..

Apologies: Nicola Toms, Anthony Hughes

New Points:

Raul – Has access to a good recording space for recording and the studio is available for free. Raul is Looking for local bands to come and record for free. raul explained it’s part of a educational project so no costs involved for bands but engineers and technicians are all students who will be working as part of their course and gaining experience working with real bands and musicians. If you are in a local band and would like to access the free recording facilities in exchange for giving students a chance to work on your music as part of their course in touch. The Studio is based in millennium point.
Contact: Raul.fermoselle@gmail.com 07508037521

Harpreet: Engineer and producer looking for more bands to record. harpreet is based in Birmingham, the studio is based in Dudley. Recently harpreet has recorded the peoples orchestra. Contact Harpreet 07706955678
hsohal92@hotmail.com

Richard – Stop Motion Animation.
Richard has done corporate videos and work for writers and small businesses also training films and small commissions. He is looking for new work and is always interested in finding music to use and effects sounds which he often finds on the internet. if you are after a good stop motin animator get in touch.
www.bladesanimation.co.uk
richard@bladesanimation.co.uk

SunJay.Kohli@Nubimagazine.com
NUBI magazine
The magazine has had 2 million hits on website in past few months
The Writers are all students
Many of them are from BCU, they create their own stories and put them up for them. if you are a local artist, film maker, musician or creative who would like exposure for your work, get in touch with Sunjay and he may be able to get some of the student writers to take an interest in your work. The platform has a huge readership so this may be an alternative route to finding promotion for your creative projects.

Vix and her Mischiefs
The band have Recorded an EP with Gavin at Magic Garden
Putting the record out through Artists without a Label
Discussion followed with suggestions of online platforms, crowdfunding, press contacts.
Suggestions about video and other ways to get the word out.
Discussion of booking agents and other contacts.
www.Vix.uk.com

Dennis – Gig promotion and management
Dennis has a background in advertising and event management and is looking to set up gigs and music promotion actrivities in Birmingham. he is looking at venues from 200 capacity upwards. if you have any suggestions or ideas for dennis or if you are in a band and would like to be considered for future shows get in touch.
Contact Dennis: dkomis@bunnyhop.eu
Dennis is looking for bands that play music in the general style of  Amercana, Alt country, Alternative rock
Discussion followed about Tower of Song and The Roadhouse, also The Bullshead, and the Dark Horse in moseley

Dan: Works with 16-25 year olds, runs workshops for young people and looking to match young people with work experience.
Access to Music Exhibition takes place on 22nd October. Dan is looking for people to talk to young people about what they do, why they do it and where in the hope of inspiring some of the young people he works with to choose a career that may involve music or music related activities.
Dannyj@foyer.net
The exhibition will be at Access to Music College at Fazeley studios, Birmingham.
If anyone wants to come and talk, set up a stall, talk to young people get in touch

Nicola Toms: looking for some help to spread the word about a project she is working on.  There are some wonderful volunteer opportunities on offer. Our Big Gig EXTRA Birmingham needs you! Love music? Want to shape future events across Birmingham. If you are looking for some fantastic music industry experience then this could be the project for you. We are looking for a team of volunteers to plan and deliver several large scale music events in communities across the city.  Volunteers will be invited to attend a residential training course delivered by industry experts.  The Birmingham team will be led by an experienced project manager and given funding to curate and execute some amazing musical experiences.

Closing date for applications Monday 6th October

More information here:

http://www.superact.org.uk/blog/entry/our-big-gig-extra-to-launch-five-new-music-development-networks
Or contact Nicola Toms, nicola@superact.org.uk 07743 593439 for more details.

Diane – Artist and Creative Director at Nottingham University
Looking at interviewing musicians as part of an artistic project that is looking at the relationship beween music and emotion.
Diane.wiltshire@gmail.com
http://sentimentart.tumblr.com
Diane Wiltshire Artist on Facebook
Funded by Horizon
Digital arts and the arts council. Get in touch with Diane if you are a musician and would like to participate in her project.

Ferzana Setting up a consultancy to help connect birmingham artists and musicians. The project is still in an early stage but she will be back with more detail to share with the group.

Josh – Based at the Conservatoire, Plays in a band called Steady Hands
Josh has done some recordings, got website
discussions about getting his music out
discussion followed as Josh is looking for advice and guidance.
www.steadyhandsmusic.co.uk

Birmingham City Sessions
They record and film bands and its free as part of a student education programme. if you want to get involved with your band or music project contact
birminghamcitysessions@gmail.com

March 2014 Music Network Meeting Minutes

Birmingham Music Network Meeting – 27th March 2014

Present:

Mark Sampson, Morgan Gleave aka Ruke, Fonzi Neutron, Debra Undarumhi, Otis Gordon, Nykolas Godwin, Joshua Spritz Visionnaire, Adrian Kimberline, Hugh McGuiness, Richard Blades, Anneliese Grand Chapel Studio Recording Studio, Sue Nicholls, Sarah Ann Cromwell Diva Gigs, Anthony Hughes, Richard,

Apologies: Clare Edwards

New Points:

Screen Image Network – Anthony Hughes:

Looking to talk to people for collaboration, music and screen. The Screen Image network will be joining Birmingham Music Network for meetings this year to encourage networking between Screen Image Network and Music Network contributors.

Sarah Ann Cromwell – Diva Gigs: A Week in the life of a Diva!

Britain’s first award winning Comedic Operatic Cabaret Diva Gigs: A Week in the Life of a Diva, is an unforgettable romp into the operatic world of Birmingham Conservatoire trained Soprano and comedian: Sarah-Ann Cromwell. “Diva Gigs, a show about opera, is enjoyable even for people who would shudder at the thought of it.” (Broadway Baby) Described as hilarious, charming, brilliant, unusual and vivacious Sarah-Ann’s lung busting voice, funny stories and expert characterisations provide a family friendly “show for all ages and nationalities, for the posh and the proudly working-class and proves that both music and laughter are pretty much universal.” Diva Gigs is an unforgettable musical performance which dispels any myth that opera is exclusively posh!

TIME OUT LONDON

Diva Gigs is far from a gimmicky show: it’s simply a pleasure, partly because of the quality of Cromwell’s voice but also because of her enormous charm, engaging humour and relaxed manner. 4 ? TIME OUT LONDON

FRINGEGURU

A highly enjoyable evening of music, hosted by possibly the most down-to-earth diva 4 ? FringeGuru

Sarah talked about doing it herself and working with Independents. More info www.divagigs.com Continue reading

February 2014 Music Network Meeting Minutes

Birmingham Music Network Meeting – 27th February 2014

Present:

Yaz Alexander – Singer in Jazz and Reggae
Ian Bourne – singer songwriter
Gary Davies – guitarist from Skullfox
Tony Guice – delivers music workshops in youth centres and does gig promotions
Matt Davis – Musicians – Popular Music Practice
Sue Nicolls – Works Tour manages Steve Poults
Sarah Ann Cromwell – Comedic Opera – Diva Gigs
Matt Fisher- Giraffe Audio – supply studio equipment
Nick Romluc – Giraffe Audio
Anthony Hughes – Screen Image Network/University of Birmingham
Michael Bickerton – BCU michael.bickerton@bcu.ac.uk
Clare Edwards – Freelance Producer

Apologies: Mark Badger

New Points:

Sue Nicholls – Birmingham Opera Company are looking for a space for their next opera – they need a very large empty space in Birmingham that they haven’t used before – but they have used a lot of places! Any good ideas post them here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/11136136266/?fref=ts

Yaz Alexander – Dome Club – has a blow up Dome that can be used for creative purposes. They would like to find a home for it within Birmingham for local creative people to use it. Does anyone know any venues that could house it? For more information www.domeclub.co.uk

Giraffe Audio have a launch event week with lots of suppliers doing demonstrations etc 31st March – 4th April – more news on their website coming soon so look out for updates – www.giraffeaudio.com

Tony Guice – is working with a band called the Radio Charmers and they have a single coming out in March – with a launch at Academy 3 on 15th March – tickets here – http://www.o2academybirmingham.co.uk/event/63144/radio-charmers-tickets
He is also working on a new festival on 19th and 20th September FinFest just outside Lichfield. More information here  www.finfest.co.uk

Gary Davies – Skullfox have done some Birmingham City Sessions at BCU and they have made 5 videos and they are being released on Youtube over 5 consecutive Saturdays. This is something other bands can apply to take part in but it is oversubscribed. Follow each video here https://twitter.com/SkullFox

Yaz Alexander is working with the Drum to  to develop a new platform for local artists called the Simmer Down Lounge  to feature music of black origin – more information coming soon here – http://www.the-drum.org.uk

There was then a general discussion about platforms for artists in Birmingham  and how artists network and gain the right contacts. There was also a discussion about the differences between the scenes in Birmingham, London and Manchester.

Michael Bickerton from BCU talked about how BCU students are making TV programmes and are looking for content and how local artists can take advantage of this to prepare for actual TV appearances. To offer content email Diane Kemp – diane.kemp@bcu.ac.uk. Also if you want to have a pop promo made for your band email Michael –   michael.bickerton@bcu.ac.uk

Clare Edwards promoted a project that is looking for people to take part – Crowd Out – On 8 June 2014 – 1000 individuals will give the world premiere performances of Crowd Out, David Lang’s new piece for 1000 voices, at Millennium Point. BCMG is holding a Crowd Out discovery workshop from 7.30-9pm on Thursday 13 March 2014 at CBSO Centre, for those interested in being one of the 1000. For more information – http://www.bcmg.org.uk/whats-on/insight-events-2013-14/crowd-out-discovery-workshop-2/

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