Sound City+
7am is basically the middle of night to us Birmingham School of Media students but there’s no time to sleep, it’s time for a pre-trip selfie and onto the train to Liverpool we go!
Considering this may possibly be my last ever summer holiday *gasp*, I guess it’s maybe time to get used to the early starts of working life and join the commuter lifestyle (scoffing a chocolate croissant on the move, of course). It hits 9am and the BCU Music Industries team have touchdown at the Titanic Hotel ready for a day at Sound City +, the UK’s premier International Music & Digital Business Conference. Receiving my delegate pass and flicking through the program of events, it was definitely time to enjoy some acoustic music and pretend to be a passionate coffee drinker.
With a slight caffeine kick I was bright-eyed and ready for the first panel discussion ‘Do Not Wash, always check the label first’ in the Alphabet Suite moderated by dare I say, industry celebrity, John Robb. Joining him was Paul Stewart (Legal and Business Affairs manager at PIAS), Simon Raymonde (Bella Union), Will Kneale (Handsome Dad Records) and Jack Clothier (Alcopop! Records) as they discussed the development of the modern day independent record label since the punk era. With humorous comments and friendly banter between the panellists, it was great to be able to understand industry topics and make reference to my own experiences. From running Feutral Records, an independent midlands based record indie-rock label in first year, the panel was specifically interesting when discussing the ethos of these labels. It seems Feutral Records shared similar conventions to Handsome Dad Records; signing artists from a love for their music, passionate about creating a relationship with the acts and taking on both PR and management roles too.
Following this, the discussion lead to why the panellists had originally decided to start their own labels from fresh with a DIY attitude which progressed to how the role of the record label has changed over the years. The most thought-provoking topic of the panel surrounded money; whether money should drive record labels to make them a business and whether it actually does. Innovative ideas and unique ways of thinking to reinvent the status quo from the speakers allowed me to consider my third year project. From using conventional methods and digital technology, I too could promote a maverick attitude which would both influence and challenge the norm.
After a browse around the stalls and the world’s largest ham and cheese baguette, my tummy was satisfied and eager to find out how artists are scouted and decided to perform at festivals. Although a non-musician, I have a love for events organisation and planning so was intrigued to understand the process. Attending the Musicians Union / Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) Stage Play – How to ‘get on’ at Festivals was incredibly insightful as an attendee of these small-scale festivals myself. From taking on the role of co-ordinator in numerous modules, this is an area which I would be interested in completing a work experience in therefore being given the opportunity to attend a panel discussion like this was brilliant in making connections. Attending the panel allowed me to introduce myself to the panel and further connect with them on LinkedIn which encouraged me to act in a professional way. As I’d never been to a conference before this was a skill I was able to develop for the future and an opportunity given from the trip.
The group was led by Kelly Wood (Musicians Union) partnered with Paul Reed (AIF) as they were joined by John Rostron (Swn Festival), Sarah Nulty (Tramlines) and Oliver Jones (Deershed) as they highlighted the importance of the newly complied ‘Fair Play’ guide. Set up to ensure acts are treated fairly at festivals and for live performances, the conversation allowed me consider these policies when/if I next organise a music orientated event to guarantee the musicians would benefit. The main topic of discussion revolved around choosing acts strategically to bring in crowds thus why so many acts at festivals will be local to encourage a local audiences to buy tickets. This was something I had never considered previously.
Leaving the panels it was time to plonk down and make myself comfortable for Gideon and James’s sofa session Believe Digital. Utilising social media and tools available online, the discussion explored how to make the most out of the internet and alternative options for musicians and those working in the music industries. Their conversation surrounding publicising and promoting music tactically online allowed me to pick up tips for future projects such as using tags on YouTube and how to protect your content online. I’m sure this will come in handy!
As I’d previously wrote an assignment about The Cookie, an independent music venue in Leicester city centre for The Music Business and as a lover of a good night out, the ‘Why nightlife matters’ was a sofa session I didn’t want to miss. My research report previously made reference to Dave Haslam’s research (Life After Dark: A History of British Nightclubs & Music Venues) so I was specifically looking forward to hearing his views as he was a part of the panel alongside Alan Miller (Chairman, The Night Time Industries Association), Marc Jones (Medication) and Paula Stewart (Little Panther). The panel emphasised the importance of the #Nightlifematters campaign (more info found - http://nightlifematters.com/) and highlighted the struggles independent venues are facing in city centre locations and why this is resulting in so many closures. Topics such as noise complaints, crimes, funding and laws were mentioned which were all relatable to my previous research and applied to The Cookie’s situation which allowed me to consider possibly continuing this study as I was intrigued to find out even more. Possible dissertation question surrounding small venues maybe?!
The conference opened my mind to even more solutions and questions for the music industries and only made me proud to be a part of it. Every panel spoke about working out of love and passion and how the industries create experiences and magical moments for all which is something typically hard to find. Each speaker was admirable for their successes and goals and the conference allowed me to learn first-hand what it means to be a part of the music industries and how to act professionally.
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