Case Studies
Doncaster Music Week
From the 15th to the 22nd of March 2008 Higher Rhythm delivered Doncaster Music Week at venues across the town. This exciting week of free seminars and events, made possible by Success Doncaster, was presented by global music industry pro’s, giving local aspiring industry professionals a unique insight into how to get ahead in today’s changing music industry.
Over 600 places were booked for the events across the week and as well as regional BBC coverage on Sheffield, Leeds, York and Humberside, the events also achieved coverage on BBC radio 1, raising the profile of the Doncaster music industry and all involved partners. As a result of the exposure and success of the events, we were contacted by many more industry pros for inclusion in the next such event (now in planning...) and we have already negotiated a series of additional live sessions for radio broadcasts in the coming months.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the events of the week:
Demo Panel
Saturday 15 March - Little Theatre
20 demo disks were submitted for the event on the day to be critiqued by a panel of pros. The panel were Alan Raw (Promoter of unsigned stage at Leeds Carling Festival, BBC Raw Talent & 1 Extra), Ruth Joy (legendary hose vocalist), Adam Morris (Mr Modo records - The Orb & UNCLE ) and Steve Mundin (senior manager of higher rhythm). The panel got through 12 demos on the day, all outstanding, and all demos were played on BBC radio the following day.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE
Producers and the industry
Sunday 16 March, 2:00pm - Higher Rhythm
An audience with Martyn Ware (founder of the human league, heaven 17 and legendary producer of platinum selling artists) interviewed by Dr Mike Jones (head of music industry studies at Liverpool University). Exploring the role of the professional producer in todays industry.
Music Business Legal Workshop
Monday 17 March, 10:30am & 3.00pm- Higher Rhythm
20 local bands saved themselves the usual £ 400 an hour fee that music lawyers charge and attendd free legal sessions with top music biz lawyer Helen Searle (brokered for the prodigy, seal and go disks) who answered questions relating to laws and contracts
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE
Music Industry Support - Musicians Union
Monday 17 March, 7:30pm - Vintage Rock Bar
The Musicians Union delivered a seminar for a packed audience on the importance and benefits of of representation & On2nite.com presneted their new revolutionary online networking tool for gig goers, venues and musicians, soon to rolling out accross Doncaster
DIY Showcase Gig - with Scarlet Blonde
Tuesday 18 March, 8:00 - The Leopard
Live performance from Scarlet Blonde (tipped as best new electronica / indie act for 2008) supported by local electro rock band Nena Kubu.
DIY Panel - Turning music into money
Wednesday 19 March, 7:00 - The Leopard
Workshop on how to start making money from your music by yourself presented by an industry panel of managers and pros; Pat Fulgoni (Chocolate Fireguard Records), Pete Jenkinson (Music is Ours - record label consultant), Roo Pigott (Jenral - publishing and management), Ditch GBH & DawnyVic (Scarlet Blonde)
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE
Raw Talent Gig recorded for BBC
Thursday 20 March, 7:00 - The Leopard
Over 130 people attended this live recording for BBC broadcast was presented by Alan Raw ( BBC raw talent & the Leeds festival unsigned stage) with performances from the Alyscamps / Darren Bell / M101 / The Beaus / Figgaz of Speech
The Future of Digital Music
Friday 21 March, 2:00 - Little Theatre
Scott Cohen, MD of The Orchard, THE WORLDS BIGGEST INDEPENDENT DIGITAL MUSIC DISTRIBUTOR (representing over 15000 artists, over 2500 labels and with with offices in 28 countries) led a session on digital music and maximising artist profile in today's changing industry
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE
Musicians Open Forum - your opinions
Saturday 22 March, 12:00 - The Leopard
A feedback session to collect ideas and opinions on what's needed in the local industry, chaired by Dave Cross, the chair of Generator, the North East Musicians Development agency
Final Gig - Little Man Tate + local bands
Saturday 22 March, 7:00 - The Priory
Over 300 people came to this sell out gig with Little Man Tate headlining, plus sets from The Hopper Ward (DJ set) / Victor Zulus / Darren Bell / Alyscamps / The Thieves. A fabulous conclusion to a fantastic week.
See the Doncaster Music Week website