23/11/2005
On Saturday 29th October 2005, Dartington Plus presented, in association with the Plymouth Music Industry Group, Plymouth City Council and the University of Plymouth, a music industry seminar at Robin’s Lecture Hall, University of Plymouth as part of the Plymouth Music Week.
Approximately 110 people attended on the day.
The seminar ran from 11am until 4pm and the speakers on the day were:
- Paul Gray, Musician’s Union SW Regional Officer and former band member of The Damned and Eddie and the Hot Rods
- Rick Rogers, Music industry specialist at Centre For Creative Enterprise and Participation, manager of The Specials
- Sarah Waddington, Music industry lawyer at Simpkins, London. Clients include Funeral For A Friend and Million Dead
- Stuart Worthington, Music Managers Forum training and Manchester City Music Network
- Adrian Bossey, Acting Director of Centre For Creative Enterprise and Participation and former band manager to Carter USM, Chumbawumba and Drugstore
- Matt Booth, Music industry specialist at Centre For Creative Enterprise and Participation, founder of the Bristol Music Foundation, artist manager and promoter
- Tony Cooke, Director of Scream Promotions, London based radio & TV promotions company. Clients include Morrissey, Iron Maiden, Reading & Leeds Festivals, the Brit Awards and Download Festival
- Frank Turner, Singer in rock band Million Dead and solo artist
Paul Gray opened the seminar with a presentation on the work of the Musicians’ Union. This was followed by a presentation from Stuart Worthington on the work of the MMF.
The following topics were then covered in sessions throughout the day:
- How To Get Gigs
- How To Release Records
- How Not To Get Ripped Off
The audience were invited to get involved in the discussion on How To Get Gigs, and to give their own views on the subject, particularly relating to playing live in Plymouth.
A debate was presented on How To Release Records, and the ‘for’ and ‘against’ of music in the digital age. This was debated between Sarah Waddington and Frank Turner. The audience was the invited to voice their own opinions in a general discussion which included the rest of the panel. A vote was then taken, giving ‘victory’ to the ‘against’ view as argued by Sarah.
The final session of the day was an open discussion across the panel on ‘How Not To Get Ripped Off’, followed by a Questions and Answers session with the audience.
Networking opportunities were provided through a free lunch and time at the end of the day.
We had a large number of feedback forms returned from delegates. Of these;
- 50% gave the day 5/5
- 30% gave the day 4/5
- 10% gave the day 3/5
- and 10% gave the day over 5, ‘brilliant’.
Examples of feedback follow:
“Information packed very succinct no time wasting or faffing new knowledge and re-informed of stuff already known” Joella Cooper
“Excellent insight into the industry from many perspectives which enhanced and developed my own angle. Learnt a great deal” Camilla Foster, plus group of music tech students
“Much more useful / helpful than past music seminars in the area” Christian Murison
“Inspired and motivated to complete demo and promo” Joella Cooper
The overall feedback from all sheets was for “more regular seminars”.
For further information please contact Matt Booth, Dartington Plus, The Elmhirst Centre, Dartington Hall, Totnes, TQ9 6EL, Tel; 01803 861780. Email; m.booth@dartington.ac.uk
Dartington Plus is a partnership between The Dartington Hall Trust, King Edward VI Community College and University College Falmouth – incorporating Dartington College of Arts. Funded by Arts Council England