Saturday Live Music – TONIGHT!

Saturday 11th September 2010 – TONIGHT!

Doors – 7pm
Wales Millennium Centre
FREE entry
First come until capacity
No age limit

Event sponsored by PRS for Music and Wales Millennium Centre

Free concerts as Welsh Music Foundation takes over the foyer area of Wales Millennium Centre. It will be a fantastic way to spend a Saturday night, all free, all splendid.

Spencer McGarry Season

Spencer McGarry Season is a solo project with the aim to record six albums in sixdifferent styles. Following on from the 3 piece basic rock of last year’s Episode 1, Spencer returns with Episode 2, a baroque musical taking in Rogers & Hammerstein, Sondheim and Sparks along with SMiLE era Brian Wilson, the minimalism of Steve Reich and Sufjan Stevens. A 12 piece mini orchestra will attempt the cavalcade of increasingly intricate and wildly tangential song cycles and medleys.

“Awash with deft pocket-symphony touches, brassy asides and slivers of strings” Paul Lester,  The Guardian

“Eccentric and flamboyant” — Bethan Elfyn Radio 1

”Inventive, delightful, very musical, maybe slightly off kilter and out of time, both of which are compliments, yes?” David Leaf (Director ‘Beautiful Dreamer- Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile’)

www.myspace.com/spencermcgarry

El Goodo

Hailing from inside the valleys surrounded by the majestic mountains of South Wales, five piece multi-instrumental group, consisting of the talents of Pixy, Jason, Lewie, Matty and Elliott, El goodo, combine the mellow and melodious psychedelic sounds of the Beach Boys,The Byrds and Love, with beautiful and lusharrangements that call upon the mystical countryside from whence they came. The result is the creation of a mysterious, sweepingly grand, and at times whimsical approach to their already eclectic soundscape.

In 2005 they released their first self-titled, self-produced album, on the Super Furry Animals label Placid Casual, where they also opened for the Welsh psychedels, on their UK tour.El Goodo are a band worthy of critical and mass appeal; they have received accolades from both their home isle and the United States, touted as Artist of the Month by Spin Magazine in 2005 – their intoxicating second album: Coyote, received both a US and a UK release.

Coyote is both sprawling and hauntingly deserted, evoking a sonic landscape both richly cultivated and desolate, with intensely poetic harmonies and darkly articulated instrumentation.Coyote was produced by the band in a deserted theater and has brought together Cian Ciaran of the Super Furry Animals’ fame, to mix the album, as well as renowned artist Pete Fowler to capture the eloquence of the music for the album’s artwork. Coyote is a beautiful piece of darkly rich psych-pop perfection, brought to you 
by the new breed of Welsh pop wizards–El Goodo.

www.elgoodo.co.uk

Jonathan Powell

Jonathan has been in demand not only as a performer but also as a songwriter having recently co-written and recorded several tracks on Charlotte Church’s new album. His music has been described as ‘urban folk’ and whilst there are elements of country, punk, jazz and out-and-out pop, his music carries an immense emotional weight through lush melody and engaging story telling.

There is also a strong classical influence having studied the viola at the Royal Academy of Music, London from the early age of 16. For the past 6 months, Powell has been touring the UK and recently headlined at the ‘How The Light Gets In’ at Hay Festival followed by a performance at ‘The Marylebone Summer Fayre’, the ‘Beach Break Live’, ‘Hop Farm Festival’ and more recently the’Green Man Festival’.

www.myspace.com/jonathanpowellmusic

Making Money From Music in 2010

Friday 10th September
11.00 – 17:45

**DAY-LONG CMU SESSION.  OTHER SHORTER SESSIONS RUN THROUGHOUT THE DAY TOO**

Wales Millennium Centre

This day-long seminar is an in-depth exploration of the ways rights holders and music companies can raise investment and make money in 2010. It will provide a review of the revenue potential of intellectual property, performance and fan-relationships at different stages of an artist’s career, and evaluate new investment and revenue models, including fan funding and brand partnerships.

The seminar will be led by Chris Cooke, Publisher and Business Editor of the CMU Daily, and a leading expert on the music business, and current trends in the industry. Chris regularly speaks at conferences on traditional and new music-based business models, and frequently comments on industry developments for Sky News, CNN and especially the BBC. He is also an experienced trainer, specialising in media, music and business. Delegates will receive a free pack summarising the content covered on the day.

LIMITED SPACES for this event, with priority given to those WMF Stakeholders actively engaged in the music industry in Wales.

To request a space, please email hello@welshmusicfoundation.com with the subject ‘CMU : Making Money From Music in 2010’.

FREE to attend.


Friday Live Music

Friday 10th September 2010

Doors – 7pm
Wales Millennium Centre
FREE entry
First come until capacity
No age limit

Event sponsored by PRS for Music and Wales Millennium Centre
Evening’s compere: Radio One Introducing in Wales’ Bethan Elfyn
Presented in association with SWN and GRAB productions

Future Of The Left

On one hand, Future Of The Left are a band much like many other bands are a band. Four men, wielding bits of wood and metal strung with strings and skin, often to be found playing to rooms of other men mildly intoxicated on watery dilutions of strong lager. On the other hand, however, you can take that most basic factual definition and dispose of it by any means deemed socially and legally acceptable by local fly-tipping laws.

Future of the Left is led by singer/guitarist Andy Falkous, formerly of Mclusky and joined by a new line-up. Their second studio album, Travels with Myself and Another (4AD), received 9/10 from Drowned In Sound and Clash and 8/10 from Pitchfork – not that any of that matters. They are based in Cardiff and this will be both loud and splendid.

www.futureoftheleft.com

We Are Animal

WE ARE ANIMAL hail from North Wales near Mount Snowdon where they trek off into the Welsh wilds to walk, contemplate and put together the music and melodies that make up the bands sound. Impressively accomplished song writing and a knack for a great hook do everything to convince you that there is no way this band can only be a few months old.
But that’s the long and the short of it, the band started in December 2009 and has been prolific both in their output and their live presence ever since. In keeping with this work ethic the band record all the songs the day they are written, bar one or two vocal parts, on a BOSS 8 track in various locations such as old quarries and abandoned buildings dotted around their native Welsh country side. This unpretentious approach towards DIY methods of making and producing recordings means that the sum total of their output is something exciting, entrancing and shot through with a melodic cool it’s hard to quantify.WE ARE ANIMAL are hoping to test their sound on the festival scene this summer as well as continuing their never ending scattered tour of the UK.
‘1268’ was released on June 7th through TOO PURE SINGLES CLUB
‘Idolise’ (the debut album) is available now through iTUNES and will be released in CD format by October
Here is the video : www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z70FbdPVN8
www.myspace.com/weareanimal

Exit International

Formed from the debris of Midasuno and The Martini Henry Rifles, The Cardiff based, duel-bass lead trio EXIT_INTERNATIONAL (E_I) drop their ‘Sex W/ Strangers E.P’ in July 2010 on Undergroove Records. Starting the band purely as an experiment to perform a support slot for The Melvins (From which the band – then under a different moniker – were removed from the bill on the day due tour support), The band now have taken a very limited musical palette and absolutely run screaming into a burning building with the idea. Less is definitely more in the case of E_I. Following a number of ‘Bands to watch in 2010′ style pieces, Eli Janney (of Girls Against Boys fame) having heard E_I online, personally arranged for Alternative Press to feature the band in their own forecast.

By making a load of noise – taking influence from a shared love of Girls Against Boys, Nirvana, The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster, The Pixies, and The Blood Brothers, E_I have become a devastating live prospect – capitalising on the lack of the good ol’ six-string guitar in the process, which has caused many a talking point in the rave reviews and press the band have received thus far. The band’s choice performances have included performances at SWN festival 2009, a Headline show for Rock Sound Magazine, an Artrocker Club night, as well as shows alongside The Bronx, Pulled Apart By Horses, The 80’s Matchbox B-line Disaster, The Computers, Cri me in Stereo, Baddies and The King Blues. The most recently were selcted to play the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading and Leeds Fesival

“….Two bass guitars which duel each other for supremacy using a deadly arsenal of fuzz boxes. I’d hazard a guess that the band’s hobbies include audio terrorism, and eh…well, that’s probably it – but they’re definatly worth seeing!” Artrocker Magazine Oct 2009

‘It’s plain to see by the hoard of snappers hovering around the tiny stage that there’s already a buzz surrounding them….The three piece smash out tunes into oblivion with rip-roaring ferocity’ (8/10) Rock Sound Oct 2009

www.myspace.com/exitinternationalmusic

Survival of the Studio

Friday 10th September
12:00 – 14:00

Wales Millennium Centre
Sony Room

WMF are calling all those involved in the professional recording industry in Wales to attend a key panel session that will encourage discussion about the market conditions, prospects, successes and challenges facing studios across the country.

Studio owners, managers, engineers and producers from across Wales can hear practical hints and tips (including marketing), share experiences and concerns, debate the impact of ‘bedroom’ recording and explore the differentiation between facilities across Wales – and possible opportunities.

Networking drinks will follow the session with some exhibition space and mingling with band members, labels and managers who will be breaking from another scheduled session at the venue at the same time.

FREE to attend.

Open to those involved at all levels.

Register for Survival of the Studio in Cardiff, United Kingdom on Eventbrite

Panel members

Malcolm Atkin – Chairman, APRS (Chair)

The APRS promotes the highest standards of professionalism and quality within the audio industry. Its members are recording studios, post-production houses, mastering, replication, pressing and duplicating facilities, and providers of education and training, as well as audio engineers, manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants. Its primary aim is to develop and maintain excellence at all levels within the audio industry.

Ed Richmond – BBC Radio One Introducing in Wales
Producer

Romesh Dodangoda – Record Producer
(Motorhead, Lostprophets, Funeral For a Friend, Bullet for My Valentine, Kids In Glass Houses, The Blackout)

Charlie Francis – Producer/ Engineer/Mixer/Musician
(REM, Noisettes, Victorian English Gentleman’s Club, Robyn Hitchcock, High Llamas)

Trisha Wegg – RAK Studios
RAK Recording Studios were created in 1976 by legendary record producer Mickie Most who converted a Victorian schoolhouse and church hall into a state-of-the-art recording studio complex with full residential facilities. Over the years RAK have played host to both musical legends and newcomers alike.
Recent clients include KT.Tunstall, La Roux and Chromeo, Shakira, Cee-Lo, The Feeling, Mumford & Sons to name but a few.

Networking drinks

Friday 10th September
14:00 – 15:00

Wales Millennium Centre
Penderyn Awen Foyer Bar

You are invited to network in the Penderyn Awen Foyer Bar situated on Level 2 with an iconic backdrop of the world-famous inscription.

Radio Heads: Getting your music heard

Friday 10th September
15:00 – 16:00

Wales Millennium Centre

Chaired by Adam Walton

An hour long seminar with representatives from BBC Introducing / BBC Radio Wales / student and independent radio explaining how you can get your music supported by radio: who you should send your music to? How it should be sent? What you should send with your music? Which are the best tips for getting your music played? And what benefits radio can bring for artists and labels in this digital age?

Register for Radio Heads: Getting your music heard in Cardiff, United Kingdom on Eventbrite

Panel members

STEVE AUSTINS – Editor BBC Radio Wales

Steve Austins is the new editor of BBC Radio Wales. Under Steve’s editorship, the station aims to support and celebrate a broad range of Welsh music across its varied programming. Steve green-lighted Wales Music Day and is proactively encouraging the station to be more supportive of the country’s talent, whilst at the same time entertaining and informing a national audience. Steve can tell us where music fits into the bigger picture for BBC Radio Wales and what it is that gives an artist an edge when decisions are made about who the station plays and supports.

BETHAN ELFYN - Presenter BBC Introducing on Radio 1 and Radio Wales

Bethan Elfyn is one of the most recognisable supporters of new Welsh music in the country. Her Radio 1 in Wales Introducing show has championed the best underground and leftfield Welsh music since its inception in 1999. Every Welsh artist of note has received important early support on the show. Bethan is also a radio producer (including an excellent documentary earlier this year on the South Wales metal scene), a founder member of the notorious Vinyl Vendettas DJ collective, a TV presenter and promoter.

BEN EVANS - Nation Radio

Ben started his radio career producing a new bands show for Red Dragon FM. After a stint in London, he returned to Cardiff as part of the launch team for Xfm South Wales, remaining with the station after its relaunch as Nation Radio. As Programme Manager for Town and County Broadcasting, Ben oversees music for Nation Radio, plus the company’s local radio stations across South Wales – and the newly acquired NME Radio.

DANIEL POTTS Head of Music, Xpress Radio

Xpress Radio is Cardiff University’s student radio station. Daniel’s job is to give new up and coming bands an opportunity for their music to be heard. If the band or artist has genuine talent Xpress Radio integrate them into their mainstream playlist and give them as much exposure as they possibly can. The station also has shows specifically dedicated to new music which will be primarily their emphasis this year. They want to be regarded as the best station for music in Cardiff and they promise they’re going to try their best to accomplish this.

ADAM WALTON – BBC Radio Wales (Chair)…

Adam Walton has presented BBC Radio Wales’ new music show since 1993. Over 90% of the music the show plays is new and from Wales. The show’s main intentions are to introduce a wider audience to the most interesting musical talent – regardless of genre – in Wales and to help filter that music to other shows / presenters at BBC Wales. Last year Adam conceived the station’s first Wales Music Day.

Promoting Music – Media, Social Media & More

Saturday 11th September 2010
11:00 – 17:45

**DAY-LONG CMU SESSION.  OTHER SHORTER SESSIONS RUN THROUGHOUT THE DAY TOO**

Wales Millennium Centre

This day-long seminar looks at music marketing, and in particular the use of traditional, new and social media to promote music.

The first part of the day provides a summary of current trends in the UK music media, including print, online, radio and TV, and offers insights into the future of the media sector and what that means for those in the PR industry.

The second part quickly reviews traditional music PR approaches and looks at the challenges ahead. There is also a summary of a CMU survey of 100 music journalists with regards how they like to to be PRed, best practice tips for press release writing and a discussion on how to make music products newsworthy.

The third part looks at the history of social media, at the social media services available in 2010, and at how they can be used as marketing tools. There will also be some tips on how to manage social media output.

The fourth and final part will look at the increased importance of original, credible promotional content in music publicity campaigns, especially when communicating directly with fans via social media or band bulletins.

The seminar will be led by Chris Cooke, Publisher and Business Editor of the CMU Daily, and an expert in marketing and communications. He is also an experienced trainer, specialising in media, music and business. Chris will share recent research as part of the seminar, including the input of 100 journalists, editors and bloggers.

PLEASE NOTE: It is assumed all delegates have a basic understanding of how the music industry works (eg different parts of the industry, role of the record label, artist/label relationship) and some basic knowledge of music PR (eg the split between press, promotions and marketing, the nature of a traditional media campaign). If you are totally new to the music industry, we recommend you attend our ‘beginners guide’ seminar which will launch in early September before attending this event.

LIMITED SPACES for this event, with priority given to those WMF Stakeholders actively engaged in the music industry in Wales.

To request a space, please email hello@welshmusicfoundation.com with the subject ‘CMU : PROMOTING MUSIC – MEDIA, SOCIAL MEDIA & MORE.’


Marketing your music online

Saturday 11th September
12:00 – 14:00

Wales Millennium Centre
Japan Room

Neil Cartwright of Media Junction – one of the UK’s leading entertainment marketing agencies presents hints and tips, tools and tricks to promote your music and help market a release digitally when your budget is next to nothing.

If you’re a label, manager, promoter, self-releasing artist or band and looking to establish or grow your online presence, this is an essential, practical guide.  From creating a free website through to selling your own gig tickets…plenty of useful notes to jot down and take away.

Believe Digital UK – the leading digital distributor and services provider forindependent artists & labels in Europe will also offer information on their servicesand how to make your music available online.

Hear from Dizzyjam.com – a completely free new service that allows bands, DJs,labels, events, and anyone else involved in the music industry to sell their merch to fans anywhere in the world, at the drop of a hat.

Free to attend

Register for Marketing Your Music Online in Cardiff, United Kingdom on Eventbrite

NEIL CARTWRIGHT – MEDIA JUNCTION

Neil was Head of New Media at Sony Music UK for nine years.  He was responsible for all artist websites and negotiating the company’s first entry into digital downloads at a time when most people had never heard of an iPod.

His company, Media Junction, is one of the UK’s leading marketing agencies in arts & entertainment. Digital services include websites, publicity, social media, advertising, mobile and e-commerce. Clients include artists, venues and promoters such as Jamiroquai, ATC Management, Mama Group and Global Gathering. He is Chairman of the Board of directors of the music charity, Community Music, who help aspiring musicians and producers from inner cities get into the music business.

To set up a one-to-one meeting with Neil following the session, please email hello@welshmusicfoundation.com with the subject ‘Media Junction Meeting’.  Available times: 2.30pm – 3.30pm.

STEPHEN KING - Managing Director, Believe Digital UK

Stephen has more than 30 years of senior industry experience in the artist management field. Stephen founded Ricochet management in 1980, where he represented artists such as The Lighthouse Family, Dina Carroll, Urban Species, Incognito, and many more.

In 2002 Stephen formed Creation Management with Alan McGee. A music management group widely acknowledged amongst its peers to be one of the most innovative in the sector. Creation’s impressive roster included Mogwai, The Charlatans, The Libertines, Kathryn Williams, Dirty Pretty Things, The Beta Band, The Kills and Mew. Whilst at Creation Stephen also ran Poptones Records and consulted to The Hives.

Stephen joined  Believe Digital in 2010 as Managing Director for the UK .

Believe Digital is the leading digital distributor and services provider for independent artists & labels in Europe. It provides bespoke digital solutions starting with distribution and incorporating promotion, marketing, strong analytics and sales data that allows labels to react to Market intelligence.

Networking drinks follow in Victor Salvi Room,
14:00 – 14:30

Royalties As Revenue: PRS for Music Presents…

Saturday 11th September
14:30 – 15:00

Wales Millennium Centre
Japan Room

PRS for Music is home to the world’s best music writers, composers and publishers.   The organisation brings together two royalty collection societies; MCPS and PRS and exists to collect and pay royalties to members when their music is exploited in one of a number of ways.

An essential presentation for musicians, composers, those in bands, managers, promoters and rights owners (to name but a few) who are just starting out in the industry.   PRS For Music explain how royalties from your music can act as a valuable revenue stream, plus, details of how and when to register as a member during a concise, informal presentation.

Register for Royalties As Revenue : PRS for Music Presents… in Cardiff, United Kingdom on Eventbrite

The Independents of Wales : Celebrating Independents Day

Saturday 11th September
15:30 – 17:00

Wales Millennium Centre
Japan Room

Curated by AIM

Independents Day 2010 is an annual celebration of the diversity and innovation that can be seen throughout the Independent Music industry. Now in its third year, the day is marked across the world and endeavours to highlight everything that is great and loved about independent music, including the artists, the bands and of course, the labels.

Here in Wales, The Association of Independent Music (AIM) will be curating a session as part of Independents Day 2010, with a relatively local focus that celebrates regional labels, argues the current issues they face and explores future challenges and opportunities.

A must-attend session for any established labels, start-ups and ‘self-accounting’ artists from across the country who have released or want to release music.  Hear from AIM and special guests as they share success stories and offer best-practice advice for releases, considering distribution, marketing, radio and synch.

AIM will also offer an insight into the work the organisation does to support the independent music industry, as well as information on exclusive joining offers through WMF, with time for Q&A’s and discussions.

Register for The Independents of Wales : Celebrating Independents Day 2010 in Cardiff, United Kingdom on Eventbrite

Panel members

Pat Fulgoni (Chair) – Chocolate Fireguard
www.musicyorkshire.com

Pat has been involved with the music industry since 1996 when he coordinated the compilation ‘No Compromize’ (Delerium Records) for student campaign group CFE which concerned itself with student poverty and featured such bands as Suede, Wedding Present, Dreadzone, Utah Saints and Chumbawamba. He went on and continues to run his own small independent record label Chocolate Fireguard Music Ltd releasing French hip hoppers LA Cédille and Kava Kava amongst others. Recently under the “Timeless Music Project” he has been pushing music from the Yorkshire region of the UK. His work there includes festival and conference coordination, lobbying and a series of regional promotional ventures designed to boost the profile of the region’s independent music sector – for example making the case for and coordinating the Yorkshire stage at SXSW Music Conference (Austin, Texas) in 2009 and 2010.

Chris Mitchell – Debt Records (Manchester)

Debt Records is happy to admit that the music industry responsible for giving the Twentieth Century its formidable soundtrack is now changing irreversibly. Indeed, no one can accurately forecast what will emerge from its chrysalis.

Though the label is dedicated to releasing spectacular records (in whatever presentation science recommends at the time), Debt firmly believes that live performance is the only lasting musical format – with memory being our sharpest stylus.

So, while the file-sharing controversy rages on and the phone networks invest more resources into ingenious ways of cramming overly compressed sound files into smaller handsets Debt is looking at ways in which artists, promoters and venues can work towards improving the live circuit in order to better reflect the formidable strengths of independent music rather than the insecurities of the floundering record industry.

Artists on the roster include: Honeyfeet, Louis Barabbas & The Bedlam Six, John Fairhurst, Becca & The Broken Biscuits, Red Tides, Richard Barry, Alabaster Deplume, Monkey Poet and T.E.Yates

Bethan Elfyn – BBC Radio One Introducing in Wales

Bethan Elfyn is the presenter of BBC Introducing in Wales on Radio One, and has hosted an evening show on Radio One for the past ten years.  As well as Radio One, Bethan regularly contributes to BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio Wales, and various shows on BBC 6music.  Bethan Elfyn also promotes weekly and monthly gigs in Cardiff and London, and DJs around the country at various festivals including Reading, Latitude, Greenman, Glastonbury, and this year curated stages at the Truck and Swn Festival, in Oxford and Cardiff.

Guto Brychan – Gwymon & Copa labels

Guto Brychan has been actively involved in the Welsh language music scene for more than 15 years. He began his career while promoting Cardiff-based events before taking up his post at Clwb Ifor Bach as entertainment manager in 1999. During this time he began the coordinating work involved with Maes B for the National Eisteddfod. In 2004 he was appointed Welsh Language Officer at the Welsh Music Foundation. Since 2007 he has been working freelance and is by now responsible for managing the Rasal, Gwymon and Copa labels for Sain Records, for organising Maes B for the National Eisteddfod and live Welsh language events at Clwb Ifor Bach.

About AIM

AIM is a non-profit-making trade organisation for independent record companies and distributors in the UK. With over 800 label members, the organisation supports the needs of the independent sector nationwide.