Welcome to our weekly round up! Here you’ll find the latest industry news, events, updates from our partners, what’s been going on at MG HQ and our pick of the week’s projects – enjoy!
This week in the industry…
HMV Estimate Record Vinyl Sales via Creative Industry Hub
Unless you’ve been living in a hole in the ground, you’ll be aware that vinyl has made a bit of a comeback. It’s the latest trend to have a collection of big black discs (read that carefully guys). This week HMV have estimated that 1.5million records will be sold this year. That’s the highest figure since 1997. Crazy. Only time will tell if the vinyl craze lasts or just fizzles out like Tamagotchis. You can read more about this story here
MIDEM
The excitement of MIDEM is over. And what a weekend it was! Thousands of industrial professionals flocked to sunny Cannes to take part in meetings, panels and (from what we’ve heard, boozy) networking events. Jon, Laurence, Sophie & Christo from the MG team were all out there working their socks off.
We’ve got loads in the pipeline off the back of hundreds of meetings which we can’t wait to share with you, watch this space!
Give these a read…
Top 4 Reasons Why Musicians Need a Website
With an abundance of social media out there, it’s easy to think that your own website isn’t necessary. Dave from Bandzoogle is here to tell you why having a website is still important.
TrailerTrax Expands in New Innovative Ways
Now you might recognise the name TrailerTrax. That’s because the Production Music Company are regular Music Gateway users! We caught up with them recently and asked them for tips tricks and advice for you professionals. Check it out here
Events
BASCA presents: Deal or No Deal? Insights into contractual negotiations
This hands-on session focuses on contracts, negotiations and the legalities of the music industry. There’s countless stories of people being tied to unfair contractual obligations or being ripped off by sharks who want a piece of your creativity. It’s a really useful event to get down to, as learning about the legal side of the business is an essential if you’re pursuing a career in the industry.
BASCA are offering our members discounted tickets, which you can grab here. Get them quick as there’s only limited spaces left!
BASCA presents: Songwriting Camp
BASCA will once again be hosting a four day songwriter’s camp at the magnificent Monnow Valley Studios in Wales. This is a great opportunity to improve your craft and collaborate with new people in the stunning grounds of one of the finest residential recording studios in the UK. You can find more info about the event and how to attend here
Don’t forget about these…
Steve Reid Innovation Award – Applications Open
Our partners PRS for Music have teamed up with the Steve Reid Foundation to provide an incredible opportunity for emerging artists. They’re offering support in the form of a grant of up to £1,500 to help with their creative goals and receive mentoring from an experienced working artist. They’re looking for unsigned and unmanaged artists who are writing and performing their own music and pushing musical boundaries to apply.
“It is so exciting to be involved in a project that encourages and develops new talent and gives opportunities to artists who might otherwise never get a break. Steve Reid would be smiling!”Gilles PetersonSteve Reid Foundation Founder
You can read all about eligibility and how to apply here
Laika Network Launch Original Song Contest
Our friends over at Laika Network have launched a pretty wicked competition. All you need to do is submit a video of you performing an original song. Yes that’s it! The only rule is no covers. The competition closes on 26th June 2016 so you’ve got plenty of time to get things perfect. You can find more details here
Do you need a vocalist to bring your original track to life? Do you need an instrumentalist to accompany you? You wouldn’t want this to be the reason you miss out on the contest, so create a project to find the people you need!
Adbreak Anthems – Exclusive Member Discount
Adbreak Anthems is an online information system dedicated to to TV advert Sync. They give users the opportunity to examine the UK sync sector to increase the chance of securing a valuable Sync placement. Find out more here
*Project of the Week*
Every week we’ll be choosing a project that we think is not only a great opportunity, but also a good example of a textbook project e.g. full bio & description, reference tracks (if applicable), photos, full personal profile etc.
This week it’s Looking for Pop Remix on an Indie-Pop styled track. Great opportunity for you remixers! Get pitching…
Opportunities
Keyboard/Synth wizard/co-producer wanted
Looking for a remixer of forthcoming track ‘Snap’ on Exitus Records
Looking for an urgent professional master of vocal indie-dance track
Looking to collaborate/cowrite in Nashville
RadioSparx is Streaming in 61 Countries and Growing – High-Quality Music & Artists Welcome
Modern Blue Eyed Soul Music Needed For LA Music Artist
Fun Uplifting Pop Songs Needed for Upcoming US Animation Film
Female vocal and topliner needed for production music tune
$500 – $10k: Record Label Seek Latin American Songs for Song Placement
A final note from the team…
Our lovely A&R assistant Christo has been down in Cannes this week for MIDEM. Here’s what he made of the glamorous affair…
“Honestly, the music industry is amazing. I was down in Cannes for the last few days for MIDEM. It was probably favourite time in my short career in the music industry. We met with some amazing people, and you know what? They were all absolutely impeccable. Everyone is so receptive to helping people, especially newbies in the industry. I am so grateful for the relationships I made whilst I was down there”.
Check back next week for more news & updates!