The Know How 2009

The Know How 2009 was a series of music industry talks produced in partnership with Evolution 09 and aimed at helping those who want to pursue careers in music whether as an artist or business.

Four events were held at Northern Stage, Newcastle, allowing a free insight into how the music industry is changing at a rapid pace. Generator assembled our best line up of guest speakers yet, some of whom have worked in the highest positions available in the music business.

Highlights included a lively discussion on setting up large-scale events and festivals on the Wednesday, and two industry figureheads discussing The Rough Trade Story to a packed house on the Thursday.

Monday 18th May Dance and Electronic Music seminar

Ross Allen – A&R Domino Records, DJ & Broadcaster

Mark Loverush– Power Group (UK’s No.1. club music promotions & marketing company)

Lord Fader – The Loose Cannons (Kiss FM / Island Records)

James Pitt – Your Army (promotes The Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, LCD Soundsystem, The Prodigy).

The panel discussed the current state of the dance and electronic music market in 2009 and how the dance community is leading the way and embracing new industry business models.

Tuesday 19th May Digital Music & Retail 

Seth Jackson – Indie Mobile

Stuart Stenhouse – Emu Bands

Simon Singleton – Pure Groove Records

Steve Mayall – Music Ally

Discussions focussed on various new music marketing and distribution channels and how both digital and traditional retail models are evolving to keep up with changing consumer behaviour.

Wednesday 20th May Setting up a Large Scale Events and Festivals

Jim King - Director of Loud Sound, Promoter for Rockness & responsible for Bestival & Creamfields production

James Barton - Founder of club-night ‘Cream’ and Director of Creamfield brand

Dave Stone- Talent Booker & Marketing Director of Evolution Festival

Jim Mawdsley – Director of Evolution Festival, CEO of Generator

Claire O'Neill- Generaral Manager at AIF (the Association of Independent Festivals)

The speakers gave an insight into the world of large-scale concert promotion and how various factors will affect the future of UK festivals.