Music Futures: Newcastle

Music Futures is a new music industry conference bringing together some of the most innovative minds in the music industry today.

This conference is a unique opportunity to:

• Understand how the music business is adapting to change from music industry leaders
• Keep ahead of digital music industry developments and new technology
• Network with established national and regional music businesses
• Meet representatives from key trade associations e.g. BPI / MMF / MU
• Develop new strategies for generating revenue
• Seize the new opportunities for the independent music sector

Click here to download our Music Futures conference brochure.

Confirmed so far:

Opening Keynote

Tony Wadsworth – BPI

The BPI Chairman discusses the key themes of his recent MusicTank ‘Remake, Remodel’ report – future of artist development, changing media, the health of the label, digital vs. physical and the alternatives for artists.

Panels

Marketing Directly to Fans

The internet has opened up a host of opportunities for labels and artists to sell their music direct to consumer (D2C). This panel discusses the mechanics of D2C and how to effectively develop and monetise your fan base.

• Shamal Ranasinghe – Topspin
• Paul Brindley – Music Ally  
• Erik Nielsen – Wingnut Music / Rocket Music Management
• Nikke Osterback – Atlantic Records

Is Live Music Future-proof?

Live events have long been regarded the stable revenue stream within the music industry, but have we reached a saturation point on expectations from live music revenue? Will the live sector have to re-invent itself to embrace new innovations in the same way record labels have? How can the threat of secondary ticketing be overcome? Are gigs the main source of income for today’s artists?

• Horace Trubridge – Musicians Union
• Daryl Robinson – MAMA Group
• Angus Baskerville – 13 Artists 
• Andy Smith – Kendal Calling

Discovering and Developing New Artists

Traditionally large labels have been the ones who nurture talent and have recouped their investment through record sales. If this potential is lost then how are artists to be discovered and developed? With perspectives from publishers, bloggers, labels and management this discussion looks at how best to prepare artists for commercial success, new deals, new partnerships and opportunities.

• Jon Webster – MMF
• Caroline Elleray – Universal Music Publishing
• Sean Adams – Drowned in Sound
• Jack Shankly – Domino / Transparent / Altered Zones

Monetising Everything but the Music

Increasingly labels and artists are moving away from the ‘one size fits all’ product and offering different levels of customised packages. Are records now a loss leader for other more profitable products and experiences? This panel explores new ways of thinking and examines innovative methods to incentivise your fan base.

• Scott Cohen – The Orchard
• Erik Nielsen – Wingnut Music / Rocket Music Management
• Julie Weir – Visible Noise
• Gary McClarnan – Sparklestreet / Mr Scruff

Record Label Re-Boot

Although new fan funded and D2C models are available, the charts still appear to be dominated by acts signed to major labels and larger indies. Have the reports of the death of the record label been greatly exaggerated? What should a new record label look like in 2011? What can emerging independent labels learn from the traditional record label’s response to digital music and new partnerships?

• Tony Wadsworth – BPI
• Eamonn Forde – Music Week
• Keith Armstrong – Kitchenware Records
• Paul Brindley – Music Ally
• Malcolm Dunbar – Pledge Music

Synchronisation – Marketing Opportunity or Revenue Stream?

As income from record sales declines, synchronisation and licensing has become an increasingly important revenue stream for IP holders. Is Film and TV the most important in terms of generating profile for artists? Is advertising where the money is? Are there new multimedia opportunities in games, apps and virals? How has the work of licensing agents and music supervisors changed?

• Ian Neil – Sony Music
• Rachel Wood – Woodwork Music
• Dex Lush – Portmanteau
• Connie Farr – ThinkSync Music

Closing Keynote

Paul Brindley – Music Ally

Music Ally's CEO will round up key themes from the day's events and give a state of the nation address covering the music industry in 2011; new music services and the current shape of the cloud; the general impact of technology on music consumption and what's in store for the future.

More guests TBC

Music Futures is now fully booked to add your name to the waiting list please email jonny@generator.org.uk.

For any enquiries please contact jonny@generator.org.uk

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