SPEAR:TALK - Digital Music & Retail

The world of music retail and the ways in which music fans consume music have changed considerably in the last few years.  Generator has assembled a line-up of the biggest names in digital music and retail to advice Teesside musicians and music businesses.

Stephen Godfroy - Retail Director, Rough Trade
Stephen is a director of Rough Trade Retail, whose work with Rough Trade East in particular has helped redefine the social and commercial relevance of independent music retail. He's currently working on further innovations for Rough Trade stores, a new online store, plus various other new projects to be announced later during the year. Stephen began his career working for independent record labels, moving on to online retail with the likes of Bertelsmann, before submitting a business plan to Rough Trade in 2003 for what became The Album Club, and has been at Rough Trade ever since.

Stephen was recognised as one of the leading UK Music Entrepreneurs of 2008 and has helped to reshape legendary record shop Rough Trade for the modern music buyer.

Lee Parsons - Managing Director, Ditto Music
Lee Parsons, alongside his brother Matt, launched Ditto Music from his bedroom in 2007.
He has since had 7 UK top 40 singles, all with unsigned artists. He has distributed thousands of artists including Prince, Lil Wayne, Finch, Suzi Quatro and My Vitriol. He presented Ditto Music Live on SKY television for 12 months , working alongside Travis , Feeder, Biffy Clyro and Marrillion. He has given Keynotes at In The City, GDC San Francisco, Oxford SAE, Creative Networks, Manchester University, Birmingham Business School.
Lee is now heavily involved in several digital start ups and spends a lot of time travelling worldwide to speak to up and coming entrepreneurs.

Stuart Stenhouse - EmuBands
Stuart spent a number of years working for free with Emu Bands whilst studying at University before gradually working his way up and being appointed General Manager in 2008

EmuBands specialise in facilitating the distribution of independent and unsigned music to the digital marketplace.

This panel will look at new music marketing and distribution channels and consider the future for retail and physical product.

How can artists digitally distribute and market their own music?
How can artists and labels use new technology to their advantage?
Is physical product important in 2010?
What does the future hold for record shops and music retail?

Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 1EP

www.middlesbrough.gov.uk

SPEAR: has been created to offer support to young people, music students, musicians and small music businesses by furthering their careers by means of advice-based information and gig opportunities at one of the finest venues in Teesside.

SPEAR: is a two-tiered programme produced by Generator and funded by Working Neighbourhoods Fund (Middlesbrough) through Middlesbrough Town Hall. The two SPEAR: elements are:-

SPEAR:TALK - a seminar series using music industry professionals to help fast-track your career.

SPEAR:LIVE - a monthly live event, featuring the most talked about bands from the region.

Laura Hannaway, from Middlesbrough Town Hall says: "We are passionate about giving musicians and budding music entrepreneurs in the area a chance to develop their careers and this project gives us a chance to do that. Generator's SPEAR: programme is exciting and refreshing and gives people a high quality experience and it will be a great night out for every one watching."

Get Involved:
Generator is looking for people to assist with this programme on a voluntary basis; if you are interested in getting a foot-hold in the industry, please use the contact information below to make enquiries.

Get a slot at SPEAR:LIVE:
Generator will be looking for bands and musicians from the area to book into its live shows at The Crypt – either send in CDs to the address below, or contact Generator.

Admission is FREE but seminar spaces are limited and subject to advance booking through Generator.

For more information on SPEAR:, or to book your seminar space, contact Joe Frankland on 0191 255 4465 or email joe@generator.org.uk

SPEAR: is funded by WNF and Middlesbrough Borough Council