Tag Archives: Conference

Generator Live Conference: Inspiration, Discussion, and Connection

Most inspirational quotes that inspire me or make me feel understood come from musicians, but from now on, they come from The Cluny’s Ross Lewis. During the Generator Live Conference he spat some incredible truths into our faces and it got him the most applause I’d heard all day. I didn’t write them all down, because I couldn’t type that fast, but if he’d write a book, I’d read it.

He wasn’t the only inspirational speaker during the Generator Live Conference, so I thought I’d share my thoughts of the day with you. I started with the panel on advancing accessibility and inclusion, led by local artist and activist Ruth Lyon. Lyon has clearly led panels before as she made sure every single panel member got a word in and was able to express their feelings regarding the issue that is the lack of inclusion for those with accessibility needs within the grassroots creative sector. Panel members Ben Price, Damian Weatherald and Dr Claire Renfrew highlighted important barriers, such as important conferences being too fast-paced and overwhelming, a lack of connection between levels within the industry, and the need for accessible venues.

Claire highlighted the importance of redefining the term musician, since that no longer just entails “being able to make music and perform”, musicians have to wear the hat of graphic designer, manager, booker, content creator, and many others, to be able to create a sustainable career within music. The weight of those roles weighs heavy on all musicians, but even more so on those with mental health issues or for example a neurodivergent disability, which is something often forgotten about.

The importance of including those struggling with neurodivergence was highlighted to me a mere few hours after I attended the panel as I had a conversation about musicians with crippling ADHD. We can’t blame them for the way they tick, and as an industry we need to do better to support them. Claire also mentioned an example of a way to make networking more accessible, by utilising mentors that can act as a link between those struggling to network and those they’d like to network with. Most important was the note to work with those that have accessibility needs, instead of against them, because in the end they are the ones that know best what it is they need.

I then headed to the neighbouring room for a talk about touring in an age of costs, cuts, and clicks, and honestly, I’ve never witnessed a more depressing talk. Instead of repeating the depressing numbers that were shared, I will share an uplifting experience I’ve had just last week; I booked a tour for a grassroots indie Americana duo that have barely played outside of their hometown and got six shows confirmed for them in a few days time. Every show will get them a fixed fee, they will stay at friends and family, and will sell their merchandise at the aforementioned shows. Another example; I booked an eight-date tour for a Dutch band who earned over £500 in income from merchandise sales. And yes, you can too. Curious how? Don’t be shy.

We could only really go up from there, so with fresh energy I sat down for Beyond Boundaries: Fuelling Cross-Media Collaboration which inspired me to think outside of the box and think of different ways to promote events and engage audiences, as well as to include influencers into PR-campaigns and offer sessions to demystify the world of PR. After that Nic Coaker led a discussion on how brands move through music cultures, which made me rethink my approach to brand collaborations. Often we wonder what a brand could do for us, how much they could pay, or how many items of clothing they could offer, however collaboration should, as with anything, be our focus. Brands don’t always know how to best collaborate or tap into their audiences, or that of an artist, and they won’t ever be able to reach the audience of you, or me, as that is uniquely ours. That is where our strength lies.

By this point, I felt as if I had absorbed all information I could, and I’d exhausted my networking capabilities, yet I found some energy to listen to Sybil, Jasmine, Charlie, Ross, and Salomeja about the future of independent venues. As mentioned at the start of this post, Ross Lewis truly took the spotlight here, highlighting the need for connection, finding common ground with those that enter independent venues, as well as pulling those that might not usually wander in, into those venues. He also highlighted that the grassroots support levy, despite the good it would do, is paid by our own money, while our government should redistribute their resources and support the grassroots creative industries. However, they’re too busy spreading hate and division to be willing to do that…

A real solution to the problems grassroots venues face wasn’t found, yet we all wholeheartedly agreed that we are not a breed (creatives that is, as a figure of speech) that gives up easily and that connection and keeping at it would be the way forward, so find your local independent venue, promoter, festival, and or artist, and stick to them like glue, and as we’ve done for decades; we’ll survive.

Review: On Point Conference at The Georgian Theatre, Stockton

Tees Music Alliance and The Georgian Theatre collaborated on another inspiring music conference. On Point Conference took place on the last Friday of January and inspired me once again as well as connected me to those that inspire me within the northern music industry. The term ‘conference’ might sound intimidating but with a bunch of fantastic professionals and official wingman David Saunders, there’s nothing to be intimidated by.

On the panel about Dual Dynamism several northern industry professionals spoke, Supercat PR’s Matty talked about how it’s important for artists to utilise all social media platforms and to support those that support you in relation to PR specifically. “There’s no right or wrong way, focus on what excites you as a musician.” Radio DJ Shell added to that; “Have a strategy and a plan, block out periods of time for content creation and schedule posts, use the power of a mailing list, and be your authentic self on and offline.” Head of EMI North Scott Lewis highlighted an individual and different approach, “Take a different approach, support each other, and stay true to yourself.” No matter what your social media reach, just having a following most often doesn’t pay the bills, for performing artists live performances, merchandise, and syncs are where the money’s at. Scott continued, “Build a community around you and utilise your friends and family to help you with for example design, photo- and videography. Lean on the fear of missing out and make sure that those who pay for a ticket get a show they won’t soon forget. Make your gigs a social event, an event people want to be at.”

Wipe Out Publishing Marketing Manager Pippa Morgan mentioned the usage of a platform called Archive which pulls footage from social media, as well as a tool to automate direct messages sent to fans. To that, Matty added the data we can pull from streaming platforms, “to have an idea where your fans are based, and your most popular platform will give you an idea of the demographic that enjoys your music and art.” The consensus of this panel came down to how plans can give you a focus, and help you to look back on what you’ve already achieved, making sure you’re not drowning in big hopes and dreams that feel unattainable. On plans, Matty added that they shouldn’t feel like something that could not possibly move or change, but that they give you direction and help you make the most out of for example a new release. “Make sure to have more than one single recorded, so that you’re not stopping and starting continuously. Play as many shows and supports so that you’ll be rehearsed and ready when opportunities come in.”

On the next panel subjects include maintaining momentum, gaining financial stability and taking care of ones well being. A new organisation in the form of BAPAM is introduced to me, next to manager and sync specialist Chelsea Wood, PRS Foundation’s Lloyd Francis, and local artist Nadedja. Nadedja is a great example of an artist who’s been open about managing a work-life-social media balance, “I do what makes me feel good, and focus on a clear goal while trying not to compare myself to others. I choose opportunities that make sense for me and my career.” Chelsea makes sure to know her artists on a personal level when working as an artist manager, “the rat race never stops, so it’s important to zoom out and take time off, even though that might make you miss out on opportunities.” Dan added to that that people, and artists in particular, should act before things get to their worst, if you’re unwell, act, don’t simply push through, because the problem will only get worse.

On maintaining financial stability a common theme was to diversify and multiply income streams, options you have as an artist are to sell merchandise, this could be print on demand to minimise costs, and look at sync opportunities. Chelsea mentioned; “Don’t rely on funding, and think about getting a music lawyer.” Some music lawyers would be happy to work pro bono, and they are well connected within the industry which gives you the opportunity to extend your network. On collaborating with other professionals, audience-member Helen mentioned; “work with people you like and make sure that there is a need for what you’d like to do.” Dan added; “Communicate openly and set boundaries when you’re collaborating. To protect your mental and physical health, reach out to organisations such as Music Minds Matter, and make sure to stretch and warm up before a gig.” To add a last note on maintaining financial stability, Chelsea mentioned to not be afraid of change and to do what works for you as an artist, Lloyd added that PRS supports “risky pivots”, and Nadedja highlighted that not everything has to be for you, and that you have to do what feels comfortable and at the same time excites you.

Conferences might feel overwhelming, but when you take notes, be present, and introduce yourself to new connections, they can make a great deal of difference within your musical, or creative career. On Point Conference, organised by Tees Music Alliance, has always been a favourite, not just because it’s local, but also because of its caliber of speakers. With people that have just graduated, entered the scene, to those having worked within the creative industries for years, they all offer their own experience and perspective, and it’s always exciting and inspiring for me to connect with those that are like-minded and just as passionate as me about working in music.