The world is full of weird and wonderful sounds, and willine‘s in-depth French-spoken rap is a new favourite I’d never have thought would be for me. ‘Unseen’ is filled with emotional and slightly distorted electronic elements colouring its soundscape. A song more within the range of music I usually listen to is Caroline Larke‘s ‘Another Song’ which showcases her stunningly breakable voice and a softly wandering soundscape driven by warm guitar sounds, another is CYRILLE‘s ‘Backlash’, which is dark and thrilling, the pop rock track is a slower paced version of the dark rock arena bands I’d go see at the Utilita.
A cinematic new pop release came in the form of James Tonic‘s ‘Fold Down’, which also makes an appearance on his latest album ‘Safety’. A touch of shimmering pop elements has only ever brightened up a playlist and will do so again with this one. Last of my favourite new discoveries is Spanish indie outfit Red Moon Yard‘s ‘Queen of my Sorrows’ with is a welcome and comforting indie release with warm vocals, listening like a comforting friend when in need of one, and it’s got a lovely live video too!
In a world as unpredictable as the one we live in currently everything is a gamble, which is even more the case for promoters within the creative industry. However, the creative industry is home to me, so I got myself some nerves of steel and a no-stress attitude to deal with it. Ahead of our first LLIVELY Showcase I checked ticket sales nearly every five minutes, and when we were finally nearing a sell out I started to relax a little. That was right before one of our three performing acts called in sick… Luckily my network of incredible professionals came to the rescue and helped us complete the line-up once again.
We started the year at a small and intimate space, ran by one of our regulars, The Gait Clinic, a space you wouldn’t usually expect live music in but that worked incredibly well for our first showcase. The evening was kicked off by Manchester-based singer songwriter Cameron Yorke, who’s recently joined NAME Sunderland and has been working with Dan Donnelly on his original material. Bringing in-depth song writing and a fun performance, Cameron was the perfect opener for the evening. Up next was an artist I’ve known and been working with for about seven years, Harrison Rimmer truly knows how to entertain, with both his music and his stage patter. He played songs old and new, including his new single ‘Better In Fiction’ which is due for release this May and will be followed by a nationwide tour!
Last of the evening was brilliant singer and songwriter Joe Doonan, he brought his heart-wrenching sad songs and I didn’t bring enough tissues, I should’ve known better. ‘Joel’s Song’ and his upcoming single release ‘before you leave’ both nearly had me in tears, take what you will from that but as Doonan mentioned; music is cheaper than therapy, so really I just got a free therapy session!
A very heartfelt thanks goes to my wonderful friends, team of sound engineers, photo- and videographers, and those that bought tickets to the first LLIVELY Showcase, because I wouldn’t be able to pull these events off without any of them! Our next showcase is taking place on the 25th of January from 1pm at The Movement Clinic, and I already can’t wait.
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.
“With a fresh and pleasantly sweet melody hovering in the air, the way Lyons inserts the lyrical lines takes on a cadence that makes the listener remember the melody structured by Anthony Kiedis in the singing of Road Trippin’, a single by Red Hot Chili Peppers.” – Review on Roadie Music
“Taken off of his album The Human Factor, this ballad resonates with the subdued complexities of human relationships that link on an intimate and divine level.” – Review on Sounds on the Couch
“We have another fantastic folky song for you, this time coming from Irish artist Davy Lyons. One To One mixes moments of traditional and modern folk together into one tantalising song.” – Review on York Calling
LLIVELY Music 