MIX – Music Industry Xplained – Camden Court Hotel, Camden Street, Dublin 2 – April 24^th 2012.

I was recently invited by Hot Press to the last night of the MIX Music Industry Xplained course (I had previously made enquiries about it). It was presented by Hot Press’ very own Stuart Clark. Panellists on the night included:

Christy Dignam, lead singer of Aslan.

Niall Muckian, founder of Rubyworks record label.     

Sabrina Sheehan, Mission PR & Communications.  

Ian Wilson, producer with 2FM radio.  

Willie Kavanagh, Head of EMI.

Here are some notes from the evening:

Willie Kavanagh of EMI recently released Mick Flannery’s new album. He recommended that they delay the release date so Mick went to L.A etc to play small gigs there & to write more. He says that the new album is better because of this, that the songs are much stronger.

He said that hard work will pay off. Promote yourself, work every day. Records need to be 100% before being released.

Know who in a particular publication, radio station etc, you are dealing with. Eg: know what radio DJ’s like alternative music, soul music.

When a band is sending a “press pack” to a PR company make sure they include a photo of the band & some few songs. E-mails sometimes get clogged up so send the music electronically, via USB for example. Just because you do not receive a reply does not mean to keep trying. Be persistent & focused. Be self critical before sending music, don’t just send anything, make sure it is good.

If you have to send e-mails then keep them brief. Short description followed by links to YouTube or Soundcloud etc.

Word of mouth – keep up to date with who & what bands are being talked about. Familiarize yourself with these.

X-factor style acts are not sustainable, they are short term.

If you are in a band & cannot afford to book bigger, more well known venues then try restaurants. They tend to be less expensive. .

Be polite – it doesn’t cost a penny.

If a record company does not end up looking well from a particular act then this act will not be given a second chance. Bands need 2 to 3 albums before they get into things. Give them space to develop.

Christy Dignam says another option is for a band to pay for recording themselves. This gives them more of a creative role. Then give the record company a promotional role.

Sabrina recommended http://45sound.com/ as a good website that can provide a good quality free video of gigs etc.

Internet service providers provide free music. Something needs to be done to prevent copyright. YouTube pay for their content. Spotify – customers pay to join & then Spotify will pay the particular band.

Ian Wilson said that Eurosonic is becoming the new dominant music event. Different acts from all over the world come & play. It’s entirely based on the live music scene.

For more information please see http://mix.hotpress.com/.