Stay up-to-date via RSS!

Panelists: Andrew Dubber (New Music Strategies), Steve Lawson (SoloBassSteve), Ruth Daniel (Fat Northerner),

As ‘unsigned’ becomes a redundant term, how do bands burst out of the bubble and gain profile and audience.

“Project Breakthrough” was a headline in a US computing magazine in 1975 when the first home personal computer kit was unveiled. ‘The Bubble’ is the overpopulated crowd that ‘undiscovered’ artists exist in. Project Breakthrough, therefore, is the term that we are using, for the purposes of this debate, to describe the mission of the ‘undiscovered’ artist to gain exposure and build following in the contemporary music environment.

The concept of an ‘Artist Page’ is now completely prevalent, the ubiquitous MySpace page is still the market leader with many similar services trailing in it’s wake. Facebook’s Artist pages are becoming more popular and Twitter is emerging as a viable tool for spreading news and harvesting fans.

The panel will investigate what the realistic aims might be for an emerging artist and will consider the basic set of materials and tools that any artist might need to begin their ‘Project Breakthrough’. The panel will also consider various strategies used in successful campaigns by niche artists and those hoping to break into the mainstream.

These ideas and this information is relevant to artists in any genre of music or with any level of aspiration. The panel will be highlighting the basic building blocks that will equip an artist to begin the job of getting themselves and their work noticed.

Panelists: Carl Morris (Native/Sleeveface), Lisa Matthews (Welsh Music Foundation), Colin Consterdine (Sound of Monkey)

As Social networks develop and mature how do we integrate them and their access to audience to create a rewarding relationship for artists and fans. What is the best way to use Facebook? How does an artist or label get the most out of Twitter? What other services are essential or useful?

As Web access and music move on to phones and netbooks it’s never been more important to have a proper grasp of the potential in this area.

Panelists:  Huw Williams (Pop Factory/ Sony Publishing), John Rostron (Swn/My Kung Fu), Chris Healings (Hybrid)

The protocols of the business – and why observing some of them makes sense. Preparing a campaign to generate a sustainable career. Understanding the needs of the media, the fans and the band. Knowing when to break a rule and when to take  the rule.

 Over the last century the music business has developed best practice for the commercial management of musical creations. Over the last decade we have witnessed major developments in the operation of a creative career in music. How do we pick through the ‘best practice’ of old and incorporate it into the ‘new’