Irish Music Rights Organisation Showcase Tour 2010
IMRO are now inviting bands and solo artists across all genres of music to apply for a place on the IMRO Showcase Tour 2010.
Bands and artists who wish to be considered for a place should send a website or MySpace link to showcase@imro.ie before Friday February 12th, 2010. Successful acts will be notified in early March. The gigs will run through March and April.
The IMRO Showcase Tour 2010 will feature live shows in the following venues across Ireland:
Thu March 25th The Limelight & Katy Dalys, Belfast
Fri March 26th Crawdaddy, Dublin
Sat March 27th TBC
Thu April 01st Crawdaddy, Dublin
Sat April 03rd Cyprus Avenue, Cork
Thu April 08th TBC
Fri April 09th The Spirit Store, Dundalk
Sat April 10th Crawdaddy, Dublin
Thu April 15th Masons in association with ‘Smalltown America Records’, Derry
Fri April 16th The Late Lounge, Kildare
Sat April 17th The Cellar Club,in association with ‘The G Sessions’ Draperstown
Fri April 23rd The Sugar Club, Dublin
Sat April 24th Dolans, Limerick
Fri April 30th The Academy, Dublin – Best of IMRO Showcase Tour 2010
Streaming from ‘the cloud’ could be the future of music.
Swedish service Spotify currently streams a huge library of music from it’s servers directly to the listener, for free. The servers at Spotify, as with any streaming service, mean the need to own the music is irradiated. This foreign storage, known as ‘The Cloud’ could mean the end of music ‘ownership’ in it’s truest sense as The Cloud grows and more handsets have access to it via wireless internet.
How is this paid for? Through a system of systematically placed advertising and the option to opt out of the advertisements for a monthly fee. If the success of this model continues, the idea of purchasing songs seperately could become obsolete, as people pay a flat rate for as much music as they can consume.
A good music service could save ISPs $162 million
The cost of churn, the rate at which customers leave Internet Service Providers, is costing the US approximately $500 million per ISP, per year. One solution, as practised by Danish IPS TDC, showed it possible to reduce customer churn by 50% by bundling the Play music service to its broadband service. Offering customers a modern approach to music consumption could benefit the customer but it could also save the US millions of dollars a year.
Radio scrappage scheme follows the car scrappage template
Radio retailers are backing an initiative much like that of car trade-ins, meaning around a 20% discount on DAB radios with the trade in of an old FM receiver. ministers are preparing the analogue switch off in 2015, meaning digital will be the primary format for all media.
The digital switch-over will formally be announced two years in advance and not until digital radio accounts for 50 per cent of all radio listening is digital, and the scheme hopes to send these analogue radios to Africa, where FM usage is popular format.
HMV to acquire MAMA Group.
The MAMA group, who own the Barfly network of live music venues, the Hammersmith Apollo, the Jazz Cafe, the Forum and the Borderline in London; and producers of The Fly music magazine, have been acquired by HMV. A majority of MAMAs shares were bought by HMV and The rest of MAMA’s shareholders have until Thursday to confirm whether they intend to sell.
Tinnitus Awareness Week
From today Tinnitus Awareness Week begins, a national event to promote better understanding of the causes and preventions of the hearing disorder. The British Tinnitus Association, the charity running the campaign describe it as “Not an illness or disease, tinnitus is a term that describes the sensation of hearing a noise in the absence of an external sound. The noise can have virtually any quality. Ringing, whistling, and buzzing are common, but more complex sounds may also be reported.” Going to gigs and listening to, or playing loud music can bring on the sensation, but it can also be the result of stress. This week will bring together more than 20 top international DJs and musicians, all of whom suffer with tinnitus for a one off gig in London.
The BTA will be promoting coping strategies and simple relaxation methods that tinnitus sufferers can use, as well as providing top tips for alleviating stress to reduce the effect it can have on tinnitus.
Join them for a FREE hearing test, coffee and find out more about tinnitus and they will donate £5 to the British Tinnitus Association on your behalf.
Hidden Hearing Centres: Bradford, 1-3 Piece Hall Yard, BD1 1PJ Telephone : 01274 361720
Take a look at our new myspace
Our Myspace page has had a redesign and now has 4 tracks recorded in our very own studio, giving you an idea of what you can expect if you come to work with us.,
ABBAWORLD theme park opens in London
A new museum-cum-theme park dedicated solely to the purpose of celebrating Abba is to be launched in London. The 25 room exhibition will feature memorabilia from the bands lengthy career including the very helicopter featured on the cover of their 1979 album ‘Arrival’. As well as the exhibition there’s a chance for visitors to get their hands on interactively by recreating the band’s sound at a mixing desk, or dancing alongside them with new holographic video technology.
The Rudiments qualify for Live and Unsigned 2010
Fantastic Bradford based indie band The Rudiments, regulars at Factory Street Studios are among two other Bradford acts to qualify for Live and Unsigned 2010. The event, largest music competition in the UK for original artists; bands, vocal groups and solo artists has a grand prize of a recording contract with Future Music, and up to £30,000 investment! Show your support by visiting their Myspace and find out about tickets and venues here: Live & Unsigned
Surface Unsigned Festival 2010
Surface Unsigned would like to remind any unsigned bands that want to take part in the 2010 Festival you only have until January 31st to apply. Starting in February, the 2010 Surface Unsigned Festival will tour the UK, giving artists from cities such as Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham and London the chance to compete for £60,000 worth of prizes. The eventual winner will pick up £5,000 in cash, a slot at the 2011 Sziget Festival in Budapest – playing to a potential audience of 65,000 people – a digital distribution contract with Zimbalam Digital, £1,000 worth of label promo courtesy of Last.FM, a main stage slot at Music Live at the National Exhibition Centre, a 4 day UK Tour on a Jumbo Cruiser and various other incentives.
Scars On 45 signed to Chop Shop/Atlantic Records
Yorkshire six-piece Scars On 45 have announced that they have signed a deal with the Chop Shop label, a subsidiary of major US label Atlantic Records. They are currently working on their new album to be released in March 2010. They will be celebrating at their 1st gig of 2010 at The Cockpit, Leeds on Friday 5th March…. tickets on sale now.
Ashley Hicklin signs record deal with Ferryhouse/Warner Music
Ashley Hicklin has signed a three-album record deal with Ferryhouse / Warner music. The singer-songwriter, originally from Leeds via Scarborough, is due to release his debut record in the summer of 2010 with tour dates to be announced.
Bradford Goes Choral with the London Community Gospel Choir
Factory Street are proud to be sponsoring this event by recording the winners. Organised by Bradford Theatres, BD1 LiVE Goes Choral on 6th February 2010. This evening is the final of the first ever Bradford and District Schools Choir Competition with special performing guests The London Community Gospel Choir.
To book tickets to the final click here
FSS supports the “Little Heroes”
On the 12th December the childrens cancer charity “Little Heroes” will be celebrating Christmas at Factory Street Studios with a Pop Star Party with their families and freinds.
Dynamic Toolbox
Brand new state of the art compressor used at Factory Street Studios. Includes the fabled ‘New York’ parallel compression – very rare in a stereo linkable compressor. Allows an infinite blend of compressed and uncompressed material.
Read more
British Council : Young Music Entrepreneur 2010
Are you passionate about music, an innovator looking for entrepreneurial ways to move the UK music industry forward? Are you looking to broaden your international business opportunities and to build your network? Want to know more about the business of music in China? If this sounds like you then you should be applying to take part in this British Council award programme. To be eligible for the award, you must be aged between 25 and 35, have at least three years of industry experience and be resident in the UK.
The closing date for applications is Monday 30 November.
Animation Festival
Factory Street are proud to have been working with Education Bradford and The National Media Museum on an animation which will be shown at The Animation Festival on the 14th November. With Darren Ibbotson, musician with DKNY and Stomp and David Bunting, the animator of Thunderbirds and Shaun The Sheep together with families from West Yorkshire created an animation on marking the greatest moments of Peace in the world.
SXSW deadline
Just a reminder that the deadline for SXSW Showcases is fast approaching – NOVEMBER 6TH! Apply here
Remember if you do get chosen for a SXSW Showcase, there is potential funding towards your costs via:
We’ll have information about more opportunities for Yorkshire music at SXSW further down the line.
Faze in the studio
EP in final stages of being mixed and it’s sounding fantastic. Watch this space.
PRS AWARDS FOR NEW WORKS
The 2009 Performing Right Society (PRS) Foundation has announced that the Awards for New Works second round, is open to applications. The Awards are open to constituted not-for-profit organisations in the UK, overseeing the commissioning and first performance of a new work. Eligible applicants can apply for up to £15,000 towards the commissioning process. Deadline: 9 October 2009
The PRS Foundation will prioritise application for projects which: are adventurous and innovative, both through the proposed music and its presentation; are for music that will be written and performed to the highest standard; seek to develop new audiences for new music while keeping existing ones stimulated; have further performances planned and have the potential to make a lasting impact.
Music videos return as PRS dispute resolved
The Peforming Rights Society has been campaigning for musicians to be paid for their exposure through Youtube which they have now won.
“It is a lump sum deal which seems to work for YouTube’s business model and offers recompense for our 60,000 members,” a spokes person for PRS told BBC News. “We can be friends again.”
Opening Party: Friday 25th September
THE NEW RECORDING STUDIO IS OPENING ITS DOORS. COME AND MEET THE ENGINEERS AND HAVE A LOOK AROUND
4pm – 7pm demonstrations in the recording studio on the hour.
7pm onwards live music, special guests and dj’s.
Licensed bar, live music and dancing welcomed :)
Les Paul
Legendary guitarist Les Paul died in New York, aged 94, from complications arising from pneumonia on 12 Aug. Credited with inventing the electric guitar as it is known today, the eight-track tape recorder and numerous recording techniques and effects, Les Paul – it could be argued – is the man responsible for almost all modern music. He built the first solid-wood guitar in 1941, affectionately known as ‘The Log’, paving the way for Rickenbacker, Fender and Gibson, the latter of which produced an iconic range of guitars that he lent his name to. He continued to perform at New York’s Iridium Club every Monday night up until his death, despite crippling arthritis and, still devoted to advancing the possibilities of sound, had been attempting to build the perfect hearing aid.
SXSW Coming to Yorkshire
Tuesday 15th September 09. 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm. Round Foundry Media Centre, Foundry Street, Leeds, LS11 5QP. (only 5 minutes walk from leeds train station)
To register for the chance in breaking into the USA register at Music Yorkshire
Bradford music week 2009
Factory Street Recording Studio Open
After many months of hard work we are pleased to announce the studio is open.
With a very large live room there are acoustically isolated zones, vocal booth, digital capabilities and extensive analogue mixing and mastering facilities.
Contemporary interior design with furniture from the upholsterers of bmw and deep shag pile carpets, provided together with excellent engineers, fresh coffee and a private terrace we have created the best studio in the north for you.
Contact 01274 682125 for more details.
Motus working with American Producer Beau Hill (Alice Cooper)
Quality, hard working rock band Motus has caught the attention of Alice Coopers producer, Californian Beau Hill
He has remixed one of their tracks of their new album “Content”. Recorded over the last 12 months it is now ready for distribution. All options to make available this fine album are being considered but until a deal is found you can get it direct from the band at gigs and from their website at MOTUSWEB.NET Get one signed when you can.
Michael Jackson’s Verdict
Michael Jackson died, aged 50, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his LA home on 25 Jun. There had been speculation about Jackson’s health for years, partly, of course, because of his frail appearance, though once he had signed up to do a fifty night residency at The O2 in London, promoters AEG Live assured reporters that their insurers had done a rigorous heath assessment which the singer apparently passed with flying colours. The singer’s death was later ruled a homicide, after it was discovered that he had died from an overdose of the powerful anaesthetic propofol, which had been administered by his personal doctor, Conrad Murray, to overcome insomnia.
FSS host The Peel Stage at the Mela
White Light Parade’s new album, House of Commons out 11th May
WLP*‘s songs are wizzing up the UK’s indie charts, they have a song featured on Grand Theft Auto 4 and a string of supports under their belts including, The Subways, The Jam, Supergrass and many more, WLP* are tipped for big things. We can’t wait for the album.
Check out their new video Wake Up taken from the new album
Live Music Scene Is Flourishing
The live music scene is gathering apace throughout the pubs and clubs of the district. Open mic nights are being staged at many venues with new talent being given the chance to get up and perform.
There is a plethora of local bands bidding to be noticed – many making huge strides in gaining recording contracts and playing the stage at big festivals. Of course they have the local lads such as the Kaiser Chiefs to look up to but in the meantime the local pubs are giving them an audience.
The live music scene thus remains is alive, well and rocking in our local towns. In Otley Leeds-based blues-rock band Crosscut Saw a welcome return to The Junction with photographer Ivor Hughes capturing Alex Eden on lead bguitar, vocals and harmonica.
Ilkley Gazette, March 5th 2008
Juniors needed for Battle of the Bands 2009
The Musicians Centre are still accepting entries for the “Junior Section” of Battle of the Bands 2009. Enter and be in with a chance of winning lots of prizes e.g. equipment, recordings and rehearsals.
FSS will be giving 8 hours of rehearsal time in a luxury suite for the best vocalist.
For more info visit: Musicians Centre
Scars on 45 on CSI
‘Beauty’s Running Wild’ has been used for an end of episode wedding scene aired on 11th March in the US. The episode titled “Green Piece” will be shown here in the UK on Channel 5 shortly afterwards and can be seen again on CSI New York
Scars on 45 are also doing the finishing touches to album mixes/mastering and the album should be released by summer time. These guys are being catapulted to stardom now so catch them while you can locally on the 17th April at St. George’s Hall, Bradford.
Spandau Ballet Reforming
Yes they really are…after their royalities feud the 80’s superstar classics are getting back together for a tour and who knows what else.
Factory St. Studios officially open
FSS was officially opened on Friday 27th February 2009 by Feargal Sharkey and MP Gerry Sutcliffe. It was huge success, we enjoyed Wilful MISSING,The Tempus, The Parangle and Quiet Rebellion performed songs from their debut album. Band videos were shown from Ash TV and Pluto Media alongside superb photography from Erwan Durand.
Feargal Sharkey commented:
“Music has an immense and positive power to knit our communities together and it is vital that facilities like Factory St can exist and thrive. Without a viable network of rehearsal rooms, practice spaces and grassroots venues the UK’s music scene could not retain its status as the world’s best and is vital that we protect and support these creative hubs. I have no doubt that Factory St. will prove a hugely positive addition to cultural life in Bradford and all its surrounding areas.”
