Musicians Wanted and Opportunities
Want to warm up the crowd for Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler infront of thousands of people?
May 6th
I’m guessing you would? Luckily LG are offering a fantastic opportunity to warm up the audience before headline acts such as Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Steve Winwood and John Mayer take to the stage. The selected winners will have the opportunity to play their stuff in the forumLive, the Arena’s fantastic Pre/Post show entertainment space that can hold upto 6000 people and on a full house concert has traffic of more than 15000 people. The first Event on the 18th of May will see Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton followed by Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits on the 23rd of May and ending finally with the international superstar that is John Mayer on the 24th of May.
For more information and to enter please check out http://www.lgblog.co.uk/2010/04/5983/
Astar Studios extends Recording loans for 2010
Apr 7th
A unique scheme that provides musicians with interest free loans of up to £5000 for recording services has been extended for 2010. Applications are now being invited for the 0% Recording Loans that are exclusively available to artists and bands recording at Astar Studios www.astarstudios.com .The loans are provided subject to status and can be repaid over a maximum period of 2 years.
Based in Heywood, Lancashire with nearby residential facilities, Astar Studios is owned by international writer/producer Andy Ross (Clippers, Spain) and has been custom built to meet the growing demands of today’s cost conscious record labels and flourishing independent music scene that continues to prosper with over 150 million download sales last year.
The elegantly designed studio boasts the latest state-of-the-art digital control room technology, a spectacular classic-sounding live room and relaxing chill-out area. For artists looking to release independently and engage directly with the market, special recording packages are available with support from creative and promotional associates with a wealth of music industry experience and for projects needing session players, Astar draws upon some of the UK’s finest musicians.
Despite the recent closure of London’s famous Mayfair and Olympic Studios and EMI currently looking to offload Abbey Road, since Astar Studios opened, Andy Ross has been flat out writing for and producing an eclectic mix of back to back albums, for independent and major release including the highly acclaimed ‘Yamaha New Jazz Sessions’ albums that have featured in successive years on the Xmas cover of Jazzwise Magazine. Andy also recorded tracks for Classic FM’s ‘Summer Piano’ CD and the highly acclaimed debut trio album ‘Golden’ (Basho) by BBC Jazz Awards winner, Kit Downes that recently received a 4 star review from Guardian Jazz Critic John Fordham. International writing credits last year included 3 tracks on the new ‘G Punto’ album ‘Da La Cara’ (Universal/Vale) and a commission for Andy to write and produce the music for ‘Anphoria’s Empire’ – a new classic rock style music spectacular set to tour UK arenas from Autumn 2011 with an all-star cast, using a new generation of special effects set around a fantasy storyline by Temple Clark, storyboard artist for the Harry Potter and Bond movies.
Astar’s Andy Ross explains, “We are delighted with the success of the loan scheme that has enabled us to work with talented musicians and projects we might otherwise have had to turn away on grounds of means. Getting any type of credit has always been extremely difficult for musicians and the creative sector, so the opportunity to offer interest free finance for recording services sits well with Astar’s philosophy to empower artists with the best possible recordings, visuals and business plan to get them noticed. The loans are of course subject to status but can be taken out either by the artist directly or on their behalf by a manager, family member or friend. This opens the door for artists and bands to make the record they always dreamed of and spread costs of promotion and gigging. For independent managers and labels on a limited budget it also creates the opportunity to develop new artists on a profit share basis.”
Astar Studios is licensed as a credit broker by the Office of Fair Trading and a member of the Association of Professional Recording Services.
For more information call 0161 280 0908 or visit www.astarstudios.com
Unsigned Band opportunity at The Gadget Show Live
Apr 1st
Unedited Press Release
Are you an unsigned band or songwriter? Guilty of singing in the shower? Or simply someone who
likes to strum the occasional chord on a guitar? Whatever your level of musical talent, we’ve got just
the thing for you at The Gadget Show LIVE at the NEC, Birmingham from 7-11th April.
Visitors to the event need to head to the stand of leading technology brand, Avid where they can
become a pop star for the day, powered by Avid Pro Tools – the software used in top studios
around the world. You can record your own or a karaoke style song – with or without instruments, as
backing tracks can be supplied.
The Avid stand at The Gadget Show is based around a mobile audio recording and video editing
suite, housed in a 1960’s USA airstream caravan, better known as the Rockhopper Studio.
Visitors will climb aboard the sensational Rockhopper where their song will be recorded and mixed
professionally on a Pro Tools system, and filmed and edited using Avid Pinnacle Studio video
editing software.
This fantastic experience is powered by international giant, Avid who create the technology behind
the most listened to, most watched, and most loved media in the world. Their digital audio and video
solutions, from films you see on the big screen, to personal audio you chose at home; have earned
them hundreds of awards.
If you’re already a ticket holder to this sold-out 60,000 capacity event, then simply head to the Avid
stand for a chance of taking part. But if you’d like the chance to attend and be a pop star for the day,
there are 6 exclusive spots available, which you can bag by heading to the Rockhopper Facebook
page http://j.mp/AvidComp and signing up.
Rockhopper has been on a national search for singers and musicians through The Talent Tour,
powered by Avid. Could you be the next artist they’re looking for? There are some fantastic prizes up
for grabs, so check out the competition now! http://j.mp/AvidComp
________________________________________________________________________________
Event info:
Avid @ The Gadget Show LIVE
7-11th April 2010
The NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT
Weds 13:00-17:30
Thurs-Sun 09:30-17:30
Links:
http://www.maudio.co.uk/gadgetshow
http://www.maudio.co.uk/gadgetshow
http://www.gadgetshowlive.net
Red Bull Reporter – Music Academy touches down in London with 30 nights of Events
Feb 3rd
Red Bull Reporter
February 7 – March 12, 2010
The Red Bull Music Academy brings its full programme of artists and events to London for the first time ever in February, hosting a truly unique and diverse festival of sonic innovations in the city’s most inspiring venues. Honouring the past, while keeping a scalpel-sharp sight on the future, the five-week series of cultural collisions will bring something for anyone who ever was or ever will be interested in keeping the pulse of the latest sounds sweeping the globe.
The line-ups feature legends in their own right, ranging from Soul ll Soul, Goldie, Carl Craig, A Guy Called Gerald, to the Heritage Orchestra, Moodymann, The Scientist, Roots Manuva, Red Bull Music Academy alumnus Flying Lotus, and many more. They’ll share studios and stages with the Academy class of 2010, 60 of the hottest young tune slingers from all around the world. The sparking frictions, where different fractions meet, the very moments when people from the most diverse backgrounds come together and creativity materializes: This is the very essence of the Red Bull Music Academy.
Red Bull Reporter is giving wannabe reporters the chance to experience some of Red Bull Music Academy’s amazing events. Check out the assignments on offer below. Reporters will be chosen around a week before each event so get applying!
Vice magazine & The Red Bull Music Academy Special
Tuesday 9th February (evening) at The Old Blue Last, Shoreditch
REPORTERS WANTED: 1 x writer and 1 x photographer (over 18yrs old)
Vice Magazine’s music editors present their favourite female artists
from the roster of Academy participants at the infamous Old Blue Last in East London.
Red Bull Reporter is looking for a writer and a photographer to head East and cover this Red Bull Music Academy event. You will hear participants from Australia, Greece, Mexico, Peru and Spain and more and review the evening – let us know which artist inspires you the most and we will get you some time with her.
Check out the assignment listing and apply here: http://www.redbullreporter.com/2010/01/red-bull-music-academy-at-the-old-blue-last/
Book Slam – The Red Bull Music Academy Edition
Wednesday 10th February (evening) at Shoreditch Town Hall
REPORTERS WANTED: 1 x writer
Join Red Bull Music Academy and Book Slam, London’s only literary nightclub, as they explore London’s counter culture with a night featuring underground poets, authors, comedians, DJs and live music.
Red Bull Reporter is looking for a writer to attend Book Slam. Not only will you get the chance to hear readings and performances from some really cool writers, you will interview two authors Dreda Say Mitchell & Alex Wheatle on their latest works and what inspires them.
If you have a genuine passion for culture and think this assignment has your name on it, check out the assignment listing and apply here:
http://www.redbullreporter.com/2010/01/book-slam-the-red-bull-music-academy-edition/
A Day in the Life of the Red Bull Music Academy
Friday 12th February at Red Bull HQ
REPORTERS WANTED: 1 x writer (over 18yrs old)
The story of Red Bull Music Academy is a unique one and we want a Red Bull Reporter to come and experience it from the inside. 60 of the hottest up and coming artists from all over the world are coming to London to learn from and create with legends like Soul II Soul, Goldie, Carl Craig, Roots Manuva and many more.
On this assignment you will be able to check out a lecture or two, chat to some of the participants and tour the Academy and head to the dedicated event in the evening.
Check out the assignment listing and apply here: http://www.redbullreporter.com/2010/01/a-day-in-the-life-of-the-red-bull-music-academy/
The Red Bull Music Academy Presents 3-D Soundclash
Thursday 18th February (evening) at The Royal Albert Hall
REPORTERS WANTED: 1 x writer
Take an iconic location, add Martyn Ware’s 3D Audioscape and you have some kind of audio version of Avatar . We’re all aware of music’s power to transport us to another place and Red Bull Reporter are searching for a budding young music journalist to take us and our readers on this journey.
The historic and beautiful Royal Albert Hall sets the scene for this assignment so if you have a passion for music and truly new experiences this could be for you.
Check out the assignment listing and apply here: http://www.redbullreporter.com/2010/01/the-red-bull-music-academy-presents-3-d-soundclash/
Red Bull Music Academy x A Taste of Sónar
Fri 5th March & Sat 6th March (evenings) at The Roundhouse
REPORTERS WANTED: 1 x writer and 1 x photographer (over 18yrs old)
Sonar is back and Red Bull Reporter needs a writer and a photographer to head to the taster event in London!!!
Since its inception in 1998, the Red Bull Music Academy has built an
unparalleled reputation for unearthing those studio wizards who shape our musical
future. Flying Lotus, Hudson Mohawke, J-Wow of Buraka Som Sistema, Aloe Blacc and Mr Hudson have all been students at the Red Bull Music Academy at some stage of their remarkable careers.
This is why, for the very first time in its longstanding partnership with the Barcelona-based festival, the Academy has been commissioned to curate the emerging talent stage at Sónar’s taster event in London.
Check out the assignment listing and apply here:
http://www.redbullreporter.com/2010/01/red-bull-music-academy-and-a-taste-of-sonar/
The Red Bull Music Academy presents 12×12’’
Thursday 11th March (evening) at Scala
REPORTERS WANTED: 1 X photographer (over 18yrs old)
The Academy pays tribute to London’s thriving scenes, hardcore
and beyond, by inviting twelve landmark producers to the stage who all present their biggest anthem that helped shape a new generation in sound.
Red Bull Reporter are looking for a photographer to capture the strong visual element of this event.
Check out the assignment listing and apply here: http://www.redbullreporter.com/2010/01/the-red-bull-music-academy-presents-3-d-soundclash/
Further reading:
Redbullreport.com
Red Bull Music Academy
Rbmradio.com
Latest opportunities from Stiff Promotions
Feb 3rd
Fresh out of the email box, here is the latest Gig opportunities from Stiff Promotions
As an added incentive to the live performance opportunities, those bands
drawing in excess of 40 people (solo artists 20 people, duos 30 people) to a
Portsmouth show will be offered a slot on an ‘out of town’ gig (e.g.
Brighton, Guildford or Southampton) as an additional reward over and above
ticket sales payments and free bar rider incentives. More details on
confirmation of Portsmouth support slots.
If you’re not already a ‘fan’ (odd concept admittedly!) of the Stiff
Promotions Facebook Fan Page then
if the mood takes you it would be lovely to see you join as we don’t operate
a personal Facebook account.
Please read fully before replying – thank you!
February
Tue 9th – Eliza Doolittle – Cellars, Portsmouth (1x band slot and 1x
acoustic solo/duo slot)
Myspace
Genre: Pop/Soul/Singer Songwriter
“Soul-felt pop in the old skool sense with a little fruit, spice, sugar &
nuts – a tasty combination” – BBC London
Superb voice and lyrical content, managed by the same group of companies
that look after Radiohead and signed to Parlophone (home to Lily Allen)
March
Fri 12th – Kids Love Lies – Cellars, Portsmouth (2x band slots)
Myspace
Genre: Indie/Pop
“Strop pop palpitation… a sub 3-minute rush of Pretty Girls Make Graves
style post hardcore sweetness” – NME
Regular Radio 1 play, Great Escape and Camden Crawl appearances and recent
Artrocker single of the month
Tue 16th – Lupen Crook – Cellars, Portsmouth (2x acoustic solo/duo/band
slots)
Myspace
Genre: Indie/Pop/Alternative
“Utterly compelling” – NME… ”Indisputable genius, sublime stuff” – The
Fly… “A bewitching talent” – Uncut
Utterly captivating, agitated pop that will make you flinch with expectation
Tue 18th – Kyla La Grange – Cellars, Portsmouth (2x acoustic solo/duo/band
slots)
Myspace
Genre: Indie/Pop/Songwriter
Superb singer songwriter being developed by Field Recordings – the same
management company that run Radiohead and Faithless!
Sat 20th – The Kabeedies – Cellars, Portsmouth (1x band slots)
Myspace
Genre: Indie/Pop
Glastonbury, Latitude and Summer Sundae veterans, ‘Rumpus’ voted No. 9 in
Artrocker’s Top 20 albums 2009
Also regular Radio 1 play, Glastonbury and Latitude appearance and this is
one of a handful of UK appearances on a European tour
Thu 24th – Acoustix – Square Brewery, Petersfield (2x acoustic solo/duo
slots)
Genre: Multi-genre
Get an acoustic fix of original material from some of the area’s developing
artists and accomplished performers
An opportunity to showcase new material to an appreciative audience
April
Sat 3rd – Leigh Mary Stokes – Cellars, Portsmouth (2x band slots)
Myspace
Genre: Indie/Pop
“… like tea and crumpets before work, roast dinner at your mum’s and
listening to your iPod on the bus”
Previous festival appearances at Bestival, Southsea Fest and Wight Air now
regularly touring the UK
Thu 29th – Polly Paulusma – Upstairs @ The Square Brewery, Petersfield (1x
acoustic solo/duo slots)
Myspace
Genre: Singer songwriter/Pop
“The most literate songwriter of her generation” – The Independent
Heart-stopping shows supporting Bob Dylan, Jamie Cullum, The Divine Comedy,
Marianne Faithfull and Coldplay.
May
Sat 1st – Minnaars – Cellars, Portsmouth (1x band slots)
Myspace
Genre: Indie/Pop
“Dancey & direct; very impressive stuff” – Artrocker… “Right now we’re
loving Busy Hands” – NME
2009 appearance at Leeds and Reading festivals, huge BBC Introducing
support… a superb live band
What to do next
Firstly, visit the main Stiff website at Stiffpromotions.co.uk
to check out those slots you think you
might be suited to – each date has plenty of biog about the touring act.
Check:
· Your style complements that of the headliner
· You’re Portsmouth/Southampton/Chichester/Winchester based
· That, out of courtesy to other venues and promoters, you’re not
already playing in Portsmouth in the 2 weeks either side of the show
· You have the ability to market your show successfully and with
professional commitment to your existing audience – national agencies &
management regularly ask for recommendations
Please do not call or text – however well intentioned – it simply doesn’t
suit the way we work when putting together shows. Thanks.
If all the above is looking promising then drop me a line with the show
you’re interested in together with a line or two about why you feel you’d be
a good match and your potential audience draw (it’s not called the music
‘business’ for nothing I’m afraid) – and we’ll take it from there!
Red Bull Bedroom Jam 2010
Jan 27th
Red Bull Bedroom Jam is a weekly webcast to offer bands the chance to record, tour the UK and hit some of the best festivals this summer. The new, revamped season will offer young bands throughout the UK, who upload their videos and get the opportunity to perform on the live webcast as well as tour the hottest festivals and spend time in the studio – with the outright winner securing a two-week recording session at Red Bull’s brand new, state of the art studio in London with a top producer as well as a UK wide tour.
Red Bull Bedroom Jam will begin from 15th February 2010 every Monday at 5pm over at redbullbedroomjam.com
There’s a trailer available for this year’s Bedroom Jam series, encouraging bands to upload their own demos and win the chance to be in the webcast – from their own bedroom… The trailer shows what happened to one of last year’s bands, Don Broco [image attached] – who played one of the webcasts and went on to play at the Camden Crawl, Underage Festival and Download off the back of it…and explains what you have to do if you want to be a part of it this year.
