May 24, 2013 · 2:40 PM

Join PPL as they head to Birmingham

Afternoon to you all on this typically British soggy bank holiday weekend.

I’m back wearing my big winter coats and boots – not really what i had in mind for a long weekend.

We are VERY aware we’ve been pretty quiet recently. But we’ve only been quiet on the blog. Behind the scene’s, we re-shaping FM and working hard to come up with some more new initiatives such as the recently launched Mentoring Scheme.

We’re working with more industry trade bodies and companies and that includes PPL who are back out on the road this year after some very successful outreach events back in 2012.

If you’re based in or around Birmingha, this is for you. If not, enjoy the long weekend and we’ll be back in touch soon wiht news of our next event.

Are you earning all you can for the use of your recorded music?

PPL is a not for profit organisation that collects royalties of behalf of its members;  performers and record companies, when their recorded music is played in public or broadcast on TV, radio and certain digital media services.

It is free to join PPL, who currently represent tens of thousands of performers and record companies, from major names to sole traders. PPL collects both domestic and international royalties and distributes these to its members.

PPL are hosting a special event in Birmingham in June to meet with performers and record labels.

Event: PPL Performer Outreach & Member Open Day

Date: Tuesday 18th June
Venue: The Old Library at Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham, B9 4AA
Registration:  4:30pm
Panel session:  5:00pm – 6:30pm – followed by refreshments and networking.

Host:
Keith Harris, PPL Director of Performer Affairs
Special guests:
John Smith, General Secretary
Crispin Hunt, FAC Board Member and Musician

Register for this event here

For more information about the event, please email Joe here

See you all soon.

Sybil, Joe and FionaJoin PPL as they head to Birmingham

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May 2, 2013 · 11:00 AM

What a Night!

Morning all

A HUGE thank you to everyone who came to the launch of the FM First Monday Mentoring Scheme recently.

Special thanks go to all of our mentors who have agreed to provide support and advice to 10 young people looking to make a career in the industry. They include;

Mentor Position
 Mentor
Artist John Robb
Manager Carol and her team @ Solar Management
Lawyer Mark @ Lee and Thompson
Producer Tim @ Audio Authority
Touring/Stage Management Laura and the team @ Cato Music
Label Henry and the team @ Absolute Marketing
Digital Sam @ CMU
Promoter Peter @ Live Nation
Publisher Ivan @ Musicalities
PR’s/Plugging Nicola and her team @ Dawbell

Special thanks also go to UK Music and the PRS for Music Foundation for their help and support in getting the program off the ground as well as Jo McNeil, John Coates, Kevin and the team at mewe360 and Fiona.

launch speakers

And we must also mention, the wonderful 16 year old Dominic Dunn from Liverpool for bringing some fantastic live music to the night;.

We’re really excited to see how the program progesses in this first year and we know already that some of the mentors are already helping each other which is just what a scheme like this is all about.

There is no FM First Monday this month – we will be back sometime in June and will let you know details of that event soon. We’re also busy putting new ideas together for FM as we said we would so watch this space and we’ll see you all soon.

Sybil, Joe and Fiona

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Filed under Absolute Marketing, Audio Authority, Cato Music, CMU, Dawbell, Dominic Dunn, John Robb, Lee and Thompson, Live Nation, Mentoring, mewe360, Musicalities, PRS for Music Foundation, Solar Management, UK Music

March 7, 2013 · 4:33 PM

April Event – Launch of the FM First Monday Mentoring Scheme and SXSW News

Afternoon all

One day of spring this week – that’s it then is it?? And what the hell hapened to February – done and dusted already!

A big thanks to everyone who came down ot our 6th brithday at Juno in Shoreditch on Monday. Lots of old and new faces and a good mix of people with a lovely smattering of tech companies. Thanks for all of the lovely messages we had the next day – roll on the next 6 years.

It’s been a crazy busy week here and we’ve lots to tell you but we’re going to keep it brief today.

So, after months of planning and consultation, we are incredibly proud to be able to announce the launch of FM First Monday’s Mentoring scheme supported by UK Music and the PRS for Music Foundation.

     

The scheme is a first for us and we are very grateful for the help and support we’ve had from Dot, Lorna and Jo and everyone at UK Music, Vanessa, Laura and James and everyone at the PRS for Music Foundation, Jo McNeill in Liverpool and last but by no means least Rosie.

If you’ve applied for a place on the scheme, we are still working through all of the applications and you will hear in the coming weeks so please bear with us.

The launch will take place on TUESDAY 9th April – the first Monday is Easter so we have had to move the date. We’re grateful also to the guys at mewe360 for offering us their space and providing refreshments.

We will once again be operating a ballot system as we have to reserve spaces for key people so here’s what you need to know and do if you’d like to apply.

APRIL FM – FM First Monday Mentoring Scheme Launch

Tuesday 9th April from 6.30pm

At the offices of MeWe360
c/o Ingenious Media
3rd floor, 15 Golden Square
London
W1F 9JG

Tickets are available here. PLEASE NOTE  – we will once again be operating a ballot system as we have to reserve spaces for key people so even after you’ve applied here for a ticket, YOU MUST WAIT FOR A CONFIRMATION EMAIL FROM US TO SAY YOU ARE ON THE LIST.

The only thing we really want to say today is that if you’re heading to SXSW, we’ll see you in Austin.

Two panels you might be interested in are;

Ask Uncle Sam: All about the US market

Date: Wednesday 13th March
Time: 3.30-4.30pm
Place: Room 11AB Austin Convention Centre

This panel will take place as part of SXSW’s official programme but has been organised by UK Trade & Investment and its music partners. Top US industry experts will be quizzed about the burning issues relating to breaking the States.

The questions will be posed by a respected UK industry representative with hands-on experience of trying to crack the US market and the questions have come from companies just like you. This panel is essential viewing for companies wanting to learn more about the US music sector.
Brands Are Music Fans Too, Not Just Pots Of Cash

Day: Friday, March 15
Time: 12:30-1:30 PM
Place: Room 15 Austin Convention Centre

As brands have an increasingly prominent presence in music activity, we look at how partnerships succeed and fail. There was a time when artists working with brands was seen as a sell out. And to be fair, many of the early sponsorship deals were badly planned and executed – Duffy and Diet Coke anyone? Promoters too, have not always managed to marry live music with brands in a way that works for the artist and the audience.

Often, brands would identify a music property, partner up and then expect the property to make concession and changes to fit with the brand requirements. Essentially, they wanted to change what worked in the first place. But, over time, music and brands have learnt to work more closely without compromising their integrity. And many partnerships now deliver outstanding value for the brand, the band and the fan.

Rumour is that the weather is going to be hot again so pack your sunnies and SPF 15 and we’ll see you at one of the many gigs, panels or parties.

Sybil, Joe and Fiona

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Filed under Dot Levine, Jo Dipple, Mentoring, mewe360, MIM, PRS for Music Foundation, SXSW, UKTI

February 27, 2013 · 12:51 PM

FM 6th Birthday – Change of Venue details and last call

Afternoon campers

As you know, we always try to work with the venues we use for our nights to make sure you get good value bang (or beer) for your buck (or pound).

On that basis, we’re moving venue for our 6th Birthday to somewhere that’s happier to have us all there.

So, we’re now heading to Juno in Shoreditch who will keep their happy hour going for an hour after the drinks provided by our lovely friends at Towergate Insurance have all been consumed. That means deals like this

4 beers – £8
Glass Wine – £5
Bottle Wine  – £10
Cocktail (fancy!) – 2 for £10

You can still RSVP but also please note there is a ballot this year as we’re expecting larger than normal numbers. So, you need to RSVP AND wait for a confirmation email that you are on the list. That confirmation will be sent out by Friday midday.

Thanks to Fiona who is busy inviting a lot more tech companies since we’re relatively near the Silicon Roundabout!

Looking forward to seeing some of you there.

Sybil, Joe and Fiona

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Filed under Towergate Insurance

February 18, 2013 · 3:33 PM

FM 6th Birthday – Details and RSVP

Welcome to Monday everyone – hope it’s treating you well.

We’re finally ready to announce the details of our FM First Monday 6th birthday. Before we do, I’d like to say a big juicy welcome back to Fiona who is back at FM First Monday and helping us kick the year off in style by working on the party – wicked!

We’re heading East for a change – something a bit different as we said we would be this year.

Here’s a shiny flyer to give you all the details. Thanks to Towergate Insurance for getting us in the birthday mood with some drinks. Thanks also to the MMF and FAC for their support both of this event and in helping FM make it this far (yes, Webbo – that very much includes you!)

You do have to RSVP but also please note there is a ballot this year as we’re expecting larger than normal numbers. So, you need to RSVP AND wait for a confirmation email that you are on the list.

Looking forward to seeing some of you there.

Sybil, Joe and Fiona

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Filed under Industry Issues

February 15, 2013 · 3:11 PM

SXSW 13 – Country Connections Networking Events and UKTI Panel

Afternoon to you all

Happy Friday – hope it’s been a good week.

Here’s some useful news for any of you heading to SXSW in a few weeks time and looking to make some valuable new contacts.

Once again, Country Connections, the market education and export networking opportunities, is being run in Austin open to all international companies.

Delivered in partnership with international music partners including UKTI, Sounds Australia, Canadian Blast and Initiative Musik, last year, the activity attracted delegates from the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, New Zealand, South Africa, Brazil, Austria, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands. This year they will be reaching out to the US and Asia delegations to participate.

Details of all activities are available on a dedicated UKTI SXSW website and include;

“Ask Uncle Sam: All about the US market”

Date: Wednesday 13th March
Time: 3.30-4.30pm
Place: Room 11AB

This panel will take place as part of SXSW’s official programme but has been organised by UK Trade & Investment and its music partners. Top US industry experts will be quizzed about the burning issues relating to breaking the States.

The questions will be posed by a respected UK industry representative with hands-on experience of trying to crack the US market and the questions have come from companies just like you. This panel is essential viewing for companies wanting to learn more about the US music sector.

“International roundtables”

Date: Thursday 14th March
Time: 10.45am – 1.00pm
Place: British Music Embassy, Latitude 30, San Jacinto

This 2 hour networking activity will bring together delegates from across the globe to discuss hot topics affecting the industry, build networks and develop business relationships.

Hosted in groups of 10 people, you will have at least 90 minutes to introduce yourselves and then discuss your chosen topic, with everyone being given opportunity to offer their opinions from their own experience, ask questions of others and explore new ideas. Each table will have a moderator.

Register early and you can either select one of the topics already suggested or submit an idea you’d like to see included. The final 6 topics will be decided when all submissions have been made. Click here for further information.

“International Business 2 Business sessions”

Date: Friday 15th March
Time: 10.45am – 1.00pm
Place: British Music Embassy, Latitude 30, San Jacinto

This 2 hour networking activity will attempt to give you 5 minutes in front of as many international delegates as we can move round the room in the time available.

The format is specifically designed to facilitate introductions and broker business connections with delegates from across the globe. The idea is to make as many introductions as possible and for you then to follow up in your own time, either whilst in Austin or once you’ve returned home. Click here for further information.

Applications are now open for the International roundtables and International Business 2 Business sessions although it is important to note, YOU CAN ONLY APPLY TO DO ONE OR THE OTHER. You are also able to nominate topics for the roundtables.

These sessions are open to anyone attending SXSW – access to the venue is not restricted other than requiring a confirmation from us.

Deadline for all applications is Friday 1st March at 9.00.

The website gives details of additional activities and events taking places across music as well as interactive.

Have a lovely weekend all.

Sybil and Joe

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Filed under Country Connections, North America, SXSW, SXSW, UKTI

January 21, 2013 · 11:10 AM

2013 and some changes ahead for FM First Monday

Hello everyone

We’re aware we’ve been very quiet over the last 4-6 weeks.

Aside from the Christmas and New Year break (hope you all had as good a one as we did), we’ve been thinking a lot about FM First Monday and what people want from it as well as what we want it to offer people.

As our 6th anniversary approaches in March, we’re nearing the completion of the set up for our new mentoring scheme which we should have some really exciting news to announce soon.

We’re also keen that FM First Monday remains relevant to the industry but becomes more focused. And that means we’re exploring partnerships with other organisations and people.

So, whilst we knock our new ideas into shape, we’re going to focus our energy on building FM First Monday v3. Which means no event in February.

We will get together in March not least because it will be our 6th birthday. And we think that deserves a celebration.

So, please bear with us. We are here. And we are busy. And we’re excited about our plans coming together for this year and beyond.

And finally, if you’re at Midem, i’ll see you there.

Sybil and Joe

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Filed under Industry Issues