The first DIY event was moderated by MPG director and producer Tommy D and attracted more than 70 people. Speakers from AIM, The Musicians Union, BASCA and some of the MPG’s own members gave an overview of the DIY approach.
The next event will take place at 7pm on 30 March at Metropolis Studios, London. It will explore marketing and distribution and the panel will include Karen Emanuel from Key Production, Jonathan Quarmby from AWAL, Michael Fuller from AIM, James McGuiness from Absolute Marketing and Distribution, and Tommy D, MPG Director.
‘We felt that putting on a second event that delves into the mysteries of setting up your own record company was a “no brainer”, says Tommy D, reflecting the success of the first event. ‘We have a fantastic panel for this one, which will reveal some of the methods of distribution and promotion. If you’re thinking of setting up your own operation or are already doing it, this seminar will be invaluable.’
Tickets cost £25, with a 25 per cent discount for members of AIM, MU, BASCA, APRS, MMF, Music Tank and FAC. Usual MPG discounts apply. Early booking is advised for those who want to secure a place as this event is open to other organisations as well as the MPG, and the previous DIY event was sold out well in advance. To obtain a ticket please visit the MPG website (a further 5 per cent discount is provided for pre-booking on-line).
The panel members confirmed so far include:
Karen Emanuel, Key Production
Karen Emanuel set up Key Production over 20 years ago in 1990, having started in music by booking bands and DJing at college then working for Rough Trade Distribution. Key quickly earned a reputation as a company that produces high-quality product on time at competitive prices. Key manufactures all types of product – vinyl, CD, DVD, USB, merchandise and bespoke (and ethically sourced) packaging, as well as giving its clients free marketing and publicity at www.backstagepassmusic.com
Jonathan Quarmby, AWAL
Founded in 1997, AWAL enables independent artists and labels to bypass the ‘old’ music industry. Large record companies have direct deals with iTunes and other digital stores, however these stores cannot deal directly with the hundreds of thousands of small labels and independent artists who want to sell their music on line. Consequently, AWAL acts as a conduit, uploading and encoding the music into the stores then accounting to and paying its clients. AWAL currently represents more than 6,000 artists with a catalogue totalling more than 150,000 tracks, and has sold more than 20m downloads.
James McGuiness, Absolute Marketing and Distribution
Absolute Marketing & Distribution is a provider of tailor-made sales, marketing and business management solutions for independent record labels, single-artist labels and brand-owned music labels. Established in 1998 as Europe's first 'one-stop' label management specialist, London-based Absolute provides everything it takes to run a successful independent record label – from label administration to television advertising.
Michael Fuller, AIM Head of Legal and Business Affairs
AIM, The Association of Independent Music represents more than 800 member companies, from the largest and most respected labels in the World, to small start-ups and individual artists releasing their own music for the first time. AIM promotes this sector globally and provides a range of services to members.
More: www.mpg.org.uk
