Bridging the gap between musicians and promoters
Do live musicians need their union to organise networking events in an attempt to stitch musicians and artists together with promoters?
On May 1st 2014 the Musicians Union are taking over Liverpool to hold an industry networking event designed to bring together artists and promoters from across the North of England.
Conscious Coupling: how promoters, artists and musicians can work better together is taking place at Liverpool’s Hilton Hotel.
The event will explore how to develop quality gigs, build musicians’ careers and help establish quality relationships between musicians and promoters.
It is hoped that the event will not only preserve Liverpool’s iconic music scene, but also generate more gigs across the North of England.
The networking event will also be soundtracked by musicians and delegates from the occasion. The event, which lasts for three days, costs £80 at a discounted rate and £200 full price – not exactly cheap!
Despite the price tag, if mimicked across the country networking events such as this could do great things for British live music.
Networking is a big part of progressing in the music industry and getting to know local promoters within a scene is just the first step to making a career from playing music.
As the event features promoters from across the north, musicians can potentially acquire gigs outside of their home town.
Building a good promoter-artist relationship is a key and crucial part of live musician’s career from a grassroots level all the way to playing stadium concerts and festivals.
Tips for networking
- Networking is best done face to face
- Take a notepad to write down names & numbers
- Have business cards/demo CDs/press packs to give away
- Make a good impression by relaxing and being yourself
- Do some research, come with questions to ask
Whilst these type of events provide an area for artists and promoters to meet and do business together, such functions could also serve benefit musicians in other ways.
Last Minute Musician Vic Cracknell said:
I’ve been a member of the MU for some years but i’m not enthused about many of their events. Public Liability Insurance is the main plus for me.
Vic Cracknell
This could be as an opportunity to educate both promoters and up and coming musicians on aspects of live music such how much musicians are worth.
Particularly as a large majority of working musicians do not consider themselves to be paid fairly.
Functions could also be used to stress the importance of using contracts and Public Liability Insurance.
Music student, George Wright says:
I probably would attend a networking event for musicians and promoters. It would be interesting to hear from other musicians and see what they have to say.
George Wright
Nevertheless, £200 seems a little expensive for a simple networking event, particularly for those who struggle to earn the entry fee from a single gig – despite the new Musicians Union live rates.
Have you attended a Musicians Union networking event? Let us know in the comments below!
