question session 04 — 2019

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Level 1 - Tower Room

10.00 - 10.40

Introduction to modular synthesis

A short workshop aimed at absolute beginner's on the basic principles that make up modular synthesis. This workshop will give participants hands-on experience with a eurorack modular synthesiser and will provide them with an overview of the most commonly used modules in that format. Perfect for anyone looking to start a modular system or just curious about the approach to synthesis and sound design that this method provides.

10.50 - 11.30

Understanding artist management

This workshop will provide some insight into the role of an artist manager.

11.40 - 12.20

Promoting your music successfully

Publicist Kate Malcolmson (Brixton Agency, One Little Indian) will work with you, examining approaches to press, media and getting the word out about your project.

12.30 - 13.10

Production Question & Answer

With releases so far for on Defected, Suara, Toolroom, Exploited Records and Glasgow Underground and gigs at Space Ibiza, Ministry of Sound, XOYO,  Riverside Festival and Boardmasters Festival, Glasgow production duo Illyus & Barrientos have cemented their status as one of the hottest DJ and production duos in the UK. For Question Session they will take part in an intimate Q & A session giving you the opportunity to engage with them and ask questions.

13.25 - 14.00

Introduction to modular synthesis

A short workshop aimed at absolute beginner's on the basic principles that make up modular synthesis. This workshop will give participants hands-on experience with a eurorack modular synthesiser and will provide them with an overview of the most commonly used modules in that format. Perfect for anyone looking to start a modular system or just curious about the approach to synthesis and sound design that this method provides.

14.10 - 14.50

How to fund your music project

This workshop will highlight the range of funding options for your music related project. Are you in the process of starting up a business, taking your enterprise to the next level or pursuing further study? Your project could be used as a case study. You will have the opportunity to speak to each funding organisation in turn. This session will continue in the designated Break Out Area on Level 6 - The Viewing Platform from 4.15pm till 5.15pm.

15.00 - 15.40

Introduction to modular synthesis

A short workshop aimed at absolute beginner's on the basic principles that make up modular synthesis. This workshop will give participants hands-on experience with a eurorack modular synthesiser and will provide them with an overview of the most commonly used modules in that format. Perfect for anyone looking to start a modular system or just curious about the approach to synthesis and sound design that this method provides.

15.50 - 16.30

Legal issues resolved

Author and music industry lawyer Ann Harrison will be on hand to provide specialist guidance on contracts, copyright and all your legal queries.

16.40 - 17.20

Increasing social media awareness

Find out how to make social media work for your project with specialist Cat Ure (Colours)

Level 5 - The Orange Box

10.00 - 10.40

Exploring the importance of press and media

Topics to be discussed
  • How can press and media help a label?
  • The role and relevance of the written word – blogs, magazines and newspapers
  • How important is radio exposure?
  • How can new artists make an impact?

    10.50 - 11.30

    The independent approach

    Topics to be discussed
    • What does it mean to be independent in the modern music industry?
    • Pros and cons of an independent approach
    • What working partnerships are most important for success in the independent industry?
    • How can someone get started working in the independent realm?
    • How do you maintain financial stability?

    12.50 - 13.30

    Working as a recording engineer

    Topics to be discussed
    • How do studios and engineers build a reputation and sustain continual contracts?
    • How important are relationships with record labels/artists?
    • How much of an engineer’s role is creative?
    • How important is time management?
    • Do different recording techniques have to be adopted for different projects?

    14.30 - 15.10

    Releasing your music

    Topics to be discussed
    • What options exist for releasing music?  Pros and cons
    • What copyright or legal considerations should you be aware of?
    • How can you make money from releasing your music?

    16.00 - 16.40

    Nurturing new talent

    Topics to be discussed
    • What format does the modern A&R process take?
    • Who is responsible for nurturing new talent in the music industry?
    • What is involved in the artist development process?
    • What role does the live industry / radio play?

    16.50 - 17.30

    Promoting your event

    Topics to be discussed
    • What are the most important aspects of promoting an event?
    • Where do people go wrong?
    • Is physical promotion still important?
    • How are people approaching digital promotion currently?

    Level 5 - The Orange Box

    11.40 - 12.10

    Pathways to Support - Mental Health in Music

    Help Musicians Scotland will host a discussion on Music Minds Matter; 24/7 support service for those working in the industry. They will also discuss how they support musicians and those working in the sector in times of crisis.

    12.20 - 12.40

    Education: What music courses are available?

    With courses in Sound Production, Music and Music Business, at New College Lanarkshire you can learn all the essential practical and theoretical skills necessary to work in the music industry, get music tuition and get practical experience and contacts.

    13.40 - 14.20

    Music & Entrepreneurship: Building a music education business

    Play Music Now's director, Andy Mclaughlan outlines a simple 5 step approach to build, maintain and develop your own music education business. By sharing case studies of several companies and individuals which Play Music Now have helped to develop, Andy demonstrates how and why their business model works.

    The talk explores some of the misconceptions about self-employment, teaching from home vs a studio, teaching privately vs in groups, delivering great customer service and more.

    15.20 - 15.50

    What does research have to do with computer music?

    In this short talk, Marcin will touch upon complex ways practice and research coexist and stimulate each other within the creative process of computer music composition.
    The documentation and context of the creative process are increasingly important when applying for funding. Additionally, the quest for 'originality' requires to seek new methods and tools of expression. In what sense can we talk about the creative process as research and how an examination of one's practice can foster new ways of artistic expression? As a point of departure, Marcin will reflect on two recent projects, a commission for CTM Festival / Deutschlandradio Kultur in Berlin and artistic research residency at The Centre for Media and Art (ZKM) in Karlsruhe.

    Level 4 - Gallery 4

    11.00 - 11.50

    Creative Direction with Blue May

    Blue May (Creative Director)
    Tom Glendinning (Ableton Certified Trainer/ELPHNT)
    The life of a creative director is a busy and varied one covering numerous angles of the arts world including sound, stage, production and more. Mercury Music Prize and Brit Award nominated Mixer, Producer and Creative Director, Blue May will discuss his beginnings in the industry and the steps that led him to become one of the most renowned and innovative figures in the industry working with some of the biggest names including Stormzy, Lily Allen and Kano.

    12.20 - 13.10

    Production and Sound Design with Secaina

    Secaina (Artist, Songwriter and Producer)
    Tom Glendinning (Ableton Certified Trainer/ELPHNT)
    As one of the few young female producers in the industry, Secaina has been blazing a trail in the UK music scene since the tender age of 18! Her first EP garnered support from the likes of Diplo and has also released popular cover remixes of Katy Perry, James Blake and Little Dragon. Join Secaina to find out how she began her career and the pivotal moments within it. She will also introduce you to her unique approach to production methods, sound design techniques and workflow within Ableton Live. Don’t miss this masterclass full of useful tips and tricks to kick start your next project.

    13.40 - 14.30

    'Max' your career

    Darren E Cowley (Isotonik)
    Tom Glendinning (Ableton Certified Trainer/ELPHNT)
    Max is making a huge impact on the way we think of and approach music production. Join us to discuss how Max for Live changed Tom and Darren’s careers and the way they perceived the audio industry forever. From Darren’s Isotonik Studio Collective to Thomas Glendinning’s (AKA ELPHNT) expert Ableton knowledge, it’s safe to say this session is in good hands. If you’re looking to get started in the Max for Live realm, then this is an excellent start.

    15.00 - 15.50

    Press Start to Begin

    Alkis Livathinos (Afield Audio)
    Tom Glendinning (Ableton Certified Trainer/ELPHNT)
    With numerous independent video game developers garnering vast amounts of awards and recognition, it’s safe to say the indie game industry is booming and sound designers are venturing into the digital realms to pave a career in sound design and composition. Alkis Livathinos will join Tom Glendinning to reveal how he got his break into the video game industry that led him to work on the award-winning 2016 indie game HUE.

    16.20 - 17.10

    Exploring the art of Mastering with Cass Irvine

    Cass Irvine (Wired Masters)
    Mike Greig (Ableton Certified Trainer)
    When it comes to mixing and mastering, there are few with the same experience, range and career span as Cass Irvine. For 20 years, he’s been the secret weapon for numerous loyal record labels, artists and producers. Now, Cass will share how the advancements in audio technology have changed his approach to mastering. Come along to pick up some good tips for preparing your tracks for mastering.

    Doocot Cafe - 5th Floor

    11.15 - 11.45

    Jack Alexander Bestow

    12.15 - 12.45

    Greg Henderson

    13.15 - 13.45

    Chloe Hawkins

    14.15 - 14.45

    November Lights

    15.15 - 15.45

    Toni woods

    The Old Hairdressers

    Level 6 - Viewing Platform

    This is a designated area for delegates and participants to network, connect and discuss any industry related issues. We encourage delegates to engage with participants in this area after each session. The Viewing Platform can only accommodate 10 people at a time so a queuing​ system will be in place. Access to this area is only via the elevator. This area will also be used between 4.15pm and 5.15pm as an additional opportunity to discuss any funding questions you have for Creative Scotland, Help Musicians UK, PRS Foundation and Scottish Music Industry Association.