First Wave of Wide Days Speakers Announced

We are pleased to announce the first speakers for Wide Days 2013, which takes place in Edinburgh on 10-11 April.

As in previous years, we have some of the leading players in their fields and we continue to provide a connection between different genres, as well as a bridge to the music scenes outside Scotland.

Representatives from the jazz, folk, electronica and hip hop scenes will discuss what they can learn from each other, and for those looking to tour in England, our indie promoter panel includes Club Fandango’s Martyn Boyle. Meanwhile, in addition to Mute Song’s David McGinnis and manger Jamie Gilmour, our publishing panel features Norwegian Kai Robøle. His company Waterfall Music has provided songs for top pop acts Britney Spears, Pussycat Dolls, One Direction and N Dubz.

Among the presentations is a guide to selling via digital stores and streaming services, hosted by EmuBands, while award-winning photographer, Jannica Honey, will team up with NME-snapper Euan Robertson, to explain what the majority of acts and many events get wrong [and how to get it right].

Two favourites from previous events, are also set to return. Scott Cohen, hosts a guide to key online services and Stevie Wonder’s manager, Keith Harris, will lead the PPL-sponsored Wide Initiation talk for first-time delegates.

Check out the full list of participants below, and look out for more great speakers in the coming weeks.  

Speakers:
Kai Robøle (Waterfall Music Publishing)
David McGinnis (Mute Song)
Jamie Gilmour (manager)
additional speakers TBA

Thanks to a diverse range of income streams, music publishing revenues continue to grow despite the decline in recorded music sales. Yet how the business works, is still a mystery for many. What makes a good publisher, what do they look for in a writer/composer, how do they develop talent and how has this area of the business changed in recent years? Sponsored by the MPA

Speakers:
Findlay Napier (singer-songwriter)
Cathie Rae (Scottish Jazz Federation)
Dave Hook (Stanley Odd)
additional speakers TBA

Artists from different music scenes increasingly appear at the same festivals, but what can they learn from each other? Why do traditional musicians get all the paying arts club gigs, are jazz musicians particularly good at getting grants, do pop acts get more press coverage and why are hip-hop musicians have such a long tradition of DIY releases?

Getting honest and constructive feedback can be one of the biggest challenges for emerging artists and managers. In A&R You Brave Enough, taste-makers listen to music submitted by attendees, and provide an appraisal. Find out more

Wide Initiation with PPL
An opportunity for new delegates to learn about how to make the best of Wide Days, get an introduction to PPL and pose that music business question you’ve always been afraid to ask. Find out more

Selling Music Online
Representatives from Scotland’s leading digital music distribution company, EmuBands, demonstrate how to prepare an online release and maximise its impact.  Find out more
 

Online Toolbox

Whether managing mailing lists, releasing music or selling tickets, there is an online platform offering a solution. Scott Cohen (The Orchard) looks at the essential services and what they offer. Find out more

Getting The Picture
A photo can make the difference between a token mention or a full page write up, but what makes a good press shot and where do so many artists, events and labels go wrong? Jannica Honey and Euan Robertson provide a step by step guide for providing suitable pictures and avoiding common mistakes. Find out more

Registering With Collection Societies
We Were Promised Jetpacks manager Jamie Gilmour provides a practical demonstration and guide to everything you need to know about registering with PRS, PPL and MCPS. Find out more