The independent music sector has been hard hit by the pandemic with venue closures, cancelled concerts and uncertainty for future events. Un-Convention will present an in-depth analysis of the state of the independent music sector from industry experts such as Annabella Coldrick (Music Managers Forum), Lucie Caswell (Music Publishers Association), David Martin (Featured Artists Coalition) and Kelly Wood (Musicians’ Union).
The two-day event will highlight a wide variety of issues, from Brexit to the reopening of local music scenes. To discuss these issues, Un-Convention has enlisted the help of several expert panellists, from artists such as long-time champion of artist’s rights Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien to the multi-talented and innovative DJ/Producer Andy Carthy (Mr Scruff).
Alongside these valuable artist insights will be a host of prominent managers including Conrad Murray (Blossoms / The Coral / The Courteeners) and Trevor Dietz (Fontaines DC).
Un-Convention co-founder Jeff Thompson said:
“Our hope for the two days is that it gives people a chance to reconnect, to talk about how we move forward, and to discuss what we still need to fix. Our last event took place in early March 2020 and at the time there was a real optimism about the state of independent music, so really we’re hoping that we’re now at a point where we pick up some of those conversations again and see how we can work together to get artists, organisations, music scenes and the wider sector flourishing again.”
Un- Convention 2021 aims to help identify the issues that the independent music sector is facing and what to do moving forward to fix the industry’s problems. Through collaboration, innovation and as Thompson states, “camaraderie and community spirit,” Un-Convention 2021 sets out to establish a brighter future for the independent music sector.
The event will also be showcasing twenty brand new and innovative business ideas and models for the music industry JUMP European Music Market Accelerator has partnered Un-Convention with a number of European music festivals and a team of experts and mentors to help guide the next wave of emerging entrepreneurs towards a brighter future for the independent music sector.
Carousel secured coverage for the event across a number of trade and regional titles including Access All Areas, Event Industry News, Northern Chorus and About Manchester.
Un-Convention will be held at Manchester’s o2 Ritz and will be streamed live.
For more information please visit: www.unconventionhub.org
