generator the business of songwriting series

Generator's Business of Songwriting with Dan Donnelly

The UK’s Leading music development agency Generator, continues their series. Wednesday 23rd September 6.00pm The Core, Science Central, Newcastle.

Next up in Generator’s series ‘The Business of…’ we focus on Songwriting and the business behind it. Joining us to offer practical advice and first-hand experiences are songwriter manager, Will Frank (SBW Music) who represents Ivor Novello and Grammy winning songwriter Cathy Dennis among others and Rebecca Jones known for her collaborations with Groove Armada and her own work as Saint Saviour. Chairing the Generator discussion and asking the all important questions is singer-songwriter Dan Donnelly, who also heads up our Gateshead centre. Dan is also a member of The Wonder Stuff.

Generator’s ‘The Business of… Music Production’ Highlights

Last night we took an enlightening look at the world of Music Production. Joining us for a thoroughly engaging discussion were producers Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey, Anna Calvi, Bat for Lashes), Matthew Johnson (Hookworms, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Joanna Gruesome) and Andrew Archer (Trafik).

With a mixture of anecdotes and informative information, the trio, whose experience of the industry varied and covered all levels and many genres, helped attendees grasp the role of a modern producer and how to earn income from the craft.

Here’s some golden nuggets that came out of the Generator discussion:

  • Remember you’re working for the band on their record, offer advice and guidance but don’t impose your ideas.
  • There’s more to the role than purely the creative skills, to be efficient you need to learn about project management. You also need people skills and on occasion, be a mediator during band squabbles.
  • As a producer, if you play on a recording or are named as ‘eligible studio producer’, make sure you register with PPL to generate revenue from airplay and public performances of the record. Forms can be found on the PPL website
  • Remixing is becoming an increasingly valuable revenue stream and can generate leads for future work and creative collaborations.
  • It shouldn’t be all about making money, remember why you got into music and do it because you have a passion for it.

Visit the website .


With Love From Liverpool, Syria Refugee Fundraiser

With Love From Liverpool, Syria Refugee Fundraiser

Saturday the 19th September at the Echo Arena in Liverpool

With Love from Liverpool, a massive fundraising concert hosted by award-winning British comic, John Bishop, is to be held at Echo Arena on Saturday 19 September, 2015.

Leaders, musicians and businesses alike from across the city have rallied together to host this one-off concert in an urgent bid to support the desperate plight of thousands of refugee families fleeing from war. All profits will be donated to British Red Cross.

The incredible line-up includes The Farm, OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark), John Power, Mic Lowry, The Christians and members of CAST, Space, The Icicle Works and Sense of Sound. Further artists are to be confirmed in the coming days.

John Bishop, the much-loved Liverpool comedian, will be hosting the concert alongside legendary BBC Radio 2 broadcaster, Janice Long.

Janice Long said:
“I’ve been blown away by my hometown’s reaction to this crisis. People across Liverpool have shown that they really care in hundreds of different ways, and they’ve come together to do what they can to ease this terrible situation. It’s great to see the music industry coming out in force to do what they do best; put on a great show and raise as much money as we can. It’s great to see so many brilliant bands adding their names to what is an incredible line-up of talent.

“I can’t wait to stand on the stage, looking out at an arena full of generous people who really care about what is going in the world and who will have a great time raising money for this important cause. We need as many people as possible to buy tickets – I know it’s going to be a night to remember!”

Peter Hooton, lead singer of The Farm, said:
“When we were approached to perform at the concert, we immediately said ‘yes’ – it was a no-brainer, no matter how short the notice was. We’ve all been moved by what is a humanitarian crisis and we’ve all got a role to play in supporting those in need. I just know Liverpool and its people will come out in force to support this concert – it’s what we do, it’s who we are.”

Liverpool set the example for the rest of the country just last week when Mayor Joe Anderson made national news by becoming the first UK Mayor to actively offer to house refugees in the city.

Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, said:
“Liverpool’s response to last week’s horrifying revelations surrounding the ongoing refugee crisis has been nothing short of overwhelming. When it comes to reaching out and offering solidarity to the families whose homes have been ripped away from them, Liverpool is leading the way. Now, Liverpool is stepping up to the plate once more with the ‘With Love From Liverpool’ concert. We’re using our reputation for world-class music to now help save lives across the globe.”

All proceeds from the ‘With Love From Liverpool’ concert will be made to British Red Cross, who are carrying out crucial work across the continent. Their activities include giving food, water and medical aid to refugees arriving in the continent and ensuring that families stay together throughout the long and gruelling journey. They are also working with search and rescue teams in Italy, saving families from drowning during the perilous crossing.

Tina Robinson, senior community fundraiser for Merseyside, said:
“The surge in awareness and support over the past week has been astounding, and I’m grateful that so many people have finally realised the extent of the grave situation. These people aren’t coming to Europe for a ‘better life’, but simply to stay alive. They are refugees, fleeing from war.

The work that we’re carrying out is varied and addresses a number of critical issues. In addition to providing on-the-spot immediate aid, we’re also guiding refugees through the asylum process, making sure that families stay together and that children don’t get separated from their parents during the chaotic journey across the continent.”

Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult
Line up subject to change
To find out more visit the website.

AMS News.


scotland graduation ams academy of music

We look forward to our first Scotland Graduation next week!

Student’s from our Scotland Centre’s to Graduate next week!

The very first AMS Scotland graduation will take place. Students from our Edinburgh and Glasgow centres will graduate with their respective degrees. We are very proud. We have selected graduates for our first ever awards and they will be handed out at graduation next week!

This year we have:
· 81 students graduating from the BA (Hons)Performance Industries
· 37 students graduating from the Fd in Performance
· 10 students graduating from the Fd in Creative Music Production

This is a very exciting time and we all look forward to seeing our students receive their qualifications and awards! Watch this space for photo’s from the event.

The latest from Edinburgh:

“September is on the horizon, and we’re still very much open for applications for the new academic year. Edinburgh is one of our 2 AMS centres in Scotland, and could prove to be an excellent choice if you’re looking for an exciting, buzzing city to take your musical study to the next level. From free short courses which we change and mix up each semester, to our hugely popular HNC/HND in Music and our BA Hons in Music and Sound, AMS Edinburgh have a great range of courses for you to sink your musical teeth into.”