Some of the top decision makers in rock music met last week at the inaugural conference for rock music — ROCKCOMM London 2015 — held at the Rich Mix Cultural Foundation in Shoreditch, East London, UK.
Hosted by Seven Webster and Steve Wolfe (from 7pm Management) this two-day conference brought together representatives from across the whole world of rock music.
Delegates were invited to take part in a series of electrifying and stimulating sessions.
After a warm welcome to the excellent location, the delegates gathered to participate in several lively discussions and networking sessions.
These included talks on how best to use PR strategies, the developing opportunities for live performance, looking at how bands can benefit from branding techniques, and how artists can get maximum exposure on radio and TV.
An interesting panel discussion with several veteran music-managers including Ian Johnson (Enter Shikari) Danny Bowes (Thunder) Martijn Swier (Within Temptation) Jamie Osman (Lower Than Atlantis) David Rowell (Feeder) and Andy Farrow (Opeth) was one of the highlights of Day One.
These executives explained the different styles of music management.
The atmosphere of the conference was very optimistic, with delegates and panelists agreeing that, although the industry faces enormous challenges, and old business models have become redundant or replaced, rock music is still a vibrant force and can be profitable.
Industry professionals and artists were advised that they should remain flexible and seek out and explore new opportunities when they arise.
Conference participants stressed the importance of maintaining and promoting the unique relationship that rock music has between band and fan.
And with that in mind, live music promotion, marketing and brand-building were discussed in depth.
Delegates and speakers agreed that bands and artists needed to take more responsibility for their own careers — especially when starting out.
However, musicians could be assured that professional help, advice and support would be available to them, and there was a wide range of highly capable and very experienced talent waiting to assist them to get where they needed to go… And open doors for them.
ROCKCOMM 2015 ended on a very positive note with the principles of maintaining cooperation, values and ongoing dialogue agreed by all.
On Tuesday evening Believe Digital and Fintage House hosted a party at Bar Oslo with performances by Chemia, The One Hundred, The Qemists and Black Spiders.
Partners of the conference included Rights management group Fintage House, leading European digital distributor Believe Digital, live concert promoters DHP family, ecommerce platform Music Glue, Copyright, Royalties and Licensing Society PRS for Music, the Musicians Union, 7pm Management, Central Press PR and the rockers favourite German digestif maker Jägermeister.
Words: @neilmach 2015 ©
Main Image: Skindred Crowd pic by @neilmach at RedFest 2014
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