The first wave of acts have been announced for Sound City 2020, the UK’s leading independent festival and conference for new music.
We are proud to unveil the incredible Pale Waves as our first headliner for next year. One of the biggest names in Indie Pop, their gothic edge makes them one of the country’s most unique and exciting bands.
Also announced is Tim Burgess. Frontman of The Charlatans, he takes to Sound City as one of the finest songwriters the UK’s ever produced. The Blinders make their return after performing the set of the festival in 2018, and Stealing Sheep will also grace us with their mind-melting experimental pop.
The band on everybody’s lips The Lathums will also appear, alongside The Lottery Winners, Jamie Webster and The Mysterines.
The true value in Sound City however is in the talents you may be yet to hear. Now is the perfect time to get to know all of the 20+ artists announced so far with our Official Spotify playlist, which will be updated regularly from now until the festival.
Tickets are on sale tomorrow from 10am here.
This week marks the start of MaMA Festival & Convention! France’s leading music industry gathering, over 5000 industry professionals partake in 3 days of panels and workshops, sharing their insights and experiences.
Now in its 10th year, MaMA has a reputation for being at the forefront of innovative and collaborative thinking in an industry marked by constant transformation.
By night MaMA becomes a huge urban festival, taking over Paris’ Pigalle District to showcase the talents of over 120 French and International artists.
For more information visit: https://www.mamafestival.com
We have been nominated for UK Festival Awards ‘Best Small Festival’ and ‘Best Metropolitan Festival’ for Sound City 2019 and the voting lines are now OPEN. Vote here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ukfa2019.
Thank you to everyone who attended Sound City 2019 and made this year an unforgettable experience across the three days! We took over the Baltic Triangle with 300+ artists from over 26 countries with one of our most diverse lineups to date.
We proudly showcased incredible acts such as Loyle Carner, Mabel, Confidence Man, 草東沒有派對 No Party For Cao Dong, slowthai, Stella Donnelly and many many more who made Sound City 2019 one of our best years.
Sound City is where many artists perform for the first time and 2019 created great opportunities for emerging acts around the world to meet the music industry and make huge steps in their career. Not only do we put on an insane party across 3 days, we also deliver year after year an impressive lineup bringing the very best talents to Liverpool.
Winning either of these awards would be massive for us and a huge achievement for us and the city we love! Let’s do this, vote for us today! (Deadline 25th October)
Big thank you to Arts Council England for their continued support and funding!
Apply today for more information on how to secure your place: http://soundcitytraining.co.uk.
Applications for your act to take to Sound City 2020 this 1st - 3rd May are now open!
Your act could play amongst the very best breakthrough acts from the UK and all across the globe right in the heart of Liverpool.
Apply today to play at the UK’s leading festival and conference for new music and take to the renowned venues of Liverpool, home to the Cavern and music legends such as The Beatles.
Be like other musicians who have applied through Apply to Play, such as; Ed Sheeran, The 1975, Florence and the Machine, Stormzy, Grimes and many more…
What you waiting for? Be discovered by over 10,000 attendees and key industry figures.
Apply today on Gigmit here.
INES#talents #creativeeurope
We had hundreds of applications from bands up and down the country wanting to be a part of Sound City Korea 2019 and we can now proudly announce who will be joining Zandari Festa lineup with bands from across the globe.
Sound City is proudly working alongside Arts Council England and Fred Perry subculture to showcase the very best of UK’s talent right now at Zandari Festa. Zandari Festa takes place from the 26th - 29th September and has over 15,000+ music festival attendees and 3,000+ industry delegates taking to 22 music venues. Sound City help UK acts break into the Asian market to accelerate their profile worldwide. With the help of Arts Council England, it allows Sound City to continue to work in partnerships on such fantastic opportunities. Sound City is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
We are delighted to be taking over 7 impressive acts; The Sherlocks, Wooze, Too Many T’s, TxT, The Tea Street Band, Scarlet & Two Weeks In Nashville.
Discover the acts by listening to our Sound City Korea 2019 playlist: https://spoti.fi/2Z8kaKQ
Help Musicians UK is an independent charity which aims to make a meaningful difference to the lives of musicians. For nearly 100 years, the charity has provided a broad spectrum of help, support and opportunities to empower musicians of all ages, at any stage of their career, from times of great need to times of opportunity. The charity is uniquely placed to take a holistic approach, offering a lifetime of support when it’s needed most, to make a meaningful difference to the lives of musicians across the UK.
Help Musicians UK’s integrated programme offers Creative Development and Health & Welfare services, advocacy and initiatives around issues that affect musicians, such as mental health, hearing health, career progression and more. The charity builds strong, collaborative relationships within the music industry, the health sector and beyond, with a research-led approach that creates a rich evidence base from which to share insights, knowledge and best practice, influencing and improving working conditions for musicians across the sector.
Find out more: https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk
If you have performed on or own the rights to a recording, have written a song, or composed a piece of music, you could be entitled to royalties. This may be when the recording is used in public or broadcast on TV, or if your composition is played live or streamed. How to ensure you receive and maximise these royalties was the subject of a Sound City panel earlier this year with The Magic Gang and music licensing companies PPL and PRS for Music. If you missed it, here is an introduction to each company and how you can start earning royalties through them. PPL and PRS for Music both license the use of music and collect royalties in the UK and around the world, with each company representing different rights-holders:
PPL collects and distributes money on behalf of performers and recording
rights-holders (e.g. record companies and self-releasing artists) for the use of their recorded music when it is broadcast or played in public. These are not just well-known names; they include session musicians, orchestral players, self-releasing artists and small independent record labels. It is free to join, so it is best to become a member as soon as you have performed on a recording or are planning to release a recording.
PRS for Music collects and distributes money on behalf of songwriters, composers and music publishers for the use of their musical compositions and lyrics. This includes when they are streamed, downloaded, broadcast, reproduced, played live, or used in film & TV.
It is £100 to join as a writer and £400 to join as a publisher, so you should join as a member when you expect your royalty income to exceed these amounts.
You can be a member of both, or just one, depending on the types of royalties you are eligible to receive. For example, if you are a backing singer on a recording but do not have writing credits on that same track, you are eligible for royalties through PPL as a performer. However, if you wrote (or contributed to the composition of) that song and sung on the recording, you would be eligible for royalties as a performer and composer through both PPL and PRS for Music. Finally, if you own the copyright to the recording, you would also be eligible for recording rightsholder royalties through PPL, or mechanical and/or performing royalties through PRS for Music and MCPS.
Each organisation collects in the UK and abroad (through agreements with royalty collection companies in other countries) ensuring you are paid whenever your music is used around the world. This is important as your music may build a fan base outside of your home country. You need to give PPL or PRS for Music the right for them to collect internationally for you, which can be done when you join.
Both PPL and PRS for Music are here to support the UK music industry and do more than just collect and pay out royalties. Each supports the PRS Foundation, the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and talent development. The foundation has supported over 6,700 new music artists and projects since 2010. The Magic Gang has been one such recipient, receiving money from the International Showcase Fund to perform at Canadian Music Week in Toronto. PPL also gives back to the industry by supporting a number of other initiatives, such as the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine, The BRIT School, Music for Youth and Nordoff Robbins.
The two organisations support their members by representing their interests at
Government level and influencing policy to ensure best value for their rights,
providing music business education so that members can carefully and successfully manage their rights, and invests in new technology to advance the way intellectual property is remunerated.
For more information and to join PPL or PRS for Music, visit their websites.
PPL / PRS For Music
They are here to support you in your career and make sure you get paid.
Sound City will land in Ipswich on Friday 4 October for a one-day music industry conference and multi-venue festival – the first of its kind for the town.
Sound City Ipswich is a partnership between the company behind the famous Liverpool Sound City, Out Loud Music and the team at The Smokehouse music venue in Ipswich, with support from Arts Council England, Ipswich Borough Council and the University of Suffolk.
The new Sound City event will bring Ipswich to life with an evening of musical programming, fringe events and street food.
Ticket holders will be able to gig-hop between The Smokehouse, Manor Ballroom, Corn Exchange and Corn Hill, taking in the best of local, regional and national talent.
The Sound City Ipswich music industry conference will showcase the area as a destination for artists, labels, booking agents and other industry figures. It will provide opportunities for the local community to meet with industry professionals who will attend from across the UK to take part in the talks and networking sessions.
BBC Introducing in Suffolk will host a free to attend stage at the festival.
Visit www.soundcityipswich.co.uk to register your interest as tickets go on sale at 10am Friday.
We are beyond excited to share with you our Keynote speaker who will be joining us at Sound City MCR as a part of Distractions; Limina Immersive’s CEO Catherine Allen. Limina Virtual Reality Theatre screens creative & cultural virtual reality to the public all year round. Limini’s business clients include Google, Telefonica and The Oscars.
Allen’s work is known for bringing immersive technology to the broader public. Catherine’s work has shaped the VR sector and has recently been recognised by the Marie Claire Future Shapers awards. Including receiving a BAFTA in 2014 for her contribution to the Disney and so many more notable achievements to date!
We can’t wait to have Catherine Allen join us at the Science and Industry Museum next Friday. Be sure to join us https://bit.ly/SoundCityMCR.
This year we have teamed up with Pride of Liverpool where exceptional acts such as Little Boots, Saara Aalto, Katy Alex & more will be taking to the Barclays Bank stage on the 27th July.
We are beyond delighted to be a part of Pride of Liverpool where we can showcase the very best diverse local and international acts but also celebrate yet another fantastic event which makes Liverpool the great city that it is. ❤️
Apply today to a be a part of Sound City Korea 2019 where we take artists from all over the UK across the globe to showcase the very best emerging talent! Closing date is midday on July 12th http://www.gigmit.com/liverpool-sound-city
Liverpool’s creative art scene takes an exciting turn. With bold use of colour, and unique artistic techniques, these two artists bring an individual interpretation of events in nature.
Come and see Carys Kilduff and Colette McDonald’s amazing art work as you pass through wristband exchange at Sound City 2019!
ATTENTION!
GRAPHICS DESIGNERS!
Watch out for the new kids on the block.
LJMU brings the best and brightest new designers in Liverpool to Sound City 2019! We have:
All joining Sound City for a very special combination of art and music within Liverpool’s biggest independent festival.
See if you can spot their work on you way through wristband exchange and tag us in all your pics!
Zutons lead singer Dave McCabe will help to launch this year’s Sound City music festival with a special performance at Queen Avenue in Liverpool.
His new ensemble Silent K will perform alongside several up-and-coming acts in the picturesque Victorian arcade on Friday 3 May, following the annual Sound City+ music industry conference and prior to the start of the two-day Sound City music festival.
Also appearing are Paris Youth Foundation, Katy Alex, SPQR, Monks, Ali Horn, Harry Miller and Jimmy & the Revolvers!
Whilst entry is free, tickets must be claimed in advance. Get them here!
Read more about Bruntwood’s involvement with Sound City here.
Following on from a difficult start with the tragic and untimely death of founding member and guitarist George Russell the time has now come for Phobophobes to take hold of what looks to be a promising future.
Phobophobes is now as settled as a band as they have ever been and the 2018 debut LP “Miniature World” served notice that a new era had begun. From this they have gained more and more attention. Lauren Laverne, Steve Lamacq and Iggy Pop have all regularly played the band’s tracks on BBC 6 Music, while the album was mixed by Youth, of Killing Joke. Since then they have gone on to record their second album with Youth, due for UK release via Ra-Ra-Rok Records in the Autumn of 2019, and have fully embraced the return of previous bassman Elliot Nash, this time on lap-steel and baritone guitar.
Without shadow of a doubt Phobes is a group that comes back each time stronger than before and we look forward to what they have in store..
Onstage – 24 Kitchen Street – 19:45 – Friday 3rd May
Competitive Salary Salary based on experience plus bonuses
Sound City is located in the heart of the infamous Baltic District in Liverpool. One of the most exciting and diverse places in the UK to work right now.
Sound City began in 2008 as part of Liverpool’s Capital of Culture Award celebrations. It has since established itself as the UK’s leading independent UK metropolitan emerging music and business conference.
Over the past 12 years we have designed, delivered, marketed and hosted prestige events in cities over 3 continents that range from bespoke client curated events and product/service launches to full music and arts festivals and creative and digital industries conferences. We have worked across the consumer fields of music, fashion, art and design, lifestyle, education, health and well-being and all of the business to business interventions that each of these environments cut across.
Sound City are a trusted and reputable global brand. We have fully operational offices in key international territories including New York, Beijing, Shanghai, Berlin and of course our HQ in the legendary musical city of Liverpool, England. Together with our partners and global operations teams we are perfectly positioned to design and manage the events and campaigns we have successfully delivered for clients in major global territories. Our client list is world class.
The Role
We are looking for a Sponsorship Sales Manager with a proven track record to join this fast-growing business working within the music and entertainment sector (live music, conferences, records, publishing and management).
You will be selling across our portfolio of services and products that are both B2B and B2C related in both the UK and internationally.
We are looking for a commercially driven candidate with an entrepreneurial mindset who is looking to make the next step in their career into an autonomous role with large amounts of responsibility.
We are dynamic, innovative and young which gives you unrivalled opportunities for development, personal growth, travel and succession.
As a fast-growing company there is lots of scope to grow within the business and your voice will be heard from day 1.
Key Attributes
The successful candidate will have the following attributes
• Self starter with an unmistakable entrepreneurial attitude and driven by success
• Strong rapport building skills with clients and colleagues. Ability to work well within inter departmental teams
• Main proficiency should be in conference / events sponsorship sales - other backgrounds considered for exceptional candidates
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in sales (applicants with high performing history in delegate sales may apply)
• A strong work ethic, with an ability to work well under pressure
• The ability to go into the market and generate revenue from new clients and new sectors whilst managing existing key accounts
• Must understand the value of building strong long term relationships with clients to maximise the revenue earning capacity
• Basic tech skills required to gain proficiency with various cloud based tools that we utilise
• Should display resilience and adaptability whilst working under pressure
• Good problem solving skills
• Ability to manage workloads, prioritise effectively and draw on resources available to complete tasks at hand
• Skilled at influencing decision makers and networking at a senior level
• Ability to articulate ideas clearly, logically and persuasively
Key Responsibilities
• Excel in securing sponsorship revenues
• Develop, maintain and expand relationships with clients across the industry
• Manage the sale from lead generation to on-site delivery at the event
• Liaise closely with colleagues across the team
• Account management of leading sponsors
• Maintain and manage an up to date pipeline at all times
• Represent Sound City in line with the core values of the company
The Offer
• Opportunity to sell across the board including new and established events
• All expense paid to relevant events to generate business (UK and abroad)
• Uncapped commission and rapid progression for the right candidate
• Competitive salary with market leading bonus system
Deadline for applications is Wednesday 17th April
We are looking to interview candidates w/c 22nd April
Applications with well thought out cover letters will be prioritised. Please send to hello@soundcity.uk.com with the subject line ‘Sponsorship Sales Manager’
Here We go 👀… We are delighted to announce our final wave of acts!
Joining us in the Baltic our special guests The Night Café, Clean Cut Kid will also join us on the Sunday as we bring you the best from our city!
slowthai, Aystar, Ms Banks & more play the levis stage & the Bella Union stage is complete featuring the wonderful Ren Harvieu, Liela Moss, Pom Poko unofficial & Penelope Isles 😎
With a 100 more they join a line-up already featuring Loyle Carner, shame, Confidence Man for a huge bank holiday weekend ¾/5 May!
We’re just around the corner now dont miss it All ticket types now running low so get yours today - https://bit.ly/SoundCity2019x💥
CD Baby will be taking over Best Before @ Constellations on Saturday 4th of May for a day of artist showcases, happy hour drinks and DIY artist education sessions featuring many excellent industry speakers.
Our mission is simple: we help musicians make money from their music. Today there are more ways to do that than ever before.
As our name suggests, CD Baby started in 1998 as an online CD store — and we’ve grown to become:
Join us from 2pm when CD Baby will be hosting DIY artist educational sessions that will teach you successful release strategies, how to cut through the noise and get press as a DIY artist, and the ins and outs of playlists.
From 5.30pm there will be amazing live performances, showcasing the best of CD Baby and local talent.
Line-up
Black Futures – 9.30pm
Bethlehem Casuals – 8.30pm
Pearl Charles – 7.45pm
Deacon Brody – 7pm
The Ambition 6.15pm
Gazel 5.30pm
Horus Music is a fully independent digital distribution and label services company that was honoured by Her Majesty the Queen and the British Government with the Queens Award in International Trade due to their extensive work around the globe to the benefit of artist and labels they represent. They have in house marketing teams in both the UK and in Asia that can facilitate playlisting campaigns, digital PR, radio plugging and also an in house graphics department that can create custom artwork for their clients. Horus Music launched their sister company Anara Publishing in 2017. Anara Publishing provides a simple solution for independent songwriters around the world to have music publishing and sync licensing representation.
Sound City is proud to be partnership with Horus Music. As official curator, Horus Music represents unique & excited line up Elephant Trees, Vigilantes, Her burden at Hobo Kiosk both Saturday & Sunday!
Sound City is excited to be also in association with Horus Music on a conference panel launching on Friday 3rd May at the British Music Experience. In discussion of Touring the Asian Music Circuit. This panel will aim to provide tips & tricks, advice and share stories on how to enter and break a market where the languages are different, the cultures are different and the overall rule-set are all vastly different to the west.
