WoF 08 Exporting Music Seminar

Sat, 8 March 2008, 12-5.30pm, Free
CPIT Jazz School Auditorium, High St, Christchurch.

Having provided the opportunity for expat New Zealanders and others excelling in the international music industry to share their unique expertise and perspective with audiences in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch in previous years, the NZ Music Commission in association with CHART is pleased to announce the Warrant Of Fitness seminars for 2008.

Tapping into the knowledge base that exists overseas provides an opportunity for anyone working with – or in - a band to learn more about what will make an act internationally roadworthy, with each session examining skills and attributes that are critical to offshore success, and discussing techniques and strategies to maximise your chances abroad.

These free seminars will be of use to anyone involved in planning offshore music activities - especially those applying to the NZ Music Commission’s Outward Sound scheme - and also to those wanting to know more about pathways to success working within the music industry. Subjects covered in the WOF seminars include the standard of professionalism expected in the industry, differences between various international territories, developing and maintaining international contacts, servicing of music to media and industry, how best to win converts to your music, and (of course) mapping the ever-changing terrain of the music industry.

Some shots of WoF 2008

   
(Steve Newall (NZMC), Rev Moose (CMJ), Julian Carswell (Tour Mger) & Mike Holdsworth (Anothersound))

International Speakers
This year’s line up of speakers boasts a wealth of experience in diverse areas of the global music industry, with the sessions featuring a mix of international expertise and local perspectives in order to make them insightful and relevant for New Zealanders working with music.

This year’s international guests for Warrant Of Fitness are:

Mike Holdsworth - Anothersound
A Kiwi who has resided and worked in the music industry in London for 24 years, Mike is director of Anothersound, a music management and international consultancy company whose clients include Beth Orton and Cat Power. Mike ran Matador Records in Europe for 12 years where highlights included a UK gold disc for Interpol’s “Antics”. Earlier history runs through Some Bizarre Records and Management and Real Time international consultancy and the glory days of Rough Trade Distribution.

Rev. MOOSE - CMJ
A legend in the college radio industry and an icon among emerging artists, Rev. Moose has worked with thousands of rising musicians. Since joining CMJ Network in 2005, Moose successfully redeveloped the 30-year-old brand as a relevant entity in the digital era and spearheaded the growth of all consumer and trade publications, marketing initiatives, online assets and live events, including the annual CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival – New York City’s largest music festival. As vice president of content at CMJ Network, he oversees North America's leading source for emerging music. and also serves as Editor-in-Chief of CMJ New Music Report (NMR).

Julian Carswell - Tour Manager Cansei De Ser Sexy
Julian was tour manager for the Mint Chicks for two years as well as a promoter touring international artists in NZ, including Brazilian act Cansei De Ser Sexy (CSS) in early 2007. CSS subsequently hired him as their tour manager and he has spent the last year on the road with the band on a mammoth world tour taking in 190 shows in 31 countries, the highlights of which included making a bright, colourful splash on the festival circuit, sharing a stage with Gwen Stefani on her extensive European tour, and finishing up with a headlining tour of the UK with Justice as support. Julian is currently preparing for the band’s return to Auckland for shows with Glass Candy in late March.


Christchurch Schedule

Session 1 – MIDDAY: Managing From Afar/Making Noise Globally
With Mike Holdsworth and Rev. Moose

Mike Holdsworth talks about how to establish and maintain international contacts when starting from scratch. He'll discuss how much can be done without leaving NZ, the degree of planning and progress you should have in place before going offshore, and what tools are ideal to take with
you. Other topics will include examining the most important services to pay for (publicity, radio plugging etc) and how much you can expect them to cost.

Mike Holdsworth and Rev. Moose also discuss how you best going about making an impact in an increasingly saturated marketplace. With so many avenues to promote music, be they media, websites, or festivals, are there certain places you should focus on where more of the industry pays attention, and how much should you deviate from your plan when an opportunity arises? They'll also look at how hard it is to get noticed, and whether giving your music away for free to the public actually works.

Session 2 – 2:00PM: International Touring/Market vs Market
With Julian Carswell, Mike Holdsworth and Rev. Moose

Julian Carswell and Rev. Moose take you through setting up a tour from afar. They'll discuss how it works with (or without) a booking agent or promoter, parts of the world easier or more profitable to tour than others, and whether to be on someone else's tour or go it alone. Find out what it is actually like out there on the road, the opportunities or problems that can crop up mid-tour, and how you go about dealing with them in that environment.

Julian Carswell and Mike Holdsworth also discuss some of the key differences between various markets. They'll look at how deals, promotion, trends, and the industry in general may differ from country to country, and which ones may be the best starting points for your act. Some big territories may have tastemaker regions within them, while some countries take their cues from others - but what are they? Learn more about these key differences to best take advantage of them.

Session 3 – 4:00PM: The Wrap Up

With Julian Carswell, Mike Holdsworth and Rev. Moose

All three of our guests will take part in this final session, allowing them to emphasise their main points, talk about what they've come across during their time in NZ, and share their final thoughts. They will also be asked to prepare a 5 minute plan for an artist presented to them to illustrate some of the topics previously addressed.

Register Your Place!
Additional participants will be announced shortly – and in the interim dates and venues for the seminars are below. While the sessions are free, we recommend booking your seat by emailing wof@nzmusic.org.nz. More details, including the full programme, will be sent out shortly and also available on the NZMC website www.nzmusic.org.nz.

CHRISTCHURCH - Saturday 8 March
CPIT Jazz School
Midday - 5.30 PM (3x Sessions Daily)

AUCKLAND - Wednesday 5 & Thursday 6 March
SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre
Midday - 5.30PM (3x Sessions Daily)

WELLINGTON - Friday 7 March
Wellington City Art Gallery
Midday - 5.30PM (3x Sessions Daily)

www.nzmusic.org.nz