news AGENDA
Scotland to cash in as In The City comes to Glasgow
The music business is coming to Scotland, providing the chance of fame for new bands, free gigs for the
public and a feather in Glasgow's cap. ill-5“"
Words: Jonathan Trew
THE SIXTH In The City mUSIC industry conference is to take place in Glasgow for the first time in the event's history, bringing an expected £3 million to the city.
Running Sat 27 Sep~Wed I Oct and based at the Hilton Hotel, the event has two main strands. The Unsigned Band Competition sees unsigned groups from around the c0untry competing in Britain’s biggest music talent contest; While there are five days of talks, conferences, debates and seminars fOr delegates from the music industry.
Fifty-four bands from a field of 2000 have been chosen from around Britain to play live in competition. Each night of In The City, a selection of bands will play at McChuill’s, Strawberry Fields, The Arches, Polo Lounge, Cathouse and Betty’s Mayonnaise. All the gigs are open to the public and free.
The Unsigned Band Competition has a track record of unearthing new talent and played a large part in the success of bands such as Oasis, Reef, Babybird, Shed Seven, Placebo and Elastica. Even bands which do not Win the competition can benefit from it. Around half of those selected to compete have a record contract Within a year. Edinburgh's Magicdrive (see Famespotting, page 7) who played at In The City in Dublin last year, signed to Merc‘ury in February.
Eight 0r nine unsigned Scottish bands are thought to have been selected to play at In The City this year although no names had been released at the time of
’While In The City has never been a "wannabe" convention, we've always wanted to find a means of embracing the next generation of
music industry players.’ Phil Saxe
gomg to press.
The timing of Scotland’s first In The City, only a few days after the devolution referendum has not escaped the attention of the events organisers. 'This will be the first post-referendum opportunity to dismiss the ramifications of devolution for the Scottish music industry,' said Bruce Findlay, In The City's Scottish consultant.
;.- is.
One day of the event has been set aSIde to discuss the Scottish music. industry's future, with talks on the impact of devolution and how to persuade Scotland's musical talent to remain in Scotland.
Findlay believes the panels could help launch a lobbying body for the Scottish music industry. ’lt’s about how we are perceived in the eyes of the world,’ he said. 'In The City is an international event, prowding the perfect platform to debate not only local issues but also the Wider opportunities facing the Scottish music industry.'
While the majority of the talks are for industry delegates only, there Will be a Q & A session With Marcus Russell, the manager of Oa5is, which Will be open to young managers and muSical entrepreneurs Who Want to learn about aspects of band management
Masterclass: Oasis manager Marcus Russell to share the secrets of success
‘ . it; ' a W“ i..-
’Rather than simply talk to delegates from the music industry, Marcus requested that we throw the session open to young managers who are just starting in the busmess,’ said Phil Saxe, In The City’s A & R Director. 'While In The City has never been a "wannabe" convention, we've always wanted to find a means of embracing the next generation of music industry players.’
Young managers and musical entrepreneurs who wish to attend the session at 6pm on Mon 29 Sep at the Hilton should write to The List by Fri 19 Sep. We need a name, address, name of the band or musical enterprise that you look after and a phone number. We'll process the applications and send successful applicants a laminate for the event. Send it to: Wannabe On The List, The List, 14 High Street. Edinburgh, EH1 1TE. Alternatively e-mail us on editor@list.co.uk
And finally . . . Diana - grie
IT IS A STRANGE world when ordinary punters tell royalty what to do. However, the British public seems to be renegotiating its rights with the monarcy. Fine in principle, but when this means demanding a grieving family let their misery flow in full public glare, something's up. There has been nothing quite so obscene in the week following Princess Diana’s death as the sight and sound of individuals who believe they have the key to genuine grieving. Their limited knowledge of Diana came to them largely through the efforts of the same snappers these upstarts want crucified for her death. It’s enough to turn one into a raving monarchist.
WAS ELTON JOHN sticking a knife in the Yes, Yes campaign while moving
Elton: waxing lyrical
the nation to horrible tears with his revamped Candle In The Wind? What with ‘England' this and 'England' that replacing the Monroe references, all patriotic feelings will have been focused back on the
Union. Now the song will get to Number One, Blue Peter will have an appeal, and Tony will keep his favourite parish council under wraps for another seventeen years. Thanks, Elton.
RIGHTS MEAN DIFFERENT things to different people. Swedish furniture mogul Ikea has been exercising its right to talk cobblers. It claims to have proved conclusively that decor reveals your personality. Rigorous research shows that those with light wooden flooring are good at Scrabble, pink toilet seat owners are weak-willed compulsive eaters and, get this, cacti owners are 60% more likely to win church raffles. Ms Ilse Crawford of Elle Decoration believes it ‘confirms what our senses and our common sense tell us'. We at The List have a large plastic waste-bin, and the Ikea survey is in it. Make of that what you will.
ving public demand last rights
YOU WOULD THINK that if there are any rights at all, they would have to include the right not to be showered in exploding gravy. Bisto Foods has had to recall cartons whose contents were making attempts at freedom. It will of course have to come up with a new slogan. Aa-ah, blisters?
CUMBERNAULD'S LAURA NORRIS has an electrical snowstorm raging within‘ her cathode tube, and she wants it corrected. The problem can't be fixed because all the Channel 5 retuners have left the area. Question is, will she be able to make any more sense of the channel than those of us with a clear picture? The UN convention of human rights makes little mention of the right to have royalty 'share your grief'. But it does protect you from cruel and unusual punishment. Some might feel Channel 5's output falls into that category. (Brian Donaldson)
12—2559p 1997 rususrs