Welsh Music Foundation

Since its formation in 2000, Welsh Music Foundation has been involved in a variety of projects, events and key partnerships. All of them have been an essential part of the development of the music industry in Wales.

Here we highlight some of those achievements.

2008

April 2008
Making It In The Music Industry. The second of a series of careers events takes place in the BBC building in Swansea. With the aim of informing those who want to get involved in the music industry by bringing speakers to share their experience, speakers include Paul McFadden of Bang Postproduction, My Kung Fu label manager Carl Morris and Sound Engineer / tour manager Tom Rogers. Places are over subscribed.

March 2008
TV 'Speed dating' event matching Wlesh TV production compnaies with media composers and Labels with varied catalogue met at Clwb Ifor Bach for an invaluble afternoon of number-swapping.

March 2008
The second New Music From Wales party took place at SxSW. Creative Business Wales and Welsh Music Foundation worked to raise the Welsh profile at the festival and help market Welsh bands participating in the festival. The artists invited to play at the festival were also supported by Wales Arts International who have given financial support to the acts to help cover the costs of visas, travel and accommodation. Wales exhibited on the UK British Music stand and will hosted a party with acts Cate Le Bon, People in Planes, The Victorian English Gentlemens Club,Christopher Rees, all compered by Radio 1 DJ, Bethan Elfyn. Other welsh acts playing were Neon Neon (Gruff Rhys from Super Furry Animals & American producer, Boom Bip), Los Campesinos! And Duffy. The venue was packed and the event and general Welsh presence received fantastic feedback.

March 2008
Making It In The Music Industry. The first of a series of careers events takes place in the Atrium, Cardiff, with the aim of informing those who want to get involved in the music industry by bringing speakers to share their experience. Speakers include composer John Hardy, Plug Two owner John Rostron and Sound Engineer / tour manager ‘French’ Dan Hermonet. Places are over subscribed.

February 2008
WMF launch Create, Retain Exploit! a pilot funding scheme that provides microfunding to retain and exploit music IP in Wales. A total of £25k is available in repayable grants to Stakeholder music companies looking for match funding in an IP based project.

February 2008
A special Stakeholder meeting held at the Wales Millennium Centre saw the Music Management practitioners who passed the course receive their certificates. The evening also featured Keith Harris – PPL Director of Performers and UK manager of Stevie wonder, in conversation with Stuart Worthington – formally of MMF Training and deliverer of the course. The room was at full capacity for an enjoyable and informative evening.

February 2008
You, Your Music and the Digital Revolution. Seminar held in NEWI, Wrexham looking at how to utilise new technologies to maximum effect. In asscoiation with Musicians' Union. Speakers include Andrew Dubber (www.newmusicstrategies.com), Clive Gardner (we7.com) and Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets).

January 2008
Following a pre-event with Phil Patterson of UKTI, WMF and CBW once more are part of the British at Midem Stand, taking with them this year nine companies that have recieved funding through CBW for the trip. A great success for all the companies. Two Welsh acts also play showcase events at Midem. A double CD showcasing the best acts across the genres belonging to Welsh labels and publishers is also compiled and distributed throufghout the trade fair.

January 2008
Two days of seminars and discussions aimed specifically at the Welsh language music industry take place at Chapter. The most successful of the Welsh langugae conferences to date speakers include Rhodri Marsden (The Independent), Jim Sanders (7 Digital), Andrew Dubber (New Digital Strategies), Rob Nicholls (S4C), Sian Gwynedd (Radio Cymru) Ceri Sherlock (BBC Wales).

2007

November 2007
Music & Film Day held at The Point in Cardiff Bay. A bustling venue hears how to submit music for film and then a ‘speed dating’ opportunity after gives companies the chance to speak and network with filmmakers and production companies. The day was chaire by Ivan Chandler, Managing Director of Musicalities Ltd (www.musicalities.co.uk), who provided an introduction to music copyright and the licensing of music for film. Other speakers included Gethin Scourfield (Film Producer), Hywel Evans (Synchronisation Manager, EMI UK + Ireland), John Hywel Morris (MCPS / PRS Alliance) and John Hardy (Music Composer).

October 2007
Ten music companies have secured funding (via International Business Wales, administered by WMF and CBW) to attend Womex in Seville, October 2008, including Sain who once again have their own stand. Pre-event is held for these companies allowing them to find out more about what to expect at the trade event and ensure that they are fully prepared.

October 2007
Note by Note – the Music Industry Explained. The London based music industry roadshow and 1-to-1 surgery (including PPL, PRS-MCPS, AIM, BPI, MPA) came to North Wales. THeld in Wrexham live music venue Central Station.

October 2007
Cardiff Stakeholder meeting takes place. Representatives from London-based IP organisation Own-It speak to a packed Clwb Ifor Bach as details of a new music IP micro fund developed by WMF are announced.

September 2007
Compiled the first international CD showcasing Welsh artists and labels aimed specifically for the Womex festival. Worked alongside Creative Business Wales to develop a Wales stand and branding at Womex for the first time and with UKTi to and Wales Arts International to support a welsh artists playing at a British @ Womex reception event.

September 2007
Organised a stand for Welsh labels and acts to sell their merchandise at in the Mold Eisteddfod (Maes B and Welsh Language Board gigs) and Gwyl Macs Festival.

August 2007
Co-ordinated and chaired the National Partnership meeting (to look at the strategy between Welsh language music scene and the promotion of the language among youth) in Mold, Flintshire to coincide with the National Eisteddfod. WMF launches new Welsh language newsletter an bi-lingual branding.

June 2007
Held a Stakeholder meeting in Cardiff with guest speakers from the Arts Council and Musicians’ union with particular focus on the new arts Council strategy for Music.

January 2007
Co-hosted the British at Midem Stand with WMF working there throughout the event. Seven Welsh companies also attend including Sain with their own stand. Co-ordinated financial assistance (via International Business Wales) for the companies attending. WMF also liased with the events team to arrange that Richard James (My Kung Fu) played British Showcases at the event as well as have a member of staff on the stand. Produced special international CD, New Music From Wales, to be distributed at the event.

January 2007
Launched the new WMF website that has been in development throughout 2006. The new site has a dedicated Stakeholder section containing information including release schedules, full profiles of stakeholders and various research documents exclusively available to Stakeholders. Also features ‘composers for media’ section to encourage the use of more Welsh music in broadcasting by having composer profiles in one place.

2006

December 2006
Four new Board members appointed to represent Stakeholders: Rhys Mwyn, Dafydd Roberts, John Rostron and Henry Blunt.

December 2006
Held music industry careers information events in North and South Wales. Creative and Cultural Skills went through the different job roles and access to opportunities in the industry. Also speaking at these events were professionals currently working in the music industry to give a personal take on how they got involved in music business. In association with Careers Wales.

November 2006
Assisted in bringing the UKTI Roadshow to Wales (consisting of AIM, BPI, PPL, PRS-MCPS and UKTI) by arranging venue and taking care of arrangements for the event. Open to all music companies it gave them the opportunity to find out about these organisations in one day and also the chance to talk to representatives about their individual circumstances. Full translation and bilingual info packs were available.

November 2006
Following the S4C event, 12 Record labels and media composers met with 12 representatives of different departments of the BBC for ‘speed dating’ style networking event. The aim being to get more broadcasters using Welsh catalogue.

November 2006 - March 2007
Brought the first in-depth Music Management Training course to Wales. In association with Creative and Cultural Skills, delivered by MMF (Music Managers’ Forum) and accredited by NEWI (North East Wales Institute). Delivered two days a month and covering all aspects of the music industry, speakers included artist managers Peter Jenner (Pink Floyd, Billy Bragg) and Keith Harris (Stevie Wonder)

November 2006
Co-organised a ‘Music in Film’ seminar as part of the Cardiff Film Festival and in association with Creative Business Wales. An afternoon discussion on best practice of getting your music used on film and how film makers should go about approaching Welsh labels and composers

October 2006
Secured a reduced delegate rate for Welsh music companies attending In The City, Manchester. Designed and printed flyers advertising the showcases featuring Welsh bands (The Gentle Good, Cate Le Bon, Texas Radio Band, Frommars). Flyers distributed in delegate bags and sent in advance to selected A&R attending the event.

September 2006
Co-hosted the British at Popkomm stand and offered the opportunity for Welsh music companies to attend the trade event as part of the stand. WMF member of staff worked on the stand throughout the event.

September 2006
Held second annual 2-day Welsh Language Music Conference at Chapter Arts, Cardiff. Supported by the Welsh Language Board, the event covered running a label, press and promotion, digital distribution, running live events and the future of the Welsh partnership with speakers including Ian Bell from 7 Digital, Esyllt Williams from Ciwdod and Dan Stacey from 679 Recordings.

August 2006
Produced album, ‘Dan Y Cownter’ (Under the Counter) with the Welsh Language Board. The CD contains 10 tracks by Welsh language acts picked by Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens and is aimed at audiences that do not normally get access to Welsh language music as an introduction to the scene. Also co-ordinated a stall at the Eisteddfod giving labels the opportunity to sell records and merchandise.

June 2006
Hosted seminar on marketing music offline in Cardiff with speakers Bart McDonagh of Domino Recordings (the home of Franz Ferdinand), Graeme Beattie of Chemikal Underground (featuring Scottish bands Arab Strap and The Delgados).

2005

June 2005
Hosted Open day with S4C and Welsh language music representatives on how to get their music used in TV, radio and film. Set up in a ‘speed dating’ format to encourage networking and the exchange of ideas.

April 2005
Brought the first professional music managers’ training to Wales with the intensive MMF (Music Managers’ Forum) training weekend.

March 2005
In 2005 WMF became the only music development agency to be asked to join the MBF (Music Business Forum).

March 2005
Worked in partnership with Walestrade International to take a delegation of Welsh music SMEs to SXSW, Texas.

February & March 2005
Organised two seminars in Cardiff and Bangor on the New Licensing Act. Guest speakers included Feargal Sharkey of the Live Music Forum, representatives from SIA and DCMS and Local Authority Licensing Officers.

January 2005
Worked alongside Walestrade International and the BPI to take 9 Welsh music companies to the Midem Music Conference in Cannes.

January 2005
Worked in partnership with Walestrade International to host a seminar regarding International Sales. Guest speakers were Richard King (International Manager, The Leaf Label & consultant to Domino Recording Co.) and Phil Patterson (Association of Independent Music).

2004

December 2004
Organised a free day-long legal surgery in partnership with Sheridans music solicitors, for Welsh based music SMEs.

October 2004
Organised a two-day Welsh language music conference in Aberystwyth, attended by over 50 Welsh music companies.

September 2004
Worked in partnership with Walestrade International to take a delegation of 15 Welsh music SMEs to Popkomm, Berlin.

August 2004
Arranged a discounted delegate rate for Welsh SMEs wishing to attend In the City, Manchester 2004.

September 2004
Produced a compilation CD of music from Wales to distribute at Popkomm 2004.

September 2004
Awarded £3500 from PLASA (Production Lighting & Sound Association) to go towards the Live Music Forum Rehearsal Room Project in Swansea.

September 2004
Worked in partnership with Walestrade International to host 2 seminars (Swansea and Bangor) regarding International Sales in September. Guest speaker, Richard King (International Manager, The Leaf Label & consultant to Domino Recording Co.)

August 2004
Worked in partnership with Opportunity Wales to co-host a seminar in Llandudno about the effective use of E-Commerce to increase revenue streams to music SMEs in Objective 1 areas of Wales.

August 2004
Organised a 10-day event in conjunction with Cardiff County Council Summer Festival called 'All Back to Cardiff' bringing brands to Wales such as Playlouder and XFM.

July 2004
Brought Rachel Wood (ex-Grand Central records) to Cardiff to give a seminar re: publishing and synchronisation.

July 2004
Worked in partnership with University of Glamorgan in running a week-long Summer School course 'Making Money Out of Music'.

May 2004
Officially requested by the BPI to contribute comments to the BBC Charter Review.

April 2004
Sourced regional A&R panellist for ITC Unsigned and asked to be a media partner for In the City 2004.

March 2004
Worked with ASCAP to stage a music industry panel/demo jury and showcase in Cardiff.

March 2004
Worked alongside the BPI and AIM to bring the ‘Sound Advice’ Roadshow to Wales. ‘Sound Advice’ is a UK initiative that deals with giving careers advice to young people wishing to work in the music industry.

February 2004
Appointed members of DCMS led 'Live Music Forum'.

February 2004
Brought Ann Harrison (Harrison’s Solicitors) and Christiaan Winchester (Harbottle & Lewis) to Bangor and Cardiff, to conduct two free legal seminars about music contracts.

February 2004
After the success of the 2003 Welsh Talent CD, Music Week requested that WMF work with them to produce another CD for 2004. Music Week also published a special Spotlight on Cardiff editorial feature within the Midem edition of the magazine.

January 2004
Worked alongside WalesTrade International and the BPI to take 11 Welsh music companies to the Midem Music Conference in Cannes.

2003

December 2003
Appointed by WalesTrade International to develop a strategy for the International Export of Welsh music and music companies.

September 2003
Hosted and co-ordinated a multi-trade organisation ‘Collection Societies Open Surgery’ for Welsh Music companies involving panellists from: AIM, BPI, MCPS, PRS, PPL and VPL.

August 2003
Sound Nation asked to be a Media Partner at the In The City Music Conference 2003. Sound Nation magazine was inserted into all delegate goody bags and contained a special ‘In The City Special’ centre section.

July 2003
Re-branded Honk Magazine as 'Sound Nation' Magazine – circulation circa 5500.

May 2003
Invited to join the British Phonographic Industry’s International Committee.

August 2003
Worked with Wales Trade International to take a delegation of 10 music companies to the Popkomm Trade Fair, Cologne.

February 2003
Partnership with Music Week to produce a cover-mount CD for Welsh bands and artists and a dedicated ‘Spotlight on Wales’ edition of the magazine.

January 2003
Worked with AIM and Wales Trade International to take a delegation of Welsh Companies to the MIDEM Music Conference in Cannes.

2002

October 2002
Staged the first ‘Music It’s the Business’ seminar in Wales in partnership with the British Phonographic Industry.

September 2002
Researched and compiled a report into music business clustering on behalf of the Welsh Development Agency.

August 2002
Honk Magazine (known now as ‘Sound Nation’) was invited to be a Media Partner at the In The City Music Conference 2002. Honk Magazine was inserted into all delegate goody bags and contained a special ‘In The City Special’ centre section.

May 2002
Welsh Music Foundation invited to sit on the Stakeholder committee for Cardiff European Capital of Culture 2008 bid.

March 2002
Successfully negotiated financial support from Wales Trade International for Welsh band Big Leaves to showcase at the internationally renowned South By South West Music and Media Conference in Austin, Texas, USA.

February 2002
Created partnerships with other regional music organisations including Manchester City Network, Meta, Generator and the Irish Recorded Music Authority.

February 2002
Brought the British Phonographic Industry to Wales for the very first time, to host a series of educational Music Industry Seminars at various venues in the South Wales Valleys. Over 40 people have attended each of the seminars and feedback from attendees has been very positive. Other national organisations attracted to chair the seminars included Performing Right’s Society, Mechanical Copyright Protection Society, Phonographic Performance Limited and Sony S2 record label.

February 2002
The Once Around The Bloc Tour saw a total of 19 bands play to six different audiences at independent venues throughout South Wales. The tour highlighted the successful working partnerships between the organisers WMF, Local Councils, Radio 1 and Virtual Cardiff and how, when they work together, can successfully bring desirable events to audiences in regions that are usually far removed from the touring circuits.

January 2002
Gained a presence at Freshers’ Fairs in South Wales University’s and Colleges during 2000 and 2001. WMF has presented informative stands that promote to students the healthy music scene and related businesses that exist in South Wales.

January 2002
Supplied double page copy for Western Mail’s ‘One Wales’ magazine.

January 2002
Wrote and produced for BBC Radio 2 Live in Cardiff a series of daily music preview / reviews called ‘Honk Shorts’. These were used by Radio 2 to promote their Fringe Events.

January 2002
Appointed as consultants to the BBC in 2002, to advise on their music policy and events in Wales.

2001

August 2001
Appointed by Cardiff County Council to programme the entertainment for the Friday night at 2001’s ‘Big Weekend’ Summer Festival.

July 2001
Created the first Music Industry Directory for Wales which contains contact details for over 1000 businesses related to music in Wales – from core industry businesses such as recording studios and venues, to media companies, training providers and arts organisations.

July 2001
Produced, wrote and designed the monthly music industry standard magazine ‘Sound Nation’ (previously called 'Honk') which is sent to members of the Welsh Music Foundation audience database. Sound Nation covers local music industry news, profiles of up and coming Welsh bands and offers practical advice on a range of relevant music industry topics. There are over 5500 subscribers to Sound Nation magazine. Local freelance journalists writing for the magazine include writers from NME, GQ, Radio 1 and the Independent.

Summer 2001
Established ‘BLOC’ Music Industry Network. An industry led network that brings together rehearsal rooms, recording studios and venues in order to encourage an organised and focused stream of communication and co-operation between the businesses.

August 2001
Arranged for two Welsh bands to play at the Laurient Interceltique Festival, France. This was the first time that Welsh pop bands had played at this prestigious Celtic festival.

June 2001
Interactive City Conference, a New Media offshoot of the highly successful In The City music industry convention, came to Cardiff for the first time in 2001 as a result of WMF’s negotiations. The event had been held previously in Glasgow. WMF organised a host of evening entertainment for this event.

February 2001
Attracted The Fly popular music magazine to Wales for the first time. The Fly then appointed WMF as the suppliers of the regional content for the magazine.

2000

November 2000
Managed and co-ordinated the press for the John Cale film ‘Beautiful Mistake’ that was released as part of the Welsh Film Festival.

Spring 2000
Carried out the marketing for the Manic Street Preachers regional press of their ‘Know Your Enemy’ album.

April 2000
Brought London based company Channelfly plc to Cardiff and persuaded them to open the first Barfly Venue outside London. WMF were responsible for forging a relationship between Channelfly plc and Welsh brewers, Brains S.A and we also sourced them a suitable venue. Now, for the first time, Cardiff has a 6-night a week live music venue for touring bands and local bands to play. The venue has created a total of 26 sustainable jobs. The Cardiff Barfly has been a flagship venue with others having gone on to open in other cities following on from its success.

October 2000
Played an active role in attracting Radio 1’s high profile ‘One Live’ week-long event to Cardiff. The City Centre event raised total revenue of £583k. WMF were appointed as the co-ordinators of the hugely successful Official Fringe, where 5,000 people attended the 25 free fringe shows, which included performances from 81 bands. Local venues reported that the shows had a huge impact on the normal bar takings as they were estimated to have gone up between 50% and 400% on the usual takings for this period. 8 promoters, 11 venues 2 Internet companies and a magazine worked together in a unique way for the first time to promote the Fringe event. Radio 1 heralded the event as ‘The most successful Fringe to date’.