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Ask the Speakers – Introducing youbloomDublin Panel Speakers 2018

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Every year in June, artists, fans, and pioneers of the music industry unite for a weekend of live shows, guest speakers, and unforgettable experiences. This year, youbloom will be presenting a wide range of musicians, entrepreneurs, DJs, and producers to speak at the youbloom Summit held on Saturday June 2nd, held at the IMRO – Copyright House.

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youbloomDublin 2017 Summit

Figure heads will come together to discuss the turning tides of the industry while artists and audience will have the opportunity to dialogue with the speakers (and network) directly. We asked a few of these movers and shakers of the industry some questions we thought important to the indie artists of the world. Read on to see what they had to say. And make sure to check out our full lineup speakers as tickets to the Summit are still available. 

 

Ted-Cohen-960Ted Cohen (Keynote Speaker) A Sea of Gray Hats – How to use the system to change the system

Ted Cohen is Managing Partner of TAG Strategic. TAG is a digital entertainment consulting firm focused on creating strategic relationships, identifying market opportunities, growing brands and defining best practices for the entertainment, tech & mobile industries. Cohen was instrumental in crafting the licensing agreements upon which Rhapsody and the iTunes Store were built and has received the 2013 NARM Presidential Award, previously awarded to Ahmet Ertegun, & Dick Clark, among others.

What are the two most important things independent artists need to know, if they want to ‘make it’?

“We are no longer in a distribution economy, where getting your music available in a record store or played on the local radio station. We are firmly in the Attention Economy, where there is no barrier to getting your music out there. Your main objective now is to make your current and potential fans aware that your music is there and needs to be heard.”

“When using social media, you want to be a trusted resource/curator, not just a digital megaphone for your career advancement. Talk about the movies you like, books you’d recommend, and, yes, even praise other independent artists that are noteworthy. “

What do you think is the most valuable part of platforms/festivals like youbloom, for indie artists? 

“Ideally, everyone is constantly sharing with each other new ideas, new ways to grow their audience. When this happens, fans and artists are all enriched. “

 

Steve-Lindsay-youbloom-speakerSteve Lindsey – How To Write A Hit – Inspiration or Perspiration

Steve entered the world of music publishing in 1985 as Professional Manager with Chappell Music in London (later Warner Chappell) and was appointed General Manager of Go! Discs Music in 1988. Steve Lindsey is managing director of Elevate Music, a Dublin based music publishing company. Elevate currently represents works by writers such as Cathy Davey, Aslan, Westlife, The Henry Girls, The Flaws and IFTA Award winning score composer Niall Byrne. Steve also sits on the boards of IMRO and MCPS Ireland.

What are the two most important things independent artists need to know, if they want to ‘make it’? 

“A) A deep understanding of social media and how to use it effectively. B) That nothing will come to you – you have to put yourself out there.”

What do you think is the most valuable part of platforms/festivals like youbloom, for indie artists?

“The knowledge and experience of the speakers is valuable but also is the interaction and sharing of knowledge with other developing artists.”

 

Peter-AstedtPeter Astedt – How to get the most out of Spotify

Peter has worked in the music industry for over 25 years. He started his own record label Dead Frog Records of the age of fifteen 1990. In 2008 he started the company Musichelp Sweden AB which is a service company for people/artists in the music industry. Over the years over 8000 artists has gone through his systems. Today Peter is a board member of SOM (Swedish independent music producers, the equality of AIM (UK) and A2IM (USA) and is a board member of Mbin (Music business independent network).

What are the two most important things independent artists need to know, if they want to ‘make it’? 

“To understand that you can’t do it yourself. You need a team. The good part you can choose your team members.”

What do you think is the most valuable part of platforms/festivals like youbloom, for indie artists?

“The opportunity to network and find people to fit your team. On top of that have the chance on the same day to show your product if you also play.”

 

Pete-Holidai-photoPete Holidai – Managing your career in the 21st century music industry

Pete was a founder member of The Radiators from space whose original line-up produced two albums for London based label Chiswick Records 1977’s TV Tube Heart and 1979s Ghostown which was produced by Tony Visconti. 

For many years Pete produced radio sessions for RTE 2fm’s Dave Fanning show, while also producing many emerging Irish artists which lead to a Smithwicks/HotPress award for production in 1991. Currently Pete is playing withTrouble Pilgrims along with original Radiators member Steve Rapid and long term member Johnny Bonnie along with bassist Bren Lynott and rhythm guitarist Tony St Ledger.

What are the two most important things independent artists need to know, if they want to ‘make it’? 

“Gathering knowledge and insight of current and future trends can help artist devise a critical pathway to establish a foothold in the industry and recognize the importance of networking and development of key partnerships.”

 

myla-hardie-960Myla Hardie – Live Touring & Production

Moving to New York City at an early age of 17, Myla formed her first band of original compositions, “The Myla Hardie Band.” Their album, “Waiting for Perfection” got them on the ballot for the Grammy nomination.

Now with 25 years of professional music experience on stage and off, Myla divides her time administering her family-owned, independent record label, Worldhaus Music, through which she represents four international artists and continues to perform in Brazil, Argentina, Europe and North America. 

What are the two most important things independent artists need to know, if they want to ‘make it’? 

1) “Never let the business get in the way of your music.” Meaning you should not make an album or write a song thinking of your business plan or how to market it first. The art should always come first and then the business that is meant to be your own will follow. Remember that the industry needs your unique voice to exist and prosper.”

2) “‘Stay in it to win it!’ Persistence and perseverance are the keys to success in the music business. There is no magic formula, it really is just hard work, dedication, having fun, personal relationships and staying around long enough to see your own network grow.”

What do you think is the most valuable part of platforms/festivals like youbloom, for indie artists?

“A couple of things, but the most obvious is that you have to show up. Being present and in people’s faces is the only way to make the personal relationships that you need to get anywhere outside of your own network of contacts. The exchange of experiences and just knowing that you are not the only one trying to do this, otherwise, pretty lonely venture has more value than any ticket price.

Also, the perspective shift that each may experience from a certain piece of information could change the way you see your direction at this moment or in your future in the music business. Then finally, just building a community of like-minded individuals together makes everyone stronger and the platform as a whole gain clout.”

 

Purchase Tickets to youbloomDublin 2019 Music festival & Summit

 

Oliver Cole
Oliver Cole at youblooDublin 2017

 

youbloomDublin 2018 Music Summit & Festival – Press Release

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youbloom, the global music event, is returning to Dublin this Summer.

Now in its sixth year, youbloomDublin thrills fans and the music industry with aspiring artists getting the opportunity to play showcase gigs with free-of-charge access to the youbloom Music Summit.

The youbloomDublin 2018 Music Summit

The youbloomDublin 2018 Music Summit which is open to everyone, is an industry conference offering emerging talent the chance to network and learn from top level music connections and experts. The festival will be taking place at the headquarters of one of youbloom’s sponsors, IMRO (Irish Music Rights Organisation) on June 2nd. The day-long conference will range from themes of industry knowledge, legals, songwriting, and Spotify with keynote presentations like: “A Sea of Gray Hats – How to Use the System to Change the System” by LA industry legend Ted Cohen.

There will also be  a panel discussion, “How To Write A Hit – Inspiration or Perspiration,” led by Steve Lindsey of Elevate Music as well as 3 Masterclasses, “How to Get the Most Out of Spotify,” hosted by Peter Astedt and “Managing your career in the 21st century music industry” with Pete Holidai. Full Summit details.

Luke Clerkin
Luke Clerkin

Meanwhile, in the city centre, youbloom brings over 60 artists to the stage. Free gigs will take place in The Underground, JT Pimms, The Mercantile and Berlin D2. Artists have traveled from across the globe to perform over the June bank holiday including Tanjier – Concreto (Brazil), D-Day, (Ireland) – Danu5ik (England), Katie Gallagher (Ireland), Georgia & The Vintage Youth (England), The Finns (Ireland), Emmanuel Nwamadi (England), Luke Clerkin (Ireland) and BoW (Austria). Catch all the details!

Indie artists take on the Bloom Main Stage in Phoenix Park. 

Last year over 120,000 people graced the gates of the Phoenix Park, enjoying the best in homegrown food, drink and culture. Stunning performances from Aine Cahill and David Keenan in 2016, uplifting pop from Lavengro in 2017 and the well loved music of The 4 of Us will give you a hint at the type of talent we put on the main music stage at Bloom. This year, feisty folksters Corner Boy and the inimitable duo Don Baker and Rob Strong will sparkle in the sonic sunshine on the main stage in the Phoenix Park. We also have a host of unsigned talent just waiting to be discovered.

For more info, check out our FAQ, or shoot us an email at:  customersupport@youbloom.com

Want to see more more of what youbloom has done and who has played with us in past years? Check out youbloom Though the Years.

Corner Boy. Photography by: Michael Duggan Photography.
Corner Boy. Photography by: Michael Duggan Photography.

 

 

5 Tips for Playing Successful Shows

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Back To The Ocean Performing at Youbloom Festival

A few tips to playing successful shows

Imagine you just moved to a new town. No friends or musician pals, let alone connections with the local music scene. What do you do? The easy answer would be: get a band together and start playing successful shows , but that is not always the fastest track to local success.

 

When you’re trying to establish yourself as an artist in the local scene, your goal should not simply be to put a show together, but to put together a successful show. The difference is enormous. Here’s a few tips of how to make that happen.

 

1. Know your Target

As an artist, you should be crystal clear about what your skill set, goal and target is. An emerging artist should not count booking a show an end goal in itself.

 

The details are what matters the most: who is coming to catch your band play? Are you going to be performing for a near-empty room, with only your roommate and parents there to watch? 

 

If you’re a rock ‘n’ roller, on the other hand, your natural habitat should be the DIY scene. Do your research. Who are the best local bands that gravitate towards your sound? Where do they usually play? Are they playing successful shows? Where do they go for a pint?

 

2. Be a Fan

Once you’ve gathered your data, take action. Go see their shows, follow them on social media, see what they’re up to and what their strategy is. Artists should learn from each others’ success as well as mistakes.

Back To The Ocean Playing successful shows at youbloom festival
If you’re a songwriter and producer you may wanna play acoustic rounds and hang out where the local songwriters are, rather than at a dive bar populated by rock bands.

 

3. Don’t be a Stranger

Most importantly, befriend these fellow rockers. Approach them after their show, buy them a beer and make friends. If you’re the shy type who likes to stand in the back and just enjoy the show, get another member of your band to be the social one. Or, fight yourself and make an effort to exchange a few words and perhaps a little booze with them.

 

Whether you’re a hit writer or an indie rocker, you never know where meeting new people may lead you. You might end up co-writing a number 1 hit on a chill afternoon session with a writer you met randomly at a show. Or, you might end up headlining a national tour with a small-time band that broke through – and all because you had the guts to go talk to them after a set at your local dive.

 

Don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone, because that is what’s going to change your perspective on things and ultimately lead you to a more efficient strategy for your career.

 

4. Offer Up your Skills

Take time out of your own life to make friends with those acts that already establish themselves in the local scene. Ask if they would like you to open for them. That way you will most likely play to a room full of people who are probably into music or musicians themselves.

 

5. Schmooze

Playing Successful Shows at youbloom Festival
Back To The Ocean and Anna Christie perform at the youbloom Festival

 

By opening for your new-found friends, you’ll be making a name for yourself as a new band around town, and you’ll be gaining their fans in the process. Throw a nice after-party after the show where you can properly hang out with your new fans and you’ll have a recipe for success.

 

 

Networking and making friends is crucial and takes a lot of work and dedication. If you’re looking for a simpler way to join these networks, check out youbloom Connect – where you can get partnered to perform with other local artists, build a steady fan-base, and even get your band on the road. Whether you reach out, or decide to do it alone, do yourself a favor: get out more and meet like-minded people. Many of them might not be your next musical partner in crime, but the worst that’ll happen is you’ll have more friends. 

 

Luca a freelance writer, blogger, musician and songwriter. Born and
raised in Italy, his passion for Rock n Roll made him move to London where he
lived for one year and gained a certificate in Songwriting from ICMP.
Luca relocated in NYC in 2014 to pursue jazz music and liberal arts at the
The New School from which he graduated in December 2017. Luca currently
reside in Nashville, TN

ELLYD Interview Part2

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Photo Credit: ELLYD
Photo Credit: ELLYD

In Part 2 of my interview with ELLYD we discuss her humble beginnings as a musician as well as future goals in wake of her EP, Lighthouse. Also, read to the end to learn a little bit about youbloom’s newest project, youbloomConnect.

You’ve been writing lyrics since you were 11. How long had you been playing music before that? What did that start look like for you?

Yeah I’ve been writing songs for a while now. Music is something that I’ve always been hugely interested in – I can’t remember a time being without it. My mam and dad got me guitar lessons when I was 6 years old so I guess after that it was a natural progression to start writing songs.

What was the first track you ever produced? What’s the story behind it?

Oh god, it’s hard to remember it exactly but I do know the first song I ever wrote was about flying. That was many many years ago – I was only a kid. It was a full song though and I think it was about believing in yourself, I think!

What did success look like for you in the beginning? At what point did you begin to consider yourself “making it?”

Yeah I think at the start gigging as much as possible is a good thing to do as its important to learn and experience the different aspects of the live environment whether it be the venues, the sound, the equipment, the audiences… I think progress happened for me within music when I started to get a bit more confident in what I was doing. Having the confidence to fail and having the confidence to succeed has definitely made a big difference for me. There were times in the past when I was afraid to share songs because it made me feel very vulnerable and now that vulnerability is an ally in my creative world. After that small change, better songs, and better gigs have somehow come about.

Everything inspires me – love, life, loss, family, friends, people I meet, conversations – everything.

What do you use to inspire your writing/lyrics?

I find a lot of my songs are from sub conscious thoughts – I never really understand what they’re truly about until I finish them. Apart from that, everything inspires me – love, life, loss, family, friends, people I meet, conversations – everything.

Could you describe your creative process a bit more?

My songs usually start with me playing some chords on my guitar. Sometimes it may start on bass or keys. Then when I hear a melody, the lyrics come. Once I get the structure sorted, and I feel the song is good enough, I demo it and add all the bass, drums, keys, and whatever other instruments and sounds I want for the song. These days I usually do that on Garage band. Then if I like it enough I bring it into the studio and get it down professionally.

What hobbies do you turn to outside of music, and do you use these hobbies as musical influence or to get away from music?

Hobbies outside music? That’s a tough one. I like running and rowing but that still involves music because I would have my earphones blaring. Saying that, I’ve finished some of my songs while I’ve been out running so I guess running has influenced me musically. I love going to local gigs too, so seeing new bands would have and will no doubt in the future influence me in my music.

Going forward

You just released your new EP, Lighthouse. Can we expect a full album to follow?

At some point, yes. I would hope there are many albums to follow! Realistically, for the time being, I’ll be releasing more singles and perhaps another EP or two before any album.

 

Do you currently have something new in the works? New Project?

I’ve just demoed some new material and I hope to be back in the studio very soon.

What is your vision going forward? Tour more, grow your audience, record a lot?

I’m writing a lot at the moment. So recording more material is definitely in my immediate future. I also want to get my music into as many ears as possible so there’s talk of doing some gigs across the waters – we shall have to wait and see!

What are your biggest challenges in reaching your vision?

Juggling my paying job with my dream job.

What advice would you have for other independent artists who are trying to make it in the industry?

Keep writing, keep learning and keep it fresh.

Photography by @callmeferdia
Photography by @callmeferdia

The first time youbloom had the privilege of hosting ELLYD was at the youbloomDublin 2017 Music Festival. That year, our festival bloomed a little bit brighter. You can find plenty more from ELLYD on YouTube and Spotify and at @ELLYDMUSIC on twitter.

Since 2013, youbloom has been striving to help talented, independent artists claim the spotlight they deserve. Starting this March, we’re thrilled to roll out our newest platform to further that goal. We call it youbloomConnect and it’s almost here (the app is nearly ready)! YoubloomConnect is a crowd-sourcing platform that revolutionizes the way artists, fans, hosts, an promoters interact. Check it out.

ELLYD Interview Part1

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Photo: Courtesy of ELLYD
Photo: Courtesy of ELLYD

ELLYD has played on some of Ireland’s best stages including Electric Picnic, The Secret Village Festival, Battle of the Lake Festival, The Button Factory, Whelans, and The Workmans Club. In January, the young folk-singer released her latest EP, Lighthouse, accompanied by an Irish tour which she is now in the midst of.  In between gigs, ELLYD found some time to answer my questions about her career and where she sees her music taking her next.

You’re in the middle of an Irish tour right now. How is that? Where are you visiting?

Yeah it’s been great so far. I’ve been playing various venues with very different vibes so it’s been so much fun. I started off this tour with a private show at Davey Davey Salon in Dublin. Then I played at The Ruby Sessions, followed by my official launch for my EP ‘Lighthouse‘ at The Underground. I was in The Gallery Wine Bar in Westport at the start of the month and my next gig on this particular tour will be in The Spirit Store on March 15th. The wonderful Elga Fox will be joining me again so I’m very excited for that one.

How has this tour been different from your previous tour in Germany?

Germany was amazing and I really hope to go back soon. The venues I played over there were very intimate and the audiences were insanely attentive. The venues I’m playing in Ireland are mostly bigger and therefore not as intimate so it’s different in that sense. Also, over there I never knew what to expect, from the venue, sound, and the crowd. Whereas over here, I’ve a bit more of an idea. The beer is better in Germany though :)!

I’ve gotta ask, is that you in the jabawokee mask in the Lighthouse music video?

It is!

Could you tell us more about the ideas influencing the video and music for “Lighthouse?”

This song started out about a young man who didn’t feel he could go on in this world anymore. It’s obviously a sad, emotional song and I wanted to reflect that in the music. Originally the video was being made by an outside company but that fell through because of weather issues so I had to quickly come up with a different concept.

Because I was making this video myself, I needed it to be simple but effective. My friend Emma helped me out a lot and did some of the camera work for me. I wanted something that would stand out in a meaningful way so that’s where the mask came in. I suppose the idea behind the mask was that this song is not about just one person, it’s about many. The person behind the mask could be anyone.

There were times in the past when I was afraid to share songs because it made me feel very vulnerable and now that vulnerability is an ally in my creative world.

 

What kind of music/bands are you listening to right now?

Right now this minute, I’m listening to Dermot Kennedy. The past few days I’ve been listening a lot to VINCI’s new tune ‘We Are Ghosts‘ and James Brown has made his way back into my ears this past week too.

What’s the best show you’ve ever played? Why?

It’s hard to top Electric Picnic – just because it’s Electric Picnic.

Strangest show?

I remember I did a small Irish tour with my friend and singer/songwriter Thomas John. This one night we had a gig in Fanad – a beautiful part of Donegal. There was a small shop a few miles away that we walked to the next morning and TJ brought his guitar with us for some reason. We were just walking down this narrow country road with a guitar and singing songs.

Keep writing, keep learning and keep it fresh.

Anyway when we got to the shop (that was also a post office, chemist, butchers – you name it) the owner became a bit curious and asked us to play a few tunes. More customers came in and we kept playing. We were there for hours! It was such a mad little morning and nobody left until we did. Was definitely the strangest impromptu show I’ve ever been involved in!

You’ve come back to youbloom festivals. What benefit do you think networks like youbloom and youbloomConnect provide up and coming artists?

It’s of huge benefit. I’ve always said this music business is an endless learning environment and what better way to learn than from other people who are actually involved in this business, in whatever form. There’s such a great variety of music and people from various parts of the world that attend the youbloom Festivals.

What type of support do you think is most beneficial to independent artists trying to become successful/well-known.

Radio play, radio play, radio play.

Photography by @callmeferdia
Photography by @callmeferdia

With her EP “Lighthouse” now out and a tour underway, 2018 is bound to be a hectic and promising year for EllyD. Next week we will be releasing the rest of our interview with the artist and you can find plenty more of EllyD on YouTube and Spotify and at @ELLYDMUSIC on twitter. Youbloom is striving to help talented, independent artists gain the attention they deserve. If you like what we’re doing here, check out our newest development, youbloomConnect, where we help artists to find their fan base. 

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