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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.

 

 

youbloom Showcases Irish Artists at Germany’s Music Expo: Musikmesse

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Musikmesse, Europe’s leading music production trade fair, is set to unveil its first-ever musical showcase

Set in the commercial hotbed of Frankfurt, Musikmesse is most known for its massive musical instrument expo. This year, the trade show will expand its scope with a live music portion showcasing Europe’s rising talent. Over the course of 3 nights (April 11 -13), leading music companies from Russia, Latvia, Luxembourg, Hungary and Ireland will be presenting their finest artists.

Last year, Musikmesse partnered with Prolight + Sound to bring in over 100 thousand visitors from 144 countries. As the trade show continues to revolutionize the music industry and tech scene, that number is expected to swell. And an audience rich with exhibitors and burgeoning artists makes Musikmesse a networking hot spot on par with SXSW.

 

youbloom, the international music company based in Ireland will be showcasing three emerging artists at this year’s Musikmesse: Dreaming Of Jupiter ,Shane Ó Fearghail and Candice Gordon.

youbloom will be featuring artists like Dreaming of Jupiter at the Musikmesse Festival 2018.
youbloom will be featuring artists like Dreaming of Jupiter at the Musikmesse Festival 2018. emmanuel hammond photography blessedlens.

According to youbloom’s CEO Phil Harrington, “youbloom Dublin obviously has a clear interest in showcasing Irish talent abroad and Musikmesse -Frankfurt clearly offers a great platform for connecting our scene with potential new international business partners. Yet, there is more to it for the overall youbloom brand portfolio, as we’re currently launching a new online service, targeting musicians worldwide, called youbloomConnect.”

The showcases will take place at Hotel Maritim, right next to Messe Frankfurt, from 6:00pm – 10:00pm  each night on April 11th,12 and 13th, 2018 .

The youbloomConnect Irish artists are:
Dreaming Of Jupiter – www.dreamingofjupiter.com
Shane Ó Fearghail – www.shaneofearghail.com
Candice Gordon – www.candicegordonmusic.com

For further details please contact:
Robert Loustaunau
robert@youbloom.com
phone: 657 – 348 – 9662
www.youbloom.com

 

About youbloom

youbloom’s vision is to make live music performance easier and better for all.

youbloomDublin launched in 2013, youbloomLA in 2014 and youbloomConnect in 2018, for more info, visit www.youbloom.com

youbloom was created and is supported by musicians and industry experts including Bob Geldof, Rupert Hine (Renowned Music Producer), Mike Bone (Music Industry Veteran) and Phil Harrington (Entrepreneur, Musician, and Founder of youbloom).

Connect with youbloom on social media for more music industry insider secrets on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & LinkedIn.

 

Dreaming of Jupiter : Up Close Interview

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Photo Courtesy: Dreaming of Jupiter

Interview with Dreaming of Jupiter

Dreaming of Jupiter may seem very relaxed, but they have had an incredible year with a hectic touring schedule. Dreaming of Jupiter played several times in Dublin and London, and are branching out as far as Madrid. They have also released their debut single “Let me down” earlier this week from their upcoming EP. If that wasn’t enough, they have much more on the way for their fans to be looking forward to.  Dreaming of Jupiter have share some of their secrets and experiences of their success, and also reveal what they have in store for 2018.

How did you come up with the name of the band?

Zoe: It came pretty naturally, like Dave and I would be pretty nerdy about space. We are interested in space, space exploration, space movies and all that stuff. We initially conceived the name of the project even before we just before we met Sam, or maybe just after, even before the band was properly formed.

“It’s a really nice thing to go into a trance and watch a really cool space movie”

The reason for the name of the band, when we were gigging alot at that time. With different bands, getting home really late sometime, we used to throw on space documentaries to kinda chill out. When we get home, trying to kinda wind down from a really busy night. It’s a really nice thing to go into a trance and watch a really cool space movie. We particularly felt  intrigued by Jupiter for whatever reason. I think that movie Europa report, it’s a very interesting movie, where a group of astronauts tried to go to one of Jupiter’s moons called Europa. On a quest to try to find life, because they believe there’s water on this moon, and if there’s water, there could be life. The whole human race is kinda dreaming of Jupiter, somewhere we can go, we don’t have to stay here. That’s kinda where the conversation all started, seems kinda abstract conversation to have, we used to talk about that alot.

In Barcelona, how was the local reaction to hearing some Spanish in your songs, were they surprised? do you think it make it easier for them to sing along?

Dave: The Spanish lyrics comes from Zoe, who is a fluent speaker after living there for quite a few years. From the initial conception of the project, we always knew we want to target a Spanish market as well, obviously that would be a very cool thing to include south America and parts of Europe as well. I think the Spanish lyrics is nice, because it often comes across as a better surprise to people for being more than they had expected, also possibility making it easier to stick inside the head.  Even though we haven’t officially released anything with Spanish on Spotify. People who have come to the gigs, they actually do remember the words. You see them in the crowd, singing along.

Having played in, Ireland, UK and Spain recently, where would you like to play for 2018?

Dave: We are looking at to pushing out, more to UK and to Germany. We are hoping to get back to Spain as well, and Mexico at some point.

“there’s a showcase going to be done this year of Irish music over there”

Zoe: In Spain, we are definitely interested in Barcelona, especially with the Primavera music festival that happens there every year. That would definitely be a target we would really like to achieve, that opportunity to represent the emerging. At this festival, there’s a showcase going to be done this year of Irish music. We would really love to be part of that.

Based on our experience we have had so far, London is definitely somewhere we feel quite happy and quite at home there. Having played some pretty big gigs and we also did a couple of solo gigs there as well, and all of them have been amazing. We definitely want to keep that going and we are growing a fan base there, and we are very grateful for that.  Outside London, Manchester is definitely somewhere we are interested in, because the director for our last 2 videos is based there. We are really excited about the new video coming soon, for our new single “Let me down”. I think that’s going to be really visually, just beautiful, beautiful film that he has put together. We are looking forward to putting that out, and of course we would definitely love to go back there, and play there too.

With some of your lyrics in Spanish, how hard is it to write it? Do you do it yourself, or done collectively? Is there alot of switching back and forth between languages?

Zoe: It’s very much a collaborative effort, we all sit down together, certainly the music idea comes together as a group. The lyrics generally, most of them I would write them myself, I’m one of those people that always jotting ideas, keep a notebook on me. Eventually I will have a notebook the size of a bedside locker if I wake up in the middle of the night with ideas, wherever I am, I’m always scribbling ideas

The lyrics would be mostly mine, but that’s not to say they just tell stories that is just about my life, that’s not the case, we talk a lot, and we are very close as a band, and we are very close friends as well, we share our thoughts and experiences.  Usually I might be the one writing the lyrics down but it wouldn’t be necessary that I’m just reflecting my own experience.

“I would never force one language over another”

For any part of a song to be written in Spanish or even a whole song, I would never force one language over another. The nature of being bi-lingual you don’t necessary choose the language you think about, it depends on what you are thinking about, or who are speaking to. I wouldn’t sit down and write this in Spanish to hit the Spanish market really hard. Honestly, I would write it in a more organically, that’s not to say I don’t considered the audience I’m writing. I have no shame of saying I absolutely do, but I wouldn’t be so contrived that I’m directed to writing it in one language over another. There’s a couple of songs that we do live that moves in and out of both languages.

Congratulation on having one of your songs featured in a well known Irish television series. With the new single being release, the timing for this feature on television was impeccable, was this meant to happen?

Zoe: We just got the news that we are going to be featured, like about a week or two before the show was aired. As fantastic as it was, it was pretty quiet, it was a small picture, nothing too crazy. No, that was not pre-mediated or organised in any way, we were just as shocked as everyone else.

“We were chuffed that we were chosen”

With lots of our peers also selected, we weren’t overly surprised that an Irish band was picked. Plus the music from this series tend to be from Irish bands. We were chuffed that we were chosen, as we have only worked for a short time together. We were very happy to be placed along side with other bands who have been around for a long time.

What are the plans for 2018?

Obviously, we have just release the new single “Let me down” , available on all major platforms. This is the first single released from our upcoming EP, the plan is we will release the EP before the summer. A nice video to come out in the next couple of weeks for our single “Let me down”.  We also have a cool remix coming out with a top secret dj using the new single “Let me down”. We have 4 shows coming up in the UK, hoping to keep branching out with new shows in Spain and maybe as far as Mexico

On Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/album/0aJ4crl4UpV4Xju8ueAdHH

Lastly, for fans of Dreaming of Jupiter, they can also catch them live at the Button Factory in Temple Bar on Saturday 17 February supporting Ralph Rolle (CHIC) & The Funk Patrol. For all fans, their single “Let me down” is available on major platform including  iTunes and Google Play.

Alex Lau is a content writer for youbloom and is a member of the social media team there. He is part time photographer who love photo journalism of unique locations. He enjoys listening to music as much as he can.

 

 

 

 

 

Danu5ik Interview – Part 1

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Photo courtesy of the artist
Photo courtesy of the artist

Danu5ik, the award-winning DJ and producer from Edmonton, Canada has recently dropped his latest in a line of captivating music videos and singles, Imagine. Today, I sat down with the man behind the sleek EDM beats and dreamy vocals, Daniel Lee. With a few international music awards under his belt, including the prestigious IMEA Electronica Artist of the Year for 2016, Daniel was the clear choice when youbloom decided to shine the spotlight on a local artist who was finding success in the music industry. In this two part interview, Daniel and I talk about the cosmic flavor of  Imagine, the molting EDM scene, and what goes into finding international success as a local artist. 

 

First thing I have to ask, where did you get that space suit for Imagine and can I get one two?
Getting the space suit was actually a bit tricky. We tried to get one of the Apollo space suits but those are pretty rare. And I’ve got to tell you, those space suits can get pretty hot especially when you’re on set all day. The suit was a really interesting idea when the song was first created. I wanted to do something with a twist. 

 

What were some of the ideas behind Imagine?
The concept behind Imagine was that it was a journey and it’s about this Spaceman in the middle of nowhere and he got lost and wanted to be able to find his way back and he spent all his time in space alone so it’s about getting back into that social circle. 

 

Yeah, that message of dissociation from social groups really comes out. The whole video is fun to just watch but also you’re able to put this deeper underlying message into it.
Well that’s what I really wanted to achieve with it. We’ve become so in tune with social media that we disassociate ourselves with the person sitting right by us. We are always in tune with our phones but how do you reintegrate yourself with society? 

 If I reflect back on myself back in 2017, going down to youbloom Dublin and meeting new faces and having such a blast or going to LA and connecting with so many people out there. No matter where I went it was fantastic but you have to put yourself out there and that was the message I was trying to achieve with Imagine.

Imagine Music Video – Danu5ik

 

When did music making begin for you?
I started to dabble in music when I was in high school. My music teacher, he had this old Yamaha keyboard synthesizer connected to a monitor and I didn’t know the logistics of the hardware itself but it was able to synthesize some amazing sounds and I used to spend my lunches there just creating unique sounds and dabbling there.

Moving forward I didn’t do anything with music for awhile and it was only in 2014 where I actually started to jump back into it. That’s when I first came out to Canada and that’s what evolved into the first album, From Sea to Kanata, which is a very Deep House kind of sound. Edmonton was still relatively new to the EDM scene and I wanted to put something out there that could show other artists what this is and what my take on all of this was.

 

And how do you feel your sound has evolved since then and how have fans responded to it?
Now my sound has evolved from House to more of Electro-House. Especially when I look at a track like Imagine, it’s just a banging track and I love the fact that when I create these tracks fans have such a positive feedback. That’s not to say its always positive but that’s okay I love all criticism. You have to be able to accept positive and negative feedback from your fans. I wouldn’t be anywhere today without them.

“I’m always sitting on that creative edge.”

Would you say EDM has gone through a transformation where now you’re seeing a lot of subgenres borrowing from each other?
Yes, when I ask what people what type of music they listen to and they say EDM, I always ask what they mean by that. There is a wide range inside of it, and we have to be more particular than that. Is it Progressive, is it Trap, is it House, Is it Deep-House? You’re right it’s evolved into a massive genre and that’s how you get those crossovers. If you look at the top 40s, you’re seeing a lot of EDM artists making it in there and it’s great to be a part of it.

 

Is there a shoebox of unheard Danu5ik tracks hidden somewhere?  
Yes, there is a thumbdrive of tracks that I started and which have never seen the light of the day. In the last album Day Light/Dark Night I was surprised by how many tracks I had started but that didn’t make it onto the album. I think just from that album itself I had enough tracks to make two more albums out of it. I’m always sitting on that creative edge. I get an idea for a track and start it and then put it on hold and then start something new and then I might come back to it.

Imagine was not one on the back-burner though, it was one I came up with on the go. I love tracks like that! The last track I came up with was at the airport and I almost missed my flight because I was so in tune with putting down this beat. Its sound was just so surreal.

We may actually hear some of those old tracks in 2018. I’m in the process of creating the new album which will be released in the next year. There will probably be a few remixes of old tracks as well. It’s looking really well for 2018.

 

What can fans expect from Danu5ik going forward here? Any hints?
For 2018, I want to start out with a big bang. We may be seeing an Imagine Remix which will hopefully spark some interest. It’s too early in the game to say for sure but Imagine is a good hint of what’s to come. There’s going to be a string of music videos coming out in 2018 but I can’t say more than that.

17Keep an eye on our tweets to catch the rest of my interview with Danu5ik. And why not take his advice and, “Put yourself out there;” Daniel will be playing at youbloomDublin in May and is eager to meet fans and collaborators alike. Artists that Apply to Play will get free admission to the Festival and Summit.

 

 

 

 

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