Moderator - Mark Meharry (Music Glue)
Panelists - Keith Harris (PPL), Howard Mills (Humble Soul), Simon Pursehouse (Sentric Music), Ed Smith (MCPS)

With the changes in the market and the very low return from traditional sales models DIY and independent labels need help from the collection agencies, whose current practices are stacked against them. 

Many independent artists do tour and do receive record play – sometimes from, but also outside, the traditional media formats. In most cases they never see a penny of the money that is owed to them for the usage of their songs because the process of tracking down and collecting these monies is neither accessible nor designed to help them. 

The panel will discuss whether collection agencies and trade bodies can and should develop strategies to account for this and review alternative strategies to either bypass them - or to gain a greater share of voice as independents. 


The Modern Role of Collection Agencies @ Un-Convention Salford 2009

(Panel 1, day 1 Un-Convention Groningen 2010)
Geert van der Velde – Ham Radio Communications
Frank Kimenai – Incubate Festival
Howard Monk- The Local (UK)
moderator: Jeff Thompson – Fat Northerner Records (UK)
It’s the performance, stupid! These seasoned DIY-pro’s and others share their insight an expertise with regards to live shows. What makes a great live show? How do you set up interesting tours and find new fans? And why hiding backstage after your show always is a bad idea.

Offline is the new online; Come see us play!

(Panel 3, day 1 Un-convention Groningen 2010)
Walter Flapper – Flapper Management (Noisia, Kraantje Pappie)
Renger Koning – Soundbase Studio
Lance LaBreche – Rocket Garage, Good Faith Entertainment (US)
moderator: Lykle de Vries (New Music Labs)
How making music for a paying customer can help your career, or help you establish a continuous flow of income.

Music for brands and companies – selling your soul?

(Panel 2, Day 1 Un-convention Groningen 2010)
Nicolai Adolfs – Beep!Beep! Back Up the Truck
Dave Haynes – Soundcloud (UK)
Pim vd Werken – Silence is Sexy
moderator: Hoite Polkamp (Veronica Holding)
Build your fanbase from the ground up, stay connected, without the need for Big Investments or Selling Out. What platforms work? Why? Focus on one, or divide your attention between many online social platforms? Listen to some great insights, real life experiences and strong opinions.

To Myspace or not to Myspace; Social networks reviewed

(Panel 1, Day 2 Un-convention Groningen 2010)
Marco Raaphorst – componist / sounddesigner / blogger
Kristin McGee – Teacher Popular Music and American Music at University of Groningen
Paul Keller – Kennisland, Creative Commons Nederland
moderator: Lykle de Vries (New Music Labs)
The old music industry model was built on copyright. In this day and age, do we actually care anymore about copyright? What other options exist to remix conventional wisdom and (musical) value into new ways of making a living from your musical creations?

Remixing the future of music

(Panel 2, Day 2 Un-convention Groningen 2010)
Niels Aalberts – Manager Kyteman
Rense van Kessel – Friendly Fire
Ruth Daniels – Fat Northerner Records
moderator: Rutger Middendorp
Nowadays, few artist have the ‘luxury’ of finding a label that will throw large bundles of cash at the recording and promotion of their music. But the truth is: nobody wants to receive that kind of marketing anymore anyway. Consumers filter out anything and everything that looks like a commercial. Instead, they favor the authentic and original message. The solution: go with the flow. Define your goals and look for opportunities to create and share beautiful stories instead of blasting random marketing at everyone. You’ll save a bundle as well…