the blog

So as you know, we’re launching a new, entirely free, action learning programme for folk working in Colchester’s creative sector – everyone from artists and freelancers, to those running their own creative businesses or working in larger cultural organisations. Applications close on 2 June.    Take a look at our intro video Earlier this week, […]Read More

So, exactly how can we how we can begin to tackle inequality in the music industry? This question was the focus of a day of discussion, reflection and debate at the wonderful Constellations in Liverpool last Saturday. A small but select gathering of musicians, promoters, journalists and researchers came together for the second of our […]Read More

The music industry can look an awful lot like a man’s world, even in 2018. Fewer than 1 in 5 songwriters in the UK are female, just 1 in 6 labels are majority-owned by women, and fewer than a third of those working in the industry are female. Get to the upper echelons, and only […]Read More

Imagine the scene – 25 or so of Europe’s most curious and forward thinking composers, musicians and creative technologists, gathered together at NESTA HQ for a ‘nothing’s impossible’ day of plotting and conspiring, eating and drinking, thinking and doing. All in the name of exploring the next frontiers of live performance, and how digital technology […]Read More

Earlier this week I joined 300 other delegates at the Music Venue Trust’s second Venues Day, all of us enjoying the slightly weird experience of drinking tea in the Ministry of Sound bar at 10am on a Tuesday morning. And all of us clutching hot off the press copies of the GLA’s Rescue Plan for […]Read More

Earlier in the year and ahead of the 2015 General Election we ran a social media campaign with the Music Venues Trust #VoteforMusic, in which we asked people to tell us what they thought the incoming government should do to secure the future of the independent music sector.  Unsurprisingly many of the issues and concerns […]Read More

the hub’s new research into student music habits and attitudes shows that live and recorded music continues to be a big part of most students’ lives, but there’s lots that those working in music could learn from brands around engaging with their fans and audiences. So say the hub’s Director, Julia Payne, and YouthSight’s Director […]Read More

the hub’s One Dayer – Independent Music, Money & Tech takes place in Camden on 1 July. In her latest blog, the hub’s Director, Julia Payne, talks about why the event is a ‘must go to’ event for musicians, songwriters and composers working in beyond mainstream music – and what they can expect to get […]Read More

the hub’s One Dayer – Independent Music, Money & Tech takes place in Camden on 1 July. In her latest blog, the hub’s Director, Julia Payne, talks about why the event is a ‘must go to’ event for promoters and venue bookers.     I’m not sure there’s ever been a tougher time to be a […]Read More

A major strand of the ONE DAYER on 1st July in Camden is dedicated to emerging digital technology and how we can all better harness it to drive more people to the live experience, and once they’re at our gigs spend more money.   The provocation, panel and insights sessions we’ve programmed as part of […]Read More