Published: 09 Nov 2020
Off The Record have announced the panel topics and first round of speakers for this year's digital conference. Designed, planned and programmed by young creatives, it covers essential subjects for 16-25 year-olds considering a career in music or the music industry. Taking place from 4-5 December, themes include a guide to releasing music with EmuBands, Making Money From Streaming, Club Nights/DJing and Photography.
Supported by the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI), which is administered by Creative Scotland, Off The Record provides real world knowledge to those interested in developing their careers in the music industry.
“The conference content has been adapted to respond to challenges posed by the pandemic, with sessions on collaborating remotely, top tips on streaming shows and generating income, complementing favourites such as releasing music, promotion, staying healthy and music photography,” say’s Kitt Carr, Off The Record’s event coordinator. “Phoebe I-H attended one of our past events, so we're really excited to welcome her back as a speaker to talk about BBC Introducing with her co-presenter, Shereen Cutkelvin.”
Phoebe I-H, who is also a DJ, says she is looking forward to returning as a speaker.
“Coming to Off The Record when I was first trying to break into the music industry gave me some invaluable and insightful tips that I still carry with me in my career,” she says. “Returning as a panellist to hopefully pass on some key advice to anyone interested in this industry, feels amazing. Off The Record and all its crucial panels and workshops will spark the ideas and belief in yourself, that you can smash your way into this sector.”
Confirmed panel topics include:
Off The Record has also been a springboard for many artists and industry professionals, who have gone on to become accomplished public speakers. And the virtual event is no exception, with an unprecedented number of participants making their debut at this year's event.
Speakers confirmed so far, include: Alex Porter-Smith (High Tide Productions), Vintage Society music publication owner Alex Matthew, songwriter Amandah Wilkinson (Bossy Love), Becca Mcleish (Cousin PR), Char Mckelvie (marketing manager, SWG3), Deborah Smith (Anara Publishing), freelance musician, Diljeet Bhachu, Eamonn Watt (Virtually Conducted Productions), photographers Isha Shah and Jannica Honey, event co-founder Kathryn Dryburgh (Queens of Noise), freelance writer Katie Goh (The Skinny, The Guardian), DJ/club promoter Maciej Kawka, musicians Iona Fyfe, Rosie Bans and Zoe Graham, musician/label owner Sega Bodega, Sof Staune (VAJ.Power) and Toni Malyn (EmuBands).
Daniel Williams (youth engagement officer) of Youth Music, one of this year’s event partners, has welcomed Off The Record as a valuable addition to the event calendar.
“Now, more than ever, it is absolutely vital to create a space for emerging musicians and music industry professionals to come together and connect, share knowledge and discuss new ways of working for 2020 and beyond” he says.
Alyssa Renwick, Edinburgh Centre Manager at the Academy of Music and Sound, one of this year’s event partners, views the virtual conference as a unique opportunity for students.
“Academy of Music and Sound are thrilled to be partnering with Off The Record on their upcoming virtual industry event, to help give real world knowledge of the music industry, inspiration and networking opportunities to young people interested in the sector," she says. "Students of AMS will get the unique chance to complement their learning through a series of industry and career specific panels and online events. We can’t wait!”
Off The Record will be supported by a digital programme of podcasts, how to PDF guides, YouTube short videos and a series of playlists and blogs all curated by 16-25’s based in Scotland. The content will be published on a weekly basis in the lead up to the event and made available to schools, colleges and universities across Scotland.
Find out more and book your place on the Off The Record website
