PRS for Music launch free educational panels for Independent Venue Week

Jamie Boynton performs at The Harley (Sheffield)

PRS for Music is hosting a series of panels across the UK to inform the next generation of musicians.

As part of Independent Venue Week, 23-27 January, the free talks will offer people the chance to hear from key industry players as well as local artists and experts from PRS, PPL and BASCA.

Four independent venues with a history of supporting new artists at grassroots level will host the panels.

The venues are as follows:
Komedia, Brighton
The Big Top, Cardiff
The Harley, Sheffield
Independent, Sunderland.

Commercial director at PRS for Music Paul Clements said: “We’re delighted to be hosting these panels in the very venues that play such a vital role in the development and growth of so many artists.

"From a first live gig, to a secret performance from a music legend, these independent venues are the creative spaces that help the UK music industry to flourish.”

Panellist and singer-songwriter Martin Longstaff added: “Education for artists like me has become more and more important in such a rapidly changing industry, so I’m proud to be taking part in this panel with PRS for Music and PPL who already do so much for music creators.

"Small music venues play such a vital role in the success of many artists, so the Independent, which is loved by so many, is the perfect place to hold this talk during Independent Venue Week."

Itinerary:

 Monday 23 January, 3-4pm – Independent, Sunderland

Speakers: Martin Longstaff, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter (The Lake Poets); Charlie Dancer, co-founder of Beyond The Wall and SSD Concerts promoter (Manic Street Preachers, C Duncan, Soul II Soul); Davy Wales, Performer Development Specialist at PPL; and Dan Jones, Education and Outreach Manager at PRS for Music.

 Tuesday 24 January, 4-5pm – The Harley, Sheffield

Speakers: Sarah Brooksbank, Artist Manager (Bat for Lashes, Fat White Family); Davy Wales, PPL; Dan Jones, PRS for Music.

Wednesday 25 January – The Big Top, Cardiff, 4-5pm

Speakers: Connor Cupples, Jealous Lovers Club (label, promotions, publisher); electronic producer Philip Blake (aka 5th Spear); singer-songwriter, Katell Keineg; Dan Moore, Head of Marketing & Membership at BASCA; and Stuart Belsham Education & Outreach Manager at PRS for Music.

Friday 27 January, 3-4pm – Komedia, Brighton

Speakers: Jay McAllister, solo act, Beans on Toast; Steve Farris, Artist Development at Brighton-based booking agent, 13 Artists, (Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, Radiohead); Dan Moore, BASCA; Andy Ellis, Education & Outreach Senior Manager at PRS for Music.