Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA)’s Post

It was encouraging to see at this weeks Council meeting, unanomous support for a Small Business Motion that highlighted Yarra's ongoing commitment to our traders, by reconfirming established advocasy positions, as well as seeking innovative ways in which Council could address a number of key challenges facing all industries - reinforcing that we're an LGA thats 'Open for Business'. RECOMMENDATION 1. That Council: (a) notes the value of small business to our shopping strips and neighbourhoods, and the diversity and vibrancy that they bring to life in Yarra, including fostering social connection and nurturing Melbourne’s arts scene; (b) notes the work underway in the City of Port Phillip to introduce a Live Music Precinct; (c) note that government processes (both local and state) can be complicated, expensive, time consuming and uncertain, particularly for smaller enterprise; (d) notes Yarra will be drafting a new economic development strategy in 2025, for adoption in 2026; (e) requests a report to a Council Meeting in the next six months that explores opportunities and advocacy avenues to streamline and simplify processes for local business, and support and promote local businesses and live music. Areas for investigation could include: (i) potential updates to the planning scheme (including advocacy around State provisions); (ii) potential updates to Local Laws; (iii) progressing the introduction of Live Music Precincts in Yarra; (iv) Identifying opportunities to participate in trials; (v) enhancing tourism and further promoting local businesses and events, including with Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC); (vi) continuing engagement with State government on liquor licensing and live music reforms; (vii) updating the Council’s website to make Council’s information and support for business related matters easier to find and engage with; and (viii) engaging in joint advocacy with stakeholders, including trader groups; and (f) requests officer engagement with the Business Advisory Group and trader groups in preparing the above report. (Pic credit Rising High Media)

I'm really pleased to have submitted the UCan Play application to become an 'approved supplier' for the Capital Grant Programme. The ITT process being run by the DfE has meant a lot of additional work but I'm pleased that they are seeking to ensure that companies have the right blend of skills, experience and product knowledge to ensure that the new hub lead organisations get the best service possible from the newly approved companies within this procurement. . During the briefing sessions held online, I was struck by how many companies have developed a sudden interest in music education given that their is £25m on the table! I hope that when the leaders of the new hub lead organisations make their choices that they will remember which companies have been there through thick and thin supporting their work. I am proud of the work that UCan Play has done over twenty years or so supporting music education here in the UK. Also, I think that UCan Play is only 'not for profit' organisation that is bidding for the contracts within this procurement opportunity. You might ask what that means? Well ... 1. We have no shareholders so we don't need to pay them anything. 2. We are not legally permitted to pay dividends to the company directors. 3. We have no venture capital or other commercial interests in our business to service and maintain. Instead, what we have also chosen to do is share any small profits that we do make during this procurement equally with two leading charities working in music education: Restore The Music and Technology in Music Education. Any remaining profits will be used by UCan Play to support music education across the UK in other ways. If you lead one of the newly established hub lead organisations, please do remember this when making your choice of a supplier within the Capital Grant Programme. Thank you!

so interesting to read this latest article from Ben Green, a research fellow here at Griffith University. Who knew that profits from live music were actually increasing! But that this was from those super concerts (with extraordinarily high prices). Music will always be part of life, but it will be interesting to continue to notice how our consumption of music changes and what the role of government and business will be.

Why we need an Irish popular music centre. It's time for a public space where citizens can experience, contribute and interact with the island’s vibrant popular music history. Piece by Dr John O'Flynn, Associate Professor of Music DCU Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, for RTE Brainstorm. 'Popular music surrounds our everyday lives. Perhaps for this very reason, though, we are less inclined to imagine its heritage, history and cultural value in ways that we view classical music or traditional music. This is reflected in arts policy and provision in Ireland which funds both the Contemporary Music Centre (CMC), supporting Irish classical composers, and the Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA).' 'To date, no equivalent centre exists to document, celebrate and develop Ireland’s unique popular music legacy. Even were we confine our history of popular music to everything that followed the international explosion of rock ‘n’ roll, this still represents at least three generations of musicians, fans, venues and media that have been integral to the cultural and social life of this country.' Read more here: https://lnkd.in/etVRWqM9 #RTEBrainstorm #DCUResearch #DublinCityUniversity DCU Alumni DCU Global DCU Business School DCU Faculty of Science and Health DCU Faculty of Engineering and Computing DCU Educational Trust DCU Research

ICYMI: Budget 2024-25: what’s in it for the arts? Arts education, live music and screen content for children are among the areas targeted for investment in Tuesday’s Federal Budget. 15 May 2024, Richard Watts https://lnkd.in/gJm6ZhXW "National peak body Live Performance Australia (LPA) has welcomed the Government’s latest investments in the nation’s creative and cultural training institutions. Evelyn Richardson, LPA Chief Executive, said in a statement: ‘Our training institutions, known as the “ARTS8”, play a vital role in developing the potential of our next generation of performers, creators, production and technical workers. ‘A vibrant, diverse and successful Australian creative and cultural industry requires a workforce with the skills to take up current and emerging opportunities to create, produce and present work that engages and entertains audiences at home and globally… We warmly welcome the Albanese Government’s strong budget commitment to our national training bodies,’ she said. While LPA has also welcomed the new investments in contemporary and classical music, Richardson urged the Government to also consider boosting investment in the nation’s live theatre sector through a scheme of tax incentives to offset production costs. ‘Australia’s live theatre-makers and producers are competing with the US and UK for investment capital,’ she explained." Read more 👇

As a supporter of a collective management system where we, as rightsholders, are in governance, representing a broad, deep, and diverse repertoire, ensuring that our CMOs are relevant, competitive, and future-proof is even more critical. I respect and support initiatives like Dave Rowntree's, pushing for necessary change because even if most collecting societies have done what they could with the limited tools and systems at hand in the past, with the vast array of technological possibilities available today for correct distribution, it is disheartening that many CMOs are choosing not to use these tools. This should serve as a call to action for all of us. And let's face it. Claiming best endeavours now will have to be backed in a totally different way than five years ago... #FairMusicProject IMC - International Music Council EMC IMC SKAP - Swedish Society of Songwriters, Composers & Authors New Internet Media Holding https://lnkd.in/dFtYbAfF

The Power of Public Speaking Participating as a panel speaker not only positioned me as an authority in my field but also significantly amplified my networking opportunities. At the annual MIDEM music convention, a gathering of music executives and industry professionals from around the world, my role as a speaker on two separate panels didn't just allow me to contribute to the conversation; it made me one of its focal points. This visibility seemed to make me more approachable, turning potentially cold introductions into warm conversations. After a panel discussion on the evolving landscape of music licensing, a music executive from a leading record label sought me out. This executive had been grappling with the challenges of digital distribution and found my insights particularly valuable. The conversation that started as a professional courtesy quickly evolved into a discussion about potential collaborations. This meeting might not have happened so seamlessly had it not been for the credibility and visibility my speaking engagements afforded me. My willingness to engage in public speaking led to a lucrative partnership that opened up new markets for my music. This is a testament to the power of public speaking in creating unexpected opportunities in most professional fields. #publicspeaking #conventions #communitybuilding

Looking forward to taking part in the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) Summit tomorrow and Friday, and taking part in the music export panel with Lisa Whytock, Rod Jones and Aja Garrod-Prance at 14hrs BST on Friday. The online event is free for members and you can join for free! Panel description below: This session focuses on strategic initiatives aimed at elevating Scotland’s music industry on the international stage. We will delve into actionable strategies and frameworks to strengthen Scotland’s global music impact and drive sustainable growth. Key topics include dissecting current challenges and opportunities in international music export, assessing the effectiveness of existing strategies and identifying what additional support is required to drive international audience development. How can Scotland’s music industry better leverage international platforms to expand its reach and influence? We will explore funding mechanisms critical to supporting export initiatives, alongside effective models from global counterparts that could be adapted for Scottish contexts. Additionally, the panel will address the integration of environmental sustainability into international music strategies, ensuring responsible practices while pursuing economic growth.

Many of us have become used to the solitary routine of working, creating music, and sourcing information online. However, there exists a vast world waiting for us to re-engage with. In-person events offer a sense of occasion and excitement that virtual settings simply cannot replicate. Whether it's the buzz of a live performance, the energy of a sports event, or the atmosphere of a conference, the shared experience of being physically present adds value and significance to the event. IMSTA recognizes this fact and embraces the challenges of organizing world-class events, such as IMSTA FESTA, in various cities worldwide. Through these events, IMSTA not only facilitates invaluable face-to-face interactions between manufacturers and music creators but also gives back to the local music-making communities by offering master classes and panels covering a broad spectrum of topics within the music industry. These include music business and law, publishing, production, songwriting, mixing and mastering, and music technology. IMSTA FESTA also serves as an avenue to spread our message "buy the software you use" to as many music creators as possible. If you do have the opportunity to attend one of these events, we encourage you to do so. Register for 2024 events below: https://lnkd.in/gaBckQGQ #2024events #imsta #musicbusiness #piracy #inperson #musicsoftware

New Post: Young people urged to register to vote: “This is your super power – don’t let them take it away” - https://lnkd.in/gu59d2TF - As the deadline draws close to people in the UK to register to vote today (June 18), a campaign that unites bodies from the music industry have spoken to NME about why getting young people engaged matters. Just Vote recently launched their Crash The Party campaign, encouraging people aged 18-34 to step up and make their voices heard. They’ve also enlisted over “50 music industry” including artists, record labels and festivals to help spread the message – with the added opportunity of being able to win tickets to Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds. Ahead of the UK’s General Election on July 4, people have until 11.59pm tonight to register to be eligible to vote. You can register to vote here. We’re thrilled to announce the launch of @JustVote24, a campaign dedicated to empowering 1 million young people to register to vote. 4th July will be the most important general election of our lifetimes. We’re at a historic point, with the opportunity for a profound change of… pic.twitter.com/V1vWgkw7sA — JustVote24 (@justvote24) June 3, 2024 The campaign is the brainchild of entrepreneur and environmentalist Dale Vince OBE, who told NME about how important music was to politics as it had “changed the way he saw the world” when going to gigs and festivals a teenager. “The idea was to reach out to people through festivals, through live music events, through musicians and artists to spread the word to young people that they actually have a superpower,” said Vince. “It only comes around once every four years, and it’s going to be the hardest it’s ever been to exercise it. “This government is trying to stop young people from voting, so just don’t let them.” Vince also argued that through new voter ID legislation, the government was attempting to silence young people. “The government brought in the need to have photographic ID there when you vote, and they did that off the back of six cases of voting fraud over the last five years – that’s in a country of over 60million people,” he said. “The pre-text of it was bogus. There is no fraud worth even talking about. The first bi-election fought under this new legislation saw 3,000 people disenfranchised and turned away at the voting booth because they didn’t have the required photo ID.” Today is the final day to register to vote in the general election on July 4. Please visit https://t.co/WkVoc71ewd to make sure you can vote before 11:59pm tonight, and have your say in our future. pic.twitter.com/TBLNfsSElR — Glastonbury Festival (@glastonbury) June 18, 2024 Many believe that the legislation favours older people by allowing things like bus passes to count as ID, while student union cards won’t qualify. “It’s deliberately aimed at you