Liverpool City Council’s Post

With more taste & flavour than sausages…

**It Took Me 26 Years to Get a Major Business Deal in Sweden for My Record Label** It took me twenty-six years to secure a major business deal in Sweden for my record label—something I took for granted in the UK and the U.S. where I could share my music with the world. Before this, all my music deals were either U.S. or UK-based. In Sweden, there was complete silence. They don't acknowledge you or even respond with a polite letter; they ignore you as if you don’t exist in the music industry here. At college in Philadelphia, I would send my music demos to all the major record companies, and the standard “Don’t call us, we’ll call you” reply would arrive a few days later. But in Sweden, you send a demo and there's no acknowledgment of its receipt—no "yes" or "no" letter at all. Back in the day, I was invited to New York to meet music legends like Ahmet Ertegun of Atlantic Records, Walter Yetnikoff and Mickey Eichner from Sony, and Joe Smith from Elektra Records and Warner Brothers. These were giants of the music industry who gave people a chance. But in Sweden, not one record executive invited me to their office until just two months ago—26 long years later. The UK signed me when I was still a law student, so I often wonder how Black music executives survive in Sweden. Aside from Dr. Alban, the 'It's My Life' star from the '90s, there aren't many others of significance. This country’s industry seems to operate on an apartheid-like system, deciding who is worthy of an opportunity. The only reason I got a deal here is because I created a package specifically designed to break into the Swedish market, and it finally caught the attention of one company in Stockholm. But if you don’t have your own money, you’ll never get into the music industry in Sweden. Dr. Alban is a dentist by profession, and both he and I have used our professional incomes to finance our music businesses. This is wrong—very wrong—and it's part of the systemic racism suffocating Swedish society. #SwedishMusicIndustry #MusicBusiness #RacismInMusic #BreakingBarriers #MusicJourneys #BlackExcellence #MusicIndustryStruggles #MusicExecutives #UKvsSweden #DrAlban

Festivals are big business, and in any such environment there is a role for IP to play. I thoroughly recommend this thoughtful article by Rachel!

Timaya Reflects On Enduring Legacy, Faith, And Music Industry Insights

Five Facts about the music of #MardiGras: Roots in Brass Band Tradition: Mardi Gras music finds its heartbeat in the brass band tradition, blending African, French, and other cultural influences to create its distinctive sound. These bands parade through the streets, creating an immersive and dynamic musical experience that defines the Mardi Gras atmosphere. Jazz Infusion: New Orleans, the epicenter of Mardi Gras, is also the birthplace of jazz. The festival is a living showcase of jazz evolution, featuring performances from traditional Dixieland to modern jazz ensembles. Mardi Gras is a testament to the genre's enduring appeal and its ability to adapt and thrive. "Mardi Gras Mambo" & Beyond: The iconic song "Mardi Gras Mambo" has become synonymous with the celebration, but the playlist doesn't stop there. From "Carnival Time" to "Big Chief," the music of Mardi Gras includes a diverse array of songs that capture the spirit of the season, each with its own story and tradition. Influence of Creole and Cajun Music: Beyond the brass and jazz, Mardi Gras music also features the rich contributions of Creole and Cajun cultures. Zydeco and other Louisiana music styles play a crucial role, adding layers of rhythm and texture to the festival's soundscape. Music as a Unifying Force: Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Mardi Gras music is its ability to bring people together. Regardless of background, locals and visitors alike are drawn into the celebration, united by the universal language of music. It's a powerful reminder of music's role in community, celebration, and cultural expression.

How Music Shapes History | Four Iconic Anthems Music isn't just entertainment—it's a powerful force for change. 🎶 Join me and my dear friend Hector Muller as we explore how iconic songs have shaped history, inspired revolutions, and ignited hope. From the French Revolution to modern-day political campaigns, these anthems have left an indelible mark on our world. Want to know more? Check out our latest blog post where we dive deep into the stories behind "Imagine," "Freedom," "La Marseillaise," and "Things Can Only Get Better." #music #socialchange #history #politics #inspiration"

We're losing our #independentfestival scene at a critical rate. What this really means is we're losing social cohesion, pride of place and low-barrier access to creative, cultural experiences right outside our own doors. It's shameful that this has happened. Any government needs to turn this tide - and the #propertysector can help. Here I am banging on again - have a read :) #postGlasto #ukfestivals #ukfestivalscene #festivalnews #culturesector #creativeindustries #racefornumber10

Even in #middleage, I still love a good festival. A time to catch up with friends, discover new artists, and connect with different cultures. Plus, there's nothing like a little boogie with people you don't know to let loose. 💃 So, it's disheartening to see so many music festivals in #Australia collapsing! The aftermath of the #pandemic, soaring ticket prices, #environmental challenges, and a shift in younger #generations thoughts around multi-day events have led to a wave of major festivals cancelling across the country. Where does this leave the future of live music in Australia? What changes can we expect or need? Well Kara Ortiga with the help of Samuel Whiting from the University of South Australia and Simone Schinkel CEO at Music Victoria discussed some of this and more in our latest report. How can they continue to build on the shared interest of audiences, but also accommodate more niche tastes. How might they offer more flexibility with payment options, helping with #financialplanning and more than ever, how can they speak to the needs of #anxiousyouths I really do hope they can find the solutions, because some of my best memories involve a field, limited hygiene practices and being surrounded by friends, both old and very very new.

Obsessed…with music? A look Worldwide 47 major markets - reveals that a majority of consumers in each market consider themselves to be music obsessives or music lovers. Mexicans claim the highest music passion, with 67% of them claiming to be music lovers and 15% of them considering themselves music obsessives. Hungarians (with a combined score of 75%), Swiss (74%) and Germans (74%) follow Mexicans in their passion for music. In Germany, 6% say they are obsessed with music while 68% claim to be music lovers. In the US the combined obsessed/love score is 67%, placing the market at the 13th rank in this YouGov list. Great Britain - home of The Beatles, Queen, Amy Winehouse and more recently, Adele and Ed Sheeran - ranks 27th, with a combined score of 58%.