The British Council’s International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year (IYMEY) Award this year was presented at London Calling 2006, a major event for people at the cutting edge of the UK music industry, both behind the scenes and in the public eye. But what do entrepreneurs get from attending events like this? We went to find out.

What’s the Story?
Named after a famous punk song, there was little evidence of anarchy. This was a well-ordered trade fair which showcased how technology and music have become more connected in recent years. Previously, the event had been dedicated to the dance music scene, but the range of exhibitors and attendees here was much broader, perhaps an indicator of the impact of the digital age on all musical genres.

Going Mobile
One of the main themes in the industry at the moment is the relationship between digital distribution and mobile phones. Exhibitors and attendees alike were there to demonstrate their latest mobile video software or customisable ringtones; in fact there is an expanding community growing up around these as more young people use them to express their identity and individuality.

Performance and Cocktails
And if you wanted to see the new technology in action then you could test it yourself, attend seminars by the designers, and watch demonstration performances from breaking artists. If you were still hungry for more, there were dozens of showcase gigs in the evenings at venues around the city where hopefuls could mingle and meet new contacts (over cocktails…).

Come Together
It’s an opportunity to see and be seen. With the current trend for setting up DIY record labels, mobile studios, community websites and other enterprises which help artists to get their music out to new audiences, this event provides an opportunity to pick the brains of more experienced industry players and to swap CDs and business cards with people it would otherwise be difficult to meet.

Movin’ On Up
Plans are already underway for London Calling 2007 and the second IYMEY … so keep an eye on the British Council music pages for more information.

Harry
September 2006

Glossary:
MP3J – like a DJ, but someone who plays and mixes MP3s not records or CDs using an MP3 player or a computer.

A&R – Artist and Repertoire – the department in a record label responsible for spotting and recruiting new talent

Sample – a sound clip that can be reused for another purpose (e.g. there are samples of

Digital distribution – sharing music online, either through direct selling of downloads from stores like iTunes, or through (preferably legal) peer-to-peer file sharing.

The article features music event. The timing effectiveness is a hot point.——YR

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