Musicians flock to inaugural Sound City
Among the subjects under discussion are whether Liverpool or Manchester has had a greater impact on the music industry.
The conference from May 27 to 30 is designed as a curtain-raiser for Sir Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Sound concert at Anfield on June 1. There will be a number of key events across 30 Liverpool venues, including live performances from the likes of Reverend and the Makers and The Wombats, unsigned artist showcases, and a celebrity John Peel memorial football tournament. Among the heavyweight industry moguls due to attend are Mike McCormack, deputy managing director of Universal, Ivor Novello winning producer Rick Nowels, and Jon Webster, chairman of the Music Managers Forum.
Festival director Dave Pichilingi said: “Sound City was conceived, and will become, an international music conference hosted in a city synonymous to music. With meetings and seminars focusing on topics such as market strategies, the DIY generation, artist development, copyrighting, contracts, distribution, promotion and the media, Liverpool Sound City is sure to provide a decisive global platform for resolving the current challenges and stimulating new industry growth and revenue.”
The four- day festival is a Merseyside ACME initiative supported by The Mersey Partnership, Government Office North West and the Northwest Regional Development Agency. The project has also received support from UK Trade and Investment and Liverpool Culture Company.
Kevin McManus, director of Merseyside ACME, said: “The Sound City project was developed by ACME to showcase the strength of the region’s music sector.“In partnership with Liverpool Culture Company we have agreed that this inaugural event will provide the lead-up to the Liverpool Sound project, featuring Sir Paul McCartney.“The plan is for Liverpool Sound City to become a major annual event alongside sister events such as South by South West and MIDEM.”
All delegates purchasing their tickets before May 1 are eligible for a 25% discount. For complete listings as well as information on registration and events, visit www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk
