A & R Panel
A&R: A label and publisher perspective
Everything a young singer/songwriter needs to know about A&R in 2009. This esteemed panel, comprised of some of the most influential people in publishing and label A&R, will explain the similarities and differences between the two A&R processes, the importance of songwriting within A&R and the intricacies of current A&R processes.
Panellists:
Mike Smith, Managing Director of Columbia Records
Throughout his illustrious career Mike is credited with signing Blur, the Smashing Pumpkins, The White Stripes, Libertines, Scissor Sisters, Arctic Monkeys and Arcade Fire. More recently, under Mikes leadership, Columbia have signed The View, Calvin Harris and the ubiquitous and multi talented Mark Ronson. Going into 2008 Columbia can boast 3 of the top 10 acts in the BBC Critics Choice with The Ting Tings, Glasvegas and MGMT.
Jim Chancellor, Managing Director of Fiction Records
Jim was promoted to MD of Fiction, whose roster include Ian Brown, Kate Nash, The Maccabees, Elbow and Snow Patrol, in March 2008. He recently won the coveted A&R Award at the 2009 Musicweek Awards.
David Donald, Senior A&R Manager at Warner/Chappell Music
David is credited for signing Hot Chip, Goldfrapp, Jarvis Cocker, Gnarls Barkley and The Strokes and has worked closely with many writers and producers including Dan Carey, Stuart Price and Eg White. Prior to publishing, he spent several years in A&R at RCA Records and in producer management working with people like Paul Oakenfold.
Tim Medcraft, Managing Director of Powis Music
Tim Medcraft is the MD of Powis Music Limited - a JV between himself and Simon Platz / Bucks Music Group Limited.
The JV was born in July 2008 and is based on "Developing Acts and Building Careers" - the company's aim and core objective which Tim and his business partner are passionate about achieving.
Tim joined Bucks in 1998 after 3 years at MCPS and was UK Copyright Manager and Dance A&R for a number of years. He was Head of A&R at Bucks from August 2005 to the formation of Powis.
Powis roster includes girlband The Scarletz (4 piece girlband - just shot TV pilot with part of the Top Gear prod team and Guy Ritchie's script writer); Tom Bailey (ex-Vincent Vincent & The Villains and working with Good Shoes, My Device, Shuffle, A Human, his own album and ad work (he did the music for a Sony Ericsson ad last year); Oakden Music (D&B label Ram Recs pub co inc Sub Focus and Xample) and Clive Meaker from Dr Meaker (live D&B act).
Tim also works hands on with Antony McLean (formerly Digga) who has just signed to Asylum / Atlantic Recs; Professor Green whose new single Hard Night Out is about to be released on his own label via a new in-house arrangement with Bucks; Multiverse (including Joker and Pinch); D Style (including TC); Hope (including Freeland and Evil Nine); Full Time Hobby (Blakfish, Rolo Tomassi); Sunday Best and many others.
Moderator: Keith Harris
Keith Harris is Director of Performer Relations at PPL and Chairman of Musictank.
Where? Gibson Guitars, 3rd Floor, 29-35 Rathbone Street, London, W1T 1NJ
When? 3.30pm registration for a prompt 4pm start on Monday 18th May
How do I register? Click Here to register.