Industry news & advice blog

Sound City is adding to an unparalleled line-up of inspirational music figures for this year’s conference with a key theme of The Unsung Hero, focusing on the mavericks and mayhem makers who have helped shape the face of rock and roll.

Joining experimental rock pioneer Wayne Coyne as keynote speaker is Orange Juice legend and accomplished solo artist Edwyn Collins. Edwyn will be in conversation with his love and ally, Grace Maxwell.  He will explore his long and influential career including how his life and music changed following a cerebral haemorrhage in 2005. The conference will also feature an exclusive live performance and a screening of his acclaimed new film “The Possibilities are Endless”; the title being a reference to one of only four phrases he was able to speak during his neurological rehabilitation. 

Edwyn said: "I'm delighted to be in Liverpool for Sound City, I've always felt an affinity for the place. Back in the Orange Juice days we were regulars in the city playing at places like Eric's. I've always had great support from Liverpool and I always look forward to coming back." 

Sound City is also revisiting its popular In Conversation programme hosted by DJ and presenter Dave Haslam. As well as performing at the festival this year The Vaccines’ Justin Young and Freddie Cowan will also appear In Conversation at this year’s conference. The Vaccines’ growth has been hugely successful; from uploading a home studio recorded demo of If You Wanna to Youtube in 2009 to releasing their debut album What Did You Expect From The Vaccines in 2012 which went straight to platinum, their rise is as impressive as their energetic pop-rock live sound.

The Vaccines came third in BBC’s the Sound of 2011 along with multiple nominations across different awards and won Best New Band, Emerging Talent and New Music Award. They also have an extremely dedicated fan base that has led them to appearing at over 40 festivals each summer since their debut album. A real conference highlight for any songwriter, musician, artist, social media promoter or events manager - The Vaccines boys are not to be missed! 

Jane Weaver - Liverpudlian singer, guitarist, songwriter and record label executive - will also feature In Conversation. Jane’s career has been rich and varied from time with groups Kill Laura and Misty Dixon and her solo career that began in 2001. Jane self-produced her most recent album The Silver Globe released in 2014, with contributions from Cyptron, David Holmes and Badly Drawn Boy. A vocal sample from the track Silver Chord was used on Another Arms from Coldplay’s Ghost Stories.

For 20 years Jane has dedicated herself to her independent micro-industry, producing conceptual pop LPs through her label in Manchester. As a creative and inventive musical figure, Jane has plenty of expertise to share at the 2015 conference with any solo artists, musicians, producers, songwriters, promoters and label executives.  

Returning for the third year is Sound City’s vast programme of How? Sessions.  As ever they will explore an array of practical issues and hot topics spanning the music, digital and creative industries. They’re a great opportunity for delegates to learn from industry professionals from many different backgrounds to discuss a huge range on burning issues frankly and openly, and to answer questions in depth. 

Amongst the many music biz luminaries taking part in this year’s How? Sessions is Everything Everything. Interviewed by Gabby Sanderson the band will talk about their career to date covering songwriting style, their fearless crossing of genres, how they survive in the music industry, and how they’ve received both critical acclaim and adoration from fans. Delegates will also have the chance to ask the band questions in the Q&A forum after their talk.

Sound City are delighted to announce Edge Hill University as Industry Connection Partner for the 2015 Festival and Conference. This will be the third time that Edge Hill, the UK University of the Year, will partner with Sound City. This year Edge Hill are stepping up their involvement to become the official sponsor of the Marketplace at the Sound City Conference, as well as hosting a showcase of its not-for-profit record label acts. Award winning dance company EdgeFWD will be premiering a new dance piece for the site, and students will be taking part in real life work based activities at both the Festival and Conference. 

Taking place in the magnificent Rum Warehouse at The Titanic Hotel, Stanley Dock from 21- 22 May, the now legendary international music conference will debate, discuss and highlight key issues with the contemporary music business on – brought to you by some of the leading figures in the global industry.#

Other speakers already announced for Sound City conference include: Wayne Coyne (The Flaming Lips), Julian Cope, Viv Albertine (The Slits), Danny Fields, James Barton (Cream), Mark E Smith (The Fall).

Liverpool Sound City Conference takes place on the 21 & 22 May 2015. To buy wristbands visit the website below.

Related Links

http://www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk

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liverpool sound city, music conference, music industry, music business, edwyn collins, music convention, music industry speakers, music panels