You don't have to be an artist to make it big in the music industry, in fact, it's managers and moguls that the UK music biz needs to ensure success in the 21st century. That's the message from new initiative Make Your Mark in the Music Business, which aims to help young entrepreneurs do just that. And for someone who can prove they've got the talent there's £5000 up for grabs to set their career on the right path.
The initiative was launched with a Q&A session at the House of Commons hosted by David Lammy, where a packed house of 14- to 30-year-olds put questions to an expert panel including Sony BMG's Mervyn Lyn, singer-turned-industry exec Feargal Sharkey and artists Sandi Thom and Sway.
The panel discussed the need for good business brains and hard work in an industry that's more competitive than ever, and indie band the WinterKids explained why they chose to follow the DIY path, starting their own label to release and license their music rather than waiting to be signed by someone else.
For those who weren't lucky enough to be at the launch, the Make Your Mark website has a wealth of tips, know-how and encouragement for those who want to get ahead in the music industry. It's a one-stop shop for information on everything from record and publishing companies, to live promoters and agents, to PR and management companies.
And that's not all. The website is also home to an online game which will give players a taste of the life of a music impresario, taking on the job of artist manager, studio manager, A&R or promoter. In this virtual world you can sign new talent, book recordings, organise tours and compete against other players for chart success and musical credibility, earning points as you go. The person who racks up the most points to win the game will receive a wholly un-virtual £5000 towards starting up their own music business.
Anyone aged 14-30 can play and the competition runs for seven days from 3 March 2008. You can register now at: www.makeyourmarkinmusic.org
The competition is supported by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), Music Manifesto, Young Enterprise, British Music Rights (BMR) and Sony BMG.
All photographs copyright Richard Lea-Hair