NEWS BLAST #21 [4/10/12]

We’ve reached 21 News Blasts already, and before we get a chance to mention the ‘key of the door’, we’ve going to crack on with all those snippets of music news we’ve been keeping safe for an occasion such as… well… this!

• THRESHOLD OVER US – Next year’s Threshold Festival is taking place from 8th to 10th March 2013 across the Baltic Triangle, and once again the organisers are looking for musicians… lots and lots of musicians. If you’d like to take part then all you have to do is email the lovely Rachel on submissions@threholdfestival.com with details of where she can hear your music online. Easy as.

• SOUND AS THE CITY – And while you’re busy submitting to Threshold, you might as well go the whole hog and submit to Liverpool Sound City too. Next year it’s taking place from 2nd to 4th May, and the submissions are being handled by bandapp.com. Check out the press release here, and the bandapp info here.

• WREXHAM? IT NEARLY KILLS ‘EM – Gavin Sharp is looking for new acoustic acts for gigs around the Wrexham area and possibly further afield. If you’re interested you can add your details to the database, and he promises not to share them with anyone else! artistform.golausolutions.com  

• FOLK EXPO-SURE – The English Folk Expo is launching next year (18th – 20th October 2013) and will feature performances, industry-only showcases, and link-making events. If you would like to be considered for a performance slot then check out the details on their new website englishfolkexpo.com It’s open to both contemporary and traditional folk artists.

• TWEETIE PIE – Twitter seems to be the social media tool du jour, and if you’re a musician and you’re not on twitter (or actively using it) then you’re missing out on spreading your name and making contacts in the twittersphere. Here’s a Beginner’s Guide To Twitter to help you out. And if you like this, then why not tweet it (using @lpoolacoustic of course)?

• HEY, MR PRODUCER – Anyone who thinks that recording a great song is as simple as standing in front of a microphone and hitting the big, red RECORD button would do well to read this article entitled ‘Why unsigned artists need a great producer‘. For those of you who’ve worked with great producers before, much of this won’t come as a surprise, but for those of you who are new to the business they call music, it will probably be extremely valuable information.

• GREAT ESCAPE – No, not the movie starring Steve McQueen, but Europe’s leading festival for new music. It takes place in Brighton from 16th to 18th May, takes in 30 venues, and features 300+ new artists. To be in with a chance follow this link to read all about it and to access the submission form.

• LET’S GET PHYSICAL – York-based musician Mark Wynn turned up to Liverpool Acoustic Live at the View Two Gallery last week and he was selling CDs and tape cassettes with his music on. That’s right, tape cassettes! Local bluesman SJ Downes has had lots of fun recording his music on an old phonograph tape recorder and printing the music on vinyl. It’s ever so easy as a musician or band to think that the only real way to get your music out there is via digital download, but Chris Singleton thinks you might be missing out. Read his article here.

• TWO NEED YOU – Adam is one half 0f a male/female acoustic duo looking for other musicians to form a band. Influences include Fleetwood Mac, Belle and Sebastian, and Angus and Julia Stone. They are both 22 and they’re looking for 18 to 30 year old drummers, bassists, keyboardists, violinists, singers, or anything else. Contact Adam here.

• 22 AND LOOKING FOR YOU – Tommy is also 22. He’s in Anfield and is looking for like-minded musicians to form an acoustic blues/jazz band playing everything from Robert Johnson to Miles Davis, plus a few original songs too. He’s also looking to form a separate covers band playing 50s/60s/70s covers from the likes of Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, and The Jam. You can find out more here.