‘Modern Music Cities: A Eurovision Legacy Conference’ was a brand new event taking place in Liverpool, a UNESCO City of Music, on Friday 14 July at the iconic Spaces At The Spine. This seminal event asked what contemporary music cities look like presently and need to look like in the future in this ever-evolving industry. https://www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/modern-music-cities
A music conference is an event that brings together people from different areas of the music industry to share knowledge, network, and build relationships. If you are interested in the music industry, then attending a music conference can be a great way to learn, network, and grow your career, they can also provide a platform for musicians to showcase their work and to connect with potential fans. Alongside learning about new trends and technologies. Networking with industry professionals. Gaining exposure for your music. Getting feedback on your work. Building relationships with potential collaborators.
There are many different types of music conferences, but they typically focus on one or more of the following areas:
Business: Music conferences can provide opportunities for industry professionals to learn about new trends, technologies, and business models. They can also provide a forum for networking with potential clients, partners, and investors.
Education: Music conferences can offer educational opportunities for musicians, producers, engineers, and other music professionals. This can include workshops, seminars, and keynote speeches from industry experts.
Creativity: Music conferences can be a great place to be inspired and to meet other creative people.
Throughout the day we heard from local, national and international thought-leaders, alongside music creatives, policy makers and shakers, and industry and cultural leaders to discuss the power and purpose of music cities. Claire McColgan CBE (Culture Liverpool) introduced us to local, national and international key speakers who came together to discuss important topics relating to the music industry and music cities.
The power of music cities: Expert panellists from across the world discuss the positive impacts and real benefits of their music cities. Featuring Sandra Wall (Sweden), Nelson George (New York), Kate Lowes (Manchester), Marcus Harris-Noble (London), Robert Specterman-Green (DCMS) and Alice Moser (Hannover). Hosted by UNESCO City of Music Officer for Liverpool, Kevin McManus.
What is a music city and how do you create one? A presentation by expert Shain Shapiro from Sound Diplomacy as he deconstructs the main elements that make a city a true music city.
The power of Eurovision: Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health at Liverpool City Council presents the ESC ’23 Impact Report on the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool.
Future challenges: The provocation: Kevin McManus and John Robb musician, journalist and acclaimed author of ‘The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth’ will discuss the forthcoming challenges to traditional music cities.
UK Music – An introduction to ‘Here, There and Everywhere’ Report: Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, the Chief Executive of UK Music, presents the ‘Here, There and Everywhere’ Report.
Reimagining a music city: A presentation of the opportunities for modern music cities and those leaders who work in the space by award-winning author and thought-leader, Seth Godin.
Throughout the day there was a raft of Breakout sessions:
Breakout session1: Industry investment A deep dive into how investment by frontline industry organisations can and does help music cities outside of capital cities grow and sustain. Panellists include Becky Ayres (CEO, Soundcity), Mick Ross (CEO, Generator NE), Scott Lewis (Label Manager, EMI North) plus more to be announced. Hosted by Music Week Features Editor, Ben Homewood.
Breakout session 2: Needs on the ground A roundtable discussion about what the next generation of music creators and industry professionals need from their music cities. Panellists include Abby Meysenburg (Liverpool), Nat Sodzi (Gloucester), Gabriel Starkey (London), Danny West (Leeds), Tom Rabbano (Manchester). Hosted by acclaimed emerging music creator Ni Maxine.
Breakout session 3: Devising and delivering live music policy in UK cities and regions. Academics and practitioners discussed the live sector and how the implementation of their work has benefitted various music cities. Panellists included Matt Brennan (SDGs and Live Sector), Adam Behr (Music Policy), Kate Nicholls OBE (UKHospitality) and Jon Collins (Live). Hosted by Dr Mat Flynn from the University of Liverpool.
Breakout session 4: Liverpool City Region Black music action group ReMap report Launch of the Liverpool City Region ReMap Report on Black Music, presented by Chair of the Liverpool City Region Black Music Action Group, Jennifer John.
Breakout session 5: Technology and music scenes and cities A discussion on how technology has changed the face of music cities and scenes and the path for music creators. Featuring Bryan Johnson (Head of Artist & Industry Partnerships, International at Spotify), Pete Woodbridge (Crucial FX), Gaika (Artist), Des Agyekumhene (NFT and Metaverse expert), Nur Ozdamar (Youtube Music) and Elijah Cushnie (DJ / Manager / Thought-leader). Hosted by Grace Goodwin.
Breakout session 6: UK music diversity task force: place for all? The Chair of the UK Music Diversity Task Force, Ammo Talwar MBE, shares the work the task force has done to ensure true diversity and inclusion in the UK music industry.
Breakout session 7: “Magic In Kingston Town”: Branding an Alchemical Music City A presentation by Professor Carolyn Cooper sharing the journey of Jamaica’s capital as a leading music city, the triumphs and challenges, as well as what the future holds.
THOUGHTS: #21stCenturyBoy This was not only one of the best one day music conferences I have attended in terms of delivery and interest, but is/was a great addition for anyone regardless of position within their field to learn something. (Especially when one of the breakout speakers apologised to me for his behaviour at #TheKrazyHouse back in the day 
However he was not the 1st and won’t be the last…
Having attended every Liverpool Sound City / Focus Wales + SXSW, In The City, Wide Days, Un-Convention, Great Escape, This event was a fantastic combination of both suits and ties + jeans and tees. BUT most importantly showcased why Liverpool is most definitely a #MusicCity yet has only just began to re-engage and move forward with a whole new generation of music fans and bands… Welcome To The Pleasure Dome! Jj x
