Examining the health of Manchester’s vibrant music scenes in 2024. Soundcheck assessed our recording and live economies, including available commercial, charitable, governmental and educational support networks.
Produced in partnership with the University of Salford and UK Research and Innovation, four panels of industry professionals, experts and musicians debated pressing issues faced by Manchester's music communities. Low Four Soundcheck concluded with a live showcase and networking evening, and live-streamed performances from Manchester bands, Nightbus and Sugarstone.
Is running a small music venue a viable business in 2024? Industry experts, policymakers, and venue owners explore the challenges, including the role of government, institutional and commercial support. The panel will be scrutinising how policies and initiatives are either bolstering these venues' survival or contributing to their struggles. Featuring Victoria Robinson (The Met - Bury), Chris Horkan (Hey! Manchester), Jess Coulson (Old Abbey Taphouse), Rachael Flaszczak (The Snug - Atherton) and Gareth Worthington (Night TIme Economy Officer - CityCo)
Hosted by University of Salford lecturer, Sarah Unwin.
Greater Manchester is famed for its prefusion of musical talent in all areas of popular and classical music. This panel discussion takes stock of our region’s technical infrastructure, asking whether we compete with other international music cities’ provision of recording studios, post-production / sound design houses, production suites and mastering facilities. In the face of an ever-changing music economy what can aspiring creative music technologists do to develop their practice in the city they call home? Featuring: Producers Joe Reiser, Georgia Fullalove, Joel Patchett, Sean Mbaya, Biff Roxby, and Andy Moss from Melodic Records.
Hosted by University of Salford’s Dr. Brendan Williams.
Music is one of Manchester’s biggest exports, a driver for much of the night time economy and a huge part of our cultural identity. With recording and live industries in decline, what support is available, who is making the funding decisions, how is it being spent and are we getting value for money? Featuring: Marie-Claire Daly (Greater Manchester Combined Authority), Jonas Roberts (Brighter Sound), Linda Begbie (Manchester Collective), Oliver Wilson (Beyond the Music) and musician J Chambers.
Hosted by University of Salford’s Professor Alan Williams.
Representatives from the the major Higher Education institutions in Greater Manchester come together to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing our unique musical ecosystem. Topics will include contemporary motivations for studying and working in Music HE, the funding landscape for music research, changing power dynamics between theoretical and practical work, and best practices for equipping students for the future. Featuring: Dr Neil Bruce (Manchester Metropolitan University), Dr Roddy Hawkins (Manchester University), Prof. Nicholas Reyland (Royal Northern College of Music), Sylvie Heath (BIMM), Dr Phil Brissenden (University of Salford).
Hosted by University of Salford’s Dr. Maria Perevedentseva
