UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 08 FEBRUARY 2013
Birmingham City University and Creative Networks are hosting a free event exploring today’s complex and ever changing digital landscape as more and more music fans are leaving the high street.
Speaking at the event on Thursday 28 February will be Scott Cohen, founder of The Orchard, a pioneering independent music and video distribution company operating in more than 20 global markets.
With it becoming increasingly overwhelming for independent artists and labels to identify the best ways to promote their music online and generate profits, Scott will be discussing industry changes and showing recent case studies of successful artists who have adapted well to what is being called the ‘digital music switchover’.
According to the recent Digital Music Nation report by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), UK acts including Ed Sheeran and Jessie J have led the digital charge, with a booming number of music buyers heading to digital products such as iTunes and Spotify.
The report also reveals that 189m music singles were sold in the UK in 2012, of which 99.6% were digital sales. In the albums market, almost a third of all albums in the UK were sold digitally in 2012, rising to more than 40% in early 2013.
Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive at BPI, said: “Looking back over the past 10 years, from when the iPod was still a new device for consumers, the speed of innovation has been dizzying. Market growth and digital innovation are dynamically intertwined, meaning the next 10 years should be equally as game changing and thrilling.”
Host of the event Creative Networks brings together parties involved in screen and sound media in the West Midlands, promoting both successful business development and collaboration.
The event runs from 5.45pm until 8:45pm at Birmingham City University’s Millennium Point campus. To book your place email creative.networks@bcu.ac.uk, call 0121 331 5400, or register online at www.creativenetworksonline.com.
The event follows the Birmingham Music Network and the Birmingham Screen Image Network, taking place from 4pm until 5.30pm.