Warrant of fitness NZ music industry workshops

I'll be keeping the worst parts of my personality in check: The flagrant self promoter and the know it all kid who thinks he knows more about monetizing content online than teacher -

but I will definately be there to meet and chat, most likely toting a hand out tip sheet of what I feel are the most important ideas artists should be embracing about building their presence online - which should save me having to get into any arguments.

Lets just hope no one wants to discuss the state of local online music community facilities provided for New Zealand musicians.

Or how visionary NZ on Air/Creative NZ are.

Or . . .

I really hope they don't end up talking to us like we all have no problem moving 10,000 units like they so often do.



8th February 2008
The NZ Music Commission has confirmed the speakers for the three-city Warrant Of Fitness music industry seminar series in 2008.

Featuring music industry professionals currently working in international markets, the sessions will focus on what makes an act internationally roadworthy, the skills and techniques required to work in the global marketplace, and will assist in developing music careers that are export-ready.

Here's the updated schedule - a must-attend for anyone interested in this field.


Wednesday March 5
Auckland Room 4, SKYCITY Convention Centre

Session 1 - MIDDAY: Managing From Afar
Mike Holdsworth talks about how to establish and maintain international contacts when starting from scratch. He'll discuss how much can be done without leaving NZ, the degree of planning and progress you should have in place before going offshore, and what tools are ideal to take with you. Other topics will include examining the most important services to pay for (publicity, radio plugging etc) and how much you can expect them to cost.

Session 2 - 2:00PM: The Future Of Independent Labels
Mike Holdsworth and Rev. Moose take a critical look at how much the online world has changed the independent landscape. Sales, promotion, and the deals artists strike all work differently now, so what are the most exciting digital opportunities, and how do you prioritise what will make the most impact? They'll also discuss the best online strategy or strategies they've come across and how they fit into an act's overall plan of attack.

Session 3 - 4:00PM: International Touring
Julian Carswell and Rev. Moose take you through setting up a tour from afar. They'll discuss how it works with (or without) a booking agent or promoter, parts of the world easier or more profitable to tour than others, and whether to be on someone else's tour or go it alone. Find out what it is actually like out there on the road, the opportunities or problems that can crop up mid-tour, and how you go about dealing with them in that environment.

Thursday March 6 - Auckland
Auckland Room 4, SKYCITY Convention Centre

Session 4 - MIDDAY: Making Noise Globally
Mike Holdsworth and Rev. Moose discuss how you best going about making an impact in an increasingly saturated marketplace. With so many avenues to promote music, be they media, websites, or festivals, are there certain places you should focus on where more of the industry pays attention, and how much should you deviate from your plan when an opportunity arises? They'll also look at how hard it is to get noticed, and whether giving your music away for free to the public actually works.

Session 5 - 2:00PM: Market vs Market
Julian Carswell and Mike Holdsworth discuss some of the key differences between various markets. They'll look at how deals, promotion, trends, and the industry in general may differ from country to country, and which ones may be the best starting points for your act. Some big territories may have tastemaker regions within them, while some countries take their cues from others - but what are they? Learn more about these key differences to best take advantage of them.

Session 6 - 4:00PM: The Wrap Up
All three of our guests will take part in this final session, allowing them to emphasise their main points, talk about what they've come across during their time in NZ, and share their final thoughts. They will also be asked to prepare a 5 minute plan for an artist presented to them to illustrate some of the topics previously addressed.

Friday March 7
Wellington City Gallery Cinema

Session 1 - MIDDAY: Managing From Afar/Making Noise
With Mike Holdsworth and Rev. Moose

Session 2 - 2:00PM: International Touring/Market vs Market
With Julian Carswell, Mike Holdsworth and Rev. Moose

Session 3 - 4:00PM: The Wrap Up
With Julian Carswell, Mike Holdsworth and Rev. Moose

Saturday March 8
Christchurch CPIT Jazz School Auditorium

Session 1 - MIDDAY: Managing From Afar/Making Noise
With Mike Holdsworth and Rev. Moose

Session 2 - 2:00PM: International Touring/Market vs Market
With Julian Carswell, Mike Holdsworth and Rev. Moose

Session 3 - 4:00PM: The Wrap Up
With Julian Carswell, Mike Holdsworth and Rev. Moose