Forum will discuss range of subjects on youth music issues
The Shetland Youth Music Forum will take place tomorrow at the Sandveien Neighbourhood Centre.
The Shetland Arts event will begin with seminars held by local music industry professionals followed by an open floor conference. The day will culminate in an alcohol-free gig featuring Oscar Charlie, the young Shetland band now based in Glasgow, and The Fire And I.
Everyone with an interest in youth music including young people, events organisers, musicians, educators, technicians, business people, industry professionals and community workers is welcome to attend.
The seminars will start at 1pm. Speakers will include Marvin Smith, band manager, studio operator and co-owner of Bleatbeat records, together with members of Oscar Charlie, who will focus on artist management and promotion.
Davie Gardner of Atlantic Edge Music Services and Shetland Arts events and venues manager Richard Wemyss will host seminars on event management, covering topics including health and safety, crowd management and promotion.
Music teachers and sound and lighting engineers Fraser Mouat and Stevie Hook will host seminars on audio technology and recording software, and provide demonstrations of equipment and techniques.
Mr Mouat said: “The seminars offer a great chance for people involved in youth music to speak to folk involved with some very interesting projects, and pick up some skills and knowledge along the way.”
The conference will begin at 4.30pm and cover a range subjects relevant to local youth music issues. Shetland Arts music development officer Bryan Peterson said: “It’s an excellent opportunity for everyone involved in youth music provision to get together, share knowledge and discuss plans for the future.
“Shetland is at an important stage of youth music development, particularly with how new licensing legislation will affect youth gigs, Mareel on the horizon and the college about to start offering further education courses in music. We hope that everyone takes the opportunity to come along and make their voices heard.”
Visitors will also be able to find information on subjects including the jazz development initiative, electronic music production, noise awareness week, upcoming youth concerts, further education courses, Mareel and music development initiatives The evening concert, co-organised by the Shetland Young Promoters Group, starts at 7.30pm and will be headlined by Oscar Charlie and The Fire And I.
Oscar Charlie were formed in Shetland before moving to Glasgow amid a flurry of record company interest in September 2007. Since then the band have released several EPs, become a regular fixture on the Glasgow music scene and played prestigious events around the UK, including the In The City international music conference in Manchester last year.
The Fire And I are a two-piece electro rock band whose members come from Bathgate and Mexico City. The band tour regularly around Britain, having supported acts including Amy Macdonald, Biffy Clyro and The Young Knives.
Oscar Charlie lead singer Reuben Quinn said: “It’s great to be coming back to Shetland for gigs. I’m looking forward to playing to familiar faces again. The Fire & I are coming with us. They are superb. It’s really good to be asked to do the Youth Music Forum Conference. Anything that helps Shetland’s young bands has to be supported . . . that’s the law.”
Support will come from local groups Happy Hour and Calibre who have recently been taking part in the Youth Music Workshops held throughout Shetland. The concert is an alcohol-free event open to over-14s.
The seminars and conference are free but booking is advised as numbers are limited. The evening concert is £5 and tickets are available from Islesburgh Community Centre on (01595) 745 555 Oscar Charlie and The Fire And I will also be playing an over-18 gig at the Norscot Angling Club tonight.
