EDINBURGH is once again gearing up to play host to what is recognised as the biggest music industry event in Scotland – as Wide Days returns for a fourth year between 9 – 10 April.
Wide Days, supported by music licensing organisation PPL, is dedicated exclusively to the music business – both the next generation of industry players and its veterans.
The vibrant two-day annual event gives musicians, and those who work in the music industry, the opportunity to discuss what lies ahead for music in Scotland, through a range of seminars, presentations and music showcases.
Begins a spokesperson: “Scotland is continuing to hold its own within the music industry, with home grown artists such as Emeli Sandé, Biffy Clyro and Calvin Harris becoming big business and global success stories.
“Wide Days actively seeks to help support Scottish talent and foster the next generation of industry players by giving them access to industry insiders’ understanding and showcasing talent.”
One such insider sharing his knowledge is Keith Harris.
Director of Performer Affairs at music licence organisation PPL, Keith, who also represents Stevie Wonder when in the UK, brings decades of experience of the music industry.
He will be offering insight and guidance into how performers can gain an income via royalties for their work through a free PPL membership. With a vested interest in helping performers get paid for their work, not-for-profit organisation PPL is responsible for collecting and paying royalties to performers whose recorded work has been used in a public place e.g. bar, restaurant, on the internet or broadcast.
Commenting on the event, Keith said: “We are here to support everyone in Scotland’s music community; from session musicians to emerging bands and established performers.
“PPL represent tens of thousands of performers and record companies, licensing hundreds of thousands of businesses and broadcasters – large and small – the length and breadth of the UK.
“We hope to raise awareness of the important part that PPL can play in helping to maximise royalties for our members in the UK and internationally.
“By ensuring venues are licensed and legally compliant, we can distribute money generated to all our members.”
PPL’s Scotland business relationship executive, Laura Ferguson, who is also attending the event, added: “Playing recorded music can impact positively on the bottom line for all organisations.
“All we insist is that owners stay on the right side of the law and obtain a PPL licence.
“A licence starts at only 19 pence per day and we think it is only right that those who make the music receive the royalties that they are due.”
Since its launch in 2010, Wide Days has attracted top industry names, including Spotify and YouTube, bringing them together with those doing amazing things at grassroots level.
Olaf Furniss, co-organiser of Wide Days, added: “PPL’s support continues to play an huge role in helping us to further establish Wide Days as key trade event, and in turn, help to support musicians and those in the Scottish music industry.”
In addition to the popular programme of seminars and speakers, attendees to the two day event will be able to enjoy music from some of the most exciting emerging acts across a diverse range of genres, including Angus Munro, The Jellyman’s Daughter, Model Aeroplanes and Tuff Love.
All evening showcases are open to the public and free tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Wide Days 2014 takes place at the University of Edinburgh’s Teviot Row House on 9-10 April 2014 – the world’s oldest purpose built student union building.
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