We are excited to summarise the enlightening “Level Up Midlands Music Industry Workshop” that unfolded on 13th October 2023, at the Artum/Hockley Social Club. This event marked a significant stride, delving into the nuances of Birmingham’s music industry while also gleaning strategic insights from Liverpool’s music realm.
The evening kicked off with opening words by Owayne Smith, setting the stage for Dr. Patrycja Rozbicka who provided an overview of the newly crafted Birmingham live music maps (v.4.0), showcasing the vibrant musical landscape of Birmingham. Dr. Rozbicka’s presentation went a step further to highlight the overall economic value and capacity of Birmingham’s Night-time economy, encapsulating the usefulness and value of the Live Music Mapping Project.
The heart of the event was the panel discussion, featuring the informed insights of Alex Carr, DJ Buxley, and Dr. Matthew Flynn. A spotlight was cast on the achievements of Boxout Events, spearheaded by DJ Buxley, particularly accentuating the resounding success of its first music festival that attracted up to 1,500 attendees. Buxley also shed light on the lack of support Boxout had received from local authorities despite the palpable demand for organisations like Boxout.
Dr. Matthew Flynn shared invaluable knowledge regarding Liverpool’s music ecosystem, shedding light on key initiatives from funding to training, supported by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. His discourse provided a glimpse into structural frameworks that could potentially be mirrored in Birmingham. Additionally, Dr. Flynn highlighted some of the progressive initiatives the Liverpool region music board implemented to support the city’s music ecosystem, ranging from financial support to training opportunities.
Alex Carr’s contribution was a beacon of insight. Alex is bridging the gap in access to opportunities within Birmingham’s music industry through her initiative Amplify Sounds. Her initiative challenges the conventional narrative surrounding urban music events and spaces, providing a platform that highlights the positive impact and the unifying power of urban music within the community.
The crescendo of the evening was an electrifying live performance by Neone Wonderer, embodying the remarkable musical talent inherent in the region. This event rendered a vivid snapshot of the opportunities and creative richness within the region’s music ecosystem. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to all participants whose collective insights and shared vision are steering us towards a more robust and thriving music ecosystem in Birmingham and the West Midlands.
For further exploration of discussed topics or any inquiries, your engagement is most welcome. Please visit our project page and social media platforms listed below. We invite you to provide feedback on our event using the following form. The journey towards a more collaborative and flourishing music scene continues, and we eagerly anticipate more collaborative ventures ahead.
