Off The Record is pleased to announce a range of exciting additions to its programme including workshops, an opportunity for artists to have a track critiqued by an industry panel and book one-to-one meetings with speakers.

The two-day online event for 16-25 years olds who want to work in music, will also offer an opportunity to feature alongside many of Scotland’s leading artists by uploading a performance to The Scotsman Sessions. And each attendee will receive a voucher from event partner EmuBands worth £24.95, which will allow them to release a single across streaming and download platforms.

Taking place online 4-5 December, the event is supported by Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative and features 14 panels as well as workshops on digital releases, photography, music publishing and collaborating remotely. Also partnering with Off The Record are PRS Foundation, Youth Music, Academy of Music & Sound and Association of Independent Music (AIM),

“Off The Record does an amazing job of bringing together the next generation of music makers and forward-thinking professionals in Scotland, to create very special moments,” says Jude McArdle membership manager, Association of Independent Music (AIM). “Its core mission aligns perfectly with our work at AIM – providing a gateway to success in the music industry through knowledge, business-building skills, community and contacts.”

A range of new speakers has been added to the event, including hip-hop promoter Chris Stillie from Aberdeen (The Dojo Aberdeen), chart-topping singer Prentice Robertson (Vistas), Fatherson frontman Ross Leighton, Dr Philippa Wheble(British Association for Performing Arts Medicine), David Henderson (MELD), Elizabeth Sills (PRS Foundation), Rose Manson (Clyde Built Radio), as well as music publishers Jamie Lawson (MCPS) and Shauni Caballero (The Go 2 Agency).

They join previously announced participants including photographers Isha shah and Jannica Honey, freelance writer Katie Goh (The Skinny, The Guardian), DJ/club promoter Maciej Kawka, musicians Iona Fyfe, Rosie Bans and Zoe Graham, musician/label owner Sega Bodega, Sof Staune (VAJ.Power), and BBC Introducing in Scotland show hosts Phoebe I-H and Shereen Cutkelvin.

The full conference programme will be complemented with an opportunity to connect with industry figures and other participants, through one-to-one video meetings, interactive workshops and the Meet the Speaker sessions, where delegates can ask questions via video.

According to Off The Record coordinator, Kitt Carr, the conference aims to provide as many opportunities for attendees to connect as they would at a physical event.

“Meeting people is crucial when looking to establish a career in the music industry, the virtual event allows us to encompass more networking opportunities into the programme for attendees at all career stages” she says. “Making use of the one-to-one meetings and social activities is essential for attendees to build their own contact base and to open the doors to their future careers”

She adds that attendees will have the opportunity to benefit from a programme designed by a team in the same age group and gain real-world knowledge from across the industry from speakers who are nearly all under 30.

Moreover, the return of the Artist Feedback Session, provides a rare opportunity for attendees to submit a track  to be constructively critiqued by a panel of music industry and media figures, with one act being offered a Scotsman Session.

Launched by The Scotsman newspaper to provide live performances during the pandemic, it has featured a diverse range of Scottish acts including KT Tunstall, Pictish Trail, and Barbara Dickson, as well as Off The Record speakers Zoe Graham, Iona Fyfe and Rosie Bans. And with 150 shows uploaded to date, it has become one of Scotland’s most established digital spaces for music, theatre and poetry.

"Off the Record plays a really important role in nurturing young musicians and in preparing them for careers in the music industry.” says Roger Cox, arts & books editor at The Scotsman. “We're delighted to be able to team up with the event this year, and are  looking forward to producing a Scotsman Session with one of the participating artists in 2021."

Returning partners EmuBands will once again provide significant support to budding musicians and industry professionals.

“Off The Record is an invaluable resource for young musicians and their teams, and it is great that they’re able to continue with the event virtually during this uncertain time.” says Toni Malyn, head of artist relations & marketing at EmuBands.

“In addition to our streaming presentation, we’ll be hosting two workshops, where we’ll take questions from the audience on all things digital. Each attendee will also receive a voucher from EmuBands, allowing them to distribute their first single through our service free of charge.”

EVENT INFO

Off The Record
Friday 4 December & Saturday 5 December
11:00 - 18:00 l Online

Tickets £5 (includes access to all online content during the event)

Discounted and free tickets will be made available to those who otherwise would not be able to attend.

Ticket booking and information: www.otrscot.com/tickets