Entrepreneurs from the music industry are set to join forces in a special one-off event, to discuss the highs and lows of their experiences with others who are considering beginning their own creative enterprises.

In Tune with Business, hosted by the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) in association with The Bridge Club, takes place on 5th March. The event will feature an informal ‘Question Time’ style setting, with a panel of representatives from the regional music scene including Peter Brewis, from acclaimed North East outfit Field Music, Peter Aitken and Neil Foggin of soundtrack and multimedia specialists Red Room Music Composition, and Kenny Sanger, owner of Sunderland’s very own music factory, The Bunker.

Peter Brewis, who was part of the original line-up for The Futureheads, has received international acclaim with Field Music. The band released an eponymous debut album in 2005 followed by last year’s ‘Tones of Town’, which was highlighted as one of 2007’s best albums by both Q and Mojo music magazines.

Peter Brewis said: “The events should provide an ideal forum to develop and discuss ideas that often don’t make it outside of the music venue or pub! If speaking about my experiences can help people who are starting out in any kind of creative industry then I’m delighted to be involved.”

Red Room Music Composition provides original music for businesses and the media. Since launching the business in 2006, they have composed, arranged and produced music and sound design for a range of clients including MTV, Warren Miller and the University of Sunderland.

Kenny Sanger took over The Bunker in 2001, and successfully transformed an ailing community enterprise into a burgeoning creative business, restoring glory to Wearside’s much-loved music centre which had previously played host to The Clash and helped to catapult numerous bands to success throughout the 1980s and ‘90s.

However, questions have recently been raised on the future of the Sunderland building. Kenny will be on hand to discuss his plans to take the business forward in 2008.

Host Caroline Theobald, of specialist regional networking organisation, the Bridge Club, said: “The North East, and perhaps Sunderland in particular, has always been a rich breeding ground for popular music, and activity has redoubled in recent years. We’re hoping that the panel discussion and audience debate will be beneficial to both people who are already operating in the music business, and those who wish to become involved or learn more on how creative industries work.” 

 

To book a place for the event please contact Victoria Thompson on 0191 516 6045 or alternatively email victoria.thompson@ne-bic.co.uk