Making it big in independent music promotion
Tuesday, 22nd December 2009
For an ambitious rock or pop band, live gigging is today’s route to success. It is no longer a question of chasing a record deal.
In the age of the internet download, a band makes money playing live and selling merchandise. Which means it is vital to gain performing experience and build up a fan-base.
Former University of Huddersfield student Ian Lawlor – who graduated this year in music technology and audio systems – is in tune with the modern music scene. A former heavy rock guitarist himself, during his degree course he spent a year on work placement at one of the North’s best-known venues, The Leadmill in Sheffield.
He also attends a lot of gigs and checks out a lot of bands and began to realise that many promising groups have difficulty making the crucial transition from playing to 50-strong audiences in tiny venues to performances in larger surroundings in front of crowds of around the 250 mark.
Ian realised that he could develop a promotions company that would specialise in giving small bands the opportunity to play larger venues and build their audience. He approached the Graduate Entrepreneurship-funded Business Mine for advice, back-up and financial support and he staged a show in April 2009 at The Leadmill, backed by a proof-of-concept grant. Featuring a band named The Rossman Frister Project, it was a big success and turned a profit.
Now Ian has received a start-up grant from the Business Mine provided through the Graduate Entrepreneurship Project, after making a pitch to its panel. The money will enable him to get more gigs up and running and build up his relationship with bands and venues. He aims to make ticket prices affordable at shows he promotes, in order to ensure good-sized crowds. He gets his satisfaction from knowing that an event has run smoothly and that both bands and audiences are happy.
Ian is in no doubt that live music is back in a big way. He says that a record deal – far from being the fast track to fame and fortune – can have the effect of draining money out of a band, but it is important for bands to hook up with promoters who have their best interests at heart.
Ian Lawlor can be contacted on 07783 377437 or by e-mail at i.s.lawlor@gmail.com
- Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards (710kb)
