CMC is commissioning a study on the feasibility of setting up an Irish recording label and/or download platform and invites responses through an online survey.

Following an invitation to tender held earlier this year, CMC has engaged Sugar Tree Consulting Ltd, a Scottish-based firm, to carry out the study and produce a report.

The study aims to examine the reasons behind the lack of commercially available recordings of new music by Irish composers and will look at establishing an Irish recording label to draw together a range of specialist/non-commercial musics (contemporary, early Irish classical, jazz, electronic etc) on one identifiable label or download platform.

With the assistance of funding from the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, the study will provide recommendations for the strategic development of such a label, and will also examine effective ways in which existing recordings of Irish music can be best distributed. An advisory group with representation from the Arts Council, RTÉ and CMC will oversee the research carried out.

As part of the study, an online survey is being conducted throughout August and September and all those with an interest in or involvement with recordings are invited to take part. The deadline for taking the survey is 14 September.

A report containing the main findings and recommendations will be published in the autumn and submitted to the Arts Council for consideration with a view to funding.

Posted: 7 August 2007