174K

For Immediate Release

New Music Online — A Seminar on Music and the Internet Distribution, Promotion and Networking

4 May 2007

What are the global trends in digital music distribution and promotion? How do these impact on composers and musicians? These questions and much more will be discussed and debated at a seminar in the Carolan Room of the National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, 9.30am - 1.00pm, Tuesday, 22 May 2007.

The Contemporary Music Centre has initiated this seminar in response to a large growth and interest in online developments for distributing and promoting music. The seminar will stimulate discussion and debate, and will provide practical information on current and future trends in the online distribution and promotion of music. Practical tools like podcasting, use of video online, blogging and social-networking will be explained and assessed.

Presentations will be made by Helen Shaw, Managing Director, Athena Media, and Scott Cohen, Founder and Vice President International, The Orchard, with case studies outlined by Julie Feeney, Composer and Singer and Gavin Prior, Musician, Producer and Improviser.

'The Contemporary Music Centre has always been a forerunner in its own use of digital technologies and feels that it is important for composers and musicians to know how best to use digital technology to distribute and promote their own work', says Karen Hennessy, Promotion Manager, The Contemporary Music Centre.

Admission is free but booking is advised as space is limited. Coffee and tea will be served at 9.30am.

The Contemporary Music Centre would like to acknowledge the support of the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon in making this seminar possible.

The Contemporary Music Centre is Ireland's national library and promotional body for new music. The Centre is supported by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

For further information and to book a place, contact Karen Hennessy, Promotion Manager, The Contemporary Music Centre, 19 Fishamble Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 8 on 01 673 1922 Email: khennessy@cmc.ie web site: www.cmc.ie

Notes for Editors

Helen Shaw
Managing Director of Athena Media, Helen is former Managing Director of RTÉ Radio and has over twenty years senior media experience with the BBC, RTÉ and the Irish Times. Athena Media is a content provider for RTÉ, BBC, Setanta and Newstalk 106. Athena Media produces two podcasting channels, O2 Making Waves and VHI Health Club.
www.podcastingireland.ie
www.athenamedia.ie

Scott Cohen
Scott Cohen is one of the leading experts in digital distribution and new media. Scott co-founded The Orchard in 1997 with Richard Gottehrer. The Orchard is the leading digital distributor of music in the world with offices in 25 countries. It represents over 2,500 labels from more than 75 countries and covers every genre of music with a catalogue of more than 1 million songs.
www.theorchard.com

Julie Feeney
Galway born Julie Feeney is a composer and singer. In 2005 she composed, produced, marketed and designed her own debut album 13 Songs which went on to win the Choice Music Prize (Ireland's equivalent to the Mercury Music Prize). Julie holds three MA degrees and is a former singer with the National Chamber Choir Ireland.
www.juliefeeney.com

Gavin Prior
Gavin Prior graduated with an MA in Music Technology from the University of Limerick in 2000. Since then he has been based in Dublin where he co-founded Deserted Village, a label and concert promoting collective. He is a quitarist, producer and improviser who collaborates with many musicians as well as playing regularly in United Bible Studies and Toymonger.
www.desertedvillage.com