We are pleased to host a seminar titled Beyond The Regular Gig focusing on playing live in unusual locations, private homes, club nights and corporate events.

The night will take place in Edinburgh’s Electric Circus on Thursday 31 May and will outline the pros and cons of these alternative platforms and how they can be used to generate audiences for shows in venues.

Speakers include Douglas Robertson, who has hosted dozens of concerts in his Edinburgh home, Andy Richardson whose Trouble club nights include live acts and Ally McCrae, who combines his BBC activity with co-running Detourevents. These feature “kidnapped” bands who are filmed playing in outside locations which have included an island on the River Ness, several back alleys and the Forth Road Bridge.

They will be joined by Nick Herd who has hosted concerts in churches, recording studios and galleries.

“Playing in unusual places can help generate publicity and reach new audiences, which in turn will help attract more people when playing regular gigs,” says Born To Be Wide co-organiser Olaf Furniss.  

To guarantee entry, purchase your tickets in advance here.

We are delighted to announce that our next event will be a Music Journalist seminar and will take place at Edinburgh’s Electric Circus on Thursday 8 March.

Featuring some of Scotland’s most prolific music journalists, the discussion will explore how to get press coverage, explain how editorial decisions are made and what artists should include in their press biographies. 

Taking part will be: 

Claire Sawers (Music Editor, The List)

Gary Flockhart (Edinburgh Evening News)

David Pollock (Freelance Music Journalist)

Sue Wilson (Sunday Herald, Songlines & artist biogs)

“These guests cover a diverse range of music and are often the first to write about new acts. This is an incredible opportunity to hear about how they choose who to feature,” says Born To Be Wide co-organiser Olaf Furniss, who has written for music industry titles such as Billboard and Music Week, and along with Derick Mackinnon pens the Under The Radar column in The Scotsman.

Following the seminar the panel participants will stay at the venue to DJ with records selected from Edinburgh’s Oxfam record shops, receive CDs and meet audience members. Everything played will be for sale with proceeds going to the charity.

Last month's Born To Be Wide seminar was a complete sell out, so to avoid missing out it is advised tickets are purchased in advance. You can purchase tickets here.

We are pleased to announce the participation of veteran promoter Jim Mawdsley in the forthcoming festivals seminar, which takes place at Edinburgh’s Electric Circus on February 2.

Mawdsley is the organiser of Newcastle’s 30,000 capacity Evolution event, and CEO of the Generator music development agency, and will join DF Concerts’ Dave Corbet [T In The Park/The Edge Festival], Katch Holmes [Knockengorroch],Gordon Reilly [Insider] and Go Events’ Shaun Arnold. The latter organises Scotland’s leading showcase event Go North, and boasts newcomer stages atWickerman, Belladrum, Loopallu and Wizard.

“Jim’s vast experience in many areas of the business will be a valuable addition to the panel, and will provide an opportunity for musicians to find out how to get a festival slot outside Scotland,” says Born To Be Wide co-organiser, Olaf Furniss.

With a focus on emerging acts, the seminar will give an insight into selection procedure,  fees, what artists are offered in terms of promotion and how to make the best use of a slot in the event of being booked.

Advance tickets are available here. Find out more about the Festival Seminar panelists here.

We are pleased to announce a seminar devoted to music festivals and the opportunities they offer to emerging acts. Taking place at Edinburgh’s Electric Circus on Thursday 2 February, it will detail the selection procedure, fees, what artists are offered in terms of promotion and how to make the best use of a a slot.

Confirmed guests include:

Dave Corbet [DF Concerts/T In The Park/The Edge Festival]

Katch Holmes [Knockengorroch Festival]

Gordon Reilly [Insider Festival]

Shaun Arnold [Go North and stages at Wickerman, Belladrum, Wizard and Loopallu]. 

Find out more about the panel guests here!

“Festivals offer a great platform for emerging acts to reach new audiences,” says Born To Be Wide co-organiser, Olaf Furniss. “This event will provide a unique insight into what festivals offer, and will also give musicians the opportunity to meet the bookers. We recommend people bring their CDs!“

After the panel, the seminar guests will stay at the venue to DJ with records they have selected from Edinburgh’s Oxfam music shop. Everything played will be for sale with all proceeds going to the charity.

Advance tickets are cheaper and are available by clicking on the links below.  

Event Details: Thursday 2 February 2012, The Electric Circus Edinburgh, 7pm.

Tickets: £6.00 / £4.50 [MU] / £3.00 [under 18s] + booking fee. Buy tickets here.

Group discounts available on request. 

Born To Be Wide is to host a seminar providing an ‘all you need to know’ insight into the studio process. Taking place at Edinburgh’s Electric Circus on Thursday 1 December it will feature industry professionals providing advice from a diverse range of perspectives including that of musicians, producer, engineer and manager.

 Participants include Teenage Fanclub’s Francis Macdonald, who also owns the Shoeshine label, manages Camera Obscura and in recent years has branched out into production. Keren McKean’s experience includes managing Snow Patrol, working as an A&R, running festivals and setting up the We Make Music Work record company.

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