March 29 2006 Newsletter

The London Calling 2006 takes place in Earls Court June 29-30. The organisers are keen to have a good representation of black music labels this year. So if you're a rights owner, licensee, licensor, or distributor, you should be planning on representing on this premier UK music industry exhibition and conference.

London Calling is a  gathering together of cutting edge music and technology companies, forward thinking music businesses and some of the world’s leading commentators on the future of the business. "Together we will explore a future where technology, consumer brands and new business models radically reshape the business of today, creating new business opportunities for tomorrow is a gathering of forward-thinking music businesses, cutting edge technology companies, consumer brands and some of the world’s leading commentators on the future of the business."

The main exhibition trading floor is divided into areas to help navigate the new music economy. Exhibitors will provide stimulating demonstrations of their products and services, and will actively discuss real opportunities with attendees. For more info: james@londoncalling2006.com,  www.londoncalling2006.com/exhibitors/index.htm.

The Assn. Of Independent Music (AIM), the trade body for independent record labels has two upcoming events of interest. Firstly, there's the Digital Distribution event on Friday April 7 at The Camden Centre (Bidborough Street (Judd Street entrance), London WC1 (opposite King's Cross station on Euston Road)) with  50-plus digital, mobile and physical distribution and promotion companies exhibiting. "It's a fantastic opportunity to network and form relationship with key players in these areas as well as with other labels. It's also a great opportunity to learn about the latest developments and get your questions answered." The tickets are £60 including lunch (inc. VAT) or free for AIM members (reason enough to join up! See immediately below!!).

Secondly, AIM is offering a bursary to enable 25 small record company owners to join AIM for free. They will have to pay subscriptions, but not the joining fee, which for small labels who are earning little or no PPL income, means free membership for the year. Their membership will give them free access to all our events for the rest of the year, including the Digital Day. (It's a great and accessible organisation. We've attended some of their events, including last year's AGM - the black representation was poor. In the interest of diversity and your business development, take advantage and join now! - ed) For more info: lara@musicindie.com,  www.musicindie.com/242.asp?sub=Events# .

Your ideas and feedback on campaigns are welcome. If you are planning on organising an event in June that can be branded under the BOB/BBMM campaign, do let us know. It can be a performance, concert*, or talks programme, as long as it has a black British focus or content (* must include at least one British act). Remember: celebrating British Black Music Month - the limitation's your imagination!

A list of all events under the BBMM banner will be published on a special microsite early May 2006, so make sure you inform us of your black music related activities in June in good time. editor@britishblackmusic.com, www.bbm-on.net/bobbbmm.htm. BBM/BMC, P O Box 14092, London NW10 1WL, England