Continuing the success from last year’s Tuned On seminars we are thrilled to announce that these seminars will be returning in Spring 2010.

The seminars will address contemporary issues including strategies, tips and advice from some of the most successful and influential people in the music business.

All seminars will take place at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham

Monday 8 February 2010 6pm – 7.30pm – Symphony Hall

 Is Black music dead?

This seminar explores whether Black music events are still successful or whether the red tape and fears of violence surrounding them has made it harder for promoters and organisers under continued pressure from police and local authorities. Panellists will discuss the implementation of the 696 form in London, which makes promoters highlight any events that attract a BME crowd.

Confirmed speakers include Akala (Hip Hop Shakespeare Company & brother of Ms Dynamite), drum n bass MC Magika, Mo Page from The TickerSellers and Tyson from BMG, an event security firm in Birmingham.

We are also happy to confirm that 2 representatives from the Licensing and Planning unit at West Midlands police will also be on the panel.

Check out the photographs from the first Tuned On seminar of 2010, just click here.

Monday 29 March 2010 6pm – 7.30pm – Symphony Hall  

 A musician’s digital image

Everyone seems to be on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and other social networks. This seminar asks how important it is for those within music to have a digital identity. How important for artists and organisations to connect with an audience via the web? How do you promote yourself properly on the web or are the traditional methods of media becoming more fashionable?

Confirmed speakers include  Ghetts , Princess Nyah and Amelia Ideh who runs the music and lifestyle blog Put Me On It.

Monday 26 April 2010 6pm – 7.30pm – Symphony Hall  

Islam and Women in music

This seminar discusses the issues of women from an Islamic background in the urban arts sector. Are they under represented? The speakers will discuss the cultural barriers that have may have prevented them getting involved in the sector, with debate around whether this is changing through a better understanding and shift in attitudes towards contemporary music.

There is no cost for any of the seminars but places are limited and are offered strictly on a first come first served basis.

Anyone interested in attending must register for a place by emailing sophie@punch-records.co.uk clearly stating your name, email address, telephone number and the title of the seminar you wish to attend.

We’ll announce more speakers here as soon as they are confirmed so keep checking back for updates. Please note that whilst we make every effort to ensure that confirmed artists attend, there may be times when plans change. If you are attending for a certain artist then please check with us for any changes.

See below for photographs from last year’s Tuned On seminars: