Suffolk Music Matters: April 2014

Tuesday 22nd April saw the very successful launch of Suffolk Music Matters in Ipswich, an event created by Amy SoapBox to support the local music community.

The idea came from a desire to genuinely connect (outside of facebook/internet) with all the fantastic local people putting their hearts & souls into the Music Community. SMM was born out of a frustration with the perception of Suffolk Music (both inside & outside of the area) and the lack of funding & support this region gets in comparison with our neighbours. The only way to truly remedy this is to unite, support each other, share best practice and learn how we can tackle our shortcomings whilst celebrating our strengths.

We launched at The Steamboat, THE home of original music in Ipswich (managed by the legendary Val) to a brilliant turn-out of about 60 people. Most stayed for the whole evening but a few friendly faces where only able to pop in briefly to lend their support and say hi. We had 4 guest speakers at the event: Paul Burrows from the Musicians Union / Tony Shevlin Musician & Teacher at Suffolk New College / Pasco Kevlin from Escalator Music / John & Becky Marshall Potter from Folk East. All gave really useful & inspiring talks, jammed packed with great advice and personal insight.

It was a fantastic evening that exceeded expectations and had the right balance of friendly chatting and practical advice. The turn-out was diverse & multi-genre with musicians, bands, record labels, local media and fans of Suffolk Music, all chatting and sharing knowledge. I met so many people that I had only otherwise seen online and made lots of new friends. Thank you to everyone who came, supported the event, shared, retweeted & promoted. You’re awesome.

In response to the event I have made a short 10 question survey for anyone whose interested in Suffolk Music to contribute to. We want to hear what you love & hate about the local music community. Tell us about yourself, your work and what you want us to do for you. Suffolk Music Matters aims to support & help the music community the best way we can so tell us what you need and we'll get it for you. You do NOT have to have attended any SMM events to answer this questionnaire so please take 5 minutes to help us to help you. Thank you in advance.

www.surveymonkey.com/s/6V5SWP9

Next month we are heading to The Hunter Club, Bury ‘Rock City’ St Edmunds on Tuesday 27^th May, free entry, 7pm -10pm in conjunction with Joe Weaver from Toonteen Industries (www.toonteen.co.uk). Guest speakers to be confirmed. Watch this space.

(Almost all of) The Attendees ::

Amy Wragg – www.getonthesoapbox.co.uk @getonthesoapbox

Paul Burrows – www.musiciansunion.org.uk@WeAreTheMU

Tony Shevlin – www.soundcloud.com/tony-james-shevlin @SongBankUK

Pasco Kevlin - www.escalatormusic.co.uk @EscalatorMus

John & Becky Marshall Potter - www.folkeast.co.uk @folkeast

Val – www.thesteamboat.co.uk @SteamboatTavern

Allison Smith - www.artscommunityforumipswich.co.uk @AMCforumIpswich

Ric Hardacre – www.thedecibelkid.com @thedecibelkid

Mim MacMahon & Sue Manley – www.trianglemusic.info

Mike O – Irresistible Entertainment www.ieinc.co.uk @irresistibleinc

Dave Harmon - www.music-world-ipswich.co.uk @MusicWorldltd

Doug Bug – www.facebook.com/beatboxbugs @beatboxbugs

Jennisha Moran – Marketing, PR, Advertising Student @JennishaAnne

Cherise Phillips – www.soundcloud.com/cherise-222 @CheriseOfficial @Real_Dreamz

Kayzee – www.soundcloud.com/mrkayzee @mrkayzeeprod

Ian ‘Trainy’ Bareham – Photographer & Creator of the ‘Photo A Day’ Project, & stalwart of the Music community www.flickr.com/photos/75088377@N06/sets/72157629009987039/

Justine De Mierre – www.sowhatsthestory.co.uk @justinedemierre

Steve Mann – www.backwaterrecords.com

Tom Haxell – Spirit Music & Media / Independent Records Ltd www.irl.org.uk @irlspirit

David Booth – www.therecordingbooth.co.uk @DaveRecordingB

Lucy Sampson – www.lucysampson.co.uk @L_A_Sampson

Meg Burrows – www.soundcloud.com/m-e-g

Helen Woodbridge - www.soundcloud.com/elly-tree

Ben Diffley – www.facebook.com/bendiffleydrummer

Paul Nicholas - www.soundaboutaudio.co.uk

Phil Pethybridge & K Laker – www.neonstreet.co.uk @neonstreet

Andy Corrigan – www.re-production.co.uk / www.pettafiesta.com @PettaFiesta

Benji Sadler – www.soundcloud.com/avolessence / www.facebook.com/theaurorauk @leftBenj