OFF THE RECORD, the music conference for 16-25 year olds who are looking to pursue a career in the music industry, have announced panel topics and a first round of speakers for next month’s event.

Moving online this year, Off The Record will be taking place from 4th-5th December and will cover topics such as streaming, releasing music, photography and gaining press & PR.

Speakers confirmed so far, include Alex Porter-Smith (High Tide Productions), Robert Blair (Mill Magazine), Vintage Society music publication owner Alex Matthew, songwriter Amandah Wilkinson (Bossy Love), Becca Mcleish (Cousin PR), Char Mckelvie (marketing manager, SWG3), Deborah Smith (Anara Publishing), freelance musician, Diljeet Bhachu, Eamonn Watt (Virtually Conducted Productions), photographers Isha Shah and Jannica Honey, event co-founder Kathryn Dryburgh (Queens of Noise), freelance writer Katie Goh (The Skinny, The Guardian), DJ/club promoter Maciej Kawka, musicians Iona Fyfe, Rosie Bans and Zoe Graham, musician/label owner Sega Bodega, Sof Staune (VAJ.Power) and Toni Malyn (EmuBands).

Supported by the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI), which is administered by Creative Scotland, the event’s coordinator Kitt Carr said “The conference content has been adapted to respond to challenges posed by the pandemic, with sessions on collaborating remotely, top tips on streaming shows and generating income, complementing favourites such as releasing music, promotion, staying healthy and music photography,” say’s Kitt Carr, Off The Record’s event coordinator. “Phoebe I-H attended one of our past events, so we’re really excited to welcome her back as a speaker to talk about BBC Introducing with her co-presenter, Shereen Cutkelvin.”

Phoebe I-H said “Coming to Off The Record when I was first trying to break into the music industry gave me some invaluable and insightful tips that I still carry with me in my career,” she says. “Returning as a panellist to hopefully pass on some key advice to anyone interested in this industry, feels amazing. Off The Record and all its crucial panels and workshops will spark the ideas and belief in yourself, that you can smash your way into this sector.”

See panels below and find out more about Off The Record, buy your tickets HERE.

Confirmed panel topics include:

  • Getting media coverage: All you need to know about press & PR
  • Getting played on BBC Introducing: Everything you need to know with Phoebe & Shereen
  • Different spaces: the best ways to collaborate remotely
  • How to release music successfully
  • Tips & advice for getting the most out of streaming your live performance
  • Club nights & DJing: How to get started?
  • Everything you need to know about music photography
  • Free money? How to get funding for your work
  • Making money from streaming
  • Highway to health: Mental & physical health in music
  • What Is music publishing and how can it help you survive?
  • A guide to going freelance