News
A catalogue of news, content and useful information about and from the Liverpool City Region Music Board.
Spotlight On: Scrapyard Studios
Scrapyard Studios in Bootle is playing a pivotal role in Sefton’s music scene. Our ‘Spotlight On’ video offers a behind the scenes look into this creative hub; showcasing its state-of-the-art facilities catering to local musicians and creatives alike. Established in 2018, Scrapyard Studios stands as a beacon of artistic celebration and community promotion. As a […]
Reflecting on ‘Let the Music Play’ Consultations across Liverpool City Region
The LCR Music Board would like to extend its sincere gratitude to all those who participated and contributed to the comprehensive series of ‘Let the Music Play’ consultation events, each uniquely tailored to the six boroughs in our vibrant city region. For a detailed overview of each event, including the core opportunities and challenges affecting […]
Liverpool City Region Music Board Contributes to EuroCities Culture Forum Meeting
On the 14th of October, Liverpool City Region Music Board was represented by Board members Dr. Mat Flynn, and colleagues Grace Goodwin, and Richard Anderson at the EuroCities Culture Forum Meeting held in Birmingham. The central theme of the 2023 event was ‘Future Proofing Culture,’ and it marked a significant occasion as it brought together […]
Celebrating St Helens’ Music: Insights and Aspirations from ‘Let the Music Play’
On the 16th of September, Liverpool City Region Music Board organised its sixth and final ‘Let the Music Play’ consultation event, which was specifically dedicated to the borough of St Helens. The event was integrated into St Helens Council’s ReCharged Music Festival as a lunchtime session at The World of Glass. It garnered the participation […]
LCR Music Board’s tribute to Geoff Davies
The Liverpool music community has been paying tribute to Geoff Davies, who sadly passed away recently, and whose funeral took place earlier this week. In this blog post, Head of UNESCO City of Music for Liverpool, Kevin McManus, takes a trip down memory lane in his personal tribute on behalf of the Music Board: It […]
Fostering Local Music Growth: Insights from Knowsley Consultation Event
Liverpool City Region Music Board recently hosted it’s borough-focused ‘Let the Music Play’ consultation event for Knowsley, which took place at Deanes House in Prescot. The event provided an invaluable platform for music professionals, artists, and industry stakeholders to voice their perspectives on local opportunities and challenges. The significance of each borough within the city […]
Consultation about Liverpool’s Music Community: Let the Music Play Event
Creative conversations reverberated at our recent ‘Let the Music Play’ consultation event, marking the fourth installment in the series. Nestled in the heart of Liverpool’s vibrant Baltic area, the event was hosted at 24 Kitchen Street, drawing a variety of music artists and industry professionals. This dynamic congregation shared their invaluable insights into the local […]
We let the Music Play: Wirral
On Wednesday, 12th July, Liverpool City Region Music Board hosted its fourth ‘Let the Music Play’ consultation event, at Future Yard in Wirral. We invited music professionals, artists, and anyone working in the music sector across the borough of Wirral to attend the event. This allowed the Board to gain a better understanding of the […]
Celebrating and supporting music from all six boroughs…
In the words of Kevin McManus, (Bootle boy) and Head of UNESCO City of Music at Culture Liverpool… The Liverpool City Region Music Board, as the name suggests, focuses on the music sector across the whole of the City Region and not just Liverpool. The Board is currently midway through a roadshow of local consultations hosted […]
Our successful Sefton consultation event
Liverpool City Region Music Board recently hosted its second ‘Let the Music Play’ consultation event in Sefton. The event, which took place at Lock and Quay in Bootle, garnered significant attendance and provided a platform for music professionals, artists, and individuals working in the music sector to voice their perspectives on local opportunities and challenges. […]
Bring back night buses?
Following various consultations with music venues across the city region, Liverpool City Region Music Board is on a mission to bring back Late-Night Bus routes; a lifeline to the city region’s night time economy. To help build the business case for reinstating the night bus routes discontinued during the lockdowns, like the N86 and Tunnel […]
Let the Music Play: Halton
On Friday 21st April Liverpool City Region Music Board hosted its first ‘Let the Music Play’ consultation event, at The Studio in Widnes. We invited music professional, artists and anyone working in the music sector in Halton to attend the event; helping the Board to understand the various opportunities and constraints they’re facing locally. The […]
Delivering a Eurovision legacy for Liverpool’s music sector
Several members of Liverpool city Region Music Board were instrumental in bringing Eurovision to Liverpool, and all members have been involved in the delivery of Eurovision and ensuring a lasting legacy of the event for the city and the region. Improving late night public transport, promoting Liverpool City Region’s wide variety of music attractions and […]
Spotlight On: Adlib
Members of the LCR Music Board were recently treated to a tour of Adlib’s extensive headquarters in Knowsley, making this the ideal local business for our first ‘Spotlight On’ feature. Nearly four decades of experience has enabled Adlib to establish itself as one of the most well-known and respected names in the events and technical […]
Music Careers Day – Southport 2023
On 26th January over 100 students from high schools in Sefton attended our ‘Music Careers Day’ in Southport. This is one of six music careers day events for each of the six boroughs of the city region. They have been organised by the Merseyside Music Education Hub Alliance and Sound City Satellite, and funded by […]
Career advice and inspiration: Opera Singer, Jennifer Johnston
My role: I am a mezzo soprano and appear as a soloist with opera companies and orchestras all over the world, unless there’s a global pandemic! I was Artist in Residence with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra until recently and still perform with them often so I do sing ‘at home’ too. What do you […]
2023 Events Industry Day at Gateacre School
On Thursday (26th January), Knowsley’s Adlib, in conjunction with the Liverpool City Region Music Board and PLASA, presented a Music Industry Production Day at Gateacre Comprehensive School in Liverpool. The day was designed to give industry insight to the 24 students who, by working alongside the Adlib team, learned about the production equipment, how it […]
LCR Music Board pays tribute to Iain Templeton and Terry Hall – words from Kevin McManus
The music world is a poorer place today with the sad news of the deaths of Terry Hall (The Specials/Fun Boy Three), Martin Duffy (Primal Scream), and our own Iain Templeton, a feature of the Liverpool music scene for the last 30 years or so. I first got to know Iain when he was in […]
Developing young artists with LIMF Academy
LIMF Academy, talent development initiative for young music artists and creatives locally, has received £50,000 of Liverpool City Region Music Board funding in the last two years. It has been used to fund new mental well-being programme ‘Changing the Narrative’, their forthcoming ‘Open Sauce’ music conference, and allowed them to take on an additional 12 […]
We’ve Mapped Your Music Venues
Liverpool City Region Music Board is proud to reveal the new digital map which details useful information about local live music venues that is not accessible anywhere else. The map and its data will be used to support the local music eco-system. The map is now live on the music board’s website Created in partnership […]
LCR Music Board plans progress with £1.6m funding
The Liverpool City Region Music Board is excited to progress with £1.6m plans to further develop the local music sector. Using £1.6m from the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) approved by the LCR Combined Authority as well as match funding from local organisations and providers, the second phase of the ‘LCR Music Sector Development Project’ aims […]
Career advice and inspiration: Andy Dockerty, Managing Director of Adlib Audio Ltd
My role(s): As MD of Adlib, I monitor elements of the business such as finances, commercial rental teams, installation and dry sales teams and the repairs and maintenance departments. I am actively involved in the warehouse operations, design, health and safety, as well as development of the youngsters who wish to be touring technicians. What […]
Blog: Further verification that Liverpool leads the way in terms of music creation
Liverpool’s Head of UNESCO City of Music, Kevin McManus, explains the recently published Music Industry Body (BPI) ‘All About The Music 2022’ report, and the significance of Liverpool and Merseyside as key contributors. The UK has, for a long time, been recognised as one of the world’s leading music cultures with many of the highest […]
World Music Day 2022
A Blog from Kevin McManus, Head of Liverpool UNESCO City of Music, about World Music Day in the city of Liverpool. World Music Day (or Fête de la musique) is celebrated every year on 21st June. If you haven’t heard of it before, it is the simple but brilliant concept of having a day that […]
Career advice and inspiration: Mike Walsh, UK Head of Strategic Partnerships at Serenade
My various role(s): UK Head of Strategic Partnerships at Eco-friendly music NFT platform Serenade. Plus an artist co-manager of two young singer songwriters, and active committee member of both War Child and EarthPercent charities What do you love most about your job? At Serenade I love speaking to artists and managers every day about the […]
Recordings: Write the Future Music and Tech Conference
On 28th April 2022 Liverpool City Region Music Board hosted ‘Write the Future: Music Technology Conference’ in Liverpool City Centre, showcasing the emerging technologies transforming the evolving music industry and creating immersive music experiences for fans. For those who were unable to attend the event, full recordings are now available on our YouTube channel. Influential […]
Write the Future: Music and Tech Conference in Liverpool, 28th April
On 28th April 2022 Liverpool City Region Music Board is hosting ‘Write the Future: Music Technology Conference’ in Liverpool City Centre, showcasing the emerging technologies transforming the evolving music industry and creating immersive music experiences for fans. All musicians, creatives and music executives working in the Liverpool City Region are invited to attend this free […]
Thank you to all who attended ‘Keeping LCR Music Venues on the Map’
Last night (Tuesday 22nd March 2020) we joined forces with University of Liverpool to host an event especially for local music venue owners, managers and gig promoters; which focused on ‘safeguarding and protecting local music venues’. The event, at the Royal Philharmonic Music Room, encouraged attendees to share their opinions about issues currently affecting music […]
Happy International Women’s Day, from Liverpool City Region Music Board
This International Women’s Day, Liverpool City Region Music Board is talking about ‘Gender Equality’; one of the board’s key strategic priorities. The Music Board aims to ensure gender equality and erase bias in the local music industry; supporting the rights of those who face intersecting discrimination, and putting their voices at the centre of policy-making. […]
Event: Keeping Liverpool City Region Music Venues on the Map
If you run a venue or if you are a promoter who puts on gigs in the city region (Liverpool, Wirral, St Helens, Sefton, Halton and Knowsley), the Liverpool City Region Music Board would like to invite you to this event. The Board would like to meet with you and hear your thoughts and opinions, […]
LCR Music Board pays tribute to Owen Moran
The LCR Music Board would like to send their condolences and deepest sympathy to the family and friends of musician Owen Moran (62) who sadly passed away recently. Owen was the bass guitarist and singer in Liverpool band, Cook Da Books, who were championed by the likes of Janice Long and John Peel. With fellow […]
Career advice and inspiration: Jennifer John, Vocal Coach and Composer
My various role(s): I have several roles, which include: Creative Director, industry vocal coach (specialising in artistic development), composer of choral music, singer/songwriter, vocal arranger, session singer, music manager. I am an award winning composer, vocal coach (specialising in artistic development), singer/songwriter, creative director and music mentor. In my capacity as a singing lecturer I […]
Independent Venue Week 2022 – this year it feels even more important than ever
This Independent Venue Week (31 January – 6 February 2022), Kevin McManus, Head of Liverpool UNESCO City of Music, credits the small venues across the region who are striving to survive while continuing to create memories for gig-goers and opening doors for musicians, in-spite of the difficulties resulting from the pandemic. Independent Venue Week is […]
Academic Study: The effects of COVID-19 on music makers in Liverpool City Region
An academic article has been published that explores the effects of Covid-19, in particular the ‘stay at home’ lockdown, on music makers in the Liverpool City Region. The joint study, by LCR Music Board Member Mat Flynn and colleague Richard Anderson both from the University of Liverpool, utilises qualitative and quantitative data from an online […]
LCR Music Board pays tribute to Janice Long
Liverpool City Region Music Board would like to pay tribute to Janice Long. Our thoughts are with the family of Janice Long who sadly passed away on Christmas Day after a short illness. Liverpool born Janice had a long, amazing career in broadcasting and throughout it she retained an infectious enthusiasm for supporting new music. […]
LCR Music Board members call for more recognition and support for the live events and entertainment sector
Liverpool City Region Board Member, and Managing Director of Adlib, Andy Dockerty, explains how the current media focus is on problems faced by the hospitality sector, neglecting to recognise how the problems also impact massively on events sector. Andy is also a founding member of the #wemakeevents campaign which aims to gain recognition and support […]
Local artists and ‘Future Industry Professionals’ to receive PPL Momentum Accelerator support
In recent months we have been working closely with PRS Foundation, the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and talent development, to help them select music creators and industry professionals based in the Liverpool City Region who will receive their PPL Momentum Accelerator support. The two music creators receiving support are: Astles – Recording, […]
Career advice and inspiration: Yaw Owusu, Creative Consultant
My role as a Creative Consultant: I have a few alternative roles; working on different projects for various companies. So the easiest way to explain what I do professionally, is that I’m a creative consultant who designs and helps drive game-changing music projects and initiatives for creatives, brands and organisations. I tend to get involved […]
Video: Disruptors affecting how money is being made in the music industry
We, the Liverpool City Region Music Board, recently hosted a panel event to support local musicians and industry professionals who want to understand more about ‘making money out of music’ in the constantly disrupted and evolving industry. In partnership with Business & IP Centre Liverpool City Region, we invited a panel of music industry experts […]
Launch of Liverpool City Region’s ‘Black Music Action Group’
The Liverpool City Region (LCR) Music Board’s Black Music Action Group has launched its BLM Manifesto as part of ON RECORD 2021, a festival celebrating and exploring Black music across the city region, at a public event at the British Music Experience. Liverpool City Region Music Board recently hosted an event at the British Music […]
Event: Launch of our LCR Black Music Action Group
On Monday 25th October 2021, the Liverpool City Region Music Board is hosting an event to officially launch its rebranded sub-group, the ‘Black Music Action Group’ and the Music Board’s recently published Black Lives Matter Manifesto. The event will be hosted by SpyKatcha at the British Music Experience, with presentations given by members of the […]
Panel Event 21 October: Making Money in the Music Industry
On 21st October 2021, Liverpool City Region Music Board is hosting a panel event to support local musicians and industry professionals who want to understand more about ‘making money out of music’ in the constantly disrupted and evolving industry. In partnership with Business & IP Centre Liverpool City Region, we have invited a panel of […]
What is the Agent of Principle? What does it mean for our music venues?
“Agent of Change” is a term used to describe various approaches to controlling the relationship between new built developments (typically residential), and extant noise sources (typically, music venues). The agent of Change Principle encapsulates the position that a person or business (i.e. the agent) introducing a new land use is responsible for managing the impact […]
Career advice and inspiration: Michael Eakin, Chief Executive, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
My role as Chief Executive of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic comprises one of the country’s major professional symphony orchestras; a leading concert hall, and a major music education and outreach programme. As CEO my job is to lead this organisation of some 250 staff and musicians – setting the direction and strategy with […]
Liverpool – We Will Always Have Music
This blog from Kevin McManus, representative of the Liverpool City Region Music Board and Head of UNESCO City of Music at Culture Liverpool, explains why Liverpool always has and will continue to be recognised internationally as a city of music. Liverpool was in the news again recently with the news that we had lost our […]
Year On Evaluation: LCR Music Industry Support Fund
In 2020 the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority approved an award of £2m of SIF (Strategic Investment Find) to support the Liverpool City Region Music Industry Sector Development Pilot Project; delivering a programme of business growth, skills and talent development, and associated work to strengthen the LCR music ecosystem. The LCR Combined Authority approval was […]
LCR Music Board’s Black Lives Matter Manifesto
Liverpool City Region Music Board is proud to share its Black Lives Matter Manifesto (Download the PDF here: Black Lives Matter – LCRMB Manifesto 2021) Created in response to the Black Lives Matter Movement and born from the Board’s dedication to diversity and inclusivity, the manifesto details our Board’s commitment to acknowledging the contribution of […]
Announcement: New Music Board Members Revealed
Liverpool City Region Music Board is thrilled to reveal the names of its newest members; all experts and influential figures from the world of music. The eight new recruits are: Les Spaine, CEO of Spaine Music Company Jennifer Johnston, Mezzo soprano Andy Dockerty, Managing Director of Adlib events technology suppliers Saad Shaffi, Managing Director of […]
Contribute to LCR Freelance Working Agreement and Directory
Individuals from the creative industries community in Liverpool City Region are invited to contribute to the development of a Freelance Working Agreement and Directory. March for the Arts, a collective dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of the arts, is working with a group of freelancers and creative professionals to create this Freelance Working […]
LCR Music Board: We are recruiting new members
We are looking for new board members to join our panel of experts and influential figures from the world of music; sharing a passion for music and championing the local music scene. Those interested in acquiring one of the voluntary positions must complete the online application on our website by Friday 19th March 2021. Our […]
Independent Venue Week 2021
This Independent Venue Week (25-31 January 2021), Kevin McManus, Head of Liverpool UNESCO City of Music, shines a light on independent music venues in the city region, whose resilience has been further tested during the pandemic. This week is Independent Venue Week, celebrating and championing the venues that are the lifeblood of the UK music […]
A BEACON of resources for emerging artists
In December, Future Yard hosted BEACON, a live streamed ‘digital conference’ focusing on how emerging artists can creatively grow their artist project after COVID. LCR Music Board members, Cath Hurley and Craig Pennington from Future Yard, sought out a group of artists and industry professionals who have led innovative campaigns to drive success in the […]
Liverpool City Region Music Board pays tribute to Gerry Marsden
Liverpool City Region Music Board would like to pay tribute to Liverpool music legend, Gerry Marsden, who sadly passed this week. Kevin McManus, representative of the Liverpool City Region Music Board and Head of UNESCO City of Music at Culture Liverpool, shares memorable experiences of working with the late Gerry Marsden and pays tribute to […]
Policy Briefing: Securing the Future of Liverpool City Region’s Live and Dance Music Sector
This week, board member Dr Mat Flynn, who is a lecturer at the University of Liverpool, published his latest paper: Securing the Future of Liverpool City Region’s Live and Dance Music Sector. In recent weeks, board members have contributed to Mat’s research with Liverpool University’s Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place, which explores […]
Crucial music professionals and businesses slipping through the cracks
Kevin McManus, representative of the Liverpool City Region Music Board and Head of UNESCO City of Music at Culture Liverpool, explains how support is needed for local businesses and freelancers who are missing out on much-needed funding. As we all know, the impact of the pandemic on the music sector has been huge locally, nationally […]
Champion One, Champion All!
A new and unique digital exhibition of photographic portraits will debut at the Museum of Liverpool from today (9th December 2020). Champion One, Champion All! is a collection of 33 portraits by Liverpool photographer Anthony Wilde and celebrates key figures from the city’s Black music scenes; the artists, promoters, venue owners, producers, managers and people […]
On Record with Mark Lewisohn: How Black Music Inspired the Beatles
On Monday 30th November a unique interview with Mark Lewisohn, the acknowledged world authority on The Beatles, will be streamed online. He joins representatives of Liverpool City Region Music Board, Paul Gallagher and Peter Hooton, to discuss the Black artists and Black music genres that inspired the Fab Four from Liverpool. This is one of […]
Making our website work for you…
We are currently developing this website; adding elements that support our strategy, to support and grow the local music sector, while also acting as a digital hub, sharing key information and resources to anyone working in the sector. We now have a Directory to showcase the variety of music talent and expertise in the Liverpool […]
The Studio in Widnes Making Waves thanks to the Music Industry Support Fund
‘The Studio Widnes’ has utilised their grant from the ‘Music Industry Support Fund’ to help local people in the Halton area overcome barriers to music; developing two virtual projects that enable the development of local musicians, singers and songwriters – ‘Social Song Writing’ and ‘Supported Studio Setups’. The Studio was one of over 50 beneficiaries […]
On Record – Celebrating black music in Liverpool
A festival of celebration and exploration of black music on Merseyside and the role it has played in communities over the past 70 years will launch online this week as part of Black History Month – From 5pm on Friday 30th October. Curated by LCR Music Board member, Yaw Owusu (The Playmaker Group / LIMF), […]
LCR Music Board pays tribute to Hambi Haralambous
Liverpool City Region Music Board would like to pay our own tribute to Hambi Haralambous who sadly passed away last weekend. Hambi was a much loved and respected member of the Liverpool music community and many of the Music Board have personal experience of working with him over the last 30 years. He had a […]
Statement in support of #WeMakeEvents Global Day
Statement from Liverpool City Region Music Board: “The UK production companies behind the gigs and festivals we all attend are widely regarded as the best in the world, and many of these businesses are based in the Liverpool City Region. The live events industry was the fastest growing sector in the UK in 2018, with […]
Research Results Demonstrate “Catastrophic” Impacts of COVID-19 on Local Music Scene
PRESS RELEASE: Research results demonstrate devastating impacts of lockdown and social distancing on music makers in Liverpool City Region. 175 musicians surveyed in new research from Bido Lito! and University of Liverpool Liverpool City Region Music Board closely monitoring research as rebuild of sector begins A sample of 175 musicians and music makers from Liverpool […]
The Music Board is Looking For a Freelance Marketing and Communications Manager
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER FREELANCE ROLE The Liverpool City Region (LCR) Music Board are seeking an experienced marketing/communications manager to undertake the co-ordination, development and delivery of the LCR Music Board’s key communications and messaging across existing platforms. We are looking for someone who is passionate about music, a lateral thinker with great initiative, who […]
Statement in Support of Black Lives Matter
The Liverpool City Region Music Board is committed to equality and diversity. We stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement, and we are against all forms of racism and discrimination. The recent brutal killings of George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks brought into sharp focus the massive inequalities and challenges that people and businesses […]
Big name artists join fight to save Liverpool’s Parr Street Studios
Guy Garvey among musicians and producers demanding Parr Street Studios preservation Elbow’s Guy Garvey, Travis’ Andy Dunlop, PiL’s Jah Wobble and a host of other musicians and producers have joined the fight to save Liverpool’s world-renowned Parr Street Studios, which developers threaten to turn into luxury apartments if officials don’t step in. The city centre […]
