By Press and PR Officer - Tamala Ceasar
I knew I was in for a dynamic experience in PR/Events when I assisted PR Savvy, Founder and CEO of Purple Reign PR, Monique Pennie at MusicConnex; the three day event featuring over 140 industry experts, artists and execs ready to give advice on all aspects of the music industry.
‘How would you like to be known?’ asked Monique via BBM, “Because I’m about to send the titles of my team through to the MusicConnex planning team and I’ve listed you as my Press & PR Officer…”
From that simple conversation I knew that assisting Monique at a big, first time, annual music event was going to be a challenge; one that would expose me to new skills, build on the old and introduce me to a huge part the Media/Communications sector.
Sweets, Tweets and Soul II Soul.
It was 05.00AM on Tuesday 19th of April and the first day of MusicConnex. “MusicConnex: Day 1- London are you ready? POW!” read Monique’s BB updates. She was pumped and I was excited to be a part of this dynamic event.
Arriving bright and early at the MusicConnex venue, Kings Place (which is also head quarters to The Guardian newspaper) we started setting up our Press Office space (which was in a fabulous dressing room with bright glammy lights that bordered huge mirrors.). We took everything out of our ‘magic purple bag’ which had sweets, pens, clipboards, flowers, bottled water…everything- hence why it’s called the ‘magic purple bag’!
We were the port-of-call for all press attending the event for the three days, so as soon as the clock struck 09.15, the tweeting began and so did the sweet treat consumption. The programme for day one was filled with mouth watering seminars and engaging panels and master classes. Hot topics ranged from selecting the best management to an in-depth artist panel discussion on the future of music- which featured Labrinth, Charlie Sloth, Soul II Soul singer Jazzie B and Twin B.
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| " My yoot...back in da day..." |
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| "You see me!" (You HAD to be there!) |
Straight after this panel, the Press Office was live and kicking and buzzing with video interviews and general chit chat on how great the turn out was. I even got a chance to get a piccy with singer/producer Labrinth (I was well pleased!), bantered with Corey ‘Crazy Cousins’ Johnson and watched a video interview of Jazzie B (OMG!!!) as you can imagine, the sun was definitely shining for me.
“Those muffins are calling…but I’m not picking up the phone.”
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| Lewis (Aka 'Ace Tweets') |
Day two at MusicConnex brought the same energy and buzz as the opening day and we (the press team) were prepared for another busy day ahead. Monique aka Wonder Woman stopped off at Maccy D’s on the way in to purchase a tray of muffins and doughnuts for the crew and press room staff, which were gladly received with a huge grin of appreciation. Sugar was everyone’s fuel at this amazing event. Even the brains behind MusicConnex, Jon & Faron, and Logistics coordinator Liam would come in for a cheeky sugar fix in the midst of liaising with Monique on the running of the day and found it hard to resist whenever Monique sweetly coaxed “Go on have a sweet...” After my sweet over kill on day one, it was detox for me. I planned to stick to green tea and fruit; even though the muffins and treats were calling I was determined not to pick up the phone.
Wednesday also saw Mike Rosenthal – Digital and Online Strategy Manager to OK Go give a seminar to aspiring artistes on ‘How To DIY by OK GO’ (a rock band from Chicago) and Founder and CEO of FanFactory (a site that allows its members to enter artist specific contests to win exclusive prizes), Dana Al Salem held an in depth master class on ‘Fan Engagement.’ Also Executives Duncan Allen from MTV and Caroline Bottomley from Radar Music Videos appeared on the panel titled ‘The Importance of Music Video in the Digital Age By MTV.’
On day three the likes of Owen O’Donoghue Sales Representative from Facebook, held a seminar on ‘How To Maximize Social Networks’ and Grammy –Award winning songwriter of ‘Empire State of Mind’, Al Shux gave an impressive master class on ‘Songwriting’. Radio 1, KISS, You Tube and many other industry executives made a cameo in the Press Room as they were interviewed by ‘on-the-ball’ reporters from WinkBall and BBC Radio 1 music reporter.
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| 'After three say....WINK!' |
It was a privilege to be a part of an event that supported and gave aspiring UK artists the tools they needed to succeed. MusicConnex was the first of its kind to be held in the UK and by the sounds of it; it was a missing part of the puzzle in terms of UK music events. The thorough seminars, panels, master classes and live shows and screenings left the guests wanting more, even so that I heard many queried “when’s the next MusicConnex event happening?.”
Like the twinkling you see in kids eyes leading up to Christmas; I observed the excitement that an event like MusicConnex had on its attendees. Many commented that it was a “great event” with a “fantastic turn out.” This first time event has wet the appetite of all who attended creating great anticipation for the second course.
Roll on MusicConnex 2012; it’s going to be out of this world! Stay tuned in…
visit www.musicconnex.co.uk for more information.
