SMILE fest 2011
Thursday 24 February 2011
Now in its third year, Southampton Solent University’s celebration of the music business has grown from its low-key beginnings as Solent Music Industries Live Event (SMILE), to a five day festival of live gigs and industry guest talks.
From 28 February to 5 March, SMILEfest2011 will bring students face to face with key figures from the International music industries, and support students in their own creative and professional aims.
Through conversation, panels and performances, some of the industry’s top players will be sharing their knowledge with students wanting to carve out a career in the music industries.
Guest speaker, Mark Cann, Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis’ right hand man, will explain what it takes to put on a successful festival; rock photographer Pat Pope will be talking about the stories behind the memorable shots he has taken of the likes of Radiohead, Backstreet Boys and Bowie; and Alan McGee, Of Creation records fame and former manager of Oasis, will be talking about the industry and giving advice.
Special acts – including The Gallows and The Reverend and the Makers - will also be dropping in to share their experiences.
The students will be taking on a series of challenges during the week. Production and Performance students will take over Solent’s music studios to record an ‘album in a day’; music promotions students will create a one-day online campaign for the album; music journalism students will attempt to create a SMILEfest2011 ‘magazine in a day’; and one tireless student, Elliot Muharrem, will attempt to tweet every minute of every SMILEfest2011 gig in the city.
From Friday 25 February, there will be live gigs throughout the city, staging some of Southampton’s brightest talent. City music venues including Hamptons, The Joiners, Pop and others are joining in with the fun, with help from the University’s music promotion, media and performance courses. The gigs give students and public alike the chance to catch some of the regions vibrant and exciting live acts - including Morning Parade, The Laurel Collective and Identity Thief.
On Friday 4 March at 7.30pm, the festival will culminate with a gig at the Soul Cellar. Alan McGee will be judging performances from some of the best talents Solent University has to offer, including The Widowmaker and Fly Frankie Fly. After the gig McGee will be DJing until the early hours. Tickets £5.
Dr Martin James, Course leader for Music Journalism and SMILE founder says:
“Solent has become synonymous with music festivals thanks to unparalleled links with Glastonbury, Bestival, Camp Bestival, Blissfields and Glade, so it makes sense to create our own urban festival with students at the centre of all of the organisational activities for the week’s events.
“I think it's really important that students are involved in events like this. Through their interaction and collaboration with the industries they are able to gain a huge insight and experience into the processes involved in being a part of a professional team. “
For further information about the festival events visit www.solentsmile2011.wordpress.com||
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040
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