projects + courses 2014 | 2015
www.urbandevelopment.co.uk #DARETODREAM
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WHO WE ARE Urban Development plays an integral role in the growth of urban music in the UK. Combining business acumen with an understanding of youth culture, we stand at the crossroads where the creativity of underground new music meets the music industry.
“ URBAN DEVELOPMENT, A CHARITY WHICH PROVIDES SUPPORT AND ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE TRYING TO MAKE IT IN UNDERGROUND MUSIC, HAS SPENT 12 YEARS PROVING THAT A STRONG SOCIAL CONSCIENCE DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN GOVERNMENTAL DO-GOODING. WHILE ITS FOUNDATIONS ARE PHILANTHROPIC, IT’S BECOME A SERIOUS MUSIC INDUSTRY PLAYER.” The Guardian, 2012
Through our registered charity, the Urban Development Music Foundation, we deliver innovative projects that equip young people with relevant skills and resources to make, perform and record new music. We support emerging artists and professionals to access and progress within the highly competitive music industry with mentoring, access to studios, showcasing and networking.
Funded by
With thanks also to our donors, Wayne Hector and David Krap
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UPROGRESS RECORD LABEL PROJECT
AGES: 14-16
When does it happen? Record label: Saturday mornings – 10am until 1pm.
THE MUSIC INDUSTRY NEEDS FRESH TALENT AND YOUNG CREATIVE MINDS… THAT’S WHERE YOU COME IN! What is it? An exciting opportunity to develop your talent whilst running your own record label! Bi-weekly sessions will develop your talent through performance skills in urban music. You will also develop core business skills by jointly releasing music on the UProgress record label. What will I be doing? You will work with 30 inspirational young people on the following sessions: • Identifying talent in your group • Starting the record label • Running the record label • Signing talent from within your group
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• Artist development •B rand development •O rganising showcases •P erforming at showcases •R eleasing music
Where? Urban Development School near Stratford (E15).
What age do I have to be? 14-16 years.
How do I apply? Email register@ urbandevelopment.co.uk to request an application form.
And then what? Following the successful completion of the project, you will be guided towards further education and the UD Vocal Collective.
Talent development sessions: Wednesday afternoons – 4.30 pm until 6.30pm. There will also be weeklong intensive holiday courses over Winter and Spring half-terms.
This activity is supported by talent development sessions in the following areas: •C reative skills •T echnical skills •S tudio skills •P erformance skills All of this will also contribute towards your achievement of a nationally recognised qualification – Arts Award (Bronze Award).
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The project runs from Saturday 4 October 2014 to end of Easter holidays 2015.
What are you looking for? You will need to demonstrate the ability to commit to, and attend, all of the sessions on the programme and demonstrate your talent to us at a group audition. Your audition and interview will help us decide whether you are at the right stage to access this opportunity. We will provide you with a clear justification for our decision.
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UD VOCAL COLLECTIVE
AGES: 17-25
YOU CAN BE WHATEVER YOU WANT TO BE… What is it? Over the last four years the UD Vocal Collective has provided vocals for Wretch 32, Jacob Banks, George The Poet and Omar; performed at festivals including Lovebox and Liverpool’s International Music Festival; marked the reopening of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park; performed at the Roundhouse and Urban Development’s flagship events Re:Definition and Industry Takeover. Founded in 2007 by Labrinth, his sister ShezAr and led by Shola Ama, the Urban Development Vocal Collective (UDVC) is about honing songwriting skills, developing industry knowledge and creating shows that raise the bar for live performance.
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What will I be doing? As part of a collective you will record a professional EP and use this to promote the collective and secure professional performance opportunities. Students will be selected for these opportunities based on individual levels of readiness, performance outcomes against assessed targets, and suitability for each specific opportunity.
What age do I have to be? 17-25 years.
Where? Urban Development School near Stratford (E15).
Tutors and UDMF You will be working with our team of highly experienced music industry professionals who have a proven track record in developing and nurturing talent.
How do I apply? If you’re interested, please email register@ urbandevelopment.co.uk. We will then contact you to arrange an audition.
This activity is supported by talent development sessions in the following areas: •C reative skills •T echnical skills •S tudio skills •P erformance skills •V ideoed performance for UD YouTube channel
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When does it happen? Talent development sessions: Tuesday evenings – 6.30pm until 8.30pm. There will also be intensive rehearsal and recording sessions (weekends and holidays). The project starts on Tuesday 7 October.
What are you looking for? You will need to demonstrate that you are a talented singer capable of producing professional performances as part of a group.
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How much does it cost? This whole course is free and supported by our funding. You simply need to be able to attend all the sessions.
And then what? Following the successful completion of the course you will be guided towards higher education or industry.
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URBAN ARTIST SCHOOL
AGES: 16-25
When does it happen? The project starts on Tuesday 7 October and runs for 3 terms until end June 2015.
‘THE URBAN ARTIST SCHOOL: HOTHOUSING NEW IDEAS ON MUSICAL PRODUCT TO REDEFINED LEVELS OF EXCELLENCE’ What is it? A space where creativity, technical excellence and market understanding are combined to support your artistic development, putting you in control of your own professional music career. The course is delivered over two days each week, with intensive study providing you with time to network and, more importantly, support your development. What will I be doing? You will use research techniques to explore established and emerging trends and deepen your understanding of your own music. What are your musical interests? Where do these ideas come from? Why do you make this music?
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This insight will provide you with a unique opportunity to question everything, test assumptions and take a totally fresh look at your career, talents and ambitions.
Where? Urban Development School near Stratford (E15). How do I apply? Complete the expression of interest form on our website www.urbandevelopment. co.uk/foundation/ urbanartistschool. We will contact you for an audition.
Critical and commercial success will be given equal status, and you will be expected to cater to both challenges. Through a structured process of A’n’R style meetings and tutorials with the team, you will identify the most promising ideas and put in place a coherent strategy to fully realise the work in readiness for an industry showcase at the end of the course.
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What are we looking for? You will need to demonstrate that you are a talented writer/singer/producer capable of generating high quality music capable of achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success. You will need evidence of professional
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practice – recordings, website material etc, be able to explain your vision as an artist, and how you expect to develop as an artist over the one year period. What age do I have to be? 16-25 years. How much does it cost? The whole course is free and supported by our funding. You simply need to attend all the sessions. Tutors and UDMF You will be working with a dedicated production team involving writers, producers and marketing experts to help you realise your goals. And then what? Following the successful completion of the course you will be guided towards higher education or industry.
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ARTIST DEVELOPMENT Over the next six months we’re committed to developing six music artists at the infancy of their careers.
“ URBAN DEVELOPMENT PLAY A BIG PART WHEN IT COMES TO NURTURING UP-AND-COMING TALENT FROM THE UK’S URBAN MUSIC COMMUNITY.”
If you are an emerging artist wanting further development or you are a manager working with an unsigned artist and you need support developing them, this is a great opportunity. Over the course of six months the artist will work alongside quality producers and songwriters to develop their sound and produce a body of work as well as being mentored by some of the music industry’s finest figures to gain a greater understanding of the music business as a whole.
Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson, MTV Wrap Up, Vibe
The artist under development will gain fundamental skills through vocal and performance skills, midi composition/
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production skills, song writing and recording. They will also receive the following: • A&R guidance • Co-writing collaborations • Grassroots PR/online promotion • Showcasing including involvement in our events • Access to industry contacts The programme is bespoke to each artist, tailored to meet your vision. This is a programme only for those who are serious about their craft and developing as a music artist! If you’re interested, contact charlie@ urbandevelopment.co.uk
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STUDIO OFFER
“ Recording good tunes in a proper studio is a good look – that’s exactly what Urban Development has set up here.”
ALL AGES
Kozzie
Urban Development’s state-of-the art recording and rehearsal studios are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Recording Equipment Mixing desk: Allen & Heath 16 channel mixing desk ZED420 Computer: Mac Pro Two 2.4GHz, Quad-Core Intel Xeon/6GB/1TB/Radeon, Apple LED Cinema Display 27” Software: Logic Studio Pro 9, Native Instruments Komplete 7 Inc Massive/ Absynth/Battery/FM8/Guitar Rig, Pro Tools 8 Amps & effects: Digidesign 003 Rack, Focusrite ISA One Classic Single-Channel Pre-Amp, Focusrite Platinum Compressor Speakers: Yamaha HS80M SINGLE Biamp 2-Way Powered Monitor Keyboards: Clavia Nord
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Nick Brewer, Jammer, Bless Beats, Mikill Pane, Clement Marfo & The Frontline, Vince Kidd, McKnasty, DEVolution, Rascals, Maxsta and Kozzie.
Lead 2X 49-Note Analog Synthesizer, Akai MPK88 Keyboard Controller
General Offer Finding a studio that is well equipped and affordable is tough. We pride ourselves on running a state of the art studio available for emerging artists and students to hire at the most affordable rates. One day with an engineer is £50.
Mics: Studio Electronics Gemini Dual Valve Microphone What will I be doing? The space can be used for recording, music production, band rehearsals, live band recordings, mixing and mastering, video shoots and playback sessions.
Competitions Every month we run a 50p studio competition where the winner can hire the studio for a day for just 50p. To enter, send a link for your soundcloud page to demos@urbandevelopment. co.uk. The 50p day is the last Friday of the month, and the winner will be informed a week in advance.
Who has used the studio before? Artists and producers including Naughty Boy, Angel, Wretch 32,Tinchy Stryder, George The Poet, A*M*E, Misha B, Devlin, Joe Black, Benny Banks, Elli Ingram, Mr Bigz, Amplify Dot, G Frsh, Tanika, P Money, #DARETODREAM
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When does it happen? 24/7, all year round Where? Urban Development HQ near Stratford (E15) How do I apply? Contact charlie@ urbandevelopment.co.uk What are you looking for? Emerging artists committed to taking their career forwards by using a quality studio. What age do I have to be? We take all ages. And then what? Hopefully you will love our studio, keep coming back and spread the word.
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INDUSTRY TAKEOVER SEMINARS Creating a brand that sells Wednesday 28th January, 6.30pm Whether selling a product, service, skills or personality, branding is key. We gather a panel of experts to discuss Personal Brand Vs Company Brand. How do you create an image and brand that sells? From press images to artwork and styling, what should you consider and what does your branding say about you? We’ll give you the lowdown.
Our bi-monthly Industry Takeover seminars offer every creative entrepreneur the chance to get the guidance needed to kickstart their career in the music and creative industries. Listen, learn and connect with our inspiring panel of experts across a programme of carefully curated seminars. Coming up we have the following: Hackathon Saturday 13th September, 9am – 8pm (Please note the venue is The O2, Think Big Hub) In today’s world, tech is king and has revolutionised the way our music industry works. From apps to websites to platforms, it can be confusing to understand the difference between all of them, or to understand what is going on behind the screen. Join us for a day of ‘hacking’ where we’ll be building our own apps and getting closer to
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technology. We’ll provide the food, technology and wifi – you bring yourself and some ideas. Management Matters Wednesday 26th November, 6.30pm The music industry is fastpaced, changing day by day. How does this affect the role of a manager? Do you need one? Would you like to become one? What skills do you need? How do you get started? We find out how important it is to have management from our panel of experts from the music and creative industries.
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Industry Takeover – The Power of Publicity Wednesday 25th March, 6.30pm Discover which media outlets work best for you and how to approach them. Journalists and publicists will discuss how to use publications, TV and the
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Internet to your advantage. Learn how to develop and maintain relations with the world’s leading media sources. You’ll hear how these top journalists and publicists work together to get their clients noticed. Admission to seminars is free on a first come first served basis. Book now to secure your place at: UD TICKETS www.udtickets.com All seminars and workshops take place at University Square Stratford unless otherwise stated. Thank you to AIM StartUps and UEL’s performing arts department for your continued support.
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UD CREATIVES What is it? UD Creatives is a network designed to enable you to realise your creative potential through education, networking events, business and personal development workshops, seminars, work experience, mentoring and hands on opportunities.
What perks will I get? • Free access to business development workshops and networking events
We are looking for the music and creative leaders of the future to become members of UD Creatives. Annual membership subscription is £20.
• Discounted studio time and meeting space at Urban Development HQ
What workshops can I attend? Introduction to Enterprise (+ 4 day boot camp) Wednesday 24th September 2014, 6pm-9pm
• Monthly members only industry insider newsletter with exclusive tips on career development, mentoring and job opportunities
Sponsorship & Marketing Masterclass Wednesday 29th October, 6pm – 9pm Crowdfunding Masterclass Wednesday 10th December 2014, 6pm – 9pm
• Priority tickets and queue jumps at Urban Development events
The workshops are free for UD Creatives. Tickets to non-members are £5 + booking fee. Book now to reserve your place. UD TICKETS www.udtickets.com Pay £20 to become a member and enjoy additional benefits. For more information and membership please visit: www. urbandevelopment.co.uk/ foundation/ud-creatives
Get Your Money On Wednesday 25th February 2015, 6pm – 9pm Activate Your Fanbase On Social Media Wednesday 29th April 2015, 6pm – 9pm.
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INDUSTRY TAKEOVER ALL DAYER 2015 THE MUSIC INDUSTRY REVOLUTION IS HERE… ARE YOU READY TO TAKE CONTROL?
Saturday 28 March 2015, 12pm – 6pm
Since its launch in January 2009, Industry Takeover has built a reputation for offering an unrivalled programme of professional development, entertainment, education and networking opportunities to hundreds of industry-minded young hopefuls from across the capital and beyond.
Limited number of super early bird tickets at £5. Book now to reserve yours!
Seminars and workshops include Generation DIY (Starting a Creative Enterprise), Bedroom To Brand, Creating and Protecting your Brand, The Fan Business.
Confirmed partners for 2015 include: 02 GoThinkBig AIM Startups Bright Ideas Trust CMU Daily Disrupt DV8 Intellectual Property Office Live Nation MTV Wrap Up Reprezent FM Young Guns Network
UD TICKETS www.udtickets.com
Charlie Sloth, BBC Radio 1Xtra
RAVENSBOURNE COLLEGE OF DESIGN & COMMUNICATION 6 Penrose Way Greenwich Peninsula London SE10 0EW www.ravensbourne.ac.uk
In association with UD Creatives.
Showcases curated by Acoustic Afternoon, Young London, Rate Me Plz, UD Live.
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“ INDUSTRY TAKEOVER AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ARE IMPORTANT FOR THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THIS COMMUNITY.”
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“ URBAN DEVELOPMENT IS A KEY PLAYER IN THE SCENE, EVERYONE NEEDS TO GET INVOLVED WITH WHAT THEY DO.” Kano
Powered by the Urban Development Music Foundation To find out more and sign up to our mailing list, visit our website at www.urbandevelopment.co.uk and follow us on social media @urbandevelopment www.facebook.com/udevelopment Urban Development Unit D2 Sugar House Yard 20 Sugar House Lane Stratford London E15 2QS T: 020 8536 0630
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