FOCUS Wales are pleased to present a brand new digital showcase and conference event set for 21st – 26th September 2020, the inaugural Out of FOCUS Digital Conference.
In the first of a series of online events (with more to be announced in the coming months), this virtual showcase event will feature panel talks, and keynote sessions, with industry professionals and special guests.
Check out the schedule and speakers below.
Monday 21 September 2020
 Musicians’ Union PresentationDiscover what the Musicians’ Union are currently offering in terms of support (financial and advice), lobbying, and also what other support is available for musicians right now. 12pm – 12:45pm |
 Building your strategy Part 1 – Planning for the worst and hoping for the best.What are the options for planning and developing an artist’s career path under the current circumstances? 2:30pm – 3:30pm |
 Keynote – Gareth Evans Q + AYoutuber and the founder of Goliath Guitar Tutorials – a youtube channel with in excess of 750,000 subscribers – Gareth will explain how he managed to turn his skill as a musician into a global, online business. 4pm – 4:45pm |
 AIM & Music Declares EmergencyJoin AIM and Music Declares Emergency for a conversation around climate and ecological emergency, and call for an immediate governmental response to protect all life on Earth. Special guests TBA. 5:00pm – 5:45pm |
DIRECT INPUT – Stealing Sheep in ConversationDirect Input is a Future Yard webinar series which looks to lift the lid on the techniques and tactics utilised by the teams behind a range of today’s most successful artists. Becky Hawley joins us for this webinar Q&A, to talk about her career experiences with her band Stealing Sheep. 6pm – 7pm |
Tuesday 22 September 2020
 Music Media – The future of music mediaOur expert panel will discuss the challenges, currently facing music media and how the future will look. 1pm – 1:45pm |
 Building your strategy Part 2 – DigitalPlatforms: What’s New and how to make the most of them. More than ever, it is vital for artists to have an up to the minute knowledge and command of the latest online platforms available and how to get the most out of them. 2:30pm – 3:30pm |
 Keynote – Dave StewartWorld renowned artist, writer and producer and founder of Eurythmics: Dave Stewart and Trackd discuss Remote Music Collaboration. Theme: Exploring music collaboration in the age of the internet. A keynote exploring tools for remote songwriting collaboration and recording. 4pm – 4:45pm |
 Parenting and MusicDiscussing the ways in which musicians balance parenting with their careers, and how lockdown has affected this balance. 5pm – 6pm |
Wednesday 23 September 2020
 Funding ClinicThe latest information on what funding and support is available for music creators and the wider music industry in Wales. 1pm – 1:45pm |
 Mental Health Check-inMusic Mind’s Matter lead an informal group chat checking in on our mental health, and sharing tips and advice. 2:30pm – 3:30pm |
 Keynote – Henca Maduro Q&AThe founder of ‘New Skool Rules’ the international Hip Hop and r&b showcase in Rotterdam. Henca will talk about her life and career with Ffion Wyn (ladies of Rage) 4pm – 4:45pm |
 PRS & PPLFind out how to make money from writing and performing music from the UK’s collection societies PPL and PRS for Music. Plus, a chance to quiz our experts. 5pm – 6pm |
Thursday 24 September 2020
 How can Help Musicians help me?Find out about all the ways the charity Help Musicians can support musicians in their career, through health and welfare, creative career development and building confident business skills. Help Musicians offers a lifetime of support when it’s needed the most. 1pm – 1:45pm |
 A Working Live Sector – Road to recoveryHow has the live sector responded, not just to Covid 19 but also to the problems it faced before and how will we shape it, going forward? 2:30pm – 3:30pm |
 Going worldwide on the webExploring what effect Brexit and the Pandemic may have on exporting music? 4pm – 4:45pm |
 SyncIn conversation with Dan Koplowitz of Friendly Fire Licensing, USA. All you need to know about starting to sync your music. 6pm |
Friday 25 September 2020
Music & Race in WalesPrivilege Café Sgwrs #5 – @ Out of Focus. Tŷ Cerdd in collaboration with Privilege Café discuss ‘How can we effect change through talent development?’ 12:30pm – 2:05pm |
Rehearsing, Recording, and Going LiveDiscussing the current standard practices across studio and rehearsal spaces in Wales, and the importance of capturing live performances. 2:30pm – 3:30pm |
Showcasing OnlineFOCUS Wales, The Great Escape, Sound City, and Wide Days discuss how artists can make the most out of showcase festivals both online and offline. 6pm – 7pm |
