In The City

BEST OF IN THE CITY 2009

2009-10-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

BEST OF ITC 2009

On November 3rd, ITC Takes London: twelve bands, three venues, one night.

Oh yes, you heard it right: a dozen of the best new bands down fresh from our little music industry shindig in Manchester all for the listening pleasure of the good people of our nation’s capital.

Taking over The Enterprise, The Monarch and The Camden Head, we’ll be announcing the full line-up over the next couple of days – check www.inthecity.co.uk or www.camdenbars.com for details.

Doors 7.30pm, bands from 8pm

Wristbands (£9) and individual venue tickets (£4) available from here.

THE MONARCH (40 – 42 Chalk Farm Rd, Camden, NW1 8UR)

The Molotovs
Dutch Uncles
Language

THE ENTERPRISE (2 Haverstock Hill, Camden, NW3 2BL)

NewIslands
I Am Blackbird
The Cordelier Club

THE CAMDEN HEAD (100 Camden High St, Camden, NW1 0LU)

The Crookes
Olfar
Nadine Shah

£4 tickets and/or £9 wristbands are available by ordering online at www.monarchbar.com/events or by following these direct links Wristbands, Monarch, Enterprise, Camden Head.

ITC 2009 is over…or is it?!

2009-10-22T02:55:00.001-07:00

Well, there we are - ITC 2009 is now officially over.

And what an ITC it was.

We’d like to thank everyone who came to see the gigs, listen to the panels and debate all that’s good and true in the world of music and creativity - we had a blast and hope you did too. Some new faces and old friends, we’re already looking forward to doing it all over again next year.

But before we start cooking up all the wonderful things we’ve got planned for ITC 2010, we’ve the small matter of our show at the lovely Mr Huw Stephens’ equally lovely Swn festival - featuring Nadine Shah, Lost Knives, The Crookes and the frankly ace Gallops. Click here to check out the full Swn Festival line-up.

ITC’s stage will be at Cardiff Barfly on Thursday 22nd October, doors at 7.30pm, first act on at 7.40pm.

Then on November 3rd, ITC Takes London: twelve bands, three venues, one night.

Oh yes, you heard it right: a dozen of the best new bands down fresh from our little music industry shindig in Manchester all for the listening pleasure of the good people of our nation’s capital.

Taking over The Enterprise, The Monarch and The Camden Head, we’ll be announcing the full line-up over the next couple of days – check www.inthecity.co.uk or www.camdenbars.com for details.

FULL LIVE SCHEDULE

2009-10-14T04:25:00.001-07:00

ITC LIVE 2009

The final line-ups for ITC Live 2009 are now available on the website:

Sunday 18th October
Monday 19th October
Tuesday 20th October

For full A-Z listings of every band playing this year’s ITC Live click here.

ITC 2009 will feature live sets from...
Reverend And The Makers, Frightened Rabbit, The Drums, Music Go Music, Hot Club De Paris, Saving Aimee, Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, Hatcham Social, Your Twenties, Wolf Gang, Egyptian Hip Hop, Tigers That Talked, Lost Knives, Esben and the Witch, Clues, The Northwestern, Apples, Rogues, Gallops, Copy Haho, Islet, My Tiger My Timing, Minnaars, Bright Light Bright Light, Cate Le Bon, The Jessie Rose Trip, Visitor, MAY68, Dutch Uncles, Bicycle Thieves, Shapes, Talons, Wu Lyf, Wild Palms, The Cheek, Goldheart Assembly, The Neat, Munch Munch, Twin Atlantic, Attack! Attack!, Jamie Ley, Futures, Loverman and over a hundred more.

To buy your In The City Live wristband for just £20 plus booking fee visit www.inthecity.co.uk/wristbands.

ITC UNSIGNED ALBUM 2009

The 2009 ITC iTunes album is now available via the following link. Featuring 32 of the ITC Unsigned artists, the album is available for just £7.99. Details of other digital distributors, and of how ITC delegates can get their free copies, will be released soon.

TWITTER

To keep us with all the very latest news and announcements during the festival follow ITC on Twitter at @itcmanchester or comment on this year's event using the hashtag #itcmanchester.

REGISTER FOR ITC

To register as a delegate for In The City for £350 plus VAT click here.

We’re doing day passes as well this year, which you can also find here, but don’t forget you’ll need a wristband for the live gigs if you go down this route. Conveniently, you can find those here - though if you’re getting a full delegate pass don’t worry about that.

Keynotes confirmed so far include: Mike Smith, Mark Ronson, John Harris, Anthony Volodkin, Sean Adams, Simon Raymonde, Pat Nevin, Gered Mankowitz as well as speakers from Seatwave, Soundcloud, Songkick and many, many more.

ITC LIVE HIGHLIGHTS

2009-10-13T06:14:00.001-07:00

ITC UNSIGNED ALBUM 2009

The 2009 ITC iTunes album is now available via the following link. Featuring 32 of the ITC Unsigned artists, the album is available for just £7.99. Details of other digital distributors, and of how ITC delegates can get their free copies, will be released soon.

ITC LIVE 2009

We are delighted to announce that the final touches have now been made to the ITC Live line-up and Manchester will once again play host to three nights of the best new music in the world.

NME Radar will have a special set from Music Go Music (currently mid-tour with Franz Ferdinand), Wolf Gang and local intriguers Egyptian Hip Hop. Manchester's coolest clubnight Now Wave will feature one of the hottest bands in the world in The Drums, BBC Introducing have chosen to focus on championing the best of the Northwest (as well as a couple from further afield) at Moho Live, including one of last year's standouts The Jessie Rose Trip back with a new backing band and breezy prog poppers Your Twenties. Moho will also play host to a special Love Music Hate Racism night, featuring a special acoustic headliner.

SJM Concerts have programmed things for us over at the ever-welcoming Ruby Lounge - and, much like the rest of the year, we expect to find ourselves spending plenty of time in their company, watching the likes of Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, Bicycle Thieves and Apples.

The newly resurgent High Voltage will be announcing their return to the Manchester conciousness by hosting Hot Club De Paris, Kong and Dutch Uncles at the glorious Deaf Institute - who will also play host to Drowned in Sound's 9th birthday party with Frightened Rabbit, Esben and the Witch and ex-Unicorns and Arcade Fire project Clues. Their festival rounds off with the ever-impressive Friends Vs Records showcasing Citadels, Rogues and Dirty Goods as well as bringing along Hope Of The States' new band The Northwestern.

Perhaps the country's most celebrated one-man label and top alternative rock stable Big Scary Monsters will be joining forces with The Art Of... agency to celebrate another great year with the likes of Copy Haho, Shapes, Talons and The Moi Non Plus. American management company, promoters and all-round high taste-makers Future Sounds will host their first ever UK 'Blast' with Tigers That Talked, NewIslands and Minnaars, wonderful Welsh festival Swn give us Cate Le Bon, Envy and Unicorn Kid and Fierce Panda return once again with the now-traditional ITC gig 'Ning The City' with Goldheart Assembly, Taxi Taxi! and The Neat.

For the younger crowd we have introduced 14+ gigs to ITC for the first time ever with the help of Front Magazine, Artrocker and local all-age masters Same Teens - with Hatcham Social, Saving Aimee, My Tiger My Timing, Wild Palms, Wu Lyf, The Brute Chorus, Twin Atlantic, Attack! Attack!, The New 1920, Futures and a whole host of others converting the new generation.

And all this without mention of the reason we're still here, the 18 year legacy of finding the next stadium-filler, the band to fall in love with or the chart-topping one hit wonders, the strand that gave an early helping hand to Coldplay, Oasis, Muse, Radiohead, Elbow, Noah and The Whale, Friendly Fires, Gallows, Maximo Park and, ahem, The Darkness. The best 34 brand new bands we could find, squeezed into a handful of venues, mere stumbling distance from ITC HQ The Midland - In The City Unsigned.

To buy your In The City Live wristband for just £20 plus booking fee visit www.inthecity.co.uk/wristbands.

TWITTER

To keep us with all the very latest news and announcements during the festival follow ITC on Twitter at @itcmanchester or comment on this year's event using the hashtag #itcmanchester.

REGISTER FOR ITC

To register as a delegate for In The City for £350 plus VAT click here.

We’re doing day passes as well this year, which you can also find here, but don’t forget you’ll need a wristband for the live gigs if you go down this route. Conveniently, you can find those here - though if you’re getting a full delegate pass don’t worry about that.

Keynotes confirmed so far include: Mike Smith, Mark Ronson, John Harris, Anthony Volodkin, Sean Adams, Simon Raymonde, Pat Nevin, Gered Mankowitz as well as speakers from Seatwave, Soundcloud, Songkick and many, many more.

ITC VISUAL PANELS

2009-10-07T07:37:00.001-07:00

IN THE CITY ‘VISUAL’ PANELS ANNOUNCED

We are delighted to announce a series of debates looking into the visual side of the music industry, including music in computer games, the evolution of the music video, contemporary music photography and music filmmaking, featuring some of the most important names in their respective fields.

NO TIME TO THINK – MAKING THE MUSIC VIDEO

You’ve got £5K in a budget and a label who want a video making that looks £30K. The band want to look a certain way, the label are strict, there is a room full of people to impress, pressure is on and the band is shit faced...

This is making a music video.

On this panel we’ll hear the trials and tribulations of creating the music video from dealing with the bands and labels to the often changing brief and the time constraints. Online video blogging and videos of bands on downtime have changed the way we are able to perceive the band. Has this changed the way we make the video? Can you really get away with a tiny budget and a post on YouTube?

Featuring:
Helienne Lindvall Journalist, www.guardian.co.uk (Moderator)
Toby Hyde Managing Director & Co-Owner, Factory Films
Trudy Bellinger Crossroads Films, Director (Sugababes, The Saturdays, Girls Aloud)
Tim Pope Director (The Cure, David Bowie, Neil Young, Kaiser Chiefs)
Otis Bell OB Management

GOD! SHOW ME MAGIC. THE STORY OF CREATION RECORDS

Ride, Primal Scream, Oasis, Teenage Fanclub, Super Furries, Jesus and Mary Chain and on and on - between 1983 and 1999 Creation Records were the Motown of the indie generation, all big bands, big stories and big personalities.

Live at ITC Steve Lamacq discusses the development behind ‘Upside Down. The Story of Creation Records’, director Danny O’Connor and the curator of the films “live” association Ride’s Mark Gardner. How do you commit the rollercoaster that was Creation to film? Plus they’ll be explaining how and why they made the choice to treat the film of the label like a band – and then take the whole kit and caboodle out on tour. And fingers crossed we’ll see some exclusive footage of the film and, we’re hoping, hear more than the odd interesting anecdote from those times of our lives.

Featuring:
Steve Lamacq Broadcaster and DJ, BBC 6Music
Danny O’Connor Documentary Maker
Mark Gardener Recording Artist, Ride

THE ITC PHOTOGRAPHY KEYNOTE

Jody Goodall moderates this extended session with the legendary Gered Mankowitz.

Part 1

The sound and the vision go hand in hand in this game. You hear the chord, close your eyes and usually the image that pops into your head is the work of a person like Gered.

But what attributes make that photograph work? How do you capture something so indefinable as a vibe in something as instant as a photograph? And in a world where we’re ALL music photographers now where is the art and craft going to come from now?

On stage with Gered will be Jill Furmanovsky, Andrew Whitton and Tim Cochrane, discussing this and the difference between photographing bands live and in portrait. Because you photograph bands at a gig, does that make you a rock photographer? We’ll also look at the different ways that the young and old generations work.

Part 2

Gered runs through some of his favourite pictures and tells you a bit of the stories behind them. Rolling Stones, Marianne Faithful, Oasis….. yeah you’ve probably heard of them.

OK COMPUTER? PUTTING MUSIC IN COMPUTER GAMES

The various gaming genres all rely on music in some shape or form. If you aren’t jumping around your living room to The Beatles Rock Band game you’re probably smashing cars about to a belting tune. An exclusive computer games sync panel, we’ll be seeing spanking new game footage plus hearing about the new ways music will immerse your gaming world. If you’ve ever wanted to get your music in a game, then this is a must see panel.

Featuring:
Helienne Lindvall Journalist, www.guardian.co.uk (Moderator)
Eric Hobson Connect 2 Media
John Sanderson Managing Director, Pit Stop Productions Ltd
Todd Eckert Director North America, Eutechnyx. Producer of Joy Division film “Control”
Theo Seffusatti General Manager, Warp Music Publishing
Ed Bartlett Exec Vice President, The In Game Advertising Int'l Group
Gary Clay Marketing Manager EMEA, Xbox 360

TWITTER

To keep us with all the very latest news and announcements during the festival follow ITC on Twitter at @itcmanchester or comment on this year's event using the hashtag #itcmanchester.

REGISTER FOR ITC

To register as a delegate for In The City for £350 plus VAT click here.

We’re doing day passes as well this year, which you can also find here, but don’t forget you’ll need a wristband for the live gigs if you go down this route. Conveniently, you can find those here - though if you’re getting a full delegate pass don’t worry about that.

Keynotes confirmed so far include: Mike Smith, Mark Ronson, John Harris, Anthony Volodkin, Sean Adams, Simon Raymonde, Pat Nevin, Gered Mankowitz as well as speakers from Seatwave, Soundcloud, Songkick and many, many more.

ITC UNSIGNED 2009

After much agonising, wailing and the occasional gnashing of teeth we’ve arrived at the final list. The ones who we think you’ll be hearing a hell of a lot more from over the next few years.

You can hear them in all their glory on the ITC Unsigned Album 2009, available from tomorrow on iTunes and via various other fine digital retailers.

Delegates remember, you get a code for your copy, which we’ll be mailing out to you the week before ITC.

TWO NEW PANELS ANNOUNCED

2009-10-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

MORE PANEL ANNOUNCEMENTS

We are delighted to announce two more panels for this year’s In The City.

MAKING THE LAW – THE AUTHOR PANEL

How do you write about rock n roll? If you can remember your era you weren’t there, or so they say. For these guys, their words become the folklore of the times they lived. Like the quote says “when it comes to choosing between printing the truth or the legend - print the legend”, but if people take that as gospel where do your responsibilities lie?

Entertain or educate – easy to do one, hard to do both. So how did this lot do it?

Featuring:
John Robb The North Will Rise Again - Manchester Music City, Moderator
John Niven Kill Your Friends
Andrew Collins That's Me in the Corner - Adventures of an Ordinary Boy in a Celebrity World
Mark Hodkinson Queen The Early Years
Peter Hook The Hacienda – How Not to Run A Club
Pete Frame Rock Family Trees

DUTY OF CARE PANEL

The pressure of fame, the pressure of business, and the pressure to deliver hits and keep the whole machine moving – sometimes it can just plain get too much. From Syd Barrett to Richey Edwards and beyond, this most challenging of industries can and does take a person down. So how can those of us working with artists fulfil a duty of care? How to learn to say no, to say it’s too much and to say they need help? Artists aren’t just figures on a bottom line, the whole machine around an artist has a moral duty to protect those in their charge. Look after them and they’ll look after you, right?

Featuring:
Marc Marot CEO, SEG International Moderator
Darcus Beese Co-President, Island Records
Colin Lester Managing Director CLM Entertainment
Jonathan Morrish Director of Communications, PPL (ex CBS/Sony)
David Gilmour Director, Recover Now
Chris Difford Recording Artist, Squeeze

ITC UNSIGNED 2009

After much agonising, wailing and the occasional gnashing of teeth we’ve arrived at the final list. The ones who we think you’ll be hearing a hell of a lot more from over the next few years.

You can hear them in all their glory on the ITC Unsigned Album 2009, available from tomorrow on iTunes and via various other fine digital retailers.

Delegates remember, you get a code for your copy, which we’ll be mailing out to you the week before ITC.

REGISTER FOR ITC

To register as a delegate for In The City for £350 plus VAT click here.

We’re doing day passes as well this year, which you can also find here, but don’t forget you’ll need a wristband for the live gigs if you go down this route. Conveniently, you can find those here - though if you’re getting a full delegate pass don’t worry about that.

Keynotes confirmed so far include: Mike Smith, Mark Ronson, John Harris, Anthony Volodkin, Sean Adams, Simon Raymonde, Pat Nevin, Gered Mankowitz as well as speakers from Seatwave, Soundcloud, Songkick and many, many more.

ITC UNSIGNED 2009 and £250 DELEGATE RATE LAST DAY

2009-10-02T03:25:00.001-07:00

ITC UNSIGNED 2009

Well here it is: the ITC Unsigned line-up for 2009

After much agonising, wailing and the occasional gnashing of teeth we’ve arrived at the final list. The ones who we think you’ll be hearing a hell of a lot more from over the next few years.

You can hear them in all their glory on the ITC Unsigned Album 2009, available from Monday on iTunes and via various other fine digital retailers.

Delegates remember, you get a code for your copy, which we’ll be mailing out to you the week before ITC.

Dry The River
Lost Knives
Milk White White Teeth
Onlookers
Sophie Madeleine
Engine-Earz Experiment
Nadine Shah
Unicorn Kid
Life In Film
MAY68
Jesca Hoop
Gallops
Olfar
Egyptian Hip Hop
The Liberty Vessels
Dutch Uncles
The Crookes
I Am Blackbird
Paul Thomas Saunders
Copy Haho
Crystal Fighters
Sweet Baboo
Rose Elinor Dougall
Silver Gospel Runners
She Is Danger
Hook and the Twin
Save Your Breath
Beatbox Fozzy
The Hugs
Mount Kimbie
Language
Woodenbox with a Fistful of Fivers
Seerauber Jenny

To buy your £20 wristbands click here.

EARLY BIRD ENDS TODAY

The ITC early bird delegate pass rate of £250 ends TODAY (Friday 2nd October)!!

If you want to bag yourself some passes at that rate, you’ll have to get in quick - you can register here. There are also some rooms left at ITC HQ, The Midland Hotel, but they’re going quick so best nab yourself one of those too.

We’re doing day passes as well this year, which you can also find here, but don’t forget you’ll need a wristband for the live gigs if you go down this route. Conveniently, you can find those here - though if you’re getting a full delegate pass don’t worry about that.

Keynotes confirmed so far include: Mike Smith, Mark Ronson, John Harris, Anthony Volodkin, Sean Adams, Simon Raymonde, Pat Nevin, Gered Mankowitz as well as speakers from Seatwave, Soundcloud, Songkick and many, many more.

MORE BANDS ANNOUNCED

2009-10-01T03:31:00.001-07:00

MORE BANDS ANNOUNCED

As well as the 32 best unsigned bands in the country as part of ITC Unsigned (which we’re announcing on Monday) we are alos delighted to announce performances by Rogues, Apples, The Northwestern, My Tiger My Timing, Ezra Bang & The Hot Machine, Unicorn Kid, Lion Club, Brute Chorus, Twin Atlantic, Jamie Ley, Fangs, Bright Light Bright Light, Pocketknife, Shaair + Func, Islet, Minnaars, Wu Lyf, The Jessie Rose Trip, Citadels, Panama Kings, Cordelier Club and many more. For the full list of just-added bands click here.

All in all we'll have a stellar lineup of more than 150 of the best new bands around - with showcases from the likes of NME Radar, BBC Introducing and Drowned in Sound presenting bands such as Frightened Rabbit, Televised Crimewave, Esben and the Witch, Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, Bicycle Thieves, Crystal Fighters, The Drums, Clues, Hatcham Social, Munch Munch, Tripwires, NewIslands, Saving Aimee, Unicorn Kid, Groove Armada, Lost Knives and more.

To buy your £20 wristbands click here.

EARLY BIRD ENDS ON FRIDAY

The ITC early bird delegate pass rate of £250 ends this Friday, October 2nd.

If you want to bag yourself some passes at that rate, you’ll have to get in quick - you can register here. There are also some rooms left at ITC HQ, The Midland Hotel, but they’re going quick so best nab yourself one of those too.

We’re doing day passes as well this year, which you can also find here, but don’t forget you’ll need a wristband for the live gigs if you go down this route. Conveniently, you can find those here - though if you’re getting a full delegate pass don’t worry about that.

Keynotes confirmed so far include: Mike Smith, Mark Ronson, John Harris, Anthony Volodkin, Sean Adams, Simon Raymonde, Pat Nevin, Gered Mankowitz as well as speakers from Seatwave, Soundcloud, Songkick and many, many more.

MIKE SMITH AND MARK RONSON KEYNOTE

2009-09-29T02:12:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to announce that Columbia Records Managing Director Mike Smith will be appearing in conversation with superstar producer/artist/DJ Mark Ronson, who was one of his first signings to the label in 2006.
With renowned journalist and broadcaster John Harris helping to steer the conversation, Mike Smith and Mark Ronson will be discussing the label/artist dynamic, why their creative relationship has been so successful and numerous other subjects.
Mike Smith said, “I have been coming to In The City for more years than I care to remember and, as well as being a consistently fantastic showcase for live music I have always found it a great place to exchange ideas with like-minded people and debate the key issues affecting our industry. Mark Ronson is an artist that I have a huge amount of respect for, not least because he was my first signing to Columbia Records and hopefully we will be able to give everyone an insight into how we work together and, more importantly, what it takes to maintain a constructive and creative relationship between label and artist.”
In addition In The City is pleased to announce that Mike Smith will also be hosting an exhibition of 60 of his acclaimed sketches entitled Artist & Repertoire at the highly respected Richard Goodall Gallery in Manchester throughout the duration of ITC 2009. A hugely impressive history of live music over the last two decades, Mike Smith’s collection of beautiful pencil drawings document almost every gig he has ever seen covering long-forgotten bands playing in tiny bars through to globe-bestriding stadium acts.
The exhibition is a pre-cursor to a book of Mike Smith’s drawings also entitled ‘Artist & Repertoire,’ which will be published later this year.

REGISTER BY FRIDAY FOR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS

Not long to go now before we kick off, but don’t fret: delegates can still buy an ITC delegate pass for the new reduced price of £250 plus VAT. Click here for more information and sign up to the ITC mailing list to hear the panels, keynotes and other daytime content as soon as we announce it. The price will rise to £350 plus VAT after Friday 2nd October.

ITC LIVE 2009

As well as the now-legendary, soon-to-be-announced, top secret ITC Unsigned line up, bands already confirmed include: Frightened Rabbit, Televised Crimewave, Esben and the Witch, Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, Bicycle Thieves, Crystal Fighters, The Drums, Clues, Hatcham Social, Munch Munch, Tripwires, NewIslands, Underground Heroes, Sharks, Telegraphs, Spycatcher, Cate Le Bon, Simon Lynge, Asakusa Jinta, The New 1920, Attack Attack, Twin Atlantic, Bear Driver, Me Vs Hero, Saving Aimee, Young Guns, Futures, Wall St Riots, Taxi! Taxi!, The Molotovs, Goldheart Assembly, Capital, The Neat, The Sport, MAY68, Young British Artists, Visitor, Tek One, Cars On Fire, Wounds, Swound!, Wild Palms, LR Rockets with more added every day.

Showcases confirmed include NME Radar, BBC Introducing, Xfm, SJM Concerts, Now Wave, Big Scary Monsters, Swn, Front Magazine, Love Music Hate Racism, Same Teens, Future Sounds, Drowned in Sound, Rock Sound, Fierce Panda, Sentric and Murkage.

ITC Live Wristbands are available from Seatwave now for the limited advance price of £20 plus booking fee. Click here to buy now.

ITC WRISTBANDS NOW ON SALE

2009-09-17T04:19:00.000-07:00

WRISTBANDS NOW ON SALE AND INITIAL LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT

In The City Live wristbands are now available to buy from Seatwave, for just £20 plus booking fee, for a limited time only.

This year In The City - the UK’s international music convention - launches the new all-signing, some-dancing, open to the public ITC Live - bringing 150 bands over 3 days to the streets of Manchester.

Showcases confirmed include NME Radar, BBC Introducing, Xfm, SJM Concerts, Now Wave, Big Scary Monsters, Swn, Front Magazine, Love Music Hate Racism, Same Teens, Future Sounds, Drowned in Sound, Rock Sound, Fierce Panda, Sentric and Murkage.

As well as the now-legendary, soon-to-be-announced, top secret ITC Unsigned line up, bands already confirmed include: Frightened Rabbit, Televised Crimewave, Esben and the Witch, Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, Bicycle Theives, Crystal Fighters, The Drums, Clues, Hatcham Social, Munch Munch, Tripwires, NewIslands, Underground Heroes, Sharks, Telegraphs, Spycatcher, Cate Le Bon, Ellie Goulding, Simon Lynge, Asakusa Jinta, The New 1920, Attack Attack, Twin Atlantic, Bear Driver, Me Vs Hero, Saving Aimee, Young Guns, Futures, Wall St Riots, Taxi! Taxi!, The Molotovs, Goldheart Assembly, Capital, The Neat, The Sport, MAY68, Young British Artists, Visitor, Tek One, Cars On Fire, Wounds, Swound!, Wild Palms, LR Rockets with more added every day.

And all this for the early bird price of £20 plus booking fee. Click here to buy now.

ITC DIGITAL PANEL ANNOUNCED

2009-09-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

HIGH POWERED DIGITAL PANEL ANNOUNCED

A stellar line-up of leading digital entrepreneurs to debate the artist/fan relationship including the founders of Seatwave and Soundcloud, the top two companies in The Guardian’s recent ‘Tech Media Invest Top 10’ list.

Joe Cohen the founder of Seatwave, Anthony Volodkin, the founder of The Hype Machine, Ian Hogarth co-founder of Songkick, Alex Ljung the founder of Soundcloud and moderator Sean Adams of Drowned in Sound will lead a panel discussion under the heading ‘Tribes, Fans and Followers’ examining the evolving relationship between artist and fan with particular reference to the digital landscape.

We are delighted to be able to offer a platform to some real visionaries of the new digital landscape. All of the participants are at the forefront of innovation within our industry and their thoughts will be, I’m sure, of great interest to everyone attending this year’s event.

VOLUNTEER FOR IN THE CITY 2009

2009-09-09T04:46:00.000-07:00

JOIN THE ITC TEAM!

If you'd like to be part of In The City 2009 and gain some valuable events experience, not to mention the chance to meet some of the most influential players in the music business, then get on board as a volunteer member of staff.

You can volunteer to work during the day on the conference at the Midland Hotel or at night, working with bands and venues. Places are limited so please fill in the email application below before Friday 2nd October 2009. All applicants will be notified by the following week.

Apply here

IN THE CITY OPENING ADDRESS ANNOUNCED

2009-09-07T04:36:00.000-07:00

Rick Falkvinge, the founder and Chairman of The Pirate Party, the controversial Swedish political organisation, will make his first ever public speaking appearance in the UK and give the opening address at this year’s event.

Formally launched on January 1st 2006, The Pirate Party was, according to its own literature, founded to “reform laws regarding copyright and patents”. The party’s aims also include “support for a strengthening of the right to privacy, both on the internet and in everyday life, and the transparency of state administration.”

One of the core policies of the party is their stated aim to “legalise non-commercial file sharing and reduce the excessive length of copyright protection, while ensuring that when creative works are sold, it's the artists who benefit, not monopoly rights holders.”

The Pirate Party is the third largest party in Sweden in terms of membership and has recently won a seat in the European parliament. Its popularity and high profile has given rise to parties with the same name and similar goals throughout Europe and worldwide.

Rick Falkvinge will cover issues including civil liberties, the information society, copyright reform and the growing world movement of pirates in his opening address.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR ITC UNSIGNED DEMO SUBMISSIONS

2009-07-31T02:55:00.000-07:00

DEMO DEADLINE TODAY

The deadline for this year’s unsigned submissions will be 4pm on Friday 31st July 2008, (TODAY!!), with all successful bands being notified by end September 2009. This year’s festival promises to be the biggest and best ITC ever, and for your chance to play at the UK’s global music industry conference, visit www.inthecity.co.uk/applytoplay and complete the online form with a link to online music, a press photo and biography.

Bands from outside the UK can apply via SonicBids - and winning choices will recieve up to $1000 USD towards their travel costs. The deadline for this route is Friday 7th August. Visit www.sonicbids.com/inthecity for full details.

FIRST PANELS ANNOUNCED FOR ITC 2009

2009-07-20T09:04:00.001-07:00

‘EVERYTHING ELSE IS JUST NOISE’

Working under this year’s tag line of ‘Everything Else Is Just Noise’, we are delighted to announce In The City’s first panellists and keynotes for ITC 2009:

A keynote address from Anthony Volodkin, founder of The Hype Machine.

Bella Union founder Simon Raymonde in conversation with Chelsea and Everton legend, writer and broadcaster Pat Nevin.

‘Break on Through’ – A panel of highly experienced and successful executives talk about their careers and give tips on how best to get into and survive the modern music industry.

Iconic music photographer Gered Mankowitz in conversation about his life and career.

‘India Rising’ & ‘Africa Rising’ – An in-depth look at these two emerging music markets with input from some of the key players on the ground in both territories.

REGISTRATION

Registration is now open at www.inthecity.co.uk and currently costs just £250 plus VAT. To become a full delegate visit www.inthecity.co.uk/register. We are also offering larger groups (5 or more delegates) a further 20% discount – for more information on this, and when specific deadlines for registration are, please contact Gavin Cooke via gavin@inthecity.co.uk.

NEW PODCAST

Throughout 2009, we have been releasing full, unedited versions of some of last year’s panel highlights – all of which are available by visiting www.inthecity.co.uk/podcasts or by subscribing via iTunes.

Hosted by musician and 6Music DJ Tom Robinson, this panel explores the dumbing down of celebrity and implores artists, media and music fans to return to the days when interviews focussed on ethics, politics and principles rather than favourite colours and Big Brother – and the ways that all of the above affects creativity. Featuring Jon McClure, Steve White, Steve Chandra Savale, Peter Hook and Clint Boon.

DEMO SUBMISSIONS CLOSING DATE

In The City can confirm that the closing deadline for this year’s unsigned submissions will be 4pm on Friday 31st July 2008, with all successful bands being notified by end September 2009. This year’s festival promises to be the biggest and best ITC ever, and for your chance to play at the UK’s global music industry conference, visit www.inthecity.co.uk/applytoplay for details.

PARTNERS AND EXHIBITORS

ITC 2009 will take place on October 18th / 19th / 20th at The Midland hotel and throughout the venues and bars of Manchester. For more information on how to be involved please visit www.inthecity.co.uk.

If you would like to host an exhibition stand at In The City 2009, you can download an info pdf from here or email stands@inthecity.co.uk.

If you would like to be an official partner of In The City 2009, you can download an info pdf from here or email partners@inthecity.co.uk.

£200 DELEGATE OFFER ENDS THIS WEEK

2009-05-27T03:24:00.001-07:00

LAST WEEK OF EARLY BIRD OFFERS

This year’s ITC early bird offer will expire on May 31st, making this the last week to buy passes at the discounted price of £200 plus VAT.

The special £500 all-in hotel offer will also be suspended at the end of this week and there are only a few rooms of our allocation left. More rooms will be released next week, but this special offer is limited in number. £500 pays for your full weekend pass, three nights at The Midland hotel (4*) and all taxes and fees.

We are also offering a special package with our partners at c/o pop in Germany meaning you can buy a joint pass for both conferences for just £260 plus VAT. For more information on c/o pop please visit www.c-o-pop.de.

Visit www.inthecity.co.uk/register for registration and information.

APPLY TO PLAY AT ITC 2009

Bands and artists can now apply to be part of ITC Unsigned 2009 by visiting www.inthecity.co.uk/applytoplay and via post.
We will need a link to online music, a 300 word biography and a photograph of the band. Full application details are displayed in the ‘apply to play’ section of the ITC website, along with postal details should you prefer to send us a CD.
Applications to play In The City Unsigned are free of charge.

PARTNERS AND EXHIBITORS

ITC 2009 will take place on October 18th / 19th / 20th at The Midland hotel and throughout the venues and bars of Manchester. For more information on how to be involved please visit www.inthecity.co.uk.

If you would like to host an exhibition stand at In The City 2009, you can download an info pdf from here or email stands@inthecity.co.uk.

If you would like to be an official partner of In The City 2009, you can download an info pdf from here or email partners@inthecity.co.uk.

ITC AND C/O POP ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

2009-05-13T03:27:00.000-07:00

REGISTER FOR ITC AND C/O POP FOR JUST £260 PLUS VAT

In The City has agreed an extensive marketing and content partnership with c/o pop, the Cologne based German music and conference event.

This new agreement will see the two events working together on joint content, marketing and promotional activities. The deal also means that c/o pop will promote In The City in Germany with In The City working to raise the profile of c/o pop in the UK.

The first fruit of the new partnership is a joint ticketing initiative, which will allow UK based, early bird In The City delegates to attend c/o pop for just £60 (+ Vat) if they book via the In The City website at www.inthecity.co.uk/register. The package means delegates can register for both conferences for just £260 plus VAT before 31st May 2009.

c/o pop – the pop culture 2.0 convention – takes place in Cologne from August 13-14 and forms part of the broader c/o pop festival which takes place from August 12 -16. For more information visit www.c-o-pop.de.

ITC REGISTRATION

Delegate passes for In The City 2009 are now on sale and, for a limited period and strictly first come first served, will cost just £200 plus VAT. You can register by going to www.inthecity.co.uk/register and using the online registration system.

In addition to the fantastic delegate pass price, you can also purchase your three night stay in Manchester for just £500 with all tax, VAT and booking fees included. Simply go to www.inthecity.co.uk/register, choose the appropriate package and register as normal. All hotel rooms will be pre-paid and will be available on a limited first come first served basis until the early bird allocation is full.

APPLY TO PLAY AT ITC 2009

Bands and artists can now apply to be part of ITC Unsigned 2009 by visiting www.inthecity.co.uk/applytoplay and via post.
We will need a link to online music, a 300 word biography and a photograph of the band. Full application details are displayed in the ‘apply to play’ section of the ITC website, along with postal details should you prefer to send us a CD.
Applications to play In The City Unsigned are free of charge.

PARTNERS AND EXHIBITORS

ITC 2009 will take place on October 18th / 19th / 20th at The Midland hotel and throughout the venues and bars of Manchester. For more information on how to be involved please visit www.inthecity.co.uk.

If you would like to host an exhibition stand at In The City 2009, you can download an info pdf from here or email stands@inthecity.co.uk.

If you would like to be an official partner of In The City 2009, you can download an info pdf from here or email partners@inthecity.co.uk.

PODCAST #3 AVAILABLE NOW

2009-04-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

PANEL PODCAST 3: DAB YOUR TEARS

DAB Your Tears is the 2008 ITC radio panel - and features John Kennedy (Xfm), Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Mike Walsh (Xfm), Kenny McGoff (EMI Publishing), Jason Carter (BBC), Korda Marshall and more big-hitting names in UK radio, records and publishing companies. The panel discusses the current state of radio and broadcasting, the future of DAB, commercial radio, playlisting and how to break a new band using radio.

REGISTRATION

Delegate passes for In The City 2009 are now on sale and, for a limited period and strictly first come first served, will cost just £200 plus VAT. You can register by going to www.inthecity.co.uk/register and using the online registration system.

In addition to the fantastic delegate pass price, you can also purchase your three night stay in Manchester for just £500 with all tax, VAT and booking fees included. Simply go to www.inthecity.co.uk/register, choose the appropriate package and register as normal. All hotel rooms will be pre-paid and will be available on a limited first come first served basis until the early bird allocation is full.

APPLY TO PLAY AT ITC 2009

Bands and artists can now apply to be part of ITC Unsigned 2009 by visiting www.inthecity.co.uk/applytoplay and via post.
We will need a link to online music, a 300 word biography and a photograph of the band. Full application details are displayed in the ‘apply to play’ section of the ITC website, along with postal details should you prefer to send us a CD.
Applications to play In The City Unsigned are free of charge.

PARTNERS AND EXHIBITORS

ITC 2009 will take place on October 18th / 19th / 20th at The Midland hotel and throughout the venues and bars of Manchester. For more information on how to be involved please visit www.inthecity.co.uk.

If you would like to host an exhibition stand at In The City 2009, you can download an info pdf from here or email stands@inthecity.co.uk.

If you would like to be an official partner of In The City 2009, you can download an info pdf from here or email partners@inthecity.co.uk.

APPLY TO PLAY AT ITC 2009

2009-04-07T04:57:00.000-07:00

APPLY NOW

Bands and artists can now apply to be part of ITC Unsigned 2009 by visiting www.inthecity.co.uk/applytoplay and via post.

We will need a link to online music, a 300 word biography and a photograph of the band. Full application details are displayed in the ‘apply to play’ section of the ITC website, along with postal details should you prefer to send us a CD.
Applications to play In The City Unsigned are free of charge.

REGISTRATION

Delegate passes for In The City 2009 are now on sale and, for a limited period and strictly first come first served, will cost just £200 plus VAT. You can register by going to www.inthecity.co.uk/register and using the online registration system.

In addition to the fantastic delegate pass price, you can also purchase your three night stay in Manchester for just £500 with all tax, VAT and booking fees included. Simply go to www.inthecity.co.uk/register, choose the appropriate package and register as normal. All hotel rooms will be pre-paid and will be available on a limited first come first served basis until the early bird allocation is full.

PARTNERS AND EXHIBITORS

ITC 2009 will take place on October 18th / 19th / 20th at The Midland hotel and throughout the venues and bars of Manchester. For more information on how to be involved please visit www.inthecity.co.uk.

If you would like to host an exhibition stand at In The City 2009, you can download an info pdf from here or email stands@inthecity.co.uk.

If you would like to be an official partner of In The City 2009, you can download an info pdf from here or email partners@inthecity.co.uk.

PREVIOUS IN THE CITY BANDS

Aidan Smith, Alfie, Alice Russell, Alishas Attic, Alphabeat, Arab Strap, Arctic Monkeys, Ash, Attic Lights, Babybird, Badly Drawn Boy, Bananarama, Beth Orton, Biffy Clyro, Big Country, Bjork, Cast, Catatonia, Chemical Brothers, Clinic, Clint Boon Experience, Coldplay, Cornershop, Cosmic Rough Riders, Crazy Penis, Cypress Hill, David Gray, Dear Eskimo (Ting Tings), De La Soul, Delgados, Deus, Dodgy, Does It Offend You, Yeah?, Dogs Die In Hot Cars, Doves, Duke Spirit, Edwyn Collins, Elastica, Elbow, Eliza Carthy, Elle S’appelle, Eugene McGuiness, Fear Of Music, Foo Fighters, Forward Russia, Friendly Fires, Funeral For A Friend, Gallows, Gene, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Good Shoes, Gorky’s Zygotic Mynki, Grandaddy, Hadouken, Har Mar Superstar, Hard-Fi, Haven, Hearsay, Howling Bells, Hugh Cornwell, Idlewild, Imogen Heap, Jamelia, James Yuill, Johnny Borrell, Karima Francis, Kathryn Williams, Killa Kella, Kings of Convenience, Kubichek, Kula Shaker, LA Guns, Lady Sovereign, Larrikin Love, Levellers, Liam Frost, Little Man Tate, Longview, Maximo Park, Menswear, M-People, Muse, Mystery Jets, Nightmares On Wax, Nine Black Alps, Nizlopi, Noah & The Whale, Northern Uproar, Nylon Pylon, Oasis, Oceansize, One Night Only, Orson, Peaches, Pitchshifter, Placebo, Presidents of the USA, Puressence, R Kelly, Radiohead, Raveonettes, Reef, Regina Spektor, Republica, Ride, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Roll Deep, Roxy Music, Royksopp, RSL, Russell Watson, Sam Isaac, Scouting For Girls, Semisonic, Shack, Shed Seven, Skunk Anansie, Sky Larkin, Smashing Pumpkins , Sneaker Pimps, Snow Patrol, Soundtrack of our Lives, Space, Spiritualized, St Etienne, St Germain, Stephen Fretwell, Stereolab, Stereophonics, Suede, Super Furry Animals, Teenage Fanclub, The Brand New Heavies, The Charlatans, The Courteeners, The Crimea, The Darkness, The Delgados, The Divine Comedy, The Durutti Column, The Fall, The Fratellis, The Long Blondes, The Longcut, The Maccabees, The Noisettes The Orb, The Paddingtons, The Rakes, The Rifles, The Saw Doctors, The Subways, The Sugars, The Sunshine Underground, The Verve, The Wedding Present, The Wombats, Thea Gilmore, Thomas Tantrum, Tom Vek, Twisted Wheel…

ITC 2009 PASSES NOW ON SALE

2009-03-31T03:09:00.001-07:00

DELEGATE PASS FOR £200 + VAT

Delegate passes for In The City 2009 are now on sale and, for a limited period and strictly first come first served, will cost just £200 plus VAT. You can register by going to www.inthecity.co.uk/register and using the online registration system.

DELEGATE PASS + THREE NIGHTS IN THE MIDLAND FOR £500

In addition to the fantastic delegate pass price, you can also purchase your three night stay in Manchester for just £500 with all tax, VAT and booking fees included. Simply go to www.inthecity.co.uk/register, choose the appropriate package and register as normal. All hotel rooms will be pre-paid and will be available on a limited first come first served basis until the early bird allocation is full.

PARTNERS AND EXHIBITORS

ITC 2009 will take place on October 18th / 19th / 20th at The Midland hotel and throughout the venues and bars of Manchester. For more information on how to be involved please visit www.inthecity.co.uk.

If you would like to host an exhibition stand at In The City 2009, you can download an info pdf from here or email stands@inthecity.co.uk.

If you would like to be an official partner of In The City 2009, you can download an info pdf from here or email partners@inthecity.co.uk.

ITC EARLY BIRD PRICES

2009-03-26T08:09:00.001-07:00

DELEGATE PASS FOR £200 + VAT

Registration for In The City 2009 will open on 30th March and, for a limited period and strictly first come first served, will cost just £200 plus VAT. You can register by going to www.inthecity.co.uk/register and using the online registration system. Registration will open on Monday 30th March.

DELEGATE PASS + THREE NIGHTS IN THE MIDLAND FOR £500

In addition to the fantastic delegate pass price, you can also purchase your three night stay in Manchester for just £500 with all tax, VAT and booking fees included. Simply go to www.inthecity.co.uk/register, choose the appropriate package and register as normal. All hotel rooms will be pre-paid and will be available on a limited first come first served basis until the early bird allocation is full.

PARTNERS AND EXHIBITORS

ITC 2009 will take place on October 18th / 19th / 20th at The Midland hotel and throughout the venues and bars of Manchester. For more information on how to be involved please visit www.inthecity.co.uk.

If you would like to host an exhibition stand at In The City 2009, you can download an info pdf from here or email stands@inthecity.co.uk.

If you would like to be an official partner of In The City 2009, you can download an info pdf from here or email partners@inthecity.co.uk.

ITC PODCAST #2: FEATURED ARTISTS COALITION

2009-03-16T10:04:00.001-07:00

The second ITC panel podcast is now available on iTunes and www.inthecity.co.uk and features the official announcement of the new Featured Artist Coalition, made at In The City 2008.

The FAC has made headline news this week with its first board meeting and introduction to the mainstream media. Its board features artists such as Billy Bragg, Ed O’Brien, Dave Rowntree, Jazzie B and, as featured in this podcast, Kate Nash.

The podcast features Jeremy Silver, Kate Nash and a clip of some of the artists that have signed up from the start - and explains the aims and the need for such a body to exist: “The Featured Artists' Coalition campaigns for the protection of performers' and musicians' rights. We want all artists to have more control of their music and a much fairer share of the profits it generates in the digital age. We speak with one voice to help artists strike a new bargain with record companies, digital distributors and others, and are campaigning for specific changes.”

You can subscribe to ITC Podcasts via this link on iTunes , meaning all further releases will be automatically downloaded to your library when they are released, free of charge. We will be releasing further podcasts over the coming weeks in the lead up to this year’s conference.

ITC 2009 will take place on October 18th / 19th / 20th at The Midland hotel and throughout the venues and bars of Manchester. For more information on how to be involved please visit www.inthecity.co.uk.

ITC 2009 DATES

2009-02-18T07:18:00.000-08:00

In The City 2009 will take place on 18th, 19th and 20th October 2009 at The Midland hotel and throughout the venues and bars of Manchester, England.

The ITC team are already putting together the keynotes, showcases and panels that will make up this year’s conference to build on the massive success of ITC 2008. If you are a record label, management company or industry body and would like to showcase at In The City please contact gavin@inthecity.co.uk to discuss any potential plans.

If you would like to sponsor or advertise with In The City 2009 please contact partners@inthecity.co.uk for more information on the available opportunities.

There will also once again be space for a limited number of prominent exhibition stands in the Midland. To discuss the possibility of hosting a stand, and connecting directly with the ITC delegates, please contact the office via stands@inthecity.co.uk.

The ITC panel podcast is available by following this link. A new podcast will be released in the coming days...
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?i=47556149&id=292407606

You can also subscribe to all future ITC podcasts for free via iTunes - which means you'll get automatic downloads of all the panels as they are released.

Former ITC acts amongst 2009 BRIT Awards Nominees

2009-01-21T07:11:00.000-08:00

The nominations for this year’s BRIT Awards have been announced, and 6 former ITC acts have managed to bag 14 nominations between them.

Elbow, Coldplay and Radiohead go head-to-head in the ‘Best British Group’ category. The same 3 bands will also battle it out for the ‘Best British Album’ award. The ‘Best British Live Act’ category is dominated by former ITC bands – Coldplay, Elbow, Scouting For Girls and The Verve will be battling to overcome the might of metal godfathers Iron Maiden! Coldplay and Scouting For Girls receive nominations for the ‘Best British Single’ award. Scouting For Girls’ third nomination comes in the ‘Best British Breakthrough Act’ category. A mention also for ITC 2008 graduate Little Boots who was runner-up in the ‘Critics’ Choice Award’, losing out to Florence & The Machine.

ITC has a history of producing BRIT Award-winning acts – so far 14 acts have shared 38 BRIT Awards between them. This includes the current holders of British Group (Arctic Monkeys), British Album (Arctic Monkeys), International Group (Foo Fighters) and International Album (Foo Fighters).

The 2009 Brit Awards are held at Earl’s Court in London on February 18th. We await our invites in the post!

ITC PANEL PODCAST AVAILABLE NOW ON ITUNES

2008-12-18T04:53:00.000-08:00

The first ITC 2008 panel podcast is now available for free on iTunes.

The podcast features the full keynote address by Andy Burnham MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport moderated by Channel 4 News' Faisal Islam and with introductions by both Yvette Livesey and ITC 2008 guest host Andrew Loog Oldham.

In his role as Secretary of State, Leigh MP Andy Burnham is the music industry's key governmental figure, and his keynote address covers vital issues such as copyright extension, piracy, internet pricing models and his vision for the future of the music industry. Media reporting of this panel focussed on his support for a return of Top Of The Pops - the catalyst for a number of similar calls over the past two months, an internet campaign and reports that Simon Cowell would be interested in taking control of the format.

The podcast is available by following this link:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?i=47556149&id=292407606

You can also subscribe to all future ITC podcasts for free via iTunes - which means you'll get automatic downloads of all the panels as they are released.

Edwyn Collins - 'A Girl Like You' (Live at The Deaf Institute, In The City, Sun 5th Oct 2008)

2008-10-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

BEST OF ITC 2008 @ CAMDEN BARFLY

2008-10-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

BEST OF IN THE CITY 2008

Monday 27th October 2008
Camden Barfly

DETROIT SOCIAL CLUB
BADDIES
THE JESSIE ROSE TRIP
TO THE BONES

TICKETS £6 adv, DOORS 7pm
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

In The City's traditional curtain-closer will take place on Monday 27th October at Camden Barfly, in the form of the Best Of ITC 2008 show, hosted and broadcast by Xfm's John Kennedy.

Choosing the best four bands from the best ITC live lineup ever wasn't an easy task but we're delighted to announce...

DETROIT SOCIAL CLUB
DSC’s In The City saw them playing two shows in two hours including the NME night at South where, hoarse but still carrying boundless energy, they gave an incredible performance to a packed and excited crowd. Kneading New York’s vibrant 1970s punk scene with the Detroit garage stage of the mid 1990s, you can’t fail to be blown away by the dirty overdriven guitar riffs, heavy bass, booming drums and fantastically raw and powerful vocals. Their debut single ‘Rivers And Rainbows’ is released on the day of the gig.

BADDIES
An overwhelming favourite from this year's ITC Unsigned, Baddies’ two ITC shows caused ripples of excitement through industry and fans alike, with both gigs turning out to be an A&R fest. Monday 27th also marks the release of their single 'Battleships' and will act as their official single launch party. Described by the NME as "raucous rock righteousness from Southend. Sounds like Future Of The Left torturing Howlin Pelle Almqvist" and The Times as "like the Beastie Boys have challenged the Pixies to a sing off while Klaxons woo woo the fight along from the sidelines. And they're all loving it".

THE JESSIE ROSE TRIP
Seemingly the name on everyone's lips in the run up to ITC, Jessie Rose and her band didn't disappoint - playing to packed houses at Ruby Lounge and Chicago Rocks - including a certain Mr Jarvis Cocker watching from the wings. Her soulful bouncy pop has been winning over many hearts in Manchester for the past six months and we’re sure she’ll win over the rest of the world before too long.

TO THE BONES
Bolton's To The Bones were a late in the day addition to the ITC Unsigned list at our Manchester A&R panel in August and getting those extra coffees in now seems all the more sensible - they've since recieved great airplay on Xfm and BBC – with Steve Lamacq making Duke Type A his album of the week - and played storming shows at both the Rock Sound night and at their official ITC show. Likened to Queens Of The Stone Age amongst others, their incendiary live shows have to be seen to be believed.

Tickets cost £6 adv and are available from TicketWeb or by calling 0844 847 2424.

Teenage Cancer Trust Auction - The bids are coming in thick and fast...

2008-10-14T02:57:00.000-07:00

In aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, ITC is auctioning off a painting of In The City co-founder Tony Wilson – commissioned from acclaimed artist Sid Maurer by ITC 2008 host Andrew Loog Oldham.

Combining art and music is a way of life for American artist Sid Maurer who began his career as an assistant art director for Columbia Records when he was only 17 years old. Sid got his first break during the ‘50s when he was commissioned by the head of Epic Records to design all the album covers for the label. The burgeoning music industry in New York was the place to be for anyone with a creative instinct and Sid found himself working alongside another up and coming freelance artist named Andy Warhol.

At weekends, Sid would play trumpet in local jazz clubs but as more work came his way, he expanded his commercial art studio to tackle a wide range of projects for both the music and film industry. Developing his own style of painting, Sid gained greater recognition throughout the ‘60s and his work adorned album covers, poster designs and he was even involved in a film for Warner Brothers. During that period, his paintings began to appear in galleries across the world and over the past 60 years he’s developed an esteemed catalogue of work that ranges from sport to music to culture.

His distinctive approach involves creating large mixed media pieces that combine bold, dynamic colours with the typographical eye of a graphic designer. Sid has had commissions from ESPN and MotorSport America magazine as well as David Bowie, Boy George and his old friend, Donovan.

Originally to be auctioned off during ITC itself, due to great demand Sid’s exclusive portrait of Tony Wilson will now be auctioned off in a slient auction via email by In The City to the highest bidder.

To enter simply send your bid to tct@inthecity.co.uk. The auction will close on Friday 31st October, with winners notified on Monday 3rd November.

All proceeds will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

In addition, Sid has produced limited prints of the Wilson Painting – these are available by contacting ITC on the above email address and cost £100, with a percentage of the proceeds again going to Teenage Cancer Trust.

ITC ITUNES ALBUM 2008
Don’t forget In The City have also announced that the In The City Unsigned 2008 album is now available to download from iTunes.

The album is free to all In The City delegates or just £4.74 to others. The album contains a bumper 45 tracks from all of the acts appearing at In The City Unsigned 2008.

The Best Of ITC 2008 In Pictures...

2008-10-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

Run Toto Run live at Manchester Moho (7th Oct 2008) In The City ITC 2008

2008-10-09T10:13:00.001-07:00

FLASHGUNS - 'Ro Shambo' live at ITC 2008

2008-10-09T10:11:00.001-07:00

BABYCAKES PARTIES ARE BETTER THAN YOUR PARTIES - BUT NOT BETTER THAN OURS SAYS ITC

2008-10-09T10:10:00.001-07:00

Daggers - Live at Popjustice, In The City 2008

2008-10-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

Romeo from The Magic Numbers covers The Smiths - 'There Is A Light' at In The City, Sunday 5th October 2008

2008-10-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

TED COHEN, CARL BARAT, JOHN MCCLURE, UNSEEN OASIS FOOTAGE

2008-10-02T03:30:00.000-07:00

Well, we’ve announced some late, late additions to our stellar panel line-up.

On Monday 6th October, Dirty Pretty Things’ Carl Barat and Reverend And The Makers’ Jon McClure will join Peter Hook, Steve White and more on the ‘Importance Of Being Idols’ panel – which addresses the dumbing down of the use of the word celebrity and how to stay creative at the same time.

In addition Ted Cohen, chairman of Tag Strategic and digital legend, will lead a panel rounding up that day’s digital theme. Alongside a group of the day’s earlier panellists, Ted will summarise the ITC Digital Session and discuss the future of all things digital.

Finally filmmaker extraordinaire Dick Carruthers will be showing exclusive never-before-seen ‘outside of the edit suite’ footage from the private and exclusive Oasis gig he recently shot in front of 100 fans at Black Island Studios during his eagerly-anticipated keynote at ITC.

Ted Cohen, Carl Barat and Jon McClure join a list of high-profile speakers keynotes set to appear at ITC 2008 including: guest host and former Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, Sire Records founders Seymour Stein and Richard Gotterher, Warners legend Lyor Cohen and Big Life founder Jazz Summers, the UK Culture Secretary Andy Burnham MP, iconic music photographer Kevin Cummins, legendary filmmaker Dick Carruthers, the incomparable Jarvis Cocker, Web 2.0 prophet Eric Garland and grime icons Wiley and Bless Beats.

REGISTER NOW

So, to register as a delegate for this year's ITC, please visit www.inthecity.co.uk - or contact Gavin via gavin@inthecity.co.uk for more details on registration and to take advantage of our special Midland hotel rate of £109 per night.

ITC ITUNES ALBUM 2008

Don’t forget In The City have also announced that the ‘In The City Unsigned 2008’ album is now available to download from iTunes.

The album is free to all In The City delegates or just £4.74 to others. The album contains a bumper 45 tracks from all of the acts appearing at In The City Unsigned 2008. Just copy and paste the code below:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=291005293&s=143444

ITC PODCASTS 2008

In The City are proud to announce that this year we’ll be producing a daily podcast of the best of the day’s panels. Running from Sunday – Wednesday, the podcast will give you the chance to listen again to the previous day’s ITC Daily Summary Panel presented by John Robb each morning as you head out for that first coffee of the day. To subscribe search the iTunes store for “ITC 2008” and hit subscribe.

BRAND NEW ITC WEB COVERAGE

Want to catch up with all the news of the day? Want to find out who punched who in which panel, and which band’s singer finished their set hanging from the ceiling? This year ITC is stepping up its game and so from audio highlights of the day’s best panels to news of secret special guests and all of ITC’s gig listings www.inthecity.co.uk will be the only place for the best online coverage. And make sure you sign up to the ITC mailout for even more of the same, direct to your inbox by clicking here clicking here.

TED COHEN, CARL BARAT AND JON MCCLURE ADDED TO ITC LINE-UP – PLUS DICK CARRUTHERS TO SHOW EXCULSIVE OASIS FOOTAGE AT THE EVENT

2008-10-01T07:33:00.001-07:00

WILEY, BLESS BEATS & ERIC GARLAND KEYNOTES

2008-10-01T03:59:00.000-07:00

Big Champagne founder Eric Garland will be talking about his acclaimed ‘In Rainbows, On Torrents’ report from earlier this year and UK Grime superstars Wiley and Bless Beats will be breaking down their huge summer hit ‘Wearing My Rolex’ for delegates in an exclusive In The City production masterclass.

What was that you just hummed? “Usually drink, usually dance, usually bubble?” But I thought you didn’t ‘get’ grime…?

On Sunday 6th October UK Grime superstars Wiley and Bless Beats will be holding a production masterclass at In The City 2008, which aims to give delegates a unique insight into how they wrote and produced their smash hit single ‘Wearing My Rolex’ which dominated the charts throughout the summer.

With the help of a trusty laptop Wiley and Bless Beats will completely deconstruct the song to illustrate exactly how they created their Grime anthem.

Richard Blowie, known as Wiley, is arguably the most influential musician from grime’s spiritual home of East London. He’s influenced the careers of nearly every artist to come through the scene and was one of the founding members of the Roll Deep Crew.

In addition to being a prolific producer and solo artist, he has helped guide the careers of several grime MCs younger than him, including onetime Roll Deep partner Dizzee Rascal. Wiley and Dizzee have collaborated in some of their musical productions as well, including Run the Road, a series of compilations documenting the energy of the grime genre. 2008’s Grime Wave saw Wiley collaborating with a new generation of young MCs, fulfilling his role as a true mentor.

With abilities that belie his 22 years, multi-talented East London producer/MC Bless Beats has recently produced and co-written tracks for, amongst others, DJ Ironik, Skepta, Princess Superstar alongside remixing others from Yo Majesty! to Fat Man Scoop.

Bless Beats has also been making waves as a DJ around the UK as one half of Presidential Sound with collaborator Most Wanted.

In addition to his keynote masterclass, Wiley will also be performing live as part of ITC at the Channel M night at Moho Live on Tuesday 7th October.

“In Rainbows, On Torrents”…

Eric Garland, founder of BigChampagne, will be giving a keynote address on Tuesday 7th October entitled ‘In Rainbows, on Torrents,’ which will examine the white paper he wrote with Will Page, Chief Economist, MCPS-PRS Alliance, earlier this year examining in further detail Radiohead’s decision to release their album ‘In Rainbows’ on a pay-what-you-want basis.

Eric Garland is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of BigChampagne Media Measurement, a privately held technology and metrics company specializing in online media. At present, BigChampagne's metrics include online retailers (iTunes), social networks (MySpace, YouTube), portals Yahoo and AOL, Clear Channel, MTV and through strategic partner Mediabase, traditional broadcast. Garland is recognized as one of the industry's leading authorities on the intersection of popular entertainment and technology.

Each year, Garland contributes data and analysis to the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) flagship publication "IT Outlook." His advisory board membership includes the digital initiative of the Recording Academy (The Grammys), where he has served alongside artists Kelly Clarkson and Kanye West. Garland was formally recognized for his outstanding contribution to the Recording Academy in 2007.

WIRED magazine anointed BigChampagne ‘the Nielsen television ratings of online music’. BigChampagne pioneered the measurement of multimedia content distributed using new platforms (YouTube, BitTorrent) and is today an entertainment industry standard research tool. BigChampagne's chart syndication partners include Entertainment Weekly and E! Entertainment Television.

Before co-founding BigChampagne in 2000, Garland was an associate with global management consulting firm Towers Perrin in the Communication and Measurement practice.

In addition, this year In The City has teamed up with the Teenage Cancer Trust and will auction a one-off painting of ITC co-founder Tony Wilson at the event, with all proceeds going to the TCT. The artwork, which arrived from New York this week, was commissioned by ITC guest host Andrew Loog-Oldham and created by acclaimed artist Sid Maurer. His painting of Tony will be auctioned during ITC through a silent bid. Andrew Loog-Oldham will reveal the painting at the opening of ITC and will declare the amount raised by the end of day three. There will be updates daily on the amount bid. A handful of limited edition prints will be created and hand signed by Sid on request at the convention. They are likely to become rare collector’s items.

ITUNES ALBUM 2008

Don’t forget that the ‘In The City Unsigned 2008’ album is now available to download from iTunes.

The album is free to all In The City delegates or just £4.74 to others. The album contains a bumper 45 tracks from all of the acts appearing at In The City Unsigned 2008.

ITC 2008 ON ITUNES

2008-09-30T02:37:00.000-07:00

To get you in the mood for In The City 2008, we’re pleased to announce that you can now download the latest installment of our eagerly anticipated ITC Unsigned Album.

The ITC 2008 Unsigned album – with a whopping 45 tracks on this year, count ‘em - is available exclusively though iTunes and you can download it by clicking here or copy and pasting the link below - all for just £4.74. And that’s a bargain whichever way you look at it.

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=291005293&s=143444

But don’t forget, if you’re a delegate or wristband holder you’ll get your copy free.

That’s right – squat, gratis, not a penny, free like a bird. And better yet, we’ll be sending you the download codes over the next day or so, meaning you can arrive at ITC prepared and ready to go and find the best new bands you’ve never heard of.

REGISTER NOW

So, to register as a delegate for this year's ITC, please visit www.inthecity.co.uk - or contact Gavin via gavin@inthecity.co.uk for more details on registration and to take advantage of our special Midland hotel rate of £109 per night.

ITC WRISTBANDS

www.wegottickets.com/inthecity2008

All right – don’t tell everyone, but if you fancy free entry to all the showcases we are putting on (with priority access to those that are free to begin with, of course) now you can.*

We thought that it’s not fair our delegates get all the perks, so we’ve decided to issue a limited run of ITC wristbands. To get your paws on one, simply go to www.wegottickets.com/inthecity2008 or www.inthecity.co.uk, hand over £26 and you too can charge around Manchester pretending to be an A&R.

*Excludes ITC opening party at The Warehouse Project. Entry to all venues is subject to capacity. All line-ups are subject to change.

BRAND NEW ITC WEB COVERAGE

Want to catch up with all the news of the day? Want to find out who punched who in which panel, and which band’s singer finished their set hanging from the ceiling? This year ITC is stepping up its game and so from audio highlights of the day’s best panels to news of secret special guests and all of ITC’s gig listings www.inthecity.co.uk will be the only place for the best online coverage. And make sure you sign up to the ITC mailout for even more of the same, direct to your inbox by clicking here clicking here.

BBC INTRODUCING LINE-UP ANNOUNCED

2008-09-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

As announced last Wednesday on the lovely Huw Stephens’ BBC Introducing show on Radio 1, there will be a special BBC gig at The Deaf Institute on Tuesday 7th October, featuring:

TWISTED WHEEL
TUBELORD
LITTLE COMETS
ITS A BUFFALO

For more information on the show, please visit the BBC In The City page.

The gig will be free entry, with priority given to ITC wristband wearers – details of which can be found here.

ITC 2008 (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)

2008-09-26T03:48:00.001-07:00

Andrew Loog Oldham, Andy Burnham MP, Wiley, Bless Beats, Greg Haver, Lyor Cohen, Jazz Summers, Dick Carruthers, Kevin Cummins, Seymour Stein, Richard Gottehrer, Jarvis Cocker, Sean Adams, Eric Garland, Faisal Islam (Channel 4 News), Heather McGill (2Rock), Fiona Stewart (Green Man Festival), Gareth Cooper (Outgoing & Snowbombing), Anton Lockwood (Daybrook House Promotions), Jade Garrow (Euro RSCG KLP), Steve Machin (Tixdaq Ltd), Peter Elliot (Primary Talent International), Ben Jones (Musicians Union), Geoff Ellis (DF Concerts Ltd), Ray Cooper (Former Co-President, Virgin Records; Founder Zama Media Management), Natasha Kizzie (KLP), David Rowell (Autonomy Music Group), Oliver Issacs (This Is Music), Henry Semmence (Absolute Marketing), James Sandom (Kaiser Chiefs / The Cribs), Cerne Canning (Franz Ferdinand), Nathan McGough (White Lies/Happy Mondays), Conrad Murray (The Courteeners), Andy Booth (Turner Parkinson), Jason Yang (Dragon Page Management), Petri Lunden (IMMF), John Woolf (Wiley), Alex Andrews (Dirty Pretty Things), Barney Wragg (Former Global Head of Digital, EMI), Ben Drury (7 Digital.com), Vince Bannon (Getty Images), Graeme Ferguson (Sony BMG), Mark Mulligan (Jupiter Research), Tim Hadley (Omnifone), Gareth Currie (Gulp! Marketing), Tom McLennan (Vodafone), Tim Grimsditch (Nokia Music), David Taghioff (William Morris Agency), Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music), Peter Hook (New Order, Monaco, Freebass and Joy Division), Clint Boon (Inspiral Carpets and Xfm Manchester), Steve White (Trio Valore, The Style Council, Paul Weller), Steve Chandra Savale (Asian Dub Foundation), Marc Marot (Terra Firma Management), Neil Boote (Firebrand), Andrew Martyn (Mubito), Raoul Chatterjee (Trinity Street), Andy Allen (Backstreet International Merchandise), Russel Coultart (Digital Stores), Nick Stewart, Craig Averill (Serling Rooks and Ferrara, LLP), Ian Ramage (Sony/ATV Music Publishing), Blair MacDonald (Nettwerk UK), Nora Mullally, Paul Brindley (Music Ally), Steve Purdham (We7), Charles Caldas (Merlin), Anthony Lukom (Myspace), Ted Cohen, Jon Webster (MMF), John Glover (Go West, ABC), Jake Beaumont-Nesbitt (International Royalty Rescue), Andy Spinoza, John Robb, Chris Cowey (Executive Producer), Phil Poole (Box TV), Chris Price (MTV Networks UK & Ireland), Symon Hallam (Joost), Dylan White (Dylan White Promotions), Michael Barry (BT Vision), Emma Smithwick (BBC Switch), Caroline Bottomley (Radar Music Videos), Martin Talbot (Official Charts Company), Lucy Wilson (Notion magazine), Stuart Green (These New Puritans and Patrick Wolf), Rachel Kirby (Adidas), Stephen Craig (All Saints), Will Skeaping (Lex Records), Kimberley Nicholson (PPQ clothing), Jenna G (1 Xtra), Matt Verovkins (Hyponik and Civil Music), Benga (Artist), Shifty (Artist), Geli Berg (World Music DJ/Broadcaster/Agent/Promoter), Kanda Bongo Man (Musician), Mike Chadwick (Broadcaster/Venue Programmer), Ann Tucker (International Arts Festival Producer), Helienne Lindvall (Swede As Candy), Todd Eckert (Eutechnyx), Lance Phillips (Sheridans), Joe Taylor (Record of the Day), Jude Rogers (The Guardian), Chris Price (MTV) , Bethan Elfyn (Radio 1), Andy Ross (Boss Music), Mike Walsh (Xfm), Piers Miller (Turning Worm), James Foley (Record of the Day), Jode Steele (Verbal Vigilante ), David Wainwright (Verbal Vigilante), Neil Claxton (Mint Royale), Gareth Smith (Chrysalis Music), Jonathan Tester (Bucks Music Group), Marc Robinson (Universal Records), Pete Mitchell (Radio 2), Kenny McGoff (EMI Publishing), Jason Carter (Radio 1), Huw Stephens (Radio 1), John Kennedy (Xfm), Eden Blackman (Head of Ish Media), Korda Marshall (Warner Bros Records UK), Martin Coogan (Radio Republic), Matt Cadman (All Around The World), Cris Nuttall (All Around The World), Gareth Davies (Kontor Records), HP Baxxter (Scooter), Jens Thele (Kontor Records), Kate Brockhurst (Kdot Management), Brent Tobin (Galaxy FM), Alex Paterson (The Orb), Dom Beken (Higher Frequency Bandwidth), Graeme Park (107.6 Juice FM), Kutski (Radio 1), Carl Sukonik (Tillate.com), Nick DeCosemo (Mixmag), Johnny Jay (Music Entrepreneur), Jay Reynolds (Long Island Records), Jonathan McNamara (Retro Fuzz Ltd), Jon Grant (Black Country Grammar Blog), Paul Griffiths (Babycakes), Ben Mawson (SSB Lawyers), Alan McGee, Mike Smith (Columbia)...

REGISTER NOW

So, to register as a delegate for this year's ITC, please visit www.inthecity.co.uk - or contact Gavin via gavin@inthecity.co.uk for more details on registration and to take advantage of our special Midland hotel rate of £109 per night.

BRAND NEW ITC WEB COVERAGE

Want to catch up with all the news of the day? Want to find out who punched who in which panel, and which band’s singer finished their set hanging from the ceiling? This year ITC is stepping up its game and so from audio highlights of the day’s best panels to news of secret special guests and all of ITC’s gig listings www.inthecity.co.uk will be the only place for the best online coverage. And make sure you sign up to the ITC mailout for even more of the same, direct to your inbox by clicking here clicking here.

JARVIS COCKER KEYNOTE

2008-09-25T04:49:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday 7th October, the final day of In The City 2008, Jarvis Cocker will give his ‘Saying the Unsayable’ lecture – first commissioned by The Brighton Festival - on the function of lyrics in popular song.

It will be a completely biased & subjective exploration of some of Jarvis’s favourite lyrics from other people's songs plus a few from his own that he is most fond of. The starting point is that lyrics in songs don't really matter but, because he is a lyricist himself, he does have strong opinions on what constitutes a good lyric and how they should be presented. The show will use excerpts from the songs in question and will cover subjects such as ‘Should Songs Rhyme?’, ‘Are Songs Poetry?’, ‘Is There Anything You Can't Write Songs About?’, ‘Which Phrases Should be Avoided at All Costs?’ and ‘Great First Lines’ ( amongst many others). As well as his own work he intends to investigate songs by Leonard Cohen, Pete Doherty, Hot Chocolate, Amy Winehouse, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Neil Sedaka, Dory Previn, Katerine, Rozalla, Arctic Monkeys plus many more he hasn’t thought of yet - and there will be an in-depth analysis of the words to ‘Louie, Louie’…

Jarvis joins a list of high-profile keynotes set to appear at ITC 2008 including: guest host and former Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, Sire Records founders Seymour Stein and Richard Gotterher, Warners legend Lyor Cohen and Big Life founder Jazz Summers, the UK Culture Seceratary Andy Burnham MP, iconic music photographer Kevin Cummins and legendary filmmaker Dick Carruthers – with more to be announced over the next few days.

Full details of all of this year’s panel, seminars and keynote speakers – as well as all live listings - can be found by visiting www.inthecity.co.uk. A full breakdown of all the various packages on offer and the opportunity to register online is also available at the In The City official website.

REGISTER NOW

So, to register as a delegate for this year's ITC, please visit www.inthecity.co.uk - or contact Gavin via gavin@inthecity.co.uk for more details on registration and to take advantage of our special Midland hotel rate of £109 per night.

BRAND NEW ITC WEB COVERAGE

Want to catch up with all the news of the day? Want to find out who punched who in which panel, and which band’s singer finished their set hanging from the ceiling? This year ITC is stepping up its game and so from audio highlights of the day’s best panels to news of secret special guests and all of ITC’s gig listings www.inthecity.co.uk will be the only place for the best online coverage. And make sure you sign up to the ITC mailout for even more of the same, direct to your inbox by clicking here clicking here.

FULL ITC SCHEDULES NOW ONLINE

2008-09-23T04:15:00.000-07:00

Well – the time is nearly upon us and ITC 2008 is just around the corner.

So, to whet your respective appetites a little, we’ve put our panel schedule up on site. We’ll keep adding to it in the run-up to ITC, but there’s more than enough on there to keep you going for now.

Also, as well as our wonderful unsigned bands, we’re now got a full list of all the ITC Live events taking place. There are some great nights planned, so make sure you check those out too.

THE FRATELLIS AT ITC 2008

2008-09-23T03:56:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to announce that we have teamed up with international live music and content specialists All The Worlds and Nokia Music, to present an exclusive gig by acclaimed Glaswegian outfit – and former ITC Unsigned band - The Fratellis, which will form part of our closing night celebrations.

The band will play Manchester Academy 1 - supported by critically acclaimed newcomers The Chapman Family - with doors at 7.30pm.

The Fratellis – Jon, Baz and Mince - formed in Glasgow in March 05, and have released two albums of “stadium-shaking riffs” (Uncut) – their multi-platinum debut, ‘Costello Music’ (2006), which spawned the monster hits ‘Creepin Up The Backstairs’, ‘Whistle For The Choir’ and the unintentional football anthem ‘Chelsea Dagger’ and this year’s “Here We Stand” (2008) featuring more “arena roof-raising choruses” (Q) such as ‘Mistress Mabel’ and ‘Look Out Sunshine’. Anyone lucky enough to have caught the Fratellis live at Glastonbury, T In The Park and Reading festivals over the summer will testify that the band are the essence of good times rock’n’roll.

Thanks to Nokia Music, this show will be exclusively mobile ticketed, which will allow fans to receive tickets electronically on their mobile phones in the form of a barcode that will be scanned at the venue upon entry. Subsequently, NO BOOKING FEE will be added to the fantastic £12.50 ticket price.

Tickets are on sale now exclusively through The Fratellis official website www.thefratellis.com.

PANEL HIGHLIGHTS AT IN THE CITY 2008

2008-09-19T02:23:00.000-07:00

Whilst we realise that this is one hell of a long email, there's just no way we could cut down this year's panel highlights any more. We're sure you'll agree, the pedigree of panellists at this year's ITC is frighteningly strong - and this isn't even the full picture. If you need ANY more reasons to come up to Manchester at the start of October then check out the ITC website at the start of next week for the full list of panels, showcases, bands and parties. Or just go there now, click on 'register' and spend the next two weeks planning who you'll see, what you'll ask and just how you'll get all those booze receipts past accounts...

Here are just some of the forthcoming highlights of this year’s event:

On the Sunday 5th October, the first day of In The City 2008, the opening address will be given by this year’s official In The City host Andrew Loog Oldham. This will be followed by a keynote address from Andrew Burnham MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport who will then be interviewed live on stage by Channel 4 News correspondent Faisal Islam.

The highlights of Sunday’s panels include ‘Festival Independence’ a look at the health of the UK’s music festival industry with participants including Fiona Stewart, the MD of the Green Man Festival, Steve Machin of Tixdaq, Geoff Ellis of DF Concerts, Peter Elliott the Managing Director of Primary Talent International and Heather McGill of 2 Rock.

Sunday 5th also sees a panel devoted to ‘The New, New Marketing’ which will look at how music marketing has changed in recent years. Panellists include Co-President of Virgin Records US Ray Cooper who will moderate, Natasha Kizzle from KLP, Oliver Issacs from This is Music and Henry Semmence from Absolute Marketing.

Monday 6th October kicks off with ‘Caught by the Buzz – The Managers Panel,’ which will investigate how managers can build the visibility of new artists. Former Rolling Stones Manager Andrew Loog-Oldham, James Sandom and Cerne Canning of Supervision Management - who between them represent Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs and The Cribs – and Petri Lunden, Manager of The Cardigans and Chair of IMMF amongst others will be on hand to debate the subject.

As a counterpoint to the managers panel, this year ITC are introducing an artists debate entitled ‘The Importance of Being Idols – Keeping Your Creativity,’ which is described by the organisers as “a lesson in how to stay creative amongst the chaos”. Taking part will be New Order’s Peter Hook, Steve Chandra Savale of Asian Dub Foundation, Steve White of The Style Council and Clint Boon. The panel will be moderated by former TRB frontman and Radio 6Music presenter Tom Robinson.

Also on Monday will be a three-part debate entitled ‘The Digital Buffet’ which will look at the high- end, mid-end and low-end of the ‘all you can eat’ business model in three separate discussions throughout the day. A stellar cast of panellists including Tim Hadley (Vodaphone), Tim Grimsditch (Nokia), Edward Averdieck (Real World), Ben Drury (7 Digital), Graeme Ferguson (Sony BMG), Mark Mulligan (Jupiter Research), Steve Purdham (We7) and Charles Caldas (Merlin) and more will be chewing over the whys and wherefores.

Keeping with the digital theme, Monday will also see a panel called ‘On the Storefront’ which will look at how artists can monetise their online activities by selling downloads, physical product and merchandise online. Andy Allen (Backstreet Entertainment), Neil Boote (Firebrand), Raoul Chatterjee (Trinity Street) and Andrew Martyn (Mubito) will be among the panellists being moderated by Marc Marot of Terra Firma Management.

In The City disapproves of the expression ‘360 degree deal’ but are hosting a panel on Monday called ‘All Rights – There Are No Record Deals Anymore’ which examines this contentious subject. Nick Stewart of Nick Stewart & Associates will moderate a discussion between Ian Ramage of Sony/ATV, Paul Craig of Atlantic Records, Blair Macdonald of Nettwerk and Craig Averill of Serling Rooks and Ferrara , LLP.

To top off the Monday panels delegates are asked to come along to ‘The Filth and the Theory – The Adult Entertainment Industry Model’ where the porn industry business model will be compared to the music industry model. At the present time the ITC organisers are keeping the speakers on this panel close to their, ahem, chests.

The final day of In The City, Tuesday 7th October, kicks off with a seminar entitled ‘What Becomes of The Broken Charted’ which will examine the development of music TV and the adaptation to online and 24 hour on demand. It will also ask the question “is the concept of charts now almost as extinct as the polar bear?” Panellists will include Chris Cowey, Phil Poole (Box TV), Chris Price (MTV), Symon Hallam (Joost), Martin Talbot (Official Charts Company), Emma Smithwick (BBC Switch) and others.

Advertising in music will be examined in the panel “Syncing In The Rain” which looks at whether having an artist’s music in an advert is now a normal part of their marketing strategy or if it is, in fact, an unfair exploitation of an artist’s rights. Gareth Smith (Chrysalis), Jonathan Tester (Bucks Music Group), Jode Steele (Verbal Vigilante) and Marc Robinson (Universal) will debate the issues.

The radio panel this year is called ‘Dab Your Tears’ and will attempt an examination of whether DAB radio can still break bands without competing with other digital formats for exclusive plays and whether a DJ can still champion a band in these days of safe, commercially viable playlist. A stellar line-up of panellists including Pete Mitchell (Radio 2), Jason Carter (Radio 1), John Kennedy (XFM), Korda Marshall (Warners), Huw Stevens (Radio 1), Mike Walsh (XFM) and others will chew the subject over.

Dance music also gets a special focus this year with a panel entitled ‘Put A Donk On It – The Consistent Success of the Dance Industy’ which firstly carries out an in-depth case study of the hugely successful Clubland TV brand and then moves on to discuss just why dance music continues to do rather well. Matt Cadman (All Around The World), Cris Nuttall (All Around The World), Gareth Davies (Kontor Records), HP Baxxter (Scooter) and Helienne Lindvall (Swede As Candy) work up a sweat about things.

In The City 2008 comes to an end for another year with two panels looking at the big picture and examining exactly where we are at this moment in time in the music industry.

The first panel entitled ‘I’m The Model and I’m Looking Good’ brings together a number of people who are working at the coalface of the modern music industry and asks them whether things are working or not. Talking about this and other issues will be Jay Reynolds (Long Island Records), Paul Griffiths (Babycakes), Sean Adams (Drowned in Sound and The Quietus Group) and J Mcnamara (Retro Fuzz) among others.

And following this debate In The City rolls out the big guns to close the show. ‘Has The Music Industry Gone Full Circle?’ will wrap up 2008’s event and industry legends Andrew Loog-Oldham, Seymour Stein, Alan McGee, Richard Gottehrer and others will gather to cast an eye where the industry has been, where it’s at and where it’s going.

These are just some of the panel highlights at this year’s In The City convention. Delegates will find many more keynote addresses, celebrity interviews, masterclasses, panels and seminars at the event where they can listen to discussions and participate in debates about the future of the music business.

REGISTER NOW

To register as an ITC delegate - or to volunteer as one of our little helpers contact the ITC office on 0161 8393930 or go to www.inthecity.co.uk.

THE MIDLAND HOTEL

To book a room at the special delegates-only price of £109 per night, register online and fill out the hotel booking form. Alternatively, give us a call on 0161 839 3930 or email Gavin on gavin@inthecity.co.uk.

Keep checking www.inthecity.co.uk for all the latest news and updates.

ITC Unsigned 2008 bands announced

2008-09-08T03:29:00.000-07:00

After much deliberation, shouting, arguing, begging, pleading and even the odd moment of rapturous applause from our esteemed A&R panel, In The City is pleased to announce this year’s official ITC Unsigned line-up – the 49 bands we think will change the world and follow in the footsteps of past ITC luminaries.

This year’s line up is:

6 Day Riot

Alban Dereyer

Alphabet Backwards

Arthur Delaney

Baddies

Barn Owl

Bo Pepper

Broadcast Radio

The Brute Chorus

Charlene Soraia

EJ

El Condorez

Fenech Soler

The Fire And I

Flashguns

Friends Electric

General Fiasco

The Grants

Graveyard Johnnys

Hemme Fatale

Hold Fire

Hotel de Ville

I Am Austin

Isosceles

The Jessie Rose Trip

Karoshi Bros

Kids On Bridges

Last Gang

Les Gars

Lord Auch

Maths Class

Meadow

Micachu And The Shapes

The Mood

Nomad Jones

Oscar Charlie

The Paris Riots

Rod Thomas

Run Toto Run

Silverclub

Soft Toy Emergency

Substatic

Telegram From The Queen

To The Bones

The Travelling Band

Tubelord

Twin Atlantic

Winners

Zeigeist

For more info on the bands and how good they really are – as well as times, dates and all that other important stuff – go to www.inthecity.co.uk

And don’t forget, you can hear them in advance by getting hold of the ITC Unsigned Album 2008 – containing 45 of our bands - available exclusively on iTunes from September 28th.

More Keynotes Announced

2008-08-27T08:48:00.001-07:00

We are delighted to announce a new batch of A-list keynotes for this year’s In The City with Warner boss Lyor Cohen, New York’s veteran moguls Seymour Stein & Richard Gottehrer, and manager & MMF chairman Jazz Summers joining Culture MP Andy Burnham , iconic photographer Kevin Cummins, director Dick Carruthers and the first official ITC host Andrew Loog Oldham.

Lyor Cohen will share the stage with Jazz Summers for a keynote debate, on the first day of the conference, billed as Cohen vs Summers - the Struggle for Power.

Also, speaking together in public for the first time in nearly 20 years, will be music industry icon Seymour Stein and Richard Gottehrer, who is now co-founder of The Orchard – in conversation with former Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham. Together they founded the legendary Sire Records in 1966, which helped to define the New York punk scene in the late Seventies.

We are honoured to have such prestigious figures appearing at In The City 2008. All are long-time friends of In The City and it is going to be fascinating to hear them all in conversation.

IN THE CITY LIVE

This year's city-wide line up will be the strongest ITC line up ever and will feature signed bands and showcases from the likes of NME, Heavenly Recordings, Channel M and Piccadilly Records. News on the line up, as well as this year's official ITC Unsigned bands will be announced very shortly.

REGISTRATION

To register as a delegate please visit www.inthecity.co.uk. We also have discount hotel rates for delegates at The Midland - please contact Gavin via gavin@inthecity.co.uk for more details.

SHOWCASES

The last few showcase slots will be confirmed in the next couple of weeks - if you are a record label, music industry body or management company and would like to host a showcase at ITC 2008 please contact Lee Donnelly on 0161 233 1887, 07976 154 374 or via lee@inthecity.co.uk.

In The City 2008 will take place on October 5th, 6th and 7th, at The Midland hotel in Manchester England and at venues across the city.

Further details of the bands, keynotes and panels that make up this year’s event will be released over the coming weeks.

Keep checking www.inthecity.co.uk for all the latest news and updates.

Former ITC band go Top 10!!

2008-08-13T08:07:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to ITC Unsigned 2007 participants Noah and the Whale for making the Top 10 of the UK singles chart with their single ‘5 Years Time’.

We will shortly be announcing the list of bands who we think have what it takes to be a similar success. So watch this space to find out who will be playing ITC Unsigned 2008.

First Showcases Announced

2008-07-17T07:05:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to announce a series of high profile record label and magazine live music showcases that will be taking place as part of this years event.

The showcases will take place alongside the legendary In The City Unsigned programme and will present both new and established artists across the city - giving Manchester a true city-based festival.

The names announced so far include:

NME
The Warehouse Project
Heavenly Recordings
Channel M
Drowned in Sound
Popjustice
Fierce Panda
Clash magazine
Twisted Nerve
Fear & Records
Rock Sound magazine
thrashhits.com
Piccadilly Records

In The City 2008 will take place on October 5th, 6th and 7th, at The Midland hotel in Manchester England and at venues across the city.

Further details of the bands, keynotes and panels that make up this year’s event will be released over the coming weeks.

Keep checking www.inthecity.co.uk for all the latest news and updates.

REGISTRATION

Keynotes announced so far include Culture Secretary Andrew Burnham MP, legendary Rolling Stones manager and ITC guest host Andrew Loog Oldham, iconic photographer Kevin Cummins and the much celebrated film director Dick Carruthers. Many more speakers and bands will be announced over the coming weeks…

To register for ITC 2008 at the reduced rate of £395 please visit www.inthecity.co.uk. Full price registration will begin on 1st August 2008. All prices exclude VAT.

DISPLAY STANDS AVAILABLE AT THE MIDLAND HOTEL

We are pleased to announce that for the first time in a number of years, In The City will have a limited number of exhibitors on the main concourse at the Midland Hotel. Stands will be on the ground floor of the hotel in the main lobby and primary bar area, offering fantastic profile throughout the entire convention.

If you would like more information on this or any marketing opportunities at this year’s conference please contact Paul King via kingy@inthecity.co.uk or by calling +44 (0) 161 452 2207.

DEMO SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN

ITC are pleased to announce that demo submissions are now open. Bands who wish to submit a demo for consideration can either send a demo (minimum of three tracks), biog and photo to the ITC office, or alternatively visit the ITC website – checking www.inthecity.co.uk - and use our new online submission system.

Display Stands Available at the Midland Hotel

2008-06-25T04:42:00.001-07:00

We are pleased to announce that for the first time in a number of years, In The City will have a limited number of exhibitors on the main concourse at the Midland Hotel. Stands will be on the ground floor of the hotel in the main lobby and primary bar area, offering fantastic profile throughout the entire convention. If you would like more information on this or any marketing opportunities at this year’s conference please contact Paul King via kingy@inthecity.co.uk or by calling +44 (0) 161 452 2207.

Last Week Of Early Bird Registrations

2008-06-25T04:39:00.000-07:00

The reduced early-bird registration rate of just £295 will end on June 30th, when the price will rise to £395 for one month and then to £495 from August 1st. To take advantage of the early bird rate before it rises delegates should register at www.inthecity.co.uk or email Gavin at office@inthecity.co.uk for more information.

Kevin Cummins and Dick Carruthers Announced

2008-06-25T04:35:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to announce that these contemporary giants of photography and film will give keynote interviews at this year's ITC.

Kevin Cummins started his career in the late 1970s and was one of the first photographers to document Manchester’s burgeoning punk scene. His iconic photographs of Joy Division, Buzzcocks and others brought him to the attention of the London music magazines and he became chief photographer for NME. He has contributed to major publications including The Times, Vogue and Mojo and is currently working on a photographic retrospective of Manchester musicians to be published by Faber and Faber later this year.

Dick Carruthers will be interviewed about the various challenges involved in filming legendary Manchester band Oasis throughout the years – covering the early live shoots at Maine Road and Earls Court, the mega gigs at Knebworth in 1996 and Wembley Stadium in 2000, plus the big gigs at Finsbury park, Lancashire County Cricket Club and the City of Manchester Stadium through to 2005. Dick will also give an insight into the documentaries he has made with the band as well as the acclaimed, multi-award winning ‘Definitely Maybe’ 10 year anniversary DVD boxset.

First Keynotes Announced for In The City 2008

2008-06-06T08:59:00.001-07:00

We are delighted to announce that government minister Andy Burnham MP, the Culture Secretary, will outline his position on some of the key challenges currently facing the UK music industry and will be offering In The City delegates the chance to question him on those major issues that directly affect their businesses. As the key person in the current Government as far as the music industry is concerned, we are delighted that Andy Burnham will be coming to In The City 2008 to outline his vision for the music business.

Legendary Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham will also be a keynote speaker at this year's ITC, as well as being our first ever official 'host’ - “Tony Wilson fitted into the finest pair of dancing shoes this side of anything. Rock, Bop or bother. Tony was a passionate leader extraordinaire. I am honoured that Yvette and the ITC team are lending me a pair of his master's shoes and inviting me to dance at this year's event.”

In The City 2008 will take place on October 5th, 6th and 7th, at The Midland hotel in Manchester England and at venues across the city.

Full details of the bands, keynotes and panels that make up this year’s event will be released over the coming weeks, but already it’s clear this year’s ITC will feature more bands and more showcases than ever before. As well as the best-unsigned bands in the world, ITC will be showcasing new, just-signed talent from across the globe and holding special events by some well-known established acts – giving Manchester a true city-based festival of music and much more.

DEMO SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN

ITC are pleased to announce that demo submissions are now open. Bands who wish to submit a demo for consideration can either send a demo (minimum of three tracks), biog and photo to the ITC office, or alternatively visit the ITC website – www.inthecity.co.uk - and use our new online submission system.

DELEGATE PASSES NOW ONSALE

To register for this year’s event at the reduced early-bird rate of £295 go to the ITC site – www.inthecity.co.uk - or call the office direct on +44 (0)161 839 3930. Offer expires on June 30th 2008.

Acts invited to follow in Oasis and Coldplay's footsteps | News | NME.COM

2008-05-16T03:36:00.001-07:00

Acts invited to follow in Oasis and Coldplay's footsteps | News | NME.COM:

Acts have been invited to submit demos for the In The City music festival - which was founded by the late Tony Wilson.

The Manchester music conference, which takes place between October 5-7 is this year, is going under the Wilson-esque heading 'It's All About The Music, Stupid'.

The annual event is a regular showcase for unsigned talent, with the likes of Oasis, Coldplay and Arctic Monkeys taking part in previous years.

Bands wanting to take part should submit a minimum of three tracks, a biography and photo, which should be sent to: In The City, Unit 8, Brewery Yard, Deva Centre, Trinity Way, Salford, Manchester M3 7BB.

In The City 2008: It's All About The Music, Stupid.

2008-05-13T05:07:00.000-07:00

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC, STUPID.

OCTOBER 5TH, 6TH & 7TH 2008
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

In The City 2008 will take place on October 5th, 6th and 7th, at The Midland hotel in Manchester England and at venues across the city.

Full details of the bands, keynotes and panels that make up this year’s event will be released over the coming weeks, but already it’s clear this year’s ITC will feature more bands and more showcases than ever before. As well as the best-unsigned bands in the world, ITC will be showcasing new, just-signed talent from across the globe and holding special events by some well-known established acts – giving Manchester a true city-based festival of music and much more.

DEMO SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN

ITC are pleased to announce that demo submissions are now open.
Bands who wish to submit a demo for consideration can either send a demo (minimum of three tracks), biog and photo to the ITC office, or alternatively visit the ITC website – www.inthecity.co.uk - and use our new online submission system.

DELEGATE PASSES NOW ONSALE

To register for this year’s event at the reduced early-bird rate of £295 go to the ITC site – www.inthecity.co.uk - or call the office direct on +44 (0)161 839 3930. Offer expires on June 30th 2008.

In addition, as a special thank you to all our early adopters out there, we’re offering a special reduced hotel rate in collaboration with our HQ hotel The Midland. Hotel rates start at £104 per night and are first-come, first-served to registered delegates. To take advantage of this offer and the benefits it gives, contact office@inthecity.co.uk

In The city Work Placement

2008-05-13T02:53:00.000-07:00

In The City Work Placement - 7th July – 10th October 2008 (13 weeks)

Part time position (approx 20 hours per week) reporting directly to the Event Manager.

In The City are looking for an enthusiastic and hard working individual who has a passion for music and is interested in starting a career in the music industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operation of the delegate registration process
• Assisting with delegate hotel bookings, liaising with delegates and The Midland Hotel
• Administration of ITC Unsigned album iTunes royalties
• Log demos and prepare all entries for A&R panel
• Assisting with artist liaison and administration: issuing live contracts, iTunes contracts, obtaining biographies and photographs for publicity materials
• Managing listings for all official and fringe events
• Assisting with general office management
• Researching costs and branding opportunities
• Providing event management support during In The City

Although this is not a paid position In the City can offer you:

• An invaluable insight into the international music industry
• Practical events management knowledge and experience
• An opportunity to be an integral part of one of the most exciting music events in the country
• Travel expenses

Please send your CV with a covering letter, outlining your availability between 7th July and 10th October 2008 to placement@inthecity.co.uk

The deadline for applications is Friday 20th June, interviews will be held on Friday 27th June. The In the City office is located in Salford, near Manchester city centre, where this post will be based.

In The City - Press Release

2008-05-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

IN THE CITY 2008
October 5th, 6th, 7th
Manchester, England

“It’s all about the music, stupid”

In The City 2008 will take place on October 5th, 6th and 7th, at The Midland hotel in Manchester England and at venues across the city.

ITC are pleased to announce that Demo submissions are now open. Bands who wish to submit a demo for consideration can either send a demo (minimum of three tracks), biog and photo to the ITC office, or alternatively visit the ITC website and use our new online submission system.

Full details of the bands, keynotes and panels that make up this year’s event will be released over the coming weeks, but already it’s clear this year’s ITC will feature more bands and more showcases than ever before. As well as the best-unsigned bands in the world, ITC will be showcasing new, just-signed talent from across the globe and holding special events by some well-known established acts – giving Manchester a true city-based festival of music and much more.

To register for this year’s event at the reduced early-bird rate of £295 go to the ITC site or call the office direct on +44161 8393930. Offer expires on June 1st.

In addition, as a special thank you to all our early adopters out there, we’re offering a special reduced hotel rate in collaboration with our HQ hotel The Midland. Hotel rates start at £104 per night and are first-come, first-served to registered delegates. To take advantage of this offer and the benefits it gives, contact the ITC office

Versus Cancer Gig - May 23rd

2008-05-09T03:48:00.000-07:00

Friday May 23rd 2008 sees The Ritz on Whitworth Street, Manchester play host to a very special event…

‘Thanks, Pranks and Party Pants’ is a party hosted by Versus Cancer’s Andy Rourke and Nova Rehman to show their appreciation for everyone who has contributed to the success of Versus Cancer since its launch in 2006, with all proceeds from night going to Versus Cancer.

By happy coincidence the bank holiday weekend is also Nova Rehman’s birthday and the line up ensures that this is one birthday celebration that will be talked about for a long time to come.

The party sees sets from local bands Frazer King and Our Fold, upcoming Manchester band Rambo and Leroy and legendary bass player Jah Wobble, performing ahead of his Chinese Dub tour. Badly Drawn Boy will perform with Andy Rourke
The Sun and the Moon featuring ex Chameleons Mark Burgess and John Lever will be playing twenty years on from their first gig as The Sun and the Moon in the same venue DJs Dermo (Northside) and Tin Tin will be on hand to provide the tunes between sets.
Versus Cancer is known for its unique collaborations and this event is no different with some exciting collaborations planned as birthday surprises to include Aziz Ibrahim, from Ian Brown’s band.
Ian McCulloch of Echo and the Bunnymen is rumoured to complete the line up and in keeping with the theme of the evening he celebrates thirty years of The Bunnymen this year.

Tickets are released through See Tickets on Friday 9th May and are priced at £12

The Tony Wilson Experience

2008-05-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

At noon on 21 June some of the biggest names in design, creative industries, media and the arts will launch a 24 hour conversation and debate in the centre of Manchester in memory of broadcaster, cultural entrepreneur and creative champion, Anthony H Wilson.

Designed to stimulate, inspire and engage the next generation of cultural innovators, the event takes place in the Pavillion, Cathedral Gardens, with other related public access activities taking place in Urbis.

Big names taking part in the event include designer Peter Saville, actor Steve Coogan, artist Liam Spencer, musician Peter Hook, and writer and broadcaster Stuart Maconie.

An invited audience of up to 200 young creatives from Manchester will be selected by a panel of those involved in making the event happen.

Anyone wanting to be considered for a place should make a submission via the event website at www.tonywilsonexperience.com

In The City 2008

2008-05-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

You may think that the In The City team have been in hibernation for the last few months, but you would be wrong. We have spent the long, cold winter months preparing In The City 2008.

In The City 2008 will be held between October 5th - 7th in its spiritual home of Manchester, England.

Watch this space for special hotel rates and early bird offers – as well as the latest news on the bands and speakers that will make up this years event.

Demo submission for In The City 2008 will open soon – watch this space for further details.

For the time being keep checking back for all the latest news and updates.

Tale Of The Tape

2007-12-06T02:14:00.000-08:00

Well, a good idea's a good idea - and our mates across town at Magnetic North have come up with a cracker.

Put simply, the Mixa revives those school-yard mixtapes for the 21st century - only this time instead of hitting that pause button like a beaver chewing a pencil, you simply plug it into your computer as the tape body houses 1GB of USB storage.

Clever huh?

You can design your own sleeve and there's stickers and the like in true '80s style - though we're not sure scrawling your latest crush on it in Tip-ex is the done thing these days

Check it all out here

Best Of ITC Gig Announced

2007-11-23T03:46:00.000-08:00

In The City and X-posure Live present…
Best Of In The City Unsigned 2007

Elle s'appelle + The Moths! + Sky Larkin + more TBA

Thursday 20th December 2007
Camden Barfly
£7 advance
www.ticketweb.com
0844 847 2424

In The City and Xfm are pleased to announce details of the annual ‘Best Of ITC’ gig. Coming to London to spread a little pre-Christmas cheer on behalf of the Manchester-based, internationally renowned music event will be four bands (one we can’t announce yet) that made their mark, raised eyebrows and generally impressed at ITC 2007. In addition Xfm will be broadcasting the gig live from Camden Barfly, but hey - always better to say you were actually there isn’t it?

The bands playing this year’s Best Of ITC are:

Elle s’appelle
Elle s’appelle is GCSE French for ‘she is called’. Elle s’appelle is also Andrew singing and playing bass, Lucy playing keys and singing and Owen playing drums. The noise they make has been described as sounding 'like Mates of State covering XTC and Billy Joel with occasional Freddie Mercury vocals'. Their debut single ‘Little Flame’ sold out in the first week on Moshi Moshi.

The Moths!
Drawing comparisons with the Human League, Wire, the Buzzcocks and early Adam and the Ants, The Moths! make poetic indie, new wave, post-punk pop with the emphasis on clever lyrics and instantly memorable guitar riffs. They have spent most of 2007 touring the UK, supporting bands including Foals, Good Shoes and The 1990s.

Sky Larkin
This year, youthful Leeds-spawned trio Sky Larkin have played to huge audiences at O2 Wireless and Leeds Festival and toured with the likes of The Gossip, Los Campesinos!, Howling Bells, ¡Forward, Russia! and Broken Social Scene. Add to that the procurement of a triumvirate of degrees, and it’s clear that education and rock have melded together beautifully.

Plus one more TBA…

Tickets are priced at £7 advance and are available here or by calling 0844 847 2424.

For more information on In The City, ‘Best Of’ In The City, the bands themselves or for a place on the very limited guestlist contact the ITC office direct on 0161 8393930 or email gavin@inthecity.co.uk.

www.inthecity.co.uk
www.xfm.co.uk

A Short Film About ITC...

2007-11-12T02:29:00.000-08:00

Our buddies at Wax Media came up with this lovely little film about ITC 2007.

Have a look and see what you think - or go and check them out here

Click To Play

PRESS - CLASH MAGAZINE AT ITC

2007-10-31T04:11:00.000-07:00

Here's what Clash Magazine had to say about ITC

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Final Day Roundup

2007-10-29T06:24:00.000-07:00

PRESS - THE REGISTER ON ITC

2007-10-29T06:05:00.002-07:00

Vinyl lives! And why the net isn't (entirely) killing music

And the tyranny of Radio 2

By Andrew Orlowski Published Tuesday 23rd October 2007 17:54 GMT

In The City Manchester's In The City music conference this year was the first without the presence of co-founder Tony Wilson, who died two months ago.

But the local music network - and some parts of the London business - rallied to bring the event back to its roots. Unlike the endless circuit of "Future Of Music" talking shops, the panels at In The City reflect a much more practical focus. The event itself is still, first and foremost, about the 600-odd unsigned acts who perform over the three days.

The organisers single-tracked most of the panels this year, there was less overlap - and they were excellent value.

I was intrigued to hear the views of Tommy Boy records founder Tom Silverman's take on the future of the physical music thingy. Silverman joined a panel of three North West music shops, one mainstream, one alternative, and one specialising in the market for collectors.

Silverman said he'd lambasted his fellow RIAA board members for prolonging the life of the CD, and not being more forward looking. The CD had given them a short-term revenue boost, raising the price of the album from $8-$10 to $14-16 as the format switched from vinyl and cassette to CD. The good old days weren't coming back.

While all three retailers were optimistic - Silverman thought things were so bad that even cautious optimism was unwarranted.

Phillippa Kennedy from Manchester's Piccadilly Records said vinyl was doing great guns - a double-thick 200g vinyl import reissue of Led Zeppelin was flying off the shelves, for example, at £40 a time.

Silverman wondered how many artists could command this kind of high margin product - enough to build a business on?

Kennedy agreed that it wouldn't work for 90 per cent of new releases.

The real problem was that few people felt it necessary to buy new product.

The new release was becoming a "first day" product, Silverman argued - with an unprecedented drop-off in second week sales. He cited the example of Kanye West and 50 cent, who released new CDs simultaneously and shifted 1.5 million in the first week. The second week, sales had fallen off 71 per cent.

"The drop-off used to be 20 to 30 per cent - and only the biggest flops fell 50 per cent in the second week."

"I've seen a lady out with her kids in a record store, saying 'Don't buy it, Honey, Daddy will burn you a copy at work'. That's the mentality - they think it's stupid to buy a record."

For every record sold, he argued, two copies are sold that the music industry doesn't see anything from.

"So I don't think it matters how attractive you make the store is going to make a difference - everyone has a piracy machine at home and blank CDs are 25 cents."

At this, just about everyone in the room looked sheepish. We used to be warned that "Home Taping Was Killing Music" - but the negative impact was never proved. The difference today of course, is that music competes with other entertainment products, like $50 video games, so naturally, people send discretionary spending earmarked for entertainment elsewhere.

Yet even the RIAA has given up pushing "Music CD" blanks alongside identical and cheaper "Data CD" blanks. In most countries, there's no appetite for a CD tax, and no-one realistically advocates it would do much to make up for lost income.

Here's a funny thing.

The subject of a blanket license for digital music came up in a panel entitled "Leave Those Kids Alone…” And They’ll Sell Your Records For You". The idea of "decriminalizing" P2P was unanimously welcomed.

What makes this unusual is that the panel was chaired by IFPI chief executive and former Universal UK chief John Kennedy, who said he'd welcome the revenue.

So the idea, which has been around for years - and was still considered too radical for most people just three years ago - is now mainstream.

However Jupiter analyst Mark Mulligan pointed out that a blanket license was no silver bullet. You couldn't blame P2P file sharers for all the industry's woes, he said, because the numbers just didn't add up.

In the UK, he pointed out, just 15 per cent of internet users, and therefore something around 12 per cent of the population were using P2P file sharing. And these are often users with the lowest disposable income.

Yet the industry has seen a 30 per cent decline in revenues. There must logically be other reasons for the "value gap".

Founder of The Orchard, Scott Cohen, was the loudest advocate of a blanket license.

There's no point chasing pirates with view to converting a P2P transaction into a discrete paid download.

"But people are getting access to music. If they paid just $1 a month they don't know, we have 1.1bn ISP customers and 2.6bn mobile customers, giving us $45bn overnight to be divided up."

That might be optimistic: hardly any of those 2.6bn listen to music, and today, it's invariably music they've already paid for - there's no reason to pay for it twice. However $45bn is twice the size of the industry today - and a blanket license allows new models to arise where punters can acquire music without worrying about the cost per song, or RIAA lawsuits.

Sean Adams of music site (and now label) DrownedinSound.com agreed.

"It makes perfect sense to go to a usage model. You pay for mobile, for water, for data, for the BBC like this. What happens today is that the mobile phone company makes the money, and invests by it buying the Dome to promote their own brand!"

Adams was consistently scathing about the network operators who profit from music, but put nothing back, as well as the labels. For example, mobile phone companies hold "Pointless award shows that don't award anything."

He was unusually optimistic ,however.

"The record industry is incredibly heathy, and the labels are incredibly healthy - and I never defend them".

"It's their inability to monetize it that's the problem. They don't need to diversify"

As an aside, Adams finally nailed the myth of the Arctic Monkeys and MySpace.

"It was PR by MySpace. The bands were simply using the channels to sell product," he said. "Fans were using sendit links on our board, and journalists were wondering why they couldn't get in. Then MySpace put out a press release."

His point was that no one has figured out a model yet - and added that the charts vastly over-represent the tastes of 40-year olds, and not bands with younger audiences who can sell out large enues for a week - but never get played on the radio.

It was the tyranny of Radio 2.

Adams and Cohen lamented the loss of an intelligent "gatekeeper" or curator function. "MySpace doesn't push things," pointed out Cohen, and Adams made the point that infinite choice was really no choice at all.

Naturally Last.FM co-founder Jonas Woost disagreed, arguing that the crowd/hive mind was "the best filter we'll ever have."

(Unfortunately it only works for homogenous options, recommending similar artists, and ends up as the bland leading the bland.)

The panel despaired that music was such a discretionary purchase: a $300 PS3 was a no-brainer, but $5 was considered too much for music.

And Scott sounded a timely warning about advertiser-supported sites. The entire internet advertising business is just $31bn, and only a fraction of that goes back. Jupiter's Mulligan pointed out that 100 ad impressions are needed to recoup a single digital song download. Who on earth would get that?

Refreshing stuff.

PRESS - MORE BILLBOARD ON ITC

2007-10-29T06:05:00.001-07:00

In The City 2007 Attendance Buoyant

By Richard Smirke, Manchester

The U.K.'s largest music convention, In The City, drew to a close Monday evening with a final series of band showcases and unofficial fringe events taking place throughout the city of Manchester, in north England.

According to the organizer's preliminary figures, attendance throughout the three-day event was roughly equal to that of 2006, with no noticeable change in the number of delegates who registered or attended panel discussions.

"This was always going to be a difficult year for In The City, following the death of Tony Wilson, but it's been a great success. We've had some really positive feedback and some really strong panels," said an ITC spokesman.

With performances from over six hundred bands or artists, in more than 60 venues throughout the city, live music was in abundance over the three days. Twisted Wheel, Sergeant, Vampire Weekend, the Slips, the Moths!, Carlis Star and James Yuill were among the performers.

PRESS - BILLBOARD ON ITC

2007-10-29T06:04:00.001-07:00

The third and final day of the In The City conference came to a close Monday with a lively panel discussion on new British music.

Culminating in a tribute to the late Tony Wilson, who passed away in August of this year, the forum predicted a positive future for music consumers, but offered little hope for major record labels in the face of falling album and single sales.

Echoing the dominant theme of this year's convention, much of the talk centered on artists increasingly adopting a DIY ethic and bypassing conventional industry routes when it comes to recording, releasing and promoting records.

"I think it's a great time because technology has made music that much easier," said Mark Jones, managing director, Wall Of Sound, who are currently having U.K. chart success with Revered And The Makers. "You can do it yourself now and get yourself on to that first level. The equipment is there for you to be able to do it. The beauty of MySpace is that it's opened it up," he said on the panel, hosted by journalist and Goldblade singer John Robb. "That can only be a good thing."

Earlier in the day, keynote speaker Jonathan Poneman, joint founder of Sub Pop Records, offered a rather more down-to-earth assessment of the changes that the music industry is currently undergoing.

"The music industry has basically been in a state of transition for the entire time that I've been participating in it, which has been well over 20 years now. As I'm sure many of us can attest, staying on top of the new challenges, keeping abreast of artists and maintaining one's enthusiasm is a challenge, [as is] keeping a business going in the present climate."

He continued, "I think that what's going on [now] in the music industry is very exciting in that it supports the music consumer and the music fan. As someone who participates in the music industry I obviously don't want to see the music industry shrivel up and die, but as a fan first and foremost, there's more information and more music than ever before and I think somehow that's got to be a good thing."

While most of the talk at this year's In The City has revolved around falling revenue and the need for a new business model if the industry is to survive, Poneman did offer some hope for future British acts attempting to break into the U.S.

"That could change when things go from being less retail focused and become more critically focused," he said.

"The great thing about what's been happening for years with blogs and specialist [music] magazines is that people are becoming more informed. I think as time goes by the challenge is going to be for British bands to come to the U.S. and tour, but if they can do so, I think there will be more who break into the U.S. market."

Poneman also provided a colourful insight into what life was like at the Sub Pop label during their boom in the early 1990s and how Sub Pop has survived for almost two decades.

"Truth be told, neither Bruce (Pavitt, Sub Pop co-founder) or I really knew what the fuck we were doing and to this day I still don't," he said. "But I've got better at faking it."

By Richard Smirke, Manchester

PRESS - MUSICWEEK ON ITC

2007-10-29T06:03:00.002-07:00

Manchesters streets and venues were busier than usual over the weekend with the annual In The City conference drawing hundreds of hopeful artists to the northern capital for three days and nights of gigs, label showcases and parties.

The live music aspect of Anthony Wilson and Yvette Livesey's music conference has earned a deserved reputation as a shopwindow to new talent and this year attracted the usual pool of publishers, record labels and managers who were in town to see the latest batch of music hopefuls.

Despite commencing on Saturday, Sunday is traditionally one of the busiest nights and last night saw hotly tipped Mancunian Twisted Wheel, teenage out The Naturals and Noah And The Whale draw A&R staff out in numbers.

Fringe events this year have included gigs from LCD Soundsystem, Sunshine Underground and Scouting For Girls who headlined Xfm's Breakthough stage last night. Last night also saw international showcases for Australia and Italy.

The music continues today with Sam Isaac, Nut Bros, Elle s'appelle, The Alones and Sergeant among those garnering interest. In The City concludes tomorrow.

PRESS - XFM ON ITC

2007-10-29T06:03:00.001-07:00

ITC’s official media partner Xfm Manchester was out in force over the weekend to keep their listeners up to date with the best of In The City as it happened. In fact, they even found time to provide the odd speaker for our panels, which is surely above and beyond the call of duty.

So, to have a look at their fab coverage and for more on the blogs, interviews, live gigs, secret shows and photos from Manchester’s new music station click here

PRESS - NME ON ITC

2007-10-29T06:02:00.001-07:00

The NME were out and about over ITC, checking out the best of our new bands, misbehaving in the classic style and, amazingly, finding time to write a rather ace blog about us, which you can find here

Something you don't see every day...

2007-10-29T06:01:00.000-07:00

...unless you live in Sweden that is.

SVT, Swedish national public service television (which is also the largest network in the country), has featured one of our ITC bands, Swedish For Beginners in its daily show 'Nöjesnytt' (or 'entertainment news' as we'd say in Manchester). The show is obviously in Swedish, but here's the link anyway

SUNDAY AT IN THE CITY

2007-10-21T01:56:00.000-07:00

The Trafford Suite 11.45am – 12.30pm
‘If The Hat Fits, F&*k It’ – Multi-Tasking In The Modern Music Industry

The Alexandra A Suite 12.30pm – 1.15pm:
"Down On The Assembly Line, They Keep Puttin' The Same Thing Out. But The People Today, They Just Ain't Buyin’…” – Can Music Retail Fight Back?

The Alexandra B Suite 1.00pm – 1.45pm:
ITC Keynote: Jazzie B In Conversation With Lloyd Bradley

The Trafford Suite 1.30pm – 2.15pm:
DIY? We’re Already Doing It Thanks…

The Alexandra A Suite 2.30pm – 3.15pm:
Songs Of Innocence And Of Experience: The Breakdown Of A Hit

The Trafford Suite 3.15pm – 4.00pm:
After The Gold Rush: The Changing Face Of Agents

The Alexandra A Suite 3:30pm – 4:15pm:
Chris Morrison in conversation with Jon Webster

The Alexandra B Suite 4.00pm – 4.45pm:
“The Hardest Button To Button” – The Producer Panel

The Alexandra A Suite 5.00pm – 5.45pm:
ITC Keynote: Harvey Goldsmith In Conversation With Jonathan Shalit

SATURDAY AT IN THE CITY

2007-10-20T01:53:00.001-07:00

The Alexandra B Suite 1.45pm – 2.30pm:
Leaders Of The Free World: The Publishers Panel

The Alexandra B Suite 3.15pm – 4.00pm:
“The Stranger In The Crowd”: The Fans Shout Back

The Trafford Suite 4.00pm – 4.45pm:
“Won’t Get Fooled Again” – How Not To Get Screwed

The Trafford Suite 5.15pm – 6.00pm
ITC Keynote – Daniel Miller In Conversation With Flood

BREAKING NEWS AT ITC - NEW PANEL

2007-10-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

Chris Morrison - CEO of CMO Management - will appear at ITC on Sunday 21st October at 3:30pm, in conversation with the MMF's Jon Webster

In 2001 Chris was awarded The Lifetime Achievement Award (Peter Grant Award) at the annual MMF Awards and inducted into the MMF British Music Roll of Honour.

Chris Morrison signed his first artist – Thin Lizzy for management in 1972. He Managed Thin Lizzy for the duration of their career during which time they released fourteen albums, many compilation albums and sold in excess of fifteen million records. CMO continued to manage Phil Lynott as a solo artist until his untimely death in 1986 and until recently CMO managed the Thin Lizzy catalogue.

Since the beginning CMO have always had major artistic and commercial success in each decade representing the best in cutting edge music at that time whether with Thin Lizzy and John Cale in the 1970’s or with Ultravox and Visage at the vanguard of the new wave/new romantic movement in the early 1980’s. By the late 1980’s CMO were managing Dead or Alive, The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Beloved. Through the 1990’s it has been Blur, Elastica, Gorillaz, Morcheeba and Turin Brakes. We have had gold and or platinum success in the States with Thin Lizzy, Dead or Alive, the Jesus and Mary Chain, Elastica, Blur and Gorillaz.

Chris became a founding Band Aid Trustee in 1984 together with Midge Ure, Harvey Goldsmith, John Kennedy, Bob Geldof and Michael Grade. His work as a Trustee continues to this day and Chris and CMO co-ordinated the Band Aid 20 single in 2004 which sold over 1.1 million copies in the UK.

Webbo has recently moved from the BPI to the MMF - and we at ITC love him....

2007-10-17T03:37:00.000-07:00

Well - rather than explain the thinking behind this wonderful poster (proceeds from which will go to charity - and which you lucky people can buy from the European Poster Expo at Urbis Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st between 11am and 5pm ) we thought we'd let Nick Rhodes, the chap behind it, explain:

"I started off in Screen printed posters about 4-5 years ago. Id produce little flyer's and art for my friends band called No arm . All around the time I studied Fine Art at Manchester Metropolitan University . I was quite a photo realist painter, painting cityscape's, non places etc. I actually never screen printed a poster or print at university. I think about 2 years after was my first Screen print . It was for the band Elbow . Truly a nerve wracking time . I had my first commissioned poster through the Richard Goodall gallery ( they now represent all of my music poster work after me bugging them to take me on for 2 years !! ), and I hadn't even raised a squeegee before that time. It was the challenge and buzz I guess of actually producing a poster and piece of art for a band who's music I'm in to .

From there in , I had the bug . Screen printing is such a accessible medium to work with . Its not quite rocket science , whoever it can come across like that when something goes wrong during a poster print run !! .

A little about my work .

I am about 80 % of the time inspired by the bands (who I'm making work for) lyrics . The lyrics are the first stating point for me to gauge where they are coming from and I add my own twist to what they are 'saying'. Often I hear one line that will totally get my neurons going , and it will form the basis of my first initial sketch which in turn ends up as the main image.The other 20% is what ever im inspired by at the time.

A very big plus about producing music/gig posters is, you are your own 'Art director'. I think its one of the most freely creative art 'jobs' you can have. The only information you 'have' to include is the name of band, venue and promoter. From there on is you are your own boss . Which creatively speaking, is amazing .
The next step for me is the printing of my posters. As I hand screen print my own posters, I often limit myself colour wise to a limited palette. As I know what it takes to print a poster !!! More colours mean a lot more work. Its not that I'm lazy its just some of the most inspiring musical posters that I like , often are a 2-3 colour prints.

I guess its the limitation that brings out essentially what you are after in the first place, that is, impact. As after all the music poster is an advertisement for the band primarily and your own artwork secondly.

Bands I have produced posters for up to date - Mark Lanegan, Arctic Monkeys,Babyshambles, Elbow, Keane, T Model Ford, Super Furry Animals, Isobel Campbell, Crippled Black Phoenix, Mondo Generator , Fu Manchu, Eagles of Death Metal, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, The Decemberists, The National, and The Soulsavers .

My website - www.switchopen.com "

Filming at ITC

2007-10-16T04:58:00.000-07:00

This year In The City will be filmed by Monster Music and Marksman Productions for Coke Music and iTunes.

A team of filmmakers will be catching all the action over the weekend – from performances and interviews with the bands to full documentation of the keynote panels. Their short films will be available to view on Coke Music and via download from iTunes.

‘Monster Music Videos’ is a new company based in Manchester working closely with emerging bands and labels, their principal aims are to develop exciting visuals that compliment all styles of music, help emerging bands and labels get on the promotional ladder and provide a viable professional North West based production service to the music community.

Check out their website www.monstermusicvideos.co.uk for details of Monster Music film and video promo production (music videos), band/ label P.R. and marketing, music event coverage, location services, production crews, documentaries, CGI, editing, grading and delivery across all media platforms.

Production enquires please email: - email@monstermusicvideos.co.uk

ITC 2007 UNSIGNED ALBUM - EXCLUSIVE ON iTUNES

2007-10-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen, say hi once again to the ITC Unsigned album, exclusive to iTunes. And again, we’ve put together a selection of tracks by the bands gracing our venues at this year's ITC. The first two were such a success it frankly seemed daft not to.

Of course, the Unsigned Album is free to delegates at ITC - who will get a natty little custom card when you arrive at The Midland - and a mere £9.99 to the rest of the population, which is still a bargain no matter how you look (or rather listen) to it.

However, where we're veering off piste like a drunken public school toff on an ill-advised black run is that this year we've also got an ITC International Album - with 16 of the best tunes our friends overseas could find. Again free to delegates, we should add...

All in all yet another reason - if you ever needed one - to pop along to Manchester we'd have thought?

NME AT ITC

2007-10-12T02:23:00.000-07:00

As if it needs explaining

It’s the NME after all – new music, the clue’s in the name

So ladies and gentlemen, say hi to the Club NME/ITC special. And again, we’d have thought this one explained itself. Three of the best NEW bands in the country, picked by the editorial team to play a free gig at ITC: it’s hardly rocket science.

But we’re sure it’s going to go off like one

Club NME @ In The City will take place at Studio, Manchester on the opening night of ITC (Sat 20th 2007) and feature Does It Offend You Yeah?, Tired Irie and Beep Seals

BREAK IN THE CITY

2007-10-12T02:15:00.000-07:00

Kids are the future – unless we stop them now that is

We joke.

That vital next generation of label bosses, bands, producers, A&Rs, managers are out there, waiting to invigorate and inspire the music industry. Sure they’ll get there themselves eventually, but we want to give them as much of a chance as we can.

So that’s why – along with the Band Agency and friends - we have Break In the City. A day of free seminars, masterclasses, one-to-ones and open mics, taking place at The Bridgewater Hall on Saturday 20th October, that aims to give those trying to make their mark in the business the ammunition to do just that.

The gigs, parties and showcases that follow it?

Well, that’s just because we can

Break In The City Listings

Saturday 20th October

Break In The City presents…
Artist Academy
Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley St
Starts 11.00am

Including the Music Business Education Seminar Series, Demo Reviews, Music Mart’s Industry Speed Dating and the Radio One Open Mic Stage where Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly was discovered in 2005. He’s since been signed to Atlantic.

Friday 19th October – Monday 22nd October

Break In The City in association with VmanEvents, Speechlesswithsound and Designer Magazine present…
CATCH In The City
250 bands : 7 venues : 4 days

Sunday 21st October

Break In The City Live
Walkabout, Quay Street
Doors 1.00pm
Free Entry

Filter Magazine presents…

20 new bands and DJs across 2 days of In The City
Sunday October 21st (all dayer) and Monday 22nd October
Free Entry

Filter Magazine
“Good music will prevail. These are the words that we here at Filter live by. In an ever-evolving musical landscape, we're here to help. Through Filter's various outlets - our informative website, our irreverent blog, the good music guide, our local events and, the jewel in our music-loving crown, the magazine - we want to help you discover your new favourite band.”

Monday 22nd October

Break In The City Live
Walkabout, Quay Street
Doors 7.00pm
Free Entry

Satan's Hollow, Princess St
Doors 7.00pm
£3 entry (free for delegates)

And more to be announced…

Time is a harsh mistress indeed....

2007-10-12T02:12:00.000-07:00

Well the clock's ticking, the posters are up and the event is nearly upon us.

The standard cost of a delegate pass for ITC runs out on Thursday 18th October, so to avoid the walk-up charge book now. And the same date sees the end of the ITC room rate too - our delegates can still book a room for ITC HQ at The Midland direct from us at the reduced rate of £109 – click here for more information – but hurry as there are only a handful of rooms left.

So to register for ITC 2007, find out about the bands or for more info as it happens go to the website and have a look around.

Manchester City Council honours the Boss

2007-10-10T04:52:00.000-07:00

Tony Wilson's name is to be inscribed on the Roll of Honour in Manchester
Town Hall in appreciation of the outstanding contribution he made to the life, music and culture of the City over many years.

Councillors agreed unanimously to the move which is usually reserved for honorary freemen of the city.

Only 75 individuals and six regiments have been given honorary freedom and it is the first time such an honour has been given to a late Mancunian.

The last person to be given Freedom of the City was Sir Alex Ferguson in 1999. A life-long supporter of Manchester United, Tony Wilson's name will be inscribed alongside Sir Alex's and in close proximity to that of Sir Matt Busby.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Glyn Evans, said: "Tony Wilson promoted Manchester, its arts, and its culture across the world.

"He was a big supporter of numerous arts and charitable organisations across Greater Manchester and was of course the inspiration to a generation of young musicians who put Manchester centre stage in the world of music.

"Equally important was the contribution he made to the political life of the City, in particular through the involvement of the creative sector in the process of renewal."

Councillor Pat Karney, spokesperson for the City Centre, added: "This is a unique and historic honour for a unique individual who was the very epitome of a modern Manchester man.

"Tony will be much missed for his loyalty, his creativity, his drive and his enthusiasm, both by the City and by all those who knew him."

ITC URBAN EVOLVES: 2007 IS ITC ECLECTRIC

2007-10-09T04:46:00.000-07:00

Over the past 3 years we have been broadening our own horizons to the meaning of the term "urban" to such an extent that the most diverse and creatively varied artists have had the chance to perform in front of a top music industry audience. For 2007 we felt that the evolution of the event had reached its climax.

So, for 2007 we've found the bands and artists who share this vision: that modern music should have no boundaries...

The bands are: Dead Kids, Lyla Foy, Rendle will, The Raid, Finger Monster, Lil’ Rascals, My Toys Like Me, The Young Punx, Inner City Dwellers, Neighbourhood, Ejectorseat, The Yarns, The Tunics, The Low Lights, Superstar Syndrome, Ellie Lawson, Royal Treatment Plan.

Reduced hotel rate and ITC Opening Party

2007-10-05T02:09:00.000-07:00

It’s with great pleasure that ITC can announce that we’ve negotiated a special rate at The Midland Hotel, better known to all as ITC HQ.

Our delegates can now book a room for ITC direct from us at the reduced rate of £109 – click here for more information – meaning you don’t have to stumble that far to get to bed.

Which might be useful given that we're equally pleased to announce that on Saturday 20th at The Midland Hotel, ITC and Tuborg will be hosting the inaugural In The City Opening Party. Open to all delegates and a selection of invited guests, there will be bands, DJs and, perhaps most importantly, free beer for all.

Yes, you read that right - free beer. Call it bribery, call it coercion or just call it a little gift from us to you.

ITC Unsigned 2007 bands announced

2007-10-01T04:01:00.000-07:00

So - here they are, the bands we think have got what it takes to go from being the ringing in your ears to the name on everyone's lips...

Alan Pownall, Amy Crowther, An Orange End, Blind Archery Club, Code Pie, Cohesion, Colum Regan, Connan & The Mockasins, Dirty Circus, Ed Laurie, Elle S'Appelle, Eugene Francis Junior & The Juniors, Fiona Bevan, Fourteen Corners, Freerunner, Godwits, Jakokoyak, James Yuill, Kidkanevil, Kojo, Kowalski, Little Engine, Look See Proof, Lovvers, Mayday, Model Radio, Noah & The Whale, OK Tokyo, Paul Marshall, Riff Raff, Rosie Taylor Project, Sam Isaac, Sargeant, Sister, Sky Larkin, smallwhitelight, Tellison, The Alones, The Author, The Dodoz, The Flaws, The Joy Vegas, The Moths!, The Naturals, The Nut Bros, The Officers, The Old Romantic Killer Band, The Slips, The Sugars, The Sylvias, The Winchell Riots, ThisCity, Tim and Sam's Tim and the Sam Band with Tim and Sam, Tom Hatred & The Angry Band, Twisted Wheel

For full biogs, photos and links, go to the website

And watch out for the ITC 2007 iTunes album - Available to buy on Monday 15th October

Harvey Goldsmith to speak at ITC

2007-10-01T02:11:00.001-07:00

Well we promised you more news and more news is what you’ll get, as In the City 2007 are pleased to announce that live music legend Harvey Goldsmith has been added to this year’s line-up.

Actually, pleased is the mother of all understatements...

Harvey Goldsmith CBE is probably the United Kingdom's best known rock promoter and has been instrumental in developing the live touring industry in Europe. In addition Harvey has promoted some of the most prominent performers and shows in live music. His career has spanned four decades and highlights include promoting London's Live Aid concert at Wembley in 1985 and more recently Live8 in London's Hyde Park. Recently Harvey announced yet another coup, a reunion concert involving the surviving members of Led Zeppelin in memory of Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. Harvey Goldsmith will be in conversation at In the City and will be talking about his life, career and views on the modern music industry.

Pretty impressive huh?

ITC Panels - a sneak peek...

2007-09-28T03:33:00.001-07:00

OK, to whet your appetite here's a little look at three of the key panels we'll be hosting at ITC this year - live, A&R and publishing, with more to follow over the next couple of days.

1: This town’s a different town today: a modern guide to A&R

Muff Winwood, one of the most respected and successful A&R executives of the past thirty years, moderates a panel of the new breed out there making their mark. With A&R budgets shrinking, more options for acts and more ways to discover new talent what does this mean for the modern A&R? And how are they rising to the challenge? Confirmed panellists include: James Roberts of Brightside Recordings, Jo Charrington of Epic Records, Alex Gilbert of 14th Floor Recordings and Matthew Rumbold of EMI.

2: Leaders of the free world: the publishers panel

Music publishers are taking an increasingly proactive role in signing, developing and breaking acts. But in a world where publishing advances cannot be measured purely against records sales and publishers have to do more, financing finished masters rather than demos and sometimes bank-rolling quasi-labels, how can publishers sign acts in a way that makes sense - both in terms of breaking new acts and making money? And how do the bands themselves cope in with this new world order? Confirmed panellists include Kenny McGoff of EMI, Mike McCormack of Universal, Richard Holley of Peer Music, Andy McQueen of Notting Hill Music, Caroline Elleray of BMG Music, Simon Aldridge of Sony ATV and Alan Pell of Stage Three Music.

3: After the gold rush: the changing face of agents

The music business is changing and the live business is booming, but how can the live agent keep pace with these changes and fend off those looking to muscle in on their territory? Sony BMG have set up a live agency, Universal has bought Helter Skelter through their purchase of Sanctuary, experiential marketing agencies are putting together live events for brands and sponsorship is becoming more integral to live performance all round. How does a savvy live agent stay one step ahead? Legendary live agent Carl Leighton-Pope poses the questions to a new generation of live agents. Confirmed panellists include: Steve Hogan of William Morris, Steve Zapp of ITB, Emma Banks of CAA and Angus Baskerville of 13 Artists.

Any thoughts, feel free to hit us back

ITC

Some ITC facts and figures to pass the time...

2007-09-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

OK - here goes:

8 acts that started out at In The City have gone on to have a total of 17 UK No. 1 singles between them. In The City scored their first No. 1 in May 1996 with ‘Some Might Say’ by Oasis. The most recent was ‘When The Sun Goes Down’ by Arctic Monkeys in January 2006.

31 acts have collectively gained an impressive 144 UK Top 10 Singles. All in all there have been over 400 UK Top 40 Singles released by bands that have come through the In The City ranks, spending more than a whopping 1560 weeks on the UK Singles Chart. That’s 30 years!

To prove that acts who play In The City aren’t just all about having hit singles, 20 acts have together achieved 47 UK No. 1 Albums. Overall, there have been more than 100 UK Top 10 Albums.

In The City can lay claim to launching the careers of 19 Mercury Music Award nominees. These 19 acts have received a total of 28 nominations between them.

These nominations have resulted in 3 Winners of the Mercury Music Prize (Suede – 1993, Badly Drawn Boy – 2000, Arctic Monkeys – 2006).

13 acts have shared 34 Brit Awards between them. This includes the current holders of British Group (Arctic Monkeys), British Album (Arctic Monkeys), British Breakthrough Act (The Fratellis), British Live Act (Muse), International Breakthrough Act (Orson) and Outstanding Contribution to Music (Oasis).

Hey, if you're not going to blow your own trumpet who will?

2007-09-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

In The City is pleased to announce the 2007 line-ups for our Xfm ITC Breakthrough nights. Two nights of the best just-signed bands in the UK playing for the listening pleasure of Xfm Manchester competition winners and our lucky, lucky delegates

Sunday 21st October sees Scouting For Girls, Figure 5 and New 1920 take to the stage of The Roadhouse - with The Wombats, The Courteeners and One Night Only sure to test the foundations on Monday 22nd

And don't forget, if you're not a delegate or a competition winner, you're fresh out of luck

So, to register for ITC 2007 or for more info as it happens go to the website and have a look around

ITC Keynotes - a sneak peak...

2007-09-18T05:52:00.001-07:00

Now we know you’re a greedy bunch, so we’ll be letting slip our full list of keynotes over the next few weeks. But for now, to whet your appetite for ITC 2007, we thought we’d let you in on just a couple of the people we’re bringing over to Manchester this year to set the musical world to rights:

Daniel Miller, the founder of Mute Records - home to Depeche Mode, Erasure and Nick Cave – has agreed to a rare interview talking about his life and career.

David Enthoven and Tim Clark of IE Music, managers of one Mr Robbie Williams, talk live in conversation about themselves, their company and the need to change existing music industry business models.

And last but not least Sub Pop Records co-founder Jonathan Poneman will be speaking to music journalist Keith Cameron (NME, Q, Mojo, Guardian and others) about the legendary label’s glory years of grunge, its current position as home to some of America’s finest indie and his personal take on today’s music industry.

In addition, we’d like to let you know that this year Xfm has signed up as a key media partner of In The City 2007 and will be dedicating a major slice of airtime to the event. Also CokeMusic, The Coca-Cola Company’s European music initiative, has also teamed up with In The City Unsigned through their innovative CokeMusic program. And of course we’d like to welcome back The North West Development Agency and Manchester City Council as supporters of ITC.

Pretty impressive we think you’ll agree - though you just wait till we announce the rest of In The City's line up. And please, don't get us started on how good the bands are this year.

You'll just have to wait and see...

In The City needs YOU!

2007-09-13T02:48:00.000-07:00

We are looking for volunteers who will be able to give their time to help us run proceedings in October. If you would like to be part of one of the official In The City gigs or parties, or join the conference team at the Midland Hotel, please email staff@inthecity.co.uk with some information about yourself and your availability from 19th to 22nd October.

Calling all fringe promoters

2007-09-11T04:52:00.001-07:00

The deadline to get your listings into the ITC Live Guide is Friday 21st September.

Email all info (obviously including date, venue, door times, price and line-up) to Gavin Cooke

Demo competition now closed

2007-09-11T04:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all bands and artists that sent in a demo to play at this year's ITC. Thousands of demos and one very tired postman later, the deadline has now passed.

For those of you who missed it and those who are unsuccessful, there may still be time to get a slot at one of the many great fringe events taking place around Manchester over ITC weekend.

And those of you who are successful? Expect a phonecall over the next week...

DEMO DEADLINE IS TODAY!!!!

2007-09-07T03:52:00.000-07:00

At 5pm today (Friday 7th Sep) , the doors will be shut for 2007's batch of ITC bands, so if you've missed the deadline we're sorry, but we did warn you.

For those that did get their music to us in time, you've not long left to wait - as the bands picked will hear from ITC HQ by the end of next week.

So fingers crossed and all that...

ITC Site Forums Go Live!

2007-09-05T03:09:00.000-07:00

Well it's all go at ITC Towers - and today brings the launch of our all-new delegates forums

When you register as a delegate you'll be given a log-in and password for the forums - where you can bitch, lie, cheat, slander and generally cause mayhem

Or not

Instead, to avoid the wrath of our in-house moderator - an evil and merciless beast at the best of times - it might be better to use it for the powers of good: discussing new music, chatting about plans for ITC and generally having a good old natter.

Plus this year we've a thread purely for arranging meetings over ITC itself - all password protected for delegates-only, so don't worry about your boss finding out you're chatting up a rival label...

But remember - we'll know

Blackmail: SUCH an ugly word isn't it?

ITC

The new ITC website goes live!

2007-09-03T06:01:00.000-07:00

Well, don't say we never listen to you lot - and to prove it here's the brand spanking new ITC site

It should be just what the doctor ordered with full listings (both day and night) up soon, as well as a new message board for the delegates.

Plus, a special bit of kit from a brand new partner - we'll explain all soon...

DEMO EXTENSION

2007-08-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

Due to an exciting new partnership set to be announced in the days ahead, ITC organisers have announced that the deadline for unsigned artists to submit demos to be considered by an independent A&R panel for a prestigious live slot at ‘In The City Unsigned’ has been extended to Friday 7th September.

ITC Director Yvette Livesey said, “In The City is growing and changing and our new partnership will reflect our global outlook – meaning we can reach more bands in more countries, bringing the best new music to our delegates in Manchester”.

In The City, which takes place this year in Manchester between October 20th-22nd, is the UK's premier international music convention and provides a vital forum via keynote addresses, celebrity interviews, masterclasses, panels and seminars for music industry professionals to discuss the future of the music business, and also provides the focus for hundreds of live music events.

Interested artists should send a three-track demo, a biography and a photo to:

In The City
8 Brewery Yard
Deva Centre
Trinty Way
Salford
Manchester M3 7BB

Always look forward, never look back

2007-08-23T04:12:00.000-07:00

With that, one of Tony Wilson and Yvette Livesey’s favourite phrases, still ringing in our ears the time is right to announce that despite the sad loss of one of its directors on Friday 10th August this year’s In The City, will be going ahead as planned from October 20th - 22nd in Manchester, England.

Operating under the overall theme “It’s A Brand New Dance, But We Don’t Know It’s Name” - the opening line of Bowie’s ‘Fashion’ - this year’s event won’t be as a mournful, solemn, introspective ode to Tony.

He’d have hated that.

In fact before his death – in conversations with his partner and ITC co-founder Yvette – the decision was made between them to carry on no matter what happened. So instead it’ll be the informed, irreverent, intellectual and most of all inspiring event that it always has been – perhaps even more so this time round.

It’s the most fitting tribute we’re sure you’ll agree.

Music and conversation – excitement and ideas – argument and inspiration: it’s what he taught the current team – led by General Manager Jon-Paul Waddington – and it’s what they’ll continue to do.

Over the coming weeks we will be announcing what we hope will be the best ever line-up of keynote speakers, panellists and, of course, bands and artists.

Just a reminder - The deadline for any bands or artists wishing to appear at this year’s In The City is August 31st – please send a three-track demo, a biography and a photo to:

In The City
8 Brewery Yard
Deva Centre
Trinty Way
Salford
Manchester M3 7BB

There are also still some opportunities remaining for anyone interested in putting on a showcase, launch or label event at this years In The City – for more information please contact lee@inthecity.co.uk

Although full registration details can now be found at www.inthecity.co.uk a brand new In The City website, at the same address, will be launched in early September.

Anthony Wilson 1950-2007

2007-08-13T04:39:00.000-07:00

Tony was an inspiration to us all - and the reason so many of us do what we do

Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and all who were touched by him during his life

We already miss him more than we can say

x

And relax...

2007-07-23T01:04:00.001-07:00

The ITC site is back up and running

Told you all would be well with the world...

Perhaps Luddites weren't all wrong?

2007-07-21T02:14:00.000-07:00

The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed we're having a few little server issues over at ITC HQ

But don't panic, normal service will be resumed on our home page as soon as possible

In the meantime, imagine doing that with your laptop and ALL will be well with the world