
Music Industry Insights
Knowledge to help support the Scottish Music Industry
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OPPORTUNITY: ONLINE COURSE IN MUSIC SYNC & PLACEMENT
The University of the Highlands and Islands is offering 15 free places for an online course in Music Sync and Placement. This is a single semester course aimed at upskilling musicians in placing music in visual media, a key skill for musicians navigating post-pandemic changes in film, television, and advertising. Course Highlights: 200 hours of…
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OPPORTUNITY: GLOSS FREE ELECTRONIC MUSIC WORKSHOP
The Glasgow Library of Synthesized Sound (GLOSS) invites you to join their free electronic music workshops starting January 2024 in Glasgow. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, these workshops are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the diverse world of electronic music. What’s on Offer: Two levels of workshops tailored to…
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OPPORTUNITY: BBC INTRODUCING SCOTTISH ACT OF THE YEAR 2024
Calling all emerging musicians in Scotland! BBC Introducing is searching for the Scottish Act of the Year 2024. What’s on Offer: Two recording sessions with BBC Radio Scotland. A performance slot at TRNSMT, Scotland’s biggest music festival. A bespoke PR campaign to boost your profile. How to Enter: Upload your track to the…
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OPPORTUNITY: ABERDEEN PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS JAM FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE
Aberdeen Performing Arts invites singer-songwriters to join their Jam for Climate Justice series. This project aims to spark new musical collaborations centred on climate justice, culminating in a live performance at the Lemon Tree during Climate Week North-East. What’s on Offer: Collaborate with another artist to compose a song on climate justice. Perform the…
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OPPORTUNITY: DRAKE MUSIC SCOTLAND BOARD MEMBERS
Drake Music Scotland is looking for up to four new trustees, including a new Chair of the Board. They are dedicated to promoting diversity on our Board and encourage applications from individuals with lived experiences of disability. This includes those with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, mental health challenges, and autistic and…
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OPPORTUNITY: FESTIVAL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Location: The Hebrides, Isle of Lewis Salary: £30,452 + pension contribution Contract Type: 1-year initially (extendable) Position Type: Full Time (35hrs/week) Annual Leave: 28 days The Hebridean Celtic Festival Trust is hiring a Festival Operations Coordinator! Join an award-winning and internationally acclaimed festival on the beautiful Isle of Lewis. This is a dynamic role…
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An End Of Year Member Message From Robert Kilpatrick; CEO and Creative Director
Dear SMIA Members, It’s hard to believe that we’re now quickly approaching the end of 2023. On behalf of the SMIA team and Company Board, I’d like to wish you a relaxing festive period and all the best for the new year. We’re aware that this can be a difficult time for many…
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Dougal Perman, our SMIA Board Chair 2016 – 2023; Farewell Reflections
Dougal Perman was SMIA Chair from April 2016 to March 2023. He reflects on his time as chair, how the organisation has changed and how he found the role. “Music, maths and love — the three universal languages.’’ So said great family friend, John, to me when his wife was tutoring me in maths…
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NEWS: WE’RE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE JEN HUNTER AS SMIA CHAIR + MORE
Today we announce the appointment of Jen Hunter as our Chair of the SMIA Board, with Robert Kilpatrick also announced as CEO and Creative Director on a permanent basis following being appointed to the interim role earlier this year. Jen Hunter will now lead the SMIA’s Company Board and support Kilpatrick in the setting…
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OPPORTUNITY: GENERAL MANAGER – SMIA
Company: Scottish Music Industry Association Ltd. Location: Glasgow / Hybrid Reports to: CEO and Creative Director Salary: £32,500 (£26,000 pro-rata) Term: Permanent (subject to on-going funding) Working hours: 32 hours per week (based on a four day working week) Company Description The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) exists to strengthen, empower and unite Scotland’s…
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NEWS: THE SCOTTISH ALTERNATIVE MUSIC AWARDS RETURN
The Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMA) return this year to Glasgow marking their fourteenth edition of the event, celebrating and putting a spotlight on underground music genres and artists from Scotland. This year’s nominations represent 7 music awards, and were selected from 21 UK based industry professionals from organisations including Clash Mag, Tenement TV,…
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OPPORTUNITY: MUSIC EXPORT GROWTH SCHEME 2023
The Music Export Growth Scheme is an initiative offering grants between £5,000 – £50,000 to support UK-registered independent music companies in marketing UK music projects internationally. This scheme is designed for those looking to introduce successful UK music projects to overseas markets. Who Should Apply? UK-based music companies with a turnover of less than…
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OPPORTUNITY: Bar & Catering Manager – Cultural Venue
Location: The Tolbooth Jail Wynd, Stirling, FK8 1DE Salary: £32,667 – £35,571 per year Contract Type: Fixed Term Position Type: Full Time Hours: 35 hours per week Stirling Council is seeking a Bar & Catering Manager for the Tolbooth and The Albert Halls in Stirling. This role is pivotal in leading the bar and…
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OPPORTUNITY: CREATIVE BALANCE STEERING GROUP
Creative Balance is a new research project exploring mental health and wellbeing, and what improvements can be made for Black People and People of Colour in the Scottish creative industries through support from We Are Here Scotland and supported by funding from The Baring Foundation and Creative Scotland. They are looking to form a…
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OPPORTUNITY: DF CONCERTS – GIG MARKETING MANAGER
Location: Glasgow, Scotland Salary: Competitive, based on experience Working Hours: 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday, with additional event work as required) Contract: Fixed-term (Maternity cover for 12 months) DF Concerts and Events seeks a dedicated Gig Marketing Manager to oversee marketing campaigns for its key brands, with a…
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OPPORTUNITY: SKIDDLE INDUSTRY DROP IN – GLASGOW
Date and Time: Thursday 16th of November, 12:00 – Late Location: Barras Art and Design (BAaD), 54 Calton Entry, Glasgow G40 2SB Tickets: Free, secure your ticket here. Join the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) at the Skiddle Industry Drop-In event, a gathering that brings together Scotland’s leading music professionals and artists for a…
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OPPORTUNITY: SOUTH AYRSHIRE YMI MUSIC HEROES PROJECT
The South Ayrshire Council’s Youth Music Initiative is seeking passionate and skilled Singing and Musicianship Tutors for the upcoming Music Heroes Project. This initiative will be pivotal in nurturing the musical abilities of Primary 3 pupils throughout South Ayrshire. Purpose of the Project To enhance singing and musicianship skills amongst young learners. Provide engaging,…
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OPPORTUNITY: OFF THE RECORD VIRTUAL EVENTS
Off The Record is hosting a series of virtual events spanning over three evenings on November 28th, 29th, and 30th. Aimed at 16-25 year olds, each evening will delve into a specific aspect of the music industry: Releasing, Promotion, and Live. The events will feature panels, Q&A sessions, 15 Minutes of Knowledge segments, and networking…
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OPPORTUNITY: ANGUS YMI SMALL PROJECTS GRANT
Angus Council Education Service is offering YMI Small Grants aimed at local freelance musicians and music facilitators from the Tayside region. The grant aims to enrich children’s learning focusing on positive health and wellbeing through music. Purpose of the Grants Financial support up to £3,000 to execute creative and impactful music projects. Foster children’s…
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OPPORTUNITY: “THIS MUST BE THE PLACE” BOOK LAUNCH – IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SMIA
Date and Time: Thursday November 16th 5:15 – 7pm Location: University of Glasgow Concert Hall, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ Tickets: Free, secure your ticket here. Join us for an evening with Shain Shapiro, CEO of Sound Diplomacy, as he launches his debut book, “This Must Be The Place: How Music Can Make Your…
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OPPORTUNITY: OFF THE RECORD MUSIC ROLES
Off The Record has multiple roles open for 16-25 year olds based in Scotland who are eager to work in the music industry. These roles offer a unique chance to get involved in content creation, social media coordination, and event delivery. ——————————————————– Social Media Coordinator Salary: £12 per hour Contract Type: Freelance Hours: 8 hours…
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NEWS: YOUNG FATHERS WIN THE SCOTTISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR AWARD WITH ‘HEAVY HEAVY’
Young Fathers ‘Heavy Heavy’ was announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award at the prestigious Ceremony in Stirling’s Albert Halls this past Thursday 26th October. Young Fathers claimed the title ahead of a Shortlist including Paolo Nutini, Becky Sikasa, Joesef and more, taking home £20,000 and the coveted title of Scottish…
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OPPORTUNITY: MUSIC WORKSHOPS AT “WE MAKE MUSIC INSTRUMENT LIBRARIES”
The Music Education Partnership Group is compiling a list of individuals throughout Scotland keen on leading music workshops in libraries. About We Make Music Instrument Libraries: This initiative, launched in 2022, aims to place musical instruments into public libraries across Scotland, allowing the public to borrow them for free. In addition to lending…
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OPPORTUNITY: GLASGOW LIFE – TECHNICIAN (BANK) x 10 – (PART-TIME)
Location: Glasgow City Salary: Hourly rates between £11.64 – £14.55 Working Pattern: Varied/flexible hours over seven days or as venue events dictate Contract: Permanent (Staff Bank) Glasgow Life is looking to recruit Technicians on a permanent contract working in the staff bank, across City Halls & Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Kelvingrove…
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OPPORTUNITY: LYRA MUSIC COMMISSION
Lyra presents the “Bright & Wild 24 – Music Commission”, a unique project centered on inventive music performances for the 2024 Bright & Wild festival. This exclusive venture is designed against the inspiring theme of ‘Face the Dragon’. Lyra invites Musicians/Composers to engage and work with the members of their Youth Music group (ages 8-11).…
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NEWS: RESONATE 2023 – SCOTLAND’S MUSIC INDUSTRY CONFERENCE UNVEILS PROGRAMME & SHARLEEN SPITERI KEYNOTE
Scotland’s music industry conference, Resonate, is back with its excellent 2023 line-up, scheduled for Thursday, 23rd November at Platform in Glasgow. This year’s highlights feature a keynote address by Sharleen Spiteri, vocalist of Texas. Resonate, an annual music conference organised by the team at 23rd Precinct Music, is designed to accelerate learning, networking, and…
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A Guide To PPL
For anyone involved in the music industry, understanding and taking advantage of PPL’s offerings is not just recommended, but essential. It’s a step towards ensuring that your hard work, talent, and creativity are rightfully rewarded. PPL, which stands for Phonographic Performance Limited, is a UK-based music licensing company that collects and distributes royalties for recorded…
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A Guide To YouTube for Artists
Introducing YouTube Music YouTube Music is more than just a platform for your songs. It provides the tools you need to engage with fans, grow your audience, and develop your online presence. Ever noticed that musical note next to an artist’s name? It shows that an artist is using YouTube For Artists + all the…
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NEWS: THE SAY AWARD SHORTLIST 2023
Today we revealed the SAY Award 10 Shortlisted albums in the running for the £20,000 prize and coveted national title, plus Paolo Nutini’s ‘These Streets’ is announced as the winner of 2023’s Modern Scottish Classic Award (chosen by this year’s Longlisted artists) and the five finalists for this year’s Sound of Young Scotland Award have…
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OPPORTUNITY: SENSORIAPRO 2023 EVENT IN SHEFFIELD
SensoriaPro announces its 2023 line-up for Friday, 6th October at the Showroom Cinema in Sheffield. This event gathers composers, filmmakers, music publishers, supervisors, games developers, and festival organisers to discuss the latest in music and film. With speakers, direct interactions with international buyers, and networking opportunities, SensoriaPro 2023 is a notable event in the…
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OPPORTUNITY: EXPLORING EMERGING BUSINESS MODELS WEBINAR
Creative Scotland is hosting a webinar on “Emerging Business Models” on Monday 2nd October from 14:00-15:30 via Zoom. Jessica Bonehill, Creative Industries Officer at Creative Scotland, will be the host. The session will feature presentations from Go See Share funding recipients: The Bothy Society Gather: Creative Workspace Ltd. Climavore CIC Laura Bowers These…
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NEWS: SMIA STATEMENT ON THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S CUTS TO THE CREATIVE SCOTLAND 2023-2024 ANNUAL BUDGET
“As part of the Autumn budget review, the Scottish Government has re-instated a 10% cut to Creative Scotland’s 2023-24 annual budget (totaling approximately £6.6m), which following mass campaigning from the cultural sector, was overturned earlier this year. As the organisation which exists to strengthen, empower and unite Scotland’s music industry – representing a diverse membership…
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OPPORTUNITY: DIRECTOR AT PERTH THEATRE AND CONCERT HALL
Location: Perth and Kinross Salary: Negotiable, starting at approximately £80,000 Contract Type: Full-time Permanent Position Type: In-house Department: Leadership & Strategic Development Reports to: Board of Perth Theatre and Concert Hall Perth Theatre and Concert Hall is seeking an exceptional individual to assume the newly created position of Director. Following a record-breaking year in…
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OPPORTUNITY: PLAY AT THE GREAT ESCAPE
The Great Escape, taking place the 15th-18th May 2024 in Brighton, is accepting applications for artists and bands from all genres for an opportunity to showcase in front of various music industry professionals. The event welcomes 450 across 30 different venues as one of the largest music industry conference events of its kind. Application…
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OPPORTUNITY: GLASGOW UNESCO CITY OF MUSIC – MUSICIANS SMALL AWARDS SCHEME
In celebration of 15 years since Glasgow’s recognition as the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow Life announces an award scheme for local musicians. This initiative commemorates Glasgow’s vibrant contribution to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Glasgow stands proud amongst fifty-nine UNESCO music…
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OPPORTUNITY: HIT THE ROAD 2023
Hit The Road are a touring project aimed at young people aged 14-19 years old in an early stage of their music-making career. Hit the Road will present three tours of Scotland, themed by music genre. Participants are also invited to training workshops with industry professionals covering all aspects of the reality of touring, while…
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OPPORTUNITY: ARTIST RELATIONS & MARKETING ASSISTANT AT EMUBANDS
Location: Glasgow Salary: Starting at £22,109 (rising to £31,441 with experience) Contract Type: Full-time Permanent Position Type: In-house / Hybrid (3 days per week in office) Work From Home: Flexible with occasional travel Department: Artist Relations & Marketing Reports to: Head of Artist Relations & Marketing EmuBands is on the lookout for a dedicated…
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OPPORTUNITY: FOUR NATIONS INTERNATIONAL FUND 2023 FOR ARTS & CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
The Four Nations International Fund is a prominent initiative aiming to bolster collaborations within the arts and creative industries across the UK and with European and global counterparts. Applicants can seek between £1,000 and £7,500 from a total fund of £320,000. In 2023, the second round of the fund offers: Support for in-person, digital,…
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OPPORTUNITY: UK & INTERNATIONAL OPEN AWARDS 2023 FOR DISABLED ARTISTS
The UK & International Open Awards, championing disabled artists in England, Scotland, and Wales, are now live. This monumental initiative offers a combined fund of £600,000 to commission artists both nationally and internationally. This fund is supported by Arts Council England, Arts Council of Wales, British Council and Creative Scotland. These awards empower…
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NEWS: RESONATE ANNOUNCE FIRST WAVE OF SPEAKERS + ARTIST OPEN CALL
Resonate, a music industry conference organised by the team at 23rd Precinct Music, has announced its first list of guest speakers for the 2023 event. Scheduled for 23rd November 2023 at Platform, Glasgow, the conference has been a platform for music practitioners from Scotland and beyond since 2017. The event will feature panels, workshops, demonstrations,…