Your backstage pass to the music industry
Grammy-winning producer Eduardo De La Paz will be among the speakers at A to B, a new conference designed to help musicians navigate the modern music industry
Aspiring musicians from across the North East are being invited to Sunderland next week for a free conference offering practical advice, industry insight and the chance to learn from some of the biggest names working in music today.
A to B, a new event aimed at early-career musicians and music enthusiasts, will take place at Sunderland City Hall on June 20 as part of Summit Week Sunderland.
Organised by Sunderland Music City in collaboration with We Make Culture, Music Connects Sunderland and The Bunker, the conference promises a day of panel discussions, workshops, live music and networking opportunities.
Among the headline speakers is Grammy Award-winning mixing engineer and producer Eduardo De La Paz, who will share behind-the-scenes stories from his work with artists including Noel Gallagher, Self Esteem and New Order.
Other sessions will explore topics ranging from social media and music careers to international touring and getting music placed in film and television.
Hands-on DJ workshops and live performances will run throughout the day, while Sunderland’s Roker Records will set up a pop-up record shop in the venue foyer.
Michelle Daurat, chief executive of Sunderland Music City, said: “This conference day is about giving people genuine access to the music industry. They’ll hear directly from world-class professionals, building connections, and developing practical skills.
“We want attendees to leave not just inspired, but with real insight into how the industry works and how they can find their place within it.”
Eddie Scott, producer and programme lead at We Make Culture, said the event had been shaped by feedback from emerging musicians.
“A to B really aligns with the continued work we have been doing in the city as a member of the PRS Talent Development Network and this feels like a fantastic opportunity to cultivate all of that into one amazing day!” he said.
The free event is open to anyone aged 16 and over, with tickets available online.
A to B forms part of a wider programme of activity surrounding the Music Cities Network Summer Summit (June 18-20), which will see Sunderland become the first UK city to host the international gathering of music leaders and industry professionals.
The three-day event - which will be rounded off in fine fashion with An Evening with The Futureheads at The Fire Station, marks the culmination of Sunderland’s Year of Music, a 12-month celebration of the city’s rich musical heritage and contemporary scene.