Last weekend I braved the troops of Manchester United
fans and took two trains to the great city of Manchester. Dodging umbrellas,
literally, that came flying down the street myself and my mum (the greatest +1)
arrived at the Palace Hotel.
A couple of weeks ago, I was absolutely
thrilled to have been told that I’d been shortlisted for the Wilko Johnson
Young Writers Award. Thinking nothing of it, I’d sent in my 350 words entitled
““The Best Things in Life Are Free”: Downloads,
Streaming, You Tube and Mags – We all like a ‘freebie’ but what does this
really mean for the music industry?”
Never did I expect to hear back from the lovely Jill Adams,
explaining that I’d earned third place. So off I went to The Palace to attend
Louder Than Words festival and receive my award.
Here, I’d like to take another opportunity to truly thank my
university, Birmingham City – School of Media, for the constant support. From
the financial backing, to the constant encouragement and kind words – as well
as teaching me the substance to write!
Arriving at the festival, myself and my mum; a NHS nurse who
believes everything in media to be glam and exciting, headed towards the first
discussion of our day. John Robb, a massive inspiration of mine, was in
conversation with Russell Senior. As in the guy who plays guitar for Pulp. As in
the guy who was a massive part of COMMON PEOPLE.
Giving an insight into his life in a band of ‘misfits’,
Russell joked about hipsters and backstage rock antics. Though also provided an
incredible perspective of the effects of fame, where do you actually feel you
can’t get any better? Is number 2 worse than not charting at all? What happens
after Glastonbury? When does it stop?
Following was a talk of music journalism adapting to the
digital age. The panel was chaired by The Independent journalist Fiona Sturges.
Joined by Music Journalism programme leader at Chester University, Simon
Morrison; biographer and journalist Mark Blake; author and journalist Richard
Balls; radio presenter and Silent Radio editor Simon Poole; and journalist,
critic and freelance broadcaster Anita Sethi. So clearly a powerful panel.
Discussing
the pros and cons of the digital age, the panel offered insightful and creative
viewpoints based from their own experiences. It was particularly interesting to
hear the journalists offer advice, is it best to create a brand? How can you
prove in a sea of bloggers that your voice is one of authority? Perhaps most
importantly: always keep the audio for your interviews!
Honestly sharing their pasts and how their jobs have changed gave a realistic peep hole into the industry that I'm so passionate to get into.
This led us nicely to the evening, and on this the less
information the better…my head...
Fresh the next morning after having breakfast with members of
The Who sat around us (eeep), it was time for some slam poetry. The festival
partners Wordsmith promised a ‘rhythmic riot’ and delivered. Brilliantly
presented, emotively passionate and tinged with humour, the young people of
Young Identity wore their hearts on their sleeves in limitless expression.
Followed by A Firm of Poets, a fast paced and energetic show
of four poets taking their turn to cross the line. The chemistry was
unstoppable, and the atmosphere buzzing. From cous cous at Waitrose to
prostitution, there were no boundaries.
Then it was time for the Wilko Johnson Award. Host, Jill
Adams, greeted friends, family, lecturers and explained the level of entrants
was phenomenal. Providing background on the award, she spoke about Wilko
Johnson as a teacher and an artist. Meeting winner James Musker and second
place Ella Scott, was an absolute honour and their talent is truly to be
recognised. I wish them all the best! The award was supported by Bloomsbury
Press and Rock’s Backpages, who kindly presented all three of us with special
edition books as part of the prize.
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| Photo credit: Louder Than Words |
All in all, Louder Than Words festival was an amazing
weekend. I met incredible people, was educated in numerous ways, and had the
best fun. Thanks to all those involved! Until next year…
Read more here!
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