Modal’s annual convention was recently held in Nottingham and featured a diverse live showcase programme of nearly 30 artists representing almost every conceivable music genre imaginable except for rock, pop, and classical, writes Mark Ringwood.
Supported by the Performing Right Society Foundation, you’d think this would be a huge magnet for venue programmers – a one-stop shopping opportunity to see and book new and exciting talent. Sadly you’d be wrong. Let’s face it, most venue programmers are content to book the same artists year after year, which is a great pity because year after year the showcase element of modal has produced a staggering array of artists who have gone on to greater things. The key players were there though – the major agents, major venues, major organisations, major festivals and prominent cultural attachés.
This year’s shortlist of showcase artists was whittled down to 26 from well over 400 applications, and therein lies a story. There were a number of applicants who had clearly thought about the presentation of their application, but the vast number simply had not. Wake up artists! You’re living in the real world so whether you’re sending someone a showcase application or trying to solicit a booking, your communication has to represent you in the best possible light. So why send in a scrappy handwritten biography accompanied by a CD which has no contact details on it?
As for all showcases, stage management and presentation is vital. We were fortunate in having the services of Kit Bailey (Brass Tacks) and Ian Smith (Frusion), who have considerable international experience, and ensured that sound and backline requirements were not overlooked. Three separate showcase stages ran simultaneously on Friday and Saturday evenings for delegates and the general public to enjoy.
Despite the poor turnout of programmers, this year’s artists did score successes. According to their agents, Active Events, Dochas secured at least seven bookings. Hungarian bands Besh O’Drom and Romano Drom secured the services of a UK agent who is compiling a tour for both artists next year, and there are other success stories trickling through.
One of the major spin-offs for artists showcasing at modal is that, whether or not they are successful at securing bookings, they are able to gain valuable experience by mixing with industry professionals. There are opportunities for networking, attending seminars, breakouts and surgeries, and generally being able to cut through a lot of the mystery in a very painless way. The sectors which modal represents are very disparate for most of the year, but under the modal umbrella they come together under the same roof and this in itself is vital for their future.
Mark Ringwood is Director of modal.
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