News August 9, 2018

FastForward announces second round of speakers for London meet

Staff Writer

The far-sighted FastForward conference – which made its debut in Sydney this year – has announced its second round of speakers for its London event.

They represent companies and evens as Warner Chappell, Lewis Silkin, Abbey Road Studios, ATC Live, War Child and Kilimanjaro Live joining the likes of Sony Music, Global Radio, AWAL, Ferocious Talent and Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

They include from Australia, Jess Beston of Tiny Monster and Vanessa Picken of Comes with Fries.

The event is, organisers say, “a diverse as possible a conference in terms of representing gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation.”

Last year’s sell-out European events attracted executives from all over the world including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Holland, Italy, Japan, Nigeria, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the US.

The one day conference’s London meet (the three-year-old event also held in Amsterdam) is at the British Library on Friday, September 28.

Chris Carey, CEO of Media Insight Consulting and founder of FastForward, said, “We are hugely excited to return to London this year.

“Whether you’re an artist looking to bring together a team to release your record, an executive at a record label or a promoter, FastForward is the perfect platform to meet and learn from the most progressive thinkers in our industry.

“We’re proud to bring together a brilliant network of music lovers who are delivering relevant and practical insights to foster a more effective and future proofed music industry.”

Sessions include the art of songwriting, how to sell out shows, the future of music and technology, the relationship between data and A&R, video strategy and radio, and a fascinating insight into how music can affect real-time positive change in tackling poverty and international violence.

Eric Mackay, EVP of digital strategy at Warner Chappell, presents a keynote on the challenges facing songwriters in the digital age.

War Child’s head of music and entertainment, Rich Clarke, explores how music can directly impact serious political and social conversations in the world, notably in Syria, Palestine and Africa.

The full lineup of the second round is:

Bronya Francis UK Product Manager, Warp Records

Charlotte de Burgh-Holder senior sales & marketing analyst, Sony Music

Chris Carey CEO, Media Insight Consulting/founder, FastForward

Cliff Fluet partner, Lewis Silkin

Eric Mackay EVP digital strategy, Warner/Chappell

David Weiszfeld CEO, Soundcharts (France)

Emily Scoggins marketing consultant, Ex-head of marketing at The O2

Felix Canetty-Clarke research A&R and analytics manager at Sony/ATV Music Publishing

Hashim Riaz junior programme manager, Abbey Road Red

Holly Madge drummer/percussionist & owner, Sailaway Dress Co.

Holly Manners A&R, Warner Bros