Interview: DMF talks to bh one

Anyone browsing the internet recently with an interest in the local music scene, will undoubtedly have noticed the Dorset Music Forum (DMF) making themselves known. An organisation set up by Chris Jenkins, Suzy Wheeler, Richard Stannard and Trevor Hill, they have been attempting to get their message across, letting bands, venues, promoters, and anyone with an interest in music and the arts know what they have to offer. We thought we'd help, so we sent them across a few questions, which Suzy has been kind enough to answer...

bh one: Good day Dorset Music Forum. Keeping busy?

DMF: Yes, very busy times. Considering we only launched last month we are progressing really well thanks to support from family and friends. So far we have created the website, nearly completed refurbishing the office, hosted a press conference and competition for Pete Doherty, organised and started the launch events for DMF and so much more. Busy yet exciting times!!!!

bh one: Before we get into a little more nitty gritty, can you sum up the reason for DMF’s existence?

DMF: The main objective is to support and develop Dorset’s music scene. With such amazing talent and the need to encourage the arts, DMF is passionate about influencing training, networking and creating recognition.

bh one: What has been the biggest struggle, or obstacle to getting the DMF up and running?

DMF: It’s easier to say what have been the most simple contributions and that is the commitment and experience from the four directors. The hardest I guess has been finding sponsors, yet now that businesses are becoming more aware of DMF and the effect it is having on various networks, we are receiving some great interest from companies wanting to support the music community.

bh one: The recent Pete Doherty appearance at The Opera House was quite an impressive start…

DMF: It was so last minute but we sprang into action. Such a fantastic project, offering up and coming talent the chance to support Pete and play at the stunning Opera House. This is exactly what DMF is all about. Plus Pete was impressed with our ethics so much so that he returned to judge the competition.The whole schedule of events helped introduce DMF to artists, media and many businesses. It also helped put Boscombe more on the map, which is another of DMF’s objectives.

bh one: The fact that the line-up of support acts for that gig was largely made up of local musicians was one of, if not the most positive aspects of that event. Will you be putting on similar events with high profile artists, and offering support slots to local bands?

DMF: Absolutely!!! With artists like Pete Doherty we are slightly restricted by the promoter, LIVE NATION ok’d us to run a similar competition for the Donavon Frankenreiter gig. More recently, local unsigned rapper ZUBY was the support act to Radio 1 star Wiley. These are just some of the many great opportunities that the Dorset Music Forum has arranged. DMF are also running a series of gigs for unsigned talent called Future Heroes, where a touring band headline with various support artists all to be staged at the Opera House.

bh one: No doubt Chris Jenkins will have a rather large and impressive list of contacts after his time as Events Manager at the BIC…

DMF: Chris’s time at the BIC certainly introduced him to some of the world’s leading artists and promoters. Again, this gives DMF such a fantastic opportunity to encourage signed and experienced people from the music industry to get involved from the roots up. Another one of our projects is called Insights, as like Sun, Sea and Sound we will be inviting top industry gurus to give seminars in the Dorset Music Forum office based in Boscombe. Priceless advice!!!! We’ll be taking full advantage of Chris’s network and also working with mine, Richard and Trevor’s impressive experience of many years in music. It’s crucial we can use such a variety of experiences and contacts to make DMF work.

bh one: This venture is clearly taking up a huge amount of the organisers’ time. You are offering a service, and no doubt working hard to achieve your aims. Can you explain the not-for-profit aspect of the DMF.

DMF: A not-for-profit business means that the directors do not take any profit as a salary. All costs are covered and any profit is put back into the company. This enables the organisation to grow and fund new features, which will enable the artists it serves to better utilise DMF’s services. Any profits made are used for the benefit of the people who come to DMF for help or advice.

bh one: Your new office in Boscombe is clearly more than just the usual desks, chairs and filing cabinets. Can you explain what else will be happening there, and be available for bands, promoters and venues.

DMF: The DMF Office will be our base and everyone is welcome to visit. Many events will be taking place there such as the Insights seminars, networking opportunities, possible jamming area, meetings and much more. There will be a box office at the front so visitors can purchase tickets for many venues on the south coast. It will also provide a platform for local up and coming artists to showcase their work, plus this space will be used by us to work from.

bh one: Is the office open yet? If not, when?

DMF: It will be open very soon!!!! I cannot commit to a date. Trevor Hill has been project manager and so many people have given their time to help, which we are very thankful for. We are aiming to officially open this month.

bh one: Are there any events or seminars planned there before the end of the year?

DMF: The first Insights seminar will be this month, alongside launch events that we will host. The best way to keep updated is log on to the DMF website or the DMF Facebook page.

bh one: Looking at your website you have set out five objectives, the ultimate aim of these is clearly to assist individuals and groups involved in the music business. In what way can you assist musicians, promoters and venues in the local area? Start with bands and musicians…

DMF: We are here to help with any queries. This could be from help with finding music venues, advice with recording, introductions to sponsors and so much more. Any question is welcome and with our experience of being in bands, dealing with press and a whole colourful history within the industry, if we cannot help then we will find a good contact that can.

bh one: How about promoters and event organisers?

DMF: Also being promoters ourselves, we hope to help. This could be from introducing venues that need promoters to event organisers that need reliable suppliers. There are such brilliant events and talent on the local scene that DMF is here to act as a support with any area of expertise, which could be from gaining press coverage to finding the right artist.

bh one: And venues and other local businesses?

DMF: DMF is already working with a selection of venues and are keen to help more. Guidance could be related to encouraging ticket sales, help with websites, introductions to promoters and assistance with events, for example. Many businesses are keen to get involved with the music scene and not sure how. DMF can suggest ways to sponsor, supply, promote and so much more.

bh one: The website itself has many other features. What else does the DMF offer online?

DMF: The DMF website is our focal communication tool, though you can also keep in touch via Facebook, Bebo and MySpace.

bh one: And it offers bands and promoters the facility to upload their own gigs to the events page…

DMF: Absolutely. It is up to the artist, venue, promoter and anyone who would like their event brought to the public’s attention.

bh one: The website emphasises the importance of networking to businesses, promoters etc. How can the DMF help with this and is it a simple case of people mailing you, or coming in to the office and asking you for help?

DMF: Either. We can be contacted in so many ways to ensure communication is simple and effective (see below). DMF itself will be organising networking events and encouraging people from the industry and local artists etc to attend and meet each other. Furthermore, we will be encouraging the network groups, such as Dorset Junior Chambers (DJC) to work together.

Phone: 07866489585
Email: info@dorsetmusic.com
Address: Dorset Music Forum
576 Christchurch Road,
Boscombe,
Bournemouth,
BH1 4BH
Website: www.dorsetmusic.com

bh one: Are there any particular artists, promoters or venues you are assisting? If so, how do you choose them?

DMF: We are here to help everyone. Various people may need different forms of support, so hopefully we will be able to help everyone at some point.

bh one: You’re obviously aware of the huge amount of venues, promoters and particularly bands in the Dorset area. Is it initially a case of ‘suck it and see’ with some of the things you’re doing, and may you eventually need a bigger office!?

DMF: That sounds like an objective!!! You are right, there is a vast amount of people and business on the music scene in Dorset. We have a mapping project ahead to ensure we can reach everyone in Dorset. To expand would be fantastic.

bh one: If you could give one message to anyone reading this in relation to DMF what would it be?

DMF: Get in touch and get to know us. Networking is so important to develop and that goes for all industries.

bh one: We wish you lots of luck and success…

DMF: Thank you bh one. You are an important asset to the music scene and it is a pleasure working with you.

Tony Foster