Parod am Gig Y Barri

The project aims to help young performers develop the skills needed to turn their musical interests into viable creative careers, while also showcasing the strong musical talent emerging from the local area. Eight local music acts were selected to be supported through this project. Launched with a showcase event at the Masonic Hall, the group of musicians will receive bespoke training and have the opportunity to record tracks in a professional recording studio. In May they will have another opportunity to perform as part of the GlastonBARRY Fringe Festival.

Launch Event – 11 January, Masonic Hall, Barry

The project launched with a live showcase featuring eight young acts (11 participants in total). The performances demonstrated a wide diversity of musical styles, including musical theatre, thrash metal, pop, rock, Motown and soul. The event attracted an audience of approximately 100 people, including several established local promoters currently active within the Barry music scene. Each act performed two songs and received tailored feedback from an expert panel made up of radio presenters, festival organisers, promoters and international producers with connections to well-known artists such as Emeli Sandé, The Temper Trap and Paul Simon. The Vale of Glamorgan Council communications team filmed the event and interviewed the young musicians for a documentary following their development throughout the project. Following the Showcase event the acts had the opportunity to participate in a training programme.

Workshop Programme

Business & Industry Skills Workshop – 7 March. A focused classroom-based day covering:

• How to promote yourself as a musician
• Getting music onto streaming services
• Approaching promoters, festivals and radio stations
• Creating an Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
• Marketing and self-branding
• Invoicing, bookkeeping and understanding music as a business

Live Sound & Performance Workshop – 31 March. A hands-on session including:

• Setting up PA systems
• Understanding microphones, mixers and speakers
• Wiring, signal flow, EQ and feedback control
• Performance techniques and audience engagement

April – Promotional Video Production

Throughout April, each act will film a professionally produced promotional video, giving them high quality media to support gig applications, promotion and online presence.

Final Showcase – 2 May, Eastern Shelter, Barry Island

The project will culminate in a showcase event as part of the GlastonBARRY Fringe Festival under the banner – SUMMER NIGHTS. Seven acts will perform and there will also be a screening of the documentary created during the programme.