Getting serious about the business of music? Want to know about copyright? Registering a business? How to set up a label? Need advice about publishing? How to build your profile? What to put in a press release?

Following on from the success and popularity of our exclusive music speed dating session in 2003, we are pleased to announce a second speed date event, this time for urban music entrepreneurs at the Prince's Trust Urban Festival. Taking place at Earls Court on May 8 & 9, 2004, MusicTank is to give you a one-off opportunity to have a 15 minute 1:1 with an expert from the recording industry, artist management, publishing, PR & marketing or legal.

The sessions are aimed at small urban businesses, entrepreneurs and artists going it alone. There's nothing like this in the urban calendar so places will go fast. Click here to apply for a speed date session, only after having read the important notes below.

Important Notes

MusicTank is presenting the opportunity for urban music business entrepreneurs and business-minded urban artists working in East London to access music business advice at a unique music business speed dating session, May 8/9 2004, at Earls Court.

Part of the Prince's Trust Urban Music weekend, this will enable qualifying candidates the opportunity to have a private 1:1 business session with an expert in marketing & PR, label management, music publishing, artist management and legal/busines affairs.

The purpose is to give practical music business advice to assist entrepreneurs and artists working in urban music genres.

1) Eligibility

a. Applications are invited from anyone working in urban music. Typical applicants may include managers, labels, publishers, promoters, broadcasters, press & pr & booking agents; or artists, DJs, MCs.

b. Due to funding requirements applications will only be accepted from businesses, entrepreneurs or artists based in the following London Boroughs:

Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Bexley Islington, Camden Lewisham, City Newham, Greenwich Redbridge, Hackney and Tower Hamlets

We hope to gain funding to offer this activity to a wider region in the future, in the meantime a summary of the advice given will be available to read at www.musictank.co.uk/urban_feat.htm

2) Application

a. Those wishing to be considered must first complete the relevant application form found below, taking care to select, in order of preference, their chosen Speed Dates.

b. All sections must be completed.

c. All information gathered will be held in strictest confidence. Certain information gathered may be used purely and solely for the purpose of monitoring the effectiveness and demographic reach of participants. Under no circumstances will personal contact details be given.

d. Please be clear that the 1:1 advice available is for music business advice and queries. There will therefore not be an opportunity listen to or play music for purposes of review or critique.

e. MusicTank will endeavour to match applicants with their preferred choice of speed date. However, this may not be possible if certain experts are oversubscribed. You will be contacted should this situation arise.

f. Allocation of time slots will be given strictly on a first come, first served basis.

3) The Event

a. Successful applicants will be timetabled into the Speed Dating event, and given a specific 15-minute timeslot.

b. From the point of acceptance of this allocated time slot by the applicant:

1. A non-returnable (£10) fee shall be payable in advance of the event to guarantee the slot. This fee will provide 1 day's access to the entire Urban Music Event, including all performances, at Earls Court - normal cost £22.50.
2. Booking and payment details will follow, but payment must be received no later than 10 days prior to the event
3. The participant is committed to attend.
4. For the smooth running of the event, it is absolutely essential that time slots are adhered-to. Late arrivals will miss their slots.
5. Further advice and information about how to get the best out of your speed date will be given on confirmation of acceptance.

c. In order to measure the effectiveness of the event and quality of advice given, participants will be required to complete an evaluation form following their speed date.

Click here to read more about the Prince's Trust.