Sony Music & Atlantic Records A&R men visit Point Blank

This week saw some fascinating visitors from the music industry take part in a special seminar here at Point Blank.

Students flocked to Point Blank’s Hoxton studios to hear guest speakers from the world of A&R and management speak about what makes a great demo, how artists are signed and the importance of lawyers and management to developing bands and artists.

 

The specially invited panel was comprised of Joel D’eath of Atlantic Records who was responsible for signing The Darkness; Flash Taylor of Sony Music Publishing, responsible for signing a number of acts including Razorlight and Johnny Paul who manages a host of up and coming bands.

 

Students from Point Blank’s Music Production courses were invited to ask questions and get the insider info on how to get ahead in the industry. “It was a little daunting at first, having all eyes on us” commented Taylor, “but the students were all very hungry for information and interested in what we had to say. It was great to meet so many aspiring songwriters and producers and I look forward to receiving some of their tracks”. Both Flash and Joel were happy to pass on their email addresses and encouraged students to stay in touch.

 

The seminar was a great success and others are planned for later in the year with guests from other areas of the music business. “The response from the students was really positive,” said Point Blank founder Rob Cowan. “We take a real interest in advancing the careers of our students and these seminars are part of that process. All of our courses are taught by pro producers and songwriters, but it’s great that the students had the opportunity to gain insight into other areas of the industry and more importantly, to present their work to influential people from a major record label and publishing company.”

L to R: Flash Taylor, Johnny Paul, Joel De'ath, Rob Cowan