University of Salford x LowFour Studio announce new music conference 'Soundcheck'

The hybrid event will feature both in-person and online discussions on the vibrancy and future of Greater Manchester’s world-renowned music scene. Particular focus will be given to the city’s recording and live economies as well as an in-depth analysis of the available commercial, charitable and governmental support schemes available to artists.

Launching in April 2024, Soundcheck will be hosted between the University’s Peel Park campus and Low Four Studio on Deansgate Mews in Manchester.

Soundcheck will also seek to generate new research projects for staff and students in the University’s School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology and attendees will be able to get involved in workshops, training and contribute towards the research output conversations. 

Daniel Parrott, Co-Director of Low Four Studio and Programme Leader of Music Management and Creative Enterprise said: “We are delighted to be bringing a new, innovative music conference into the heart of Greater Manchester”. 

“Soundcheck will be an event that appeals to all music fans, musicians and those who work in the city’s pioneering music scene by bringing some of the leaders from across the sector to discuss ways in which we can keep this region at the forefront of the UK music scene for a long time to come. 

Dr Brendan Williams, Co-Director of Low Four Studios and Reader in Music Technology at the University of Salford said: “This conference will focus on the challenges faced by artists, managers, promoters and technologist alike. Beyond our local situation, Soundcheck will aim to bring the brightest minds in the industry to contribute to a national conversation."

The conference will be informed by a series of informative and entertaining pilot discussions recorded last year, featuring a number of prominent figures in the region’s music industry.

Funded by the University and UK Research and Innovation, the four filmed panels are now available to watch online and feature contributions from the likes of YES, Porij, KSR, Dave Haslam, The Albert Hall, The Stoller Hall, United We Stream, Reform Radio, Manchester Collective.

These panels included discussions on how the area’s music venues responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, whether Manchester can still claim to be a world-class music destination and the future of live-streaming music performances. The hosts for the panels included Alan Williams, Professor of Collaborative Composition at the University of Salford, Jay Taylor from the Music Venue Trust, musician and broadcaster Jenna G and Sarie Mairs Slee from the Northern Place and Culture Partnership. 

More details on the line-up and programme for the 2024 event will be revealed later this year. 

Watch all four filmed pilot discussions below.