THE PROBLEM:
There was a time when being an aspiring musician involved a 'cloak and dagger' relationship with the employment services. As Alan Hull of Lindisfarne put it so succinctly in his Tyneside anthem 'Fog On The Tyne', attempting to establish yourself as a singer/songwriter and aiming for international fame whilst making yourself available for regular employment at your local labour exchange (as it was known then) could be a depressing business. Alan's lyrics were autobiographical. He had been told that he must not earn money from his music whilst he was officially unemployed. Alan took the plunge, signed off the dole and the musical career of one of the North East's most successful musicians took-off.

A FEW FACTS:

• British music is the fifth largest industry in the UK.
• Tens of thousands of people earn their living directly or indirectly from music.
• It is not necessary to be a household name to have a successful career in music.

THE THEORY:
In August 1999, the Employment Service launched a New Deal programme for musicians called New Deal for musicians. Developed in conjunction with the music industry and with guidance available from music business professionals, it gives aspiring unemployed performers and music creators aged between 18 to 24 years, the opportunity to develop a career in music without losing their Benefits.

Such has been the success of this initiative, that from April 2nd 2001, the support has been extended to include those aged over 25 and who are eligible for the New Deal programme.

You may be a fantastic singer, composer, DJ or performer, but how do you bring your talents to the eyes and ears of the Music Business? New Deal for musicians aims to give those with the ambition to make a living from music, the opportunity to succeed.

THE COMPANY:
North East based MBR Promotions and InBiz Ltd. teamed up to offer unparalleled regionwide support for those wishing to make music their career.

MBR Promotions has specialised in business support for the music industry for near 10 years running training initiatives across the UK. InBiz were already actively supporting New Deal people who wished to set up in their own business. Between them they pooled their experiences and resources to form MIDI, the Music Industry Development Initiative.

They now delivery a major part of the support available to unemployed New Deal musicians across the North East.

THE PRACTICE:
Through MIDI, every New Deal musician can meet regularly with a MIC (Music Industry Consultant) for guidance and music business advice. Acting as a mentor, each MIC can help New Deal musicians develop such aspects as tapping into 'live' music circuits, developing promotional ideas or releasing their own record, etc.

MIDI's team of MICs have been recruited from the regional Music Industry and between them have expertise in Rock, Pop, Dance, Classical, Folk, Roots etc.

New Deal musicians aged 18-24 years, can also get support from a MOLP (Music Open Learning Provider) to help them learn about aspects like how to develop their performance skills, write and compose music or better understand music technology. The MOLPs also offer facilities to record music demos. In the North East region there are four MOLPs located in South Shields, Darlington, Clara Vale (near Prudhoe) and Newcastle upon Tyne (this "Open Learning" support will not be available for those aged 25 plus).

As being a musician is very much a self-employment occupation (only the forces and some orchestras actual employ musicians), all New Deal musicians can also take advantage of the New Deal support to become self-employed. This Option allows them to "test trade" their music for up to six months without loosing their Benefits.

Although every assistance is available, the onus is on the New Deal musician to maximise their potential and make full use of the practical help available to establish themselves in the Music Industry.

To emphasise the need for effective networking, MIDI also promote regular 'MusicNet' events at key venues on the live music circuit. Each event offers an opportunity for New Deal musicians to meet each other and the local music business community alike. A number of them also get to perform live, with many doing so for the very first time.

THE EVIDENCE:
During the last twenty five years the North East has produced many fine composers, singers and performers. Alan Hull, Sting, Kathryn Tickell, Mark Knopfler , Paul Rodgers, Dave Stewart , Bryan Ferry, Neil Tennant and Hank Marvin have all achieved international success. Sneaker Pimps (Hartlepool), Lighthouse Family (Newcastle) and Kathryn Williams (Newcastle) look set to follow.

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Although not household names, all of the following have also made music their career.

Trevor Horn
Bass player from County Durham, now record producer for Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Seal , Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, Simple Minds, etc.

Mal Craggs
Hartlepool born guitarist. Now tour manager for Phil Collins, Pink Floyd , Genesis, etc.

Joy Askew
Vocalist and keyboard player from Wallsend. Member of Joe Jackson, Laurie Anderson and Peter Gabriel bands, currently recording and playing solo; based in New York City.

Alan Rogan
Bass player fromTyneside. Now guitar technician for Pete Townshend, Angus Young, George Harrison, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton etc.

Don Airey
From Sunderland, keyboard player/arranger for: Gary Moore, Ozzy Osbourne, Richie Blackmore's Rainbow, Colin Blunstone, Whitesnake etc.

Tony Wadsworth
Guitarist with Tyneside's Archie Brown's Young Bucks : President of the Parlophone record label, Chairman of the Brits Committee 2001.

Claire Hamill
From Port Clarence, Teesside, who signed to Island Records at the age of 16. Second album was produced by Ray Davies of The Kinks. Discovered and managed by John McCoy - now owner of The Purple Onion, Middlesbrough - himself, ex- Tramline (who were also signed to Island ). John also went on to manage Tom Robinson (Guisborough) and Chris Rea. Claire is now signed to Voiceprint Records, a Houghton le Spring based label

Mike Heatley
Ex -Peterlee, currently Vice President, Strategic Marketing & Catalogue Development, EMI (UK).

Andy Taylor
From Durham, co-manager, Iron Maiden ( who also include guitarist Janick Gers, from Hartlepool ); he is also Chairman of The Sanctuary Music Group, an international company with interests in music catalogue, publishing and merchandising.

ALSO: Bruce Thomas, bass player ( Elvis Costello & The Attractions ) - from Stockton; John Porter, guitarist / producer ( Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, B.B.King & Eric Clapton ); Eddie Jobson, keyboards / violin ( Roxy Music, Jethro Tull, Frank Zappa) - from Billingham - as is Steve Gray, keyboard player/arranger with John Williams' SKY.

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THE FUTURE:
With over 280 New Deal musicians having already come through the programme in the North East alone, we already have some positive results from the first crop of New Deal musicians. They include:

Paul Brydon and David Kirkley who met through New Deal for musicians and now have gigs booked 6 months in advance for their band Carma at pubs and clubs across the region; Josephine Montgomery, violinist with BBC Philharmonic, Northern Sinfonia and also self manages her own string quartet; Laura Reid, cellist with Mercury Music Prize nominee Kathryn Williams; Ziad Jabero whose band the Baghdaddies have performed across the UK and in Europe; and Darren Lake whose band Amara recently toured with Snakepit led by the ex Guns n Roses guitarist Slash.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
If you are currently unemployed and would like to know more about the New Deal for musicians then contact either:

MIDI on 0191 - 22 11 666
or follow the New Deal for musicians link @ MBR Online

The New Deal information line on 0845 - 606 2626
or visit the website @ www.thesite.org