Tamworth Festival Musicians' Headquarters Past HQs

Musos HQ 2007: Musos Mecca!

Tamworth Festival’s Musician’s Headquarters 2007 attracted a hugely successful contingent of Queensland exhibitors along with long-term visitors Cole Clark and Music Headquarters-Newcastle. Most notably, the northern invaders were: Guscott Electric Strings, Eucalyptus Banjos, Crossroad Guitars and Vintage Guitars. Musos HQ totally became the guitar and instruments headquarters of festival 2007.

David Guscott of Guscott Electric Strings, during an early morning media blitz, was able to entice Richard Wilkins to play one of his fantastic electric string creations. Richard was in town with Channel Nine’s Today Show from Sydney, and alerted all to his long hidden talent on the strings.

A highlight of the Musos HQ interaction was the Louie Shelton Vintage Guitars Workshop on Friday 26^th during the Music Know How-How How it Works music industry info’ Day.

The Louie Shelton partnership with 2002 Frankston Guitar Festival Fingerpickin’ champion Adam Miller was magical and one of the high points, during the festival.

Being a casual drop in center for musos and music industry, the Headquarters saw many impromptu creative musical moments. Another one would have to be the pairing of thirteen year old acoustic guitar whiz Brian Brown with Smokin’ Joe Robinson as well as their jamming with Gypsy Jazz specialist Ewan McKenzie from Brisbane.

The Cole Clark Celebrity Playoff’s involved a whole range of celebrities including International Lloyd Spiegel, Telstra Road to Tamworth winner Morgan Evans, Adam Miller, People’s Choice Awards Future Star Cat Southern, Joe Robinson and others.

The Musos HQ seminars and workshops went off with the newly revamped Music Manager’s Forum attracting excellent numbers for their Friday and Saturday gigs. This was no doubt due to the substantial legwork and media activity of the co-ordinators. Well done Ron and Rosie!

Doug Lyons from Blue Tongue Harmonicas was involved for the first time and did well, considering his short three - day whirlwind visit. As always, the international didge expertise of Mark Atkins attracted players and would be players to his workshops.

Musician’s Headquarters 2007 extended itself further into the festival with events such as the Cole Clark Guitars Showcases, Country Music Challenge: Band Search, Louie Shelton/Vintage Guitars Showcase and Guitar Heroes: Long Live the Lead Break. More exhibitor based events are in the pipe line for Tamworth Country Music Festival 2008.

So that said, plans are already under way for Tamworth Festival Musician’s Headquarters 2008. Further details can be found on the website, www.musiciansheadquarters.com.au

To exhibitors and visitors alike, thank you for supporting Musos HQ in 2007.

Cheers, Jim Guider Co-ordinator P: 02 6766 9205

Tamworth 2007 has come and gone and most travellers would be well and truly home now and rested!

We had a great time at the Headquarters with many people through, good results reported by trade exhibitors and excellent attendance at seminars, workshops, etc.

Some of the extra-curricular activity we were involved in included...

The inaugural Country Music Challenge: Band Search

The first Country Music Challenge: Band Search was staged in the Goonoo Goonoo Room of the Longyard Hotel and has been described by organisers as a great success.

"Six bands lined up to present their best original material as well as entertain the substantial fan turnout for this first country music band friendly event," said Jim Guider speaking on behalf of the organisers.

Luke O’Shea and Medicine Wheel made a feature guest appearance during the night to launch the Challenge.

Bands competing were the Aaron Daniels Band, Chester Story & The First Glory, Cowpoke, Cyclone Jason & The Hurricanes, LoveBilly, Ruckus and Ten 13.

"Local band Standin' Still had to withdraw," Jim said, "because of the bass player’s ill health and he is wished a speedy recovery by all concerned, including all bands taking part in this event."

Bands competition veterans the Aaron Daniels Band came out the winners by a narrow margin and walked away with the cash plus prizes, including $1,500 cash courtesy of sponsor Toohey’s New and the Longyard, an Enrec Studio Demo Recording Package, Country Music Bulletin Printernet Package and Enhancement Profiles on the Musician’s Headquarters website.

"Second on a close margin was the hard-working band Ruckus who played up a storm," Jim said. Ruckus received $500 cash courtesy of Toohey’s New and the Longyard plus a Tapco mixer processor from Australian Audio Supplies.

"All sponsors are well satisfied with the outcome," Jim said, "and keen to be involved with Country Music Challenge: Band Search 2008 to be held at the Longyard again with a bigger and better prize package."

Long live the lead break

Rob Bostock won the inaugural Long Live The Lead Break – The Battle of the Axe competition staged at Tamworth's Locomotive Hotel during the Festival taking home a Cole Clark Stealth Mistress Guitar and winning a guest sport at Guitar Heroes 2007.

As runner-up, Smokin' Joe Robinson was awarded another guest spot on Guitar Heroes.

The competition featured, in addition to Rob and Joe, "the hottest guitarists in Australia" according to organisers including Phil Doublet, Darren Ebbels, Louie Shelton, Steve Flack, Gypsy Jazz Master Ewan McKenzie, Adam Miller, Kieran Murphy plus Young Guns' Bad Robot and Sumassault.

Musician’s Headquarters 2007 Update

Living up to its’ name as the Music Industry Meeting Place and Networking Centre, the Tamworth Festival Musician’s Headquarters 2007 is well placed to deliver a full program for the ten days of Tamworth Country Music Festival 2007.

Be it product, service or information for muso, music industry or the punter, the Musos HQ has it, either in the free public access Music Lifestyle Expo or within the Musos HQ Music Industry service area.

Exhibitors involved in the Musos HQ 2007 will showcase a wide range of products such as: Acoustic guitars, electric guitars, vintage guitars, basses, lapsteels, harmonicas, banjos, violins, sound and recording equipment and much more. Plus strings and accessories for that muso crisis moment when you need that essential replacement.

Information services delivered will revolve around the established well-regarded Music Know How- Know How it Works Music Industry information day Friday Jan. 26^th. Workshops and seminars commence earlier for Musos HQ 2007 with Deniese Morrison’s Stagecoach starting the ball rolling at 10AM Monday Jan. 22^nd. For the young performer, Stagecoach is a must to implement essential stagecraft and performance skills.

For the young and not so young musos, Steve Flack’s Guitar Heroes first multi -workshop also kicks off on the Monday at 2PM. Featuring Key Riffs for Lead and Slide Guitar delivered by Steve, the multi-workshop also includes Guitar Heroes drummer Mick O’Shea [Rose Tattoo] with Professional Drumming Tips and Techniques as well as bassist and Drum Media associate editor Michael Smith on Band Media.

The highly successful Cole Clark Guitars Celebrity Playoff, incorporating Happy Hour, is happening everyday from 5PM. Any Celebrity is likely to pop in and have a play, so this one is for both punters and music industry. Whack it in your festival diary.

Don’t miss ex-pat American Louie Shelton with The Riffs That Made Me Famous at midday Thursday January 25th. Louie is the session player responsible for timeless riffs in songs by Glen Campbell, Monkees, Dan Seals, Neil Diamond, Joe Cocker, Lionel Ritchie and numerous other artists. Louie launched successful band Noisework’s career and produces the Wolverines.

That’s just a sample of the Musos HQ 2007 program. However, the core original service is still available to artists and musos desiring to use the HQ as a central base for gear storage, tea and coffee access and general networking and chillout centre.

Particularly useful, if you are busking or doing venue gigs in the CBD. When you arrive in Tamworth, register at the Musos HQ and take advantage of what it has to offer.

The full Musician’s Headquarters program of exhibitors, seminars and workshops is listed on page – of the Bulletin and online at musiciansheadquarters.com.au and guitarheroes.com.au.

Enquiries: Jim Guider Phone 02 6766 9205 Mobile 0409 795 492

Program

Musician’s Headquarters Music Lifestyle Expo 2007

Friday Jan 19 - Sunday Jan 28.

Small Business Centre, Peel Street [Opposite Central Hotel]

Exhibitors

AON Insurance * Ashdown Bass * Aust. Country Music People’s Choice Awards * Aust. Music Assoc. *Aust. Music Radio Project * APRA * Ausmusic * Ashdown Guitars * Behringer *Blue Tongue Harmonicas * Chord Wizard * Cole Clark Guitars * Community Radio Network * Country Music Bulletin * Crafter Guitars *Crate Amps * Crossroad Guitars *Drayton’s Wines * Eucalyptus Banjos * Enforcer Drums * Epiphone * Gibson Guitars *G&L Guitars * Guscott Violins * HiWatt * JBL Audio * JTS Mikes * KV2 Audio* Lab Systems Liverpool Academy of Music * Legend Basses * Mackie *Martin Guitars * Musicforce: * Music Headquarters * Music Managers Forum * Phonic Audio * Powerbeat Drums * PPCA * Rivera Amps * Screen Sound * Shure Mikes * Stagecoach * Studio 19 * Vintage Guitars * Warrick Bass

Workshops/Clinics

Guitar Heroes Multi-Workshop. Key Riffs- Lead and Slide Guitar-Steve Flack. Prof.Drumming Tips and Techniques- Drummer Mick O’Shea [Rose Tattoo] Band Media- Bassist Michael Smith [Assoc.Editor Drum Media]

Mon. Jan. 22. Wed.Jan.24 Sat.Jan.28. All at 2pm.

Cole Clark Guitars Clinic and Celebrity Playoff. 5 pm every day.

Vintage Guitars-On site Eucalyptus Banjos-On site

Guscott Violins- On site

Martin Guitars - On site. Gibson Guitars- On Site.

Mackie Firewire-Studio Recording and Live Feeds- On Site

Didgeridoo- Beginners to Advanced-International Player Mark Atkins - TBA.

Seminars

Music Managers Forum-Artist Management-Questions and Answers.

Artist Manager’s Composite Panel. Midday Fri.Jan.26 and Midday Sat.Jan. 27.

Training

Stagecoach-Stagecraft/ Performance Skills Deniese Morrison Mon. Jan. 22 10am

Music Know How-Know How it Works-Music Industry Day
Friday Jan 26^th

Stagecoach:Stagecraft and Performance Skills- Deniese Morrison 1

Music Manager’s Forum: Composite Panel Midday Jan. 26^th.

3pm-Radio Airplay Artist Access: Traditional or Digital plus the role of AMRAP.

Paul Mason co-ordinator CRN John Slaven Community DJ

5pm-Vintage Guitars workshop with session player/producer Louie Shelton.

7pm-Blue Tongue Harmonicas workshop with Doug Lyons from Blues Preachers and Sydney Harmonica Festival. Enquiries - Doug Lyons

Tooheys New – Country Music Challenge : Battle of the Bands 2007

Toohey’s New presents the inaugural Country Music Challenge: Battle of the Bands Longyard Hotel Mon. Jan. 22^nd at 8 PM.

Due to demand from bands for such an event, bands are invited to showcase themselves in this exciting, inaugural bands competition with Toohey’s New as the Major Sponsor.

Toohey’s New in association with the Longyard Hotel’s Mr. Paul Wynn are highly enthused about the Country Music Challenge: Battle of the Bands, being staged at the Longyard for the first time. With $3,500-00 cash and prizes up for grabs, bands are urged to get their entries in quick, as spots are limited. This is a one night only extended showcase intended to highlight and expose your talent. A great opportunity for starter bands to get noticed and share the stage with a guest celebrity band.

Associate Sponsors Enrec Studios and Australian Audio Supplies have provided these fantastic prizes. For the winner, an Enrec Demo Recording Package and for the runner up, a Tapco Processor courtesy of Australian Audio Supplies.

Both bands receive Website Enhancement Profiles courtesy of Musician’s Headquarters and Guitar Heroes, on both sites for twelve months. Also, in the package is a Country Music Bulletin Artist Update Printernet Package for both bands.

Entry for bands is $20-00, with the opportunity to win this great mix of cash and prizes, as well as profiling your band.

The Country Music Challenge is open to main-stream country, country/rock and cross genre country bands.

To enter, come to reception at the Musician’s Headquarters Peel St. [Opposite the Central Hotel] during the festival.

Country Music Challenge: Battle of the Bands is co-ordinated by Musicforce: in association with Vee Promotions. Supporters include: Country Music Bulletin, Times Festival Guide, Aust’ Guitar Magazine, CRN Satellite, Music Headquarters and Guitar Heroes

Enquiries: P: 02 6766 9205 M: 0409 795 492 Info: here, guitarheroes.com.au countrymusicbulletin.com.au

Country Music Challenge is a ticketed event with tickets available at the venue, for just $12.

Guitar Heroes: Bush Blitz incorporating Long Live the Lead Break

During January 2007, Steve Flack’s Guitar Heroes are coming to a venue near you as part of the Jim Beam/Coca-Cola Guitar Heroes: Bush Blitz. Steve Flack’s Guitar Heroes are renowned for their showcases at prime Sydney venues such as The Basement, Brass Monkey, Vanguard, Empire Hotel and Melbourne’s Espy Hotel [Home of Rockwiz] as well as the Aust. Music Assoc. Convention, Gold Coast.

Guitarist Steve Flack with legendary career drummer Mick O’Shea [Rose Tattoo] and highly energised bass player Michael Smith [Scandal/Atlantics] are bringing the Guitar Heroes to Orange Ex-Servos[Fri.Jan.19] Pastoral Hotel Dubbo [Sat.Jan.20] and Tamworth’s Locomotive Hotel [ Wed.Jan.24 Thur. Jan. 25 Fri. Jan.26] .

Over the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the Guitar Heroes assault will shake the cobwebs out of country with their full on mix of highly electrified rock with a tinge of blues and country.

The Guitar Heroes: Long Live the Lead Break plan is to invite local Young Guns to share the stage at each major Bush venue. Young Gun Guitarists will be sourced from each Battle of the Bands winning band in Orange, Dubbo and Tamworth.

This is an exciting opportunity for emerging guitarists to play and network with seasoned players. Definitely! One to put on the bio for future reference.

From a Music Industry point of view, Steve, Mick and Michael are keen to share their musical expertise. Therefore, workshops will be conducted in each center, the day after the Guitar Heroes Showcase.

The workshop topics are:

Key Rock Riffs of Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix - Steve Flack.

As well as being head teacher and owner of the Liverpool Academy of Music in Sydney, Steve conducts these popular workshops at leading festivals. Steve has many former students playing in successful Sydney bands.

Professional Drumming Techniques - Mick O’Shea.

Mick conducts workshops in Australia and overseas, both singularly and as part of Rose Tattoo whilst on tour. Mick is a learning drummer’s dream.

Forming a Band and Band Media - Michael Smith.

Michael’s expertise is in both Music and Media. Michael is Associate-Editor of leading Sydney entertainment mag Drum Media as well as being a career player in Australia and overseas. Punk, Rock, Blues: Michael has done it all.

In the bush, the opportunity is rare to access learning from high profile career musician’s such as Steve, Mick and Michael, so don’t miss out book now.

Workshops are maximum two hours and costed to suit the young muso’s pocket.

Guitar Heroes:Bush Blitz is co-ordinated by Musicforce, in conjunction with Liverpool Academy of Music for your entertainment and learning pleasure.

Enquiries: P:02 6766 9205 M: 0409 795 492 Email jim@guitarheroes.com.au

www.guitarheroes.com.au

Jim Beam/Coca-Cola : Long Live the Lead Break

The climax of the Guitar Heroes: Bush Blitz tour through the Hunter Valley, Central West and North West NSW will be Long Live the Lead Break, the competition designed to attract the best guitarists to strut their stuff and put their best riff forward.

Jointly sponsored by Jim Beam and Coca-Cola, Guitar Heroes: Long Live the Lead Break will have heaps of promos and giveaways including lucky ticket prizes for lucky punters.

Erupting at the Tamworth Country Music Festival for the first time in the Engine Room of the Locomotive Hotel, the Jim Beam/Coca-Cola : Long Live the Lead Break is set to run for three big nights of the festival.

This celebration of the riff intends to pay homage to the gods of the lead break: Angus Young, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimmy Page, Duane Allman, Slash, Eddie Van Halen, Paul Kossof, Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Vai, George Harrison plus more.

Heat one takes place Wednesday Jan. 24^th

Heat Two Thursday Jan. 25^th with the

Huge final on the night of all days, the celebration of the nation Australia Day (Jan. 26^th).

So, come on Aussie Guitarists of all musical genres, get into Long Live the Lead Break at the Loco and get into the running to win a Cole Clark Stealth Mistress Guitar courtesy of Cole Clark Guitars and Music Headquarters Newcastle.

Steve Flack from Guitar Heroes has invited Special Guest Guitarists to show you how it’s done. These guests include: Melbourne Guitar Whiz and disciple of Tommy Emmanuel Kieran Murphy, Frankston Guitar Festival Finger pickin’ champion Adam Miller, session player/producer Louie Shelton- the man behind Monkees riffs as well as local Young Gun Guitarists from the Music Unleashed: Battle of the Bands 2006.

Entry is free for guitarists to take part. To enter, during the Tamworth CM Festival 2007, come to reception at the Musician’s Headquarters Peel St. [opposite the Central Hotel] grab an entry form and enter the competition.

Door tickets for Jim Beam/Coca-Cola Guitar : Long Live the Lead Break are $12-00. Tickets are available from reception@ Musician’s Headquarters and the venue on the night.

Further info: Guitar Heroes Mobile: 0409 795 492. Phone: 02 6766 9205

Music Headquarters on track for Tamworth '07

Organisation is well underway for the Tamworth Festival Musician’s Headquarters 2007 with enquiries coming in early from potential participants, according to Co-ordinator Jim Guider.

The Muso’s HQ will be happening again at the usual venue, the Small Business Centre, in Peel Street (Tamworth’s main central business district thoroughfare) opposite the Central Hotel.

“The Headquarters will featuring our usual renowned services for artists, musicians and music industry people in town for the Festival, Jim said, “with activities and facilities including seminars, workshops, musical equipment storage, rest and recreation room, information, networking and a general ‘chillout’ area.”

Muso’s HQ 2007 will also feature, once again, the free public access Music Lifestyle Expo. “Having endured the Melbourne invasion two festivals ago,” Jim said, “this time, we will be subject to the Queensland invasion!

“A Queensland contingent is gathering strength in numbers to bring an instrumental combination of banjos, guitars, violins and associated stringed instruments.

“The Queensland group will, possibly, meet the Melbourne crew head on as they are rumoured to be returning with Joe Yammouni at the head.”

Commencing on the first official day of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Friday January 19, the Muso’s HQ will run for 10 days until the last festival day, Sunday January 28.

Friday January 26 is dedicated as “Music Industry Day” with “Music Know How–Know How it Works” commencing at 11am.

The “Music Know How-Know How it Works” program is currently being compiled, Jim said, with the full program to run in the December edition of the Country Music Bulletin together with the full Muso’s HQ program and exhibitor listing featured in the special pre-Tamworth industry guide.

“An extension of the Musician’s Headquarters in 2007 will be performer based showcase events,” Jim said, “with details currently being finalised.

“These showcase events are being structured to profile endorsed players associated with key exhibitors at the Headquarters, and promise to be dynamic and entertaining for both fans and performers.

“The door is still open for more exhibitors to be involved in Muso’s HQ 2007, Jim said. “If you have a product or service you desire to promote and project, the Headquarters Music Lifestyle Expo is the perfect marketing launch pad at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.”

An overview of the Headquarters can be obtained by viewing the various pages on this website.

Jim is contactable by mobile on 0409 795 492 or by emailing jim@musiciansheadquarters.com.au.

Youth Music Unleashed @ Battle of the Bands Final 2007

Bands from the New England, Central West and North West NSW took part in the hugely successful Commonwealth Bank Battle of the Bands Music Unleashed at Dom's Room Family Hotel Tamworth Thursday Night June 22nd.

Staged by Musicforce, Music Unleashed comprised two sections, High School and Open, with bands playing four songs. Going all out for the mass prizes on offer in the High School section were: Hytide (Coonabarabran), Short Circuit (Wellington), 20/20 (Dubbo) and wild card entry Finite (Tamworth).

At at the end of the section, points allocation from the panel of three judges had hard edged act 20/20 ahead on points leadership followed by the acoustically and harmonically diverse Hytide.

The open section kicked off with the full-on, take-no-prisoners, crunch power of Bad Robot (Tamworth) then acoustic based Organix (Tamworth) followed by Wellington power trio Short Circuit with the highly energised Sumassault (Armidale/Tamworth) last act on.

The crowd loved Sumassault so much, the band played one more song for the people, as the points were added to decide the open section.

Many thanks to Regional Commonwealth Bank Manager Tom for his assistance in making sure all points achieved were mathematically correct.

All bands in this section scored substantial points from the judges with Sumassault coming out ahead followed by Organix.

Both High School and Open points leaders received Commonwealth Bank cash prizes, Fat Track Studio demo recording packages, Musicians' Headquarters website profile enhancement for 12 months and MusicForce PC based recording short courses.

Runners up in both sections scored support for their efforts from Phil Jack Music Headquarters Newcastle with Behringer Processor and Mike Packs.

All told, in total, approximately $8,000 worth of prizes came from sponsors keen to provide live performance opportunities for unexposed, original bands and support positive youth development.

A huge thank you to sponsors and supporters of MusicForce Battle of the Bands Music Unleashed, especially the courteous and professional crew from The Family Hotel and The Pub Management.

Enquiries: MusicForce Co-ordinator Mobile 0409 795 492 Email jim@musiciansheadquarters.com.au.

COMMONWEALTH BANK: BATTLE OF THE BANDS MUSIC UNLEASHED
Music Unleashed Heat Three Results

Five bands took part in a massive Music Unleashed Heat Three at Dom’s Room at The Family Hotel in Tamworth on Thursday night May 25.

Coming together for the Commonwealth Bank Battle of the Bands playoff from Tamworth, Gunnedah and Newcastle, the punters experienced a big night of fresh, diverse and original music.

Going head to head was, in the order of the night, Dearest Enemy, Black Velvet, Organix, Bad Robot and Big Machine.

The two bands that came out ahead on points with a chance for the final on June 22 were Organix and Bad Robot.

Heat Four takes place on June 8 at the same venue, with the bands being Valid, Summassault, Two Day Week and Short Circuit. With such a strong lineup, this is certain to be a big night.

Musicforce urges the punting public to get along to Dom’s Room and support this live music opportunity offered by a talented mix of bands. Doors open at 6, entry is free with the first band at 6.30.

The Commonwealth Bank Battle of the Bands Music Unleashed is a non-alcohol, non-smoking, under and over 18s event with an invitation for all ages to attend, including families.

Enquiries: Musicforce Co-ordinator mobile: 0407 795 492 Email jim@musiciansheadquarters.com.au.

Battle of the Bands Music Unleashed Heat One

April 27, 2006: Dom's Room, The Family Hotel, in Tamworth was the scene for the first heat of the Battle of the Bands Music Unleashed tonight.

For a first heat, there was a big turn out of punters and young musos from Tamworth and the region. The bands from the Central West bought their entourage and supporters for a big night of diverse music from "in your face" rock to the more ambient, percussion based worldly sounds.

Ahead on points on the night were Short Circuit (Wellington) and Hytide (Coonabarabran) followed closely by Finite (Tamworth).

The next heat is May 11 and will include bands from Armidale, Dubbo and Tamworth, so it is going to be a big night for bands and punters alike.

With high school back on track, MusicForce encourages and invites all high school band followers to get to Music Unleashed and support the bands. Music Unleashed is a non-smoking non-alcohol event and it is for you.

Enquiries: Musicforce Co-ordinator – mobile 0409 795 492 – email jim@musiciansheadquarters.com.au.

MusicForce: Battle of the Bands... Music Unleashed!

MusicForce: School of Rock-School of Country is inviting bands from the New England North West NSW region to compete in the 2006 Battle of the Bands - Music Unleashed.

Our objective is to tap into and showcase local, unsigned, original talent. MusicForce aims to introduce young musicians to the music industry, foster and promote their talent and provide an opportunity for them to experience performing in front of a live audience.

Music Unleashed is the perfect platform to hone their performance skills, inspiring bands to create further opportunities in the music industry.

The first mammoth heat of the battle will be held at Tamworth, Thursday April 27th 2006, the first of four fortnightly knockout heats happening at Dom's Room, Family Hotel, Bridge Street. The exciting final will take place in June, at the same venue.

MusicForce expects entries from a wide range of musical genres. All will be considered in the mix of young talent that will come forward following last year's Music UNLEASHED and the success of the winners, Ash Platter from Dubbo.

Ash Platter walked away with a swag of great prizes including an Ashton PA from Tamworth's Cheapa Music, a Demo Recording Package from Flash Sheedy's Angelwood Studios and substantial cash, courtesy of the Commonwealth Bank. Prizes for 2006 are currently being structured in conjunction with sponsors and supporters. As soon as details are taken care of, intending bands and performers will be informed, as well as the punters in the mainstream.

Battle of the Bands Music Unleashed will have two sections for bands to create more opportunities for entrants. Bands still attending High School will have a separate allocation of prizes as will bands in the open section... entrants having left high school.

MusicForce: School of Rock-School of Country invites you to get involved. Places are limited so send in your entries and secure your position now!

For an entry form, please call the MusicForce Co-ordinator on 02 6766 9205 or 0409 795 492... email jim@musiciansheadquarters.com.au or the MusicForce Coach/Trainer on 0408 554 375 email barker29@optusnet.com.au.

Tamworth Festival Musicians' Headquarters '06 success

Tamworth Festival Musicians’ Headquarters 2006 was again very successful with trade exhibits, seminars and workshops and the Music Know How-Know How it Works music industry information day.

Music Know How featured a strong lineup of speakers including Connie Kis Andersen on Voice Makeover and Tuneup-Protective Vocal Techniques, Jay Jaxson (Singer/Songwriter Workshop), Tim Daley (CMC: How to Make Your Video and Get it Played) and the launch of Musicforce: School of Rock-School of Country Music industry training concept.

The Music Managers’ Forum featured Buzz Bidstrup, Jeff Chandler, Joan Douglas and Sue Linsen and addressed a diverse group of interested individuals from startup artists to seasoned veterans.

“Feedback was all positive with attendees all wanting to have MMF back next time,” said Headquarters Convenor Jim Guider.

Workshops, both planned and spontaneous on trade sites included Martin Guitars, Cole Clark Guitars, Mark Atkins on didgeridoo and Steve Flack with his slide and dobro theme.

A popular addition was the daily Club HQ Cole Clark Guitars Celebrity Playoff. “The merging of ambient acoustic music and Draytons’ fine wines proved to be a pleasurable experience for musos’ and the punters,” Jim said.

Players involved included Jetty Road, 24 Strings, Mitchell Shadlow, Steve Gibson, James Blundell and “the not so shabby soon to be famous Mr.Adam Miller”.

Plans are already under way for Musicians’ Headquarters 2007 with new exhibitors expressing interest at being involved in the public access Music Lifestyle Expo.

“The Melbourne contingent that visited Tamworth Festival 2005 and made the Musos’ HQ their base are looking at coming back bigger and better than ever,” Jim said.

Also on the agenda, as an extension of the Headquarters, is a major guitar showcase featuring International and national acts.

“So the positives from 2006 were all good, with the focus now well and truly on Tamworth Country Music Festival 2007, to do it all over again.”

Demo Recording – on site at Musos HQ 2006

An innovative service being offered to music industry/musos and performers at Musicians' Headquarters 2006 is the opportunity to have a demo recording produced on site at the Headquarters opposite the Central Hotel in Peel Street.

A complete mobile service is being setup by Paul Kinney from Redwood Guitars to accommodate artists and performers requiring a quality demo during the festival for promotional or souvenir needs.

Paul operates a logic program with Avalon Pre-Amp, as well as utilising Apogee Converters and has at his disposal a range of quality studio guitars and effects.

The Musos' Headquarters is air conditioned for comfort and, naturally, night time recording is preferred but not essential.

Paul also offers other production skills such as video and DVD production which has seen him produce clips for artists who have been selected for Rage and other Music Channels.

Appointments are suggested to be arranged before the Tamworth Country Music Festival begins for ease of production operation.

Paul is available to discuss production needs and answer any questions on 02 6777 8172.

New service for Musos' HQ members...

Musos' HQ Internet Access... chill-out and send your emails in comfort at Tamworth Festival Musicians' Headquarters 2006...

All for a low fee per hour courtesy of the Musos' HQ and the Small Business Centre.

Details announced for Music Know How for Musos at Tamworth Musos HQ 2006

Music Know How-Know How it Works will be conducted on Friday January 27th at 11am...

At the Tamworth Festival Musicians' Headquarters, in the Small Business Centre, Peel Street, opposite the Central Hotel.

The first workshop delivery will be – Connie Kis Andersen with Voice Makeover and Tune-up Protective Vocal Techniques.

Connie teaches these techniques at TAFEWA and the University of WA. Endorsed by TAFEWA, UWA and the WA Music Industry Association, Connie's workshop is essential for any singer of any genre-from country to rock.

Following Connie at 1pm will be – Jim Beatson, ComRadSat, with an address on What the Music Industry needs to know about the Community Radio Network.

Next, at 2pm – The Musicforce: School of Rock-School of Country concept launch with an overview of its intended operation and focus on youth development. Musicforce: School of Rock-School of Country is a proposed Music Industry Training Skills concept for rural and urban NSW with modules provided by Ausmusic.

After this launch at 3pm is – International Singer/Songwriter Jay Jaxson with her popular Singer/Songwriter Workshop. Supported by APRA, Jay will share her songwriting expertise with workshop attendees. Jay's background in blues, rock and country has wide appeal and this is reflected in her songwriting.

Then at 6 – Tim Daley from Country Music Channel will present - How To Make Your Video And Get It Played... a must for artists considering their first video.

IN ADDITION, the following day (Saturday, January 28) – Music Manager's Forum on Artist Management. Presented by a professional managers' panel, this forum takes place from 12pm to 1pm – one not to be missed for artists mapping out their careers. See more below.

Also on Saturday, following the Music Managers' Forum presentation, at 1.15pm, Jim Beatson, ComRadSat, will present again his address on What the Music Industry needs to know about the Community Radio Network.

DEMO RECORDINGS

Workshops with Paul Kinney, Redwood Guitars, every day from 12noon to 1pm from Tuesday, January 24.

For Guitar Nuts...

Musos HQ 2006 has workshops galore. From Slide to Dobro with Steve Flack at 2pm Wed. Jan. 25 and Sat. Jan. 27. Martin, Gibson, Cole Clark and G&L will have workshops on site with experienced musos to answer any questions. Subject to commitments, international didge star Mark Atkins plans to conduct his popular Beginners to Advanced Workshops.

So it's all happening!!

Tamworth Festival Musicians' Headquarters 2006 is open Sunday 22nd to Saturday 27th January – seven big days.

You will find us in the Small Business Centre, opposite the Central Hotel in Peel Street.

Doors open 10am each day.

Further details? Call Jim on mobile 0409 795 492

MMF AUSTRALIA

PRESENTS MANAGEMENT PANEL AT

TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2006

The Music Managers Forum is proud to announce its continuing support for Tamworth and its managers, "and to celebrate we are putting on a forum".

Featuring: All you need to know to make your small time grazing act into a raging rodeo bull worthy of stadium audiences. From first beginnings of recording, promotion, budgets and touring as well as how to network, talk and deal with potential executives, this forum will feature more details relating to Country Acts than you can shake a stick at.

With speakers who have learnt their trade over many years, this class is a must for any manager out there who would like to gain that added advantage.

Date: 28th January 2006

Time: 12pm to 1pm.

Location: Musicians Headquarters 307 Peel St Tamworth NSW

Topic: Management – creating the right combination

Speakers include:

Graham ‘Buzz’ Bidstrup
Musician, songwriter, producer and artist manager. From 1976 to 1981, Buzz played drums with The Angels www.theoriginalangelsband.net and in 1984 he was a founding member of GANGgajang. www.ganggajang.com Buzz has produced over 40 albums for a wide variety of artists and began his management career with GANGgajang in 1984 and managed 14yr old Nathan Cavaleri in 1994 and Diana Anaid in 1997/1998. From 1999 to this day he has managed legendry entertainer Jimmy Little AO www.jimmylittle.com.au. Other current projects include rock band High Stakes www.highstakes.com.au and young Ballina band Brittle FEX www.brittlefex.com.

Joan Douglas
Manager, based between Tamworth and Sydney. Representing Felicity Urquhart, Aleyce Simmonds, The Baileys, Katrina Burgoyne and Aaron Bolton. Joan has developed young artists from talent quest to major record company contracts. Two artists are signed with another in negotiation. Her last two artists are just moving out of development in 2006.The Douglas family owns three hotels in Tamworth (Southgate Inn, The Pub, Family Hotel), which become major music venues during the Tamworth country music festival. The Pub is a 52-week country music venue. Secretary of the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA,) MMF member and member of the New England North West regional tourism Board.

More to be announced early 2006.

Musos HQ 2006 Update...

Jay Jaxson Singer/Songwriter Workshops to be held at Musos HQ 2006

Renowned singer/songwriter Jay Jaxson will conduct singer/songwriter workshops at the Musicians' Headquarters during Tamworth Country Music Festival 2006.

Jay joins a strong lineup of seminars/workshops including slide/dobro, didgeridoo and guitar. Jay will be part of Music Know-Know How it Works, the innovative Music Industry Information Day on Friday January 27th.

Musos HQ 2006 - The doors are open

The doors are open for exhibitors to come on board for Musos HQ 2006, to be part of the Music Lifestyle Expo.

Information has been mailed out to activate intending participants to take part in the Musicians' Headquarters in the hub of the Country Music Festival.

Spaces are limited and competitive, so the advice is to lock yourself to be assured of your place.

The Musos' HQ is the ideal location for your trade launch during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the largest Australasian Country Music Crossover Event.

Each festival sees greater interest and involvement from the Music Industry to promote their trade products and services.

Musos HQ Memberships

Since first opening in 1999, the Musos' HQ has managed to contain HQ Membership costs, despite increased expenses and overheads.

The membership cost entitles the member to utilise the Musos' HQ for the entire 10 days over the festival with access to tea/coffee, musos storage, Musos HQ Bulletin Board, Musos HQ Promo Bag, Music Industry Networking and most importantly, AIR CONDITIONED respite from the famous Tamworth Festival heat!

Tamworth Festival 2006 will see an increase in the Musos' HQ Membership from $12 to $15, equating to just $1.50 per day.

This represents a fraction of the price of a tea or coffee at Tamworth Country Music Festival prices.

If coming to Tamworth Country Music Festival for the first time, the Musos' HQ is the place to make your base, consolidate yourself and form your ongoing strategy. The Headquarters is a networking centre with loads of information.

Past first time attendees to the Tamworth Festival who used the Headquarters to plan their first time campaign include Luke O’Shea and Medicine Wheel, Carter and Carter, Rob Cass and the Cosmic Cowboys, Royden Donohoe, the Sommers Family, Jetty Road, Kcee, Michael King, “He Said, She Said” plus many others.

The Headquarters has always been a base for Community Based Media with a committed core of Radio Broadcasters using the HQ since 1999.

The Musos' HQ is the perfect place to conduct media business in professional surrounds away from the festival pressure cooker.

SPECIAL FEATURE:

Musicians' Headquarters 2006 will be projected on Peel Street via a large audio-visual screen at the entrance to the HQ.

All goings on in the Music Lifestyle Expo such as on site workshops and product displays will be featured on the big screen.

2005 – the biggest and best ever Musos' Headquarters...

Despite doom and gloom predictions in relation to the changing dates for Tamworth Country Music Festival 2005, the Musicoz Musicians’ Headquarters exceeded all expectations.

Heavily reinforced by a combined invasion from Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle and Walcha, the Headquarters’ Music Lifestyle exhibitors conducted their own music industry blitz at the festival.

Highly enthused and energised, the combined forces of Allan’s Music, Gibson Guitars and Cole Clark Guitars (Melbourne), Redwood Guitars (Walcha), P ‘n’ B Music (Tamworth) and Music Headquarters (Newcastle) created a total muso experience.

Sponsored by Musicoz for the second time, the Musos’ HQ continued to provide the core service for artists, media and music industry.

Founded on the mission to provide a networking and chillout area, the Headquarters proved a haven for the first time Melbourne influx comprising the Vanessa Amorosi Band, Shannon Bourne, Jetty Road, Kcee and their minder, the illustrious Joe Yammouni.

The inaugural Australian Strings & Sound Spectacular just went off at the Imperial Hotel with a huge talent lineup including The Bostock Band, Mykl Lozin, Steve Flack, Rob Cass & the Cosmic Cowboys, Kcee, Jetty Road, Shannon Bourne, Paul Wookey and the Vanessa Amorosi Band as the grand finale.

Personalities were bigger than Ben Hur at Musicoz Musos’ HQ 2005 with this list of quotes representing some prize moments...

“It’s BIG, BIG, BIGGER than Behringer.” (Phil Jack from Music Headquarters referring to a new plan or concept he was creating.)

“You are like Napoleon. You set up at the Musos’ HQ and expand outwards into every venue in the Tamworth CBD.” (Musos’ HQ Co-ordinator to Phil Jack.)

“It’s all good. For any situation, be it good or bad.” (John Brownrigg, Cole Clark Guitars.)

“I am over the moon and overwhelmed with the response.” (Paul Kinney from Redwood Guitars after the priceless moment of Raining On The Rock being acoustically performed by Warren H Williams on a Redwood Guitar.

Tamworth Country Music Festival has consolidated itself as a music industry new year promotional trade springboard with more major players involved every time.

The Musicoz Tamworth Festival Musicians’ Headquarters is the perfect location to launch your product/service to not only the Music Industry but also the general public.

Sites are filling fast for 2006 (January 20 to 29). Prospective exhibitors are urged to contact the Co-ordinator to reserve sites.

Finally, I would like to thank my ever helpful and supportive partner and assistant Karen for her on-going back-up and support. It is greatly appreciated. Also Helen Tickle from the Small Business Centre for providing our venue.


1999 Members look through the Expo Room	1999 Mark Atkins conducts a didgeridoo workshop

2000 The Maton Guitars display	2000 Marco Manussa conducts a slide guitar workshop

2001 The Epoch Violins display	2001 The Ovation Guitars display

2002 Musos' Headquarters Co-ordinator Jim Guider with workshop leader Lindy Morrison	2002 HQ members take a "pickin' break"