We’ve just returned from what we believe to be the best International Music Summit conference to date. The event excelled itself from last year with regards to the list of delegates, speakers, and panel subjects.

It’s the only electronic music conference where the best in the industry all come together to talk, well… business, which is why the event’s tagline ‘back to business’ is so very apt. This is not a big party in Ibiza, this is about people coming together to share ideas, make new contacts, engage with existing ones, and to come away feeling invigorated about our industry. The Grand Finale held at the stunning setting of Dalt Villa, with Pete Tong, Mark Ronson, and Buraka Som Sistema was yet again an example of quality and originality from the events organisers.

The conference provided an invaulable platform to launch our new Burn Studios project to a group of enthusiasts and professionals allowing us to gather on-the-spot feedback. And our IMS iPhone App built by our company Scribble received hundreds of downloads and much positive feedback.

Myself and Poker MD David Mitchell met a load of faces old and new. We’d be delighted to hear from you all again so please get in touch.

By Nicola Freitas

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Kasabian and Muse both picked up two awards at last night’s Shockwave NME awards. The awards – originally started way back in 1953 – were last night held at the O2 Academy Brixton in London where Kasabian, Marina And The Diamonds, Lily Allen, The Big Pink, Hole and The Maccabees all performed live. 3.6 million votes were cast this year, “proving that music fans are as passionate as ever” according to NME editor Krissi Murison.

Kasabian picked up ‘Best Album’ and ‘Best Album Artwork’ for ‘West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum’, while Muse scooped the ‘Best British Band’ award, beating Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Biffy Clyro and Kasabian, as well as receiving the ‘Best Website’ prize.

Oasis walked away empty handed despite being up for three awards including best video, for ‘Falling Down’, while their 90s rivals, Blur pick up a well-deserved award for their reunion gig in Hyde Park last summer.

Other awards included:

Best Solo Artist – Jamie T

Best New Band – Bombay Bicycle Club

Best Live Band – Arctic Monkeys

Best Festival – (shock horror) Glastonbury

Best Dressed – Lady Gaga

Worst Dressed- Lady Gaga

Rage Against The Machine were named the ‘Heroes of the Year’ for keeping X-Factor winner Joe McElderry off the Christmas number one spot.

Social Media was given a positive nod when Lily Allen received the ‘Giving it Back Award’ for her Twitter ticket treasure hunt where fans had the opportunity to find free tickets to her world tour.

Paul Weller was the recipient of the ‘Godlike Genius’ award and closed the event with six songs from his long and productive career.

Full list of winners.

By Justin Pywell

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We’ve just returned from BPM at the NEC in Birmingham – the biggest event in Europe dedicated to DJs, and so far we’ve only heard positive things about it.

The level of musical hardware in attendance was noticeably first class. Brands including Pioneer, Allen & Heath, Bose, and Poker client M-Audio were all there showcasing their latest products.

David Atkinson from M-audio sees BPM as a great tool for M-Audio:

If we want hands on, one-to-one time with DJs and producers there’s no better a place than the BPM at the NEC. It means we can demo products, talk to our customers and find out what they need.”

With an event entirely dedicated to the DJ, it was only right that a few DJs were thrown into the mix to demonstrate their skills. At one side of the arena you had James Zabiela giving the CDJ 2000s a serious work out, and at the other – the Silent Arena – hot Poker client Kramnik showcasing his new album mix, The K Song.

From a DJs point of view, Kramnik commented:

“BPM is one of the best opportunities to take a good temperature on the industry, and get a feel for what’s coming next. A definite must for anyone with BPMs in their blood…”

So positive feedback all round. Great work BPM. We look forward to attending next year.

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Geniunely one of the most anticipated events to open in Ibiza this summer, Channel Zoo has gone-off with a bang. Unlike other new parties on the island, this festival-style label showcase – held at the old abandoned zoo – offers something that little bit different. So well done to Poker client, Channel Zoo for creating something fresh and exciting.

The channel will continue to change on Weds 8th July as top labels 8bit Records and Vinyl Club step up to the mark. To find out what other labels are involved this season, check out www.thezooproject.com

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We’ve just returned from the fantastic IMS conference in Ibiza. The quality of speakers and panel discussions were totally thought provoking about the future of the music industry and the digital communication that drives it.

Dance music in particular often sets the trend in how we distribute and communicate music to the consumer, as it’s so technically advanced. We’re thrilled that our own agency is part of this innovative world and being at the conference has only added more fuel to our creative-thinking fire.

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