SCOTLAND’S PREMIER SHOWCASE FESTIVAL & CELEBRATING 10 YEARS SUPPORTING NEW MUSIC

10 years on and goNORTH is bigger and better than ever! We would claim that though wouldn't we - but since its launch in Aberdeen's Belmont Street, the event has risen to become Scotland's premier music industry event, and now offers a much wider range of creative activity, from screen and broadcast to designer fashion. If a chance to play at Rockness as part of the goNORTH stage wasn't enough, this year goNORTH has teamed up with AEG and 02 to offer three support slots with Bon Jovi at the O2 Areana

goNORTH 2010 is in Inverness on the 10th and 11th June, followed by the goNORTH stage at Rockness from the 11th to the 13th June. The two days will see a packed schedule of workshops, seminars and panels, with film screenings and a massive band showcase line up featuring more than 40 acts from 10 different countries. A must for anyone working, or aspiring to work in the industry.

"Simply put, GoNORTH gets it right. They put the music first and it is just the right size to participate in everything"
Alan Galbraith, VP International, Wind Up Records

So what makes the 10th year different?

Perhaps it is best to start with what hasn't changed. The most important thing is the event is still aimed at presenting the best cutting edge acts on the scene to industry from around the world and all events, workshops and gigs are free. Originally set up recognising that many people, particularly in the North of Scotland, didn't have the opportunity to meet with the wider industry, because they were located in a rural area, the festival seeks to show this need not be an issue any more. goNORTH still aims to attract people of all levels of experience and knowledge, bringing people together to share ideas and enjoy themselves.

Director Shaun Arnold said "The aim of goNORTH has always been about bringing people together. Unlike some showcases that are predominantly aimed at A&R, this event is about encouraging businesses and individuals to meet up and look at how they can work together, how they can share ideas and resources, and hopefully to remind them why they wanted to work in music in the first place. We have always worked to keep the event as open and accessible as possible, and I hope as enjoyable."

Over the years, the event has featured keynote speakers such as Alan McGee, Jazz Summers and Anthony Wilson, and this year has a tremendous line up of panels and speakers on offer once again, ranging from Kyle Hopkins, head of music Microsoft Media Acquistions, to Ron Spaulding Director of Fontana Distribution and Stephen Knill President, Music and Entertainment for The Radiate Group along with the Musicians' Union, MCPS PRS for Music, the BBC, Shed Media and a host of others.

goNORTH has changed significantly in terms of the spread of panels and workshops being offered, with strong line ups for tv and fashion in particular. Shaun Arnold said:"goNORTH has had to recognise the changes in the world we work in. People work across more sectors than just the one, and audiences are demanding more, whether that be in terms of options for buying products, of greater convergance between media platforms, or more personalised packages being offered. We are trying to reflect this shift more and more, by including panels on writing for computer games or our Second Life Panel for example. It is really important that we recognise shared issues and opportunities."

The other change over the years is the increase in international businesses and representatives. With acts from more than 10 countries playing and businesses coming from as far afield as the US, Scandinavia, France, Belgium, Netherlands and even Japan this year, Shaun feels that this can only benefit the event and those taking part. "It is important that people locally get the chance to meet up, but we need to remember that we are a pretty small country, and a spread of international contacts is vital to create a scale that we can't manage on our own. Being a part of the 'go' network just offers more opportunities than any individual can."

"GoNorth is always good value for artists to showcase. GoNorth have both dedicated music fans and high level industry representative. The possibility for bands to also play the GoNorth stage at Rockness makes it a winner"
Inger Dirdal MUSIC EXPORT NORWAY AS

2010 will also see some real examples of just how much these partnerships and links can actually deliver, with the festival offering not only the chance to play the goNORTH stage at RockNess, but also teaming up with AEG and Bon Jovi to offer three support slots with Bon Jovi at the 02 Arena. See www.openforbonjovi.com