Yes, we’re pleased to announce the return of Phrased & Confused, back to once again explore that creative common ground between music and lyrics.

This year we’re shaking things up a bit, and are packing up our Phrased & Confused belongings to take over a stage at the award winning Summer Sundae Weekender festival, which for three days (8-10 August) takes over De Montfort Hall and Gardens in Leicester.

We don’t want to give the game away here, but we have got some rather special things planned and artists confirmed. For more information, check out www.phrasedandconfused.co.uk where all – well, some anyway – will be revealed.

The Insulting Cabaret will be occupying the Late Lounge of the National Theatre this Saturday. Hosted by Perrier award winning funny guys Noble & Silver, the event will showcase a fine array of international artists all performing around the theme of the Insult.

For more information, download a flyer by clicking here. Be there or be a square, yeah!

The British Council and NESTA opened applications for a new award that seeks to stimulate the development of the UK music industry in an international business context. This aims to find the most talented young entrepreneurs in the UK’s music industry and give them the chance to find out more about what is happening out there, by becoming part of the British Council’s international network of young creative entrepreneurs.

The competition is open to music industry specialists between 25 and 35 years of age, who have at least three years experience and a track record in innovation. Applicants must be seeking to push the boundaries of the industry and have a vision for extending international business and cultural relations through music.

If you think this sounds like you then you could well be the inaugural winner of this prestigious new award.
Applications are now open. The deadline to apply is: 6 May 2008
For more information about the award and details of application procedure please visit: www.creativeconomy.org.uk/ukyme08

The day is Saturday, March 8th and we have just finished our first podcasting workshop at Circus Media, Stratford which is delivered in association with Sound Connections and Youth Music Action Zones. The group of young people seemed to enjoy themselves a great deal and commented on how they were looking forward to attending next weeks session.

This week we have focused on the fundamentals of recording and spent time interviewing and getting to know one another. Each participant has worked hard to create audio content based around there favourite musical styles, bands and interests which we will be looking to edit into the form of a podcast over the coming weeks. Led by Stuart Silver and assisted by hubsters Tom and Andi, the programme has gotten off to a cracking start and everyone involved has greatly enjoyed what looks to be a hugely rewarding project. To see the pics, just click here.

the hub is pleased to welcome Tom Hubmann to our dynamic, entrepreneurial and creative team of arts practitioners. He will take up the role of Digital Hubster, focusing in on the five main areas of the hub’s work: research, consultancy, skills development, live events and digital projects and will be raising the hubs digital profile and online presence.

Having undertaken a range of work within the music industry including project management, consultancy, training and new media production, he brings with him an impressive portfolio of innovative, creative and up-to-date skills. We are pleased to have him onboard in his current role and look forward very much to working with him.

You can check out his profile by clicking here or for further information on the hub, please visit www.thehubuk.com