Enterprising band members give business advice

A band formed by Lancaster University graduates is to play at the launch of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2009 at the Storey Creative Industries Centre in Lancaster.

The enterprising members of the band – Hope and Social – have already launched the first independent record label entirely funded by members of their fan-base to the tune of £100,000. So impressive was this demonstration of the power of the relationship between artists and fans that the story made international news and added further fuel to concerns over the future of the recording industry.

Now the band are to play at the Storey Auditorium on November 17th following a music industry Q&A session entitled ‘Have you got what it takes to succeed in the music business?’ This event will feature members of the band and other music industry entrepreneurs from across the North West.

Guitarist Rich Huxley explains, “We’d always had a strong relationship with our fans but were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm with which they responded to the notion of becoming investors, for no other reason than the fact they loved the music. Their support has enabled us to retain complete independence and creative control over everything we produce.”

Event facilitator Simon Harrison, from Mushroom Concepts, said the Q&A session booked up immediately.

“There’s simply not enough space in the room for all the people who want to come along so I’m now looking into the possibility of streaming the event online. Fortunately, the band and other panel members are going to be around all evening so there will be plenty of opportunities to pick their brains in the bar before and after the gig.”

In keeping with their innovative approach, the band’s latest fan-funded album, ‘Architect of this Church’ is now available as a ‘Pay What You Like’ download via their website (www.hopeandsocial.com).