Atlantic Film Festival & ECMA Announce 9th Annual Music & Image Program

The 9th annual Music & Image conference, a component of a year-round partnership between the Atlantic Film Festival and the East Coast Music Association, announces the program for its four-day conference in Halifax, Sept. 13-16 as part of the 32nd Atlantic Film Festival (Sept. 13-20).

Building on the strength of Atlantic Canada’s musical talent, the event will host showcases, professional development opportunities, networking sessions and one-on-one business meetings with international music buyers in the film, TV, marketing and new media industries.

This year, the Music & Image conference focuses on transmedia and social media marketing as ways to connect musicians and content creators to develop a broader reach and bigger audiences.

“Our theme this year is well-timed, as business models in the creative industries are shifting,” said Andrea Dawson Thomas, director of operations for the Atlantic Film Festival. “We have a number of new buyers and companies participating in the conference, and attendees will have the opportunity to explore many topics, including different media platforms and how cross-collaboration can support the creative process, attract talent, and promote projects.”

Based on the tremendous success of last year, the 10 X 10 Music Video Program returns to the event and offers 10 Atlantic Canadian filmmakers and 10 Atlantic Canadian musicians, the chance to work together, create a music video and see one team emerge with the RBC 10 X 10 Emerging Artist Award ($10,000 cash split between filmmaker and musician).

New Brunswick’s Sleepy Driver.

In addition to the program discussed above, there are two events on sale now to the general public. The first is The Soundtracks & Stories Songwriters’ Circle taking place at The Carleton on Sunday, Sept. 16. This annual songwriter showcase will feature top Atlantic Canadian songwriters, Matt Mays, Tim Baker (Hey Rosetta), Andy Brown, John MacPhee (Paper Lions) and host, Rose Cousins. The second is the Spotlight Luncheon at the Lord Nelson on Sunday, Sept. 16. The event focuses on the concept of “What is film without music?” will feature performances by Jill Barber, Alex Madsen (The Divorcees), Christina Martin and Joel Plaskett.

“Since 2004 the East Coast Music Association has partnered with the Atlantic Film Festival to present the Music & Image program,” said Scott Burke, Executive Director of ECMA. “We are delighted to play our part in bringing together leading East Coast music talent and film, television and related media creators, providing them showcase and networking opportunities with music supervisors from all across the continent. Music is such a fundamental part of film and television – and the Music and Image Program is intended to make sure East Coast music plays an integral role in this industry.”

Music & Image is also highlighting three fascinating backstage music documentaries this year, including Charles Bradley: Soul of America/Brute Force on Monday, Sept. 17, Searching for Sugar Man on Tuesday, Sept. 18 and Jobriath A.D. on Wednesday, Sept. 19.

Spotlight on NB Artists Participating in Program

At the Music & Image Buyers Showcases, Atlantic Canadian musicians have the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of a targeted group of content producers, creative directors, and music supervisors. These music buyers and industry leaders will get the chance to see first-hand the variety, diversity and high-quality musical talent being produced in Atlantic Canada. These showcases are open to Atlantic Film Festival, Strategic Partners, and Music & Image Delegates. Badge is required for admittance and this event is 19+.

Babette Hayward leads off the Music & Image Buyers Showcase on Friday September 14th beginning at 3pm at the Carleton Music Bar & Grill, 1685 Argyle St.

Break Line – Babette Hayward from W. Scott Forbes on Vimeo.

You really ought to get to know Babette Hayward. She’s 22, wise beyond her years, a writer with startling images and a singer with a voice that overflows with heart, nervousness, passion and compassion. Babette Hayward is an artist ready to break through nationally. Listen to the songs, they say; watch her likeable demeanour on stage, note the way audiences respond. Babette loved music from the beginning, starting to play violin when she was six, but began the guitar when she was 13. Last February, she recorded her first album. The result was You Might be Somebody, a collection of 10 songs that mix folk and pop idioms with gentle strokes of acoustic guitar, restrained accompaniment, and dream-like backup vocals. She was signed to Indica Records and will be releasing and promoting her next album later in 2012.

Two New Brunswick artists will perform at Music & Image Buyers Showcase on Saturday September 15th at the Carleton Music Bar & Grill, 1685 Argyle St.

Sleepy Driver takes the stage at 3:30pm followed by The Playdates at 4pm.

Built on the solid foundation of front-man Peter Hicks’ songwriting, Sleepy Driver melds traditional and progressive musical influences together to create a truly original blend of songs which lurch with schizophrenic grace between sweetly tender ballads to darkly hopeful songs about life’s wrong turns.

Ask The Playdates what it means to work your ass off as an independent pop act swimming in the mainstream and they’ll tell you it’s worth it. These New Brunswick dance rockers self-released their six-track debut EP which saw four singles chart nationally in the Top 100 and sync placements on MTV and the season finale of Degrassi: The Next Generation. The Playdates’ live show has been added to lineups alongside heavy hitters including Marianas Trench, Stereos, Jay Sean, These Kids Wear Crowns and Alyssa Reid. The Playdates released their latest single “All for Love” in August 2012 which is currently charting on the Canadian Top 100 HOT AC charts and their EP is expected to be released this fall.

On Sunday September 16th at 1pm in the Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites, 1515 South Park St., The Divorcees, Alex Madsen joins the Spotlight Luncheon.

What’s film without music? Building on last year’s stellar event, The Spotlight Luncheon – featuring the “timeless, elegant, and classic” Jill Barber, the rich sounds and romantic lyrics of Christina Martin, “ass-kickin’ country boy” Alex Madsen (who defies description), and the “nationally adored” Joel Plaskett – is back bigger and even better! Imagine the stories behind the songs. Imagine the songs behind picture. Imagine pictures lifted on the wings of song. No wonder it’s a premiere event – outrageously fun, inspiringly beautiful, and definitely not to be missed!

Tickets are $40 and include a plated lunch.

New Brunswick’s Alex Madsen (The Divorcees).

The Great White North’s original Honky Tonk Heroes, from humble beginnings in their much-loved home province of New Brunswick, The Divorcees have brought their brand of rough-and-ready country to roadhouses, festivals, and big stages from the shores of Canso, Nova Scotia to downtown Vancouver with legions of supporters across Canada, the US, Australia and Europe. The band has shared stages with George Canyon, Corb Lund, The Sadies, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Their songs, as they are in person, are no-nonsense and straight-ahead, replete with stories of love and loss, letting loose (and paying for it), of justice, freedom and the need for it. You Ain’t Gettin My Country(2008) and sophomore Last Of The Free Men(2010) have received critical acclaim, with both receiving ECMA Awards for Country Album Of The Year.

The Soundtracks & Stories Songwriters Circle happens Sunday September 16th beginning at 8pm at the Carleton Music Bar & Grill, 1685 Argyle St.

Soundtracks & Stories is an annual songwriter showcase sponsored by Ticketpro. This is a must-attend event, where the audience will experience beautiful performances by top Atlantic Canadian songwriters. This year’s talent includes Matt Mays, Tim Baker (Hey Rosetta!), Andy Brown, John MacPhee of Paper Lions and hosted by Rose Cousins. A very limited number of tickets are available through the Atlantic Film Festival Box Office. Don’t be disappointed. Be part of the story.

Admission is $25. Badge holders must purchase a ticket for this event. Capacity is limited and subject to availability. Dinner is not included in the ticket price. Dinner reservations are recommended and can be made by calling The Carleton at (902)422-6335.

New Brunswick’s Andy Brown.

A 2010 & 2011 International Songwriting Competition finalist and Galaxie Rising Star winner, Andy Brown has a folk rock style all his own, taking fans on a lyrical journey between love, happiness and sorrow. An official Taylor Guitars artist, Andy’s music has been featured in hit shows on NBC, ABC, Global, CTV and CBC, and has helped his sophomore album False Alarm land at #1 on the iTunes Canada singer/songwriter charts, and in the top 10 of the same charts in the US. His new album Tinman is set to be released this fall.

For the full Music & Image schedule, visit: www.atlanticfilm.com/industry/music-image/conference-2012

To register for the Music & Image Conference, visit: www.atlanticfilm.com/industry/music-image/delegates/registration

For tickets to performances and screenings, call 902-422-6965 / 1-888-968-9090 or visit www.atlanticfilm.com or www.ticketpro.ca. Tickets are also available at all TicketPro outlets in Nova Scotia, including Video Difference (6086 Quinpool Road). Please note that TicketPro outlets accept cash or debit only. Tickets are also available at the Festival Box Office in Park Lane Mall (5657 Spring Garden Road). For hours of operation, visit: www.atlanticfilm.com.

About the East Coast Music Association
The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) is a regional collaboration of people in the music industry of Atlantic Canada. The ECMA’s mission is to foster, develop, promote and celebrate East Coast Music and its artists locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The ECMA annually produces one of the top music industry events in Canada, East Coast Music Week including Awards, Festival, and International Export Buyers Program. Our 25th Anniversary event will take place in Halifax March 6-10, 2013.

About the Atlantic Film Festival
The Atlantic Film Festival is an eight-day celebration of film, video and music from around the world. It is a festival that turns Halifax –a charming and historic seaside city – into an international mecca for the arts, abuzz with filmmakers, industry types and film lovers. What began in 1981 as a tiny, grassroots operation in St. John’s, Newfoundland has blossomed into one of Canada’s premiere film festivals. The cornerstone September Festival includes year-round industry and community events for every taste.