Music Futures event in Leeds was a thriving success. Photo by: Tracey Welch Photography 2011

A new North East digital music conference will give regional businesses access to some of the top minds in the industry.

The Music Futures conference, organised by the Generator, takes place at a time when the music industry is coping with constant change and challenges posed by the digital age.

But the challenges and ‘threats’ can also be an opportunity, says Damian Baetens, Generator’s business development director.

Digital innovations have broken the traditional gatekeeper role of record labels, enabling artists to go straight to the consumer.

“Now there’s an independent and direct route to market and online media is becoming a major factor of influence”, Damian said.

“Blogs are the new tastemakers, labels and brands see them as the touchstone.”

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