Top stories of the week from M online

A handy guide to the top stories published on M online this week, Monday 29 July to Friday 2 August.

Anita Awbi
  • By Anita Awbi
  • 2 Aug 2013
  • min read
1. How to… self-release your music
Artist manager, PR and independent label aficionado Katie Riding talks us through her top tips for self-releasing music in both physical and digital formats.

2. M launches new competition programme
We are excited to announce a new programme of competitions specifically aimed at PRS for Music members. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get involved.

3. Paloma Faith to curate art exhibition
Paloma Faith is to curate an exhibition of her album artwork and iconic imagery at the Gallery in London.

4. Interview: Matthew Herbert
Composer, DJ and electronic music pioneer Matthew Herbert is looking surprisingly relaxed when we meet straight off the set of The Hush, his latest project with National Theatre outcrop The Shed. The sun is streaming through the window as he reclines in a leather chair deep in the belly of the theatre’s administration centre.

5. BASCA training: soundtracks & syncs
Apply now for discounted tickets for BASCA’s Professional Business Development Module 3.

6. Win picnic kit with JAMBOX speaker and Fortnum & Mason luxury hamper
Welcome to the first in a series of M online monthly competitions especially for PRS for Music members. Enter now!

7. Interview: The Sundowners
This new Liverpudlian five-piece are in thrall to the Laurel Canyon and the sixties folk-rock revival, creating a warm authentic sound that turns back the clock on 21st century indie. We spend some time with songwriter Alfie Skelly to discover how Liam Gallagher first persuaded him to learn guitar and hear how a teenage love of David Lynch has informed his music.

8. George Fenton leads BAFTA composer series
Award-winning composer George Fenton will lead this year’s Conversations with Screen Composers series at the Royal Albert Hall on 23 September.

9. Apply now for BASCA songwriting retreat
BASCA is hosting a songwriters retreat at the world’s first residential recording studio in Monmouth, Wales.

10. UK industry attracts record spend from brands
Iconic brands such as Coca Cola, O2, Blackberry and Volkswagen spent a record £100m on music in 2012, PRS for Music research has revealed.