Tuesday 04 08 2020
A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) student has been using his final term to help organise and host some of the UK’s first gigs since lockdown.
MA Music student Brendan Moon, who is currently working on his Masters dissertation, has played a key role in the Camden Unlocked event, a series of open-air shows in the UK capital.
The first of the shows took place on 25 and 26 July with performances from Miles Kane, Shaun Escoffery and a DJ set from Solar Radio.
Proud
Brendan said: “Being a small part of the first organised shows in the UK since the lockdown makes me feel proud to work in the music industry.
“It may be only 150 people in space that can hold 10 times that many, but it’s nice to be involved in live music again.”
Live music and events have been among the hardest hits areas following the outbreak of coronavirus in the UK, with thousands of events cancelled and postponed since March. The Camden Unlocked events, which take place outdoors at the Stables Market, have been organised in compliance with government Government guidelines, including one-metre social distancing and encouragement to wear face masks.
Brendan joined the MA course to further his education, having already established a successful career in the music industry. As the director of music management company Morsecode Management, Brendan has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, and discovered Paisley’s Paolo Nutini.
The Masters programme at UWS has four different pathways – Songwriting, Sound Production, Industries, and Music, which encompasses all three areas.
Skills
Brendan added: “The UWS MA in Music Industries helped me hone my skills in a business environment, communicate at a better level, enabling me to create events like this and many others. I want to say thanks to all the staff and fellow students.”
Dr Jenn Kirby, Programme Leader for the MA Music programmes at UWS, said: "It is a difficult time for people working in the music industry and we are so proud of how students like Brendan are adapting. To organise the first show of this kind in the UK after the lockdown is a huge achievement."
Camden Unlocked will be taking place every weekend until 16 August, with performances from John Power, Shiiine On (DJ set), Stone Foundation, Mae Muller and The Puppini Sisters scheduled. Each show commences at 3pm.
Find out more at www.camdenmarket.com/unlocked.
There’s still time to apply for the MA in Music at UWS. Find out more about the course on the UWS website.