Talking... listening... essentially, breaking down the divides
THREE local audio students have set up a social enterprise dedicated to the development of Liverpool’s music industry and community.
Phil Lee, Lee Mooney and Daniel Fisher – who share a passion for producing and sharing music – have created the Liverpool Audio Network (Lan).
Phil, 26, from Ormskirk, said: “I started out as a DJ playing and producing house and techno.
“I still DJ now but have moved into disco and soulful house.”
Lee, 23, also from Ormskirk, said: “I am primarily a music producer, however I’m studying in hope of becoming a mastering engineer.
“I began writing EDM, which turned into a passion creating ambient soundscapes, and melodic ambient works.”
And Daniel, 20, from Maghull, said: “I’m a producer, sound designer, musician and Max/MSP programmer.
“I started out as an EDM DJ, which progressed into developing a career in sonic arts, cinematic electronica, experimental electronics and philosophy.”
Together, they host a range of events, such as conferences, workshops and networking opportunities.
The aim of these events is to help individuals in Liverpool’s music industry build their networks, develop their skills and create new opportunities.
Daniel said: “By doing this, the local talent in the music industry are given a helping hand and a platform to develop at a faster pace and progress further in their creative endeavours,”
“We aim to break down the divide between the creatives in the city.
“This is a growing problem that needs to be addressed.
“We would like to develop a city-wide event that helps to educate and connect creatives.”
Daniel launched the Liverpool Audio Meetup last August and after a very successful first meeting the following month, he wanted to develop it into something more.
After meeting Phil and Lee, who shared the same ideas, they decided to form a team, which evolved into the Liverpool Audio Network.
The team already had the foundation of the Liverpool Audio Meetup to build on, so they formed a Facebook group, as well as utilising other social media to get their name out there.
They generated a lot of interest early on, their efforts proving very successful when they sold out their first event more than two weeks in advance.
“I am most proud of our first event,’’ said Daniel. “The whole atmosphere, enthusiasm and drive from the audience was inspiring.’’
Now, they all have individual roles in the business.
Daniel is head of marketing, Phil covers everything logistical which can range from dealing with venues to the event schedule, and Lee covers everything else which includes sourcing funding and creating solutions to keep Lan sustainable in the community.
Mental health is also a really important subject for the team and they want to use their platform to raise awareness of issues, especially surrounding musicians.
They have already got a close relationship with Mind UK which they will continue to develop.
Daniel said: “For now, we have various books, leaflets and handouts from Mind UK that we have on our table at the events and encourage anyone to take the material to seek the help they need.
“We will be working closely with Mind and HMUK (Help Musicians UK) in the future to develop this area of our work.”
With Phil and Lee still studying the audio production degree at SAE Liverpool, there has been a lot of work to juggle over the last few months.
Despite this, the pair have found that they have been able to fit their studies around their new project.
Phil said that the audio production degree has helped him learn both about the business side of music, as well as the practical side of producing music.
“It has also taught how to present myself as a professional, which is important for any role within the music industry,” he said.
For Lee, who had planned to study at SAE for a long time before enrolling, has found that his tutors have been a big source of help.
“It has been great! Having built such strong relationships with not only my classmates but my tutors has been incredible, an experience I know many of my friends in a traditional university have not had the opportunity to experience.”
As for their plans, all three are committed to the future of Lan.
Their enthusiasm, business acumen, and genuine desire to make a difference shines through.
The trio added: “We our now in talks with a very special venue in the city.
“More details will be announced on our social media platforms in the coming weeks.”
Stay tuned by following Lan on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
SAE Institute is geared towards post-secondary education in creative subjects and is a partner institution of Middlesex University.