ONE THOUSAND SONGS AND GROWING

This month H2 launches a new website for the independent music company Union Square Music Publishing. The website, online at www.usmpublishing.co.uk, has a database of over 1000 songs, artists and songwriter profiles. All music and web pages are client updatable via a custom content management system created by H2.

The website's primary function is to promote tracks online for potential licensing on films, adverts and other media formats. Union Square Music Publishing's roster spans genres, from renowned jazz double bassist Charlie Mingus to pioneering punk band The Vibrators.

General Manager Jonathan Kyte said: "USMP is the newest venture from Union Square Music. This website allows us to showcase the number and variety of writers we represent."

Sister company, Union Square Music, has previously been listed in the Times' fastest growing private companies top 100 list. You can learn more about Union Square Music by clicking here.

If you have any specialist web requirements call us on 08700 503574 or e-mail info@theh2.co.uk.

THE CD BATTLES ON

The CD medium is currently undergoing huge change as a result of the increase in music downloads, both legal and illegal.

Some experts maintain that downloads will take over from CDs completely (last month 'download' royalties paid to artists eclipsed 'CD' royalties for the first time ever) and that the physical product will soon become a thing of the past.

However, there is also a second school of thought which believes that CDs will have a place in the heart of music lovers for a long time to come. Obviously, as designers of over 300 CD packages, we, at H2, subscribe to the second view - so that's what we will focus on!

Record labels now have to sell and release twice as many titles as they did just two years ago in order to hit their sales targets, which has meant many companies moving into more diverse areas such as 'licensing in' songs from other labels or creating themed compilations - an easy sell if you will.

However the specialist market - real music enthusiasts and collectors - is still going strong. Clever record companies have realised that this market likes to buy something special and have been prepared to invest in innovative and beautifully designed packaging, which they see as highly collectable.

Recently H2 designed packaging with 6 CDs, all laid together to create one picture, a hardback book containing 4 discs in the cover, and compilations using metallic gold and silver inks with varnishes.

As it has been calculated that 50% of songs on iPods and MP3 players are illegal, with no monies going to the artist, it has become a very complex balancing act for record labels. For example Radiohead recently released their album free to download, but sold, online, a beautifully designed and produced book to accompany it; a new and innovative way to get people to pay for product.

So, all in all, very interesting times ahead for the music business - and the innovative people will be the ones that survive and, in the end, prosper! For more information on H2's CD design service, contact us on 08700 503 574 or email info@theh2.co.uk.

AN A.M.A.A.ZING CONFERENCE!

H2 decided to capitalise upon its considerable experience in the world of professional services by sending Phil Hopkins off to the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Wellington Street, Leeds and the Royal Armouries.

We've been re-branding solicitors for several years now - at the last count it was five firms - as well as working with commercial property agents and financiers.

So it seemed like a good idea to drop in on the first international conference staged by the Alliance of Merger and Acquisition Advisors (AMAA) in Leeds. And boy, what a conference it was.

One of the opening addresses was by Lord Peter Levene, Chairman of Lloyd's of London (left), and delegates flew in from all over the world including America, Brazil and China. Some of the speakers were amazing.

Phil made some stunning contacts and topped off his two day bash with an end of conference dinner at the Royal Armouries.

HOW TO MAKE A BAD THING GOOD

Have recent economic downturn stories been giving you cause for concern? If so, don't let them get you too down because there's a number of counter arguments that you might want to consider.

Some would argue that now is actually a time of great opportunity. Here's some food for thought...

In 2002 McKinsey, (www.mckinsey.com), published a study based on data collected from 1,000 firms between 1982 and 1999, a period which included the recession of 1990-1991. One of the most significant differences between 'winners' and 'losers' was their attitude to marketing and advertising spends during the recession period 1990/91.

Far from battening down the hatches, the best performers actually increased spending, not just relative to competitors but also when compared to their own historic spending in better times!

And a 2005 survey of 154 senior marketing executives published in the International Journal of Research in Marketing, (www.ijmr.com), also reflected the findings of the McKinsey report. It too discovered that firms increasing marketing and advertising spend during 'down times' performed better than those that implemented cutbacks.

What do you plan to do whilst the competition sits it out?

H2'S NIGHT OUT IN YORK

The H2 team doesn't normally need a good reason for a night out on the tiles, but the opening night of Ascendance Rep's Cathedral tour was as good an excuse as any to venture into York Minster on Friday the 13th! Plus, we had designed and developed all the marketing material for the tour and we wanted to check it out.

We all traipsed off in a caravan of cars and, luckily, arrived just in time to stroll through the Museum Gardens at dusk and enjoy a quick half in an atmospheric little pub opposite the Minster, before curtain up... not that there were too many of those in this spectacular 'venue'.

Everyone was mesmerised by the Standing Stones choreography, perfect for the eerie surroundings of the Minster. One of our number was especially amused, some would say uneasy, when one of the dancers pulled a grotesque face at her as part of the performance!

After whetting our appetites with tasty nibbles at the Ascendance reception, we decided to visit Phil Byrne's favourite Italian restaurant for a meal.

Unfortunately Lucy Nolan (don't forget, we have two Lucys!) and Beccie didn't get to go on a ghost tour but are waiting for Halloween when, at least, it will be dark before the haunted houses close!

Need any help with your marketing? Then call us on 08700 503574 or drop us a line at info@theh2.co.uk.