Vistas and Fatherson are among the acts offering their music industry expertise for Off The Record – the youth music conference – which is going virtual for a two-day event on December 4th – 5th.

Also taking part are Iona Fyfe, Rosie Bans and Zoe Graham, plus a host of figures from the creative industries including DJs, journalists, photographers, promoters, industry bodies PRS and MCPS, and radio presenters Phoebe I-H and Shereen Cutkelvin (BBC Introducing in Scotland).

Organised by a team of creatives in the same age range as the target audience and delivered by young professionals already working in music, the conference’s aim is to cover a range of topics for 16-25 year olds considering a career as a musician or in the industry.

Included will be interactive workshops, panels, Q&As, networking sessions, the chance to connect with industry figures and other participants, through one-to-one video meetings, interactive workshops and the Meet the Speaker sessions, where delegates can ask questions via video, and the opportunity to submit music for feedback.

The speakers include hip-hop promoter Chris Stillie from Aberdeen (The Dojo Aberdeen), chart-topping singer Prentice Robertson (Vistas), Fatherson frontman Ross Leighton, Dr Philippa Wheble (British Association for Performing Arts Medicine), David Henderson (MELD), Elizabeth Sills (PRS Foundation), Rose Manson (Clyde Built Radio), as well as music publishers Jamie Lawson (MCPS) and Shauni Caballero (The Go 2 Agency).

Supported by the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI), which is administered by Creative Scotland, Off The Record was originally planned as a large event with smaller outreach sessions around the country. However, organisers Wide Events CIC decided to move the event online following the success of their digital version of award-winning Wide Days convention.

“Off The Record is an incredible opportunity for anyone aged 16-25 looking to build a career in music as well as those working in related areas including media and design,” says the event’s coordinator, Kitt Carr. “Since 2013 the events have led to attendees getting work and numerous acts being featured in national media, playlisted on Radio Scotland and booked for gigs.”

Off The Record takes place on Friday December 4th and Saturday December 5th from 12.00 – 18.00.

Tickets £5 (includes access to all online content during the event) – discounted or free tickets will be made available to those who otherwise would not be able to attend, a bursary application form is available at otrscot.com/tickets

Full info at www.otrscot.com.