Beth goes on the road as University launches record label

Singer songwriter Beth Munroe is the first artist to have music released by a new University of Northampton record label.

The We Make Things Happen (WMTH) label has been set up to help students and Northamptonshire-based musicians get their music heard, by supporting the recording and release of music, promo videos and assisting with tour schedules. Students are not only invited to record their own music, but can gain vital experience by assisting with video and music production, and record publishing.

Nicole Drury, who is in her final year of the University’s Popular Music course, has coordinated the label’s first record label release with Beth, which will see her four-track EP, The Euphoria of Losing Everything, released on 26 April. There will also be further releases from the MUS3121 module as students complete mastering of their EPs.

She’ll then be gigging around the UK and Ireland, including a special EP launch show at The Lab, in Northampton, on Friday 18 May.

We Make Things Happen have also released a promo video for the lead track from Beth’s EP, Masochist, which was directed by Jon Hogg, who was assisted by University students. Watch it below:

The EP itself was produced by Popular Music students Andrei Chetan, Madalina Dobrogeneu and Nat Violet.

Beth said: “I think an experience like this is essential for students. Too often there’s a massive gap between studies and real life, this kind of programme, where they can work with people in a real record label will give them the kind of skills and insights that they wouldn’t get any other way. It’s like taking an internship and tuition, and creating something that’s the best of both worlds. It creates an atmosphere that’s positive and passionate too –we’re making something that’s real, and special. The team I’ve worked with have been exceptionally hard working and talented, I couldn’t give them higher praise.”

She added: “WMTH Records have helped massively. The entire team has been fantastic. I’m being suddenly promoted to 10,000 people through the record label, and I’m being introduced to such prestigious musicians and industry people that I never would have dreamed to rub shoulders with before. We’ve made some very exciting plans for this year too, including a second EP and an Autumn European tour.”

The Euphoria of Losing Everything will be available online via all major download sites, with CD copies available at Beth’s upcoming gigs. See Beth’s website for details.

Confirmed gigs so far:

Fri 4 May – Shoot, Aylesbury

Sun 6 May – Rose & Crown, Walthamstow, London

Wed 9 May – The Brunswick, Hove

Sat 12 May – tbc, Leeds

Fri 18 May – The Lab, Northampton

Thurs 24 May – Printers Playhouse,  Eastbourne

Fri 1 June – Urban Bar, Whitechapel, London

Fri 8 June – Scream Lounge, Croydon

Fri 15 June – Zanzibar club, Liverpool

Sat 23 June – Wight Rock Isle of Wight

WMTH are looking for venues in the following locations: Edinburgh, Wales, Brighton, Worthing, Newcastle, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Ireland, Camden/central London. You can suggest them by contacting Beth via her website.