Areafour Records is backed by the Partnership Council and is staffed by volunteers who donate their skills and talents to create a statement that’s worth listening to. Rather than moan in a bar, they decided to do something about it.

It is a great example of innovative use of new media and web 2.0 which Areafour Records has instigated in order to spread its message. From the use of MySpace (www.myspace.com/area4records), Flickr (www.flickr.com/photos/area4records), PayPal (www.paypal.co.uk), MyFlashFetish (www.myflashfetish.com), File Den (www.fileden.com) as well as its website www.area4records.co.uk, they have reached out to answer Nottingham's critics in the most eloquent way they know how – the pure, undeniable talent of its music scene.

Lazy journalism and bad headlines do have impact on an area’s reputation and its economic well being. Areafour is helping to counteract this and create real interest and exposure for Nottingham’s musical talents.

Tracks for the label’s debut compilation CD came in via Areafour Record’s use of new media to put the call out across the city. Over 260 Nottingham-based musicians and bands competed to be featured on the CD, and the result is 69 minnutes of the very best sounds from the strings and skins of the city's finest guitar bands.

The CD is just one of the mmechanisms that Areafour has used to extend the simple message that Nottingham is not Kill City, Arthur Seaton does not represent the entire city and yes, Robin Hood was a bandit but he also did charitable works. The impact of this message may not shatter any preconceptions about the city but it may make people who do not normally engage in political debate consider for a moment how they feel. The CD is bloody good as well and is just the start.

Nominated by Adam Mckillop, 25 May 2007

Winning this award will help validate the label in its actions. The message promoted by the label will be heard by those who would normally be deaf to the significant proportion of the city’s population who have been touched by or have shown interest in the ignored music scene.

Submitted by Jodi, 25 May 2007

Lazy journalism breeds obvious targets and fosters tunnel vision in those that really should know better. What Areafour records have done is to kick against the tide and fight back not through a reactive war of words, but to present the talent that pulses through and reflects the city of Nottingham -dynamic and (a)live.

Submitted by Antony, 25 May 2007

Nottingham, like many cities, has its good, not so good, and downright unmentionable characteristics. Its grate to see apositive edge put on the city, in the end its true character, and the character of its people will be bcome evident by what what they do, not by what sells in our sensationalist mainstream media

Submitted by Alan, 25 May 2007

It is good to see a postive image of Nottingham being displayed, there are lots of great things about the City which are always shadowed by what the national media choose to show. A big thumbs up to AreaFour Records.

Submitted by Steve, 25 May 2007

All power to Area4's elbow I say - I'm sick of my city getting slagged off. I wouldn't mind so much if the coverage was even vaguely representative and accurate, but it so clearly isn't.

Music is something that can unite and inspire and what Area4 has done (and will continue to do) is vital if the next generation are to grow up to have faith and confidence in their city and understand what contribution they can make to it.

But all that would be just warm words unless it was backed up by some positive action - so the way they've gone about it really hits the spot. This project is a model of what it takes to make social action work in the 21st century - because unless it grabs its audience in a way they understand and operater in the rest of their lives, it won't stand a chance.

Peace everyone

martin

Submitted by Martin Valentine, 26 May 2007

Nottingham is a wonderful city and any organisation which says so and promotes the place gets my vote

Submitted by Jim Kelley, 26 May 2007

Im very proud of my city, so many positive things are starting to happen in Nottingham, its growing as a city but most importantly its music scene seems to be coming of age. Finally.

Submitted by Simon, 26 May 2007

Nottingham needs area 4! I have witnessed some truly awesome music come out of Nottingham in the last few years. Bands come and go without making a ripple in the national press and it\'s not right!

Submitted by Adam, 26 May 2007

A brilliant project coming from an even better belief in the power of good for positive change.

Submitted by Sally, 26 May 2007

Finally someone willing to sort out Notts...

Submitted by Anthony, 26 May 2007

Nottingham is already on the map, but for all the wrong reasons. There are many amazing bands within the city limits and with a bit of luck Area 4 will help draw attention to the more positive aspects of Notts.

Submitted by Jason, 26 May 2007

It's great to see this good work help promote Nottingham for all the right reasons!

Submitted by Liz, 28 May 2007

Positive action its great for Nottingham and a credit to everyone's hard work

Submitted by Guy, 28 May 2007

Area4 are doing something very admirable and actually focusing on GOOD music, unlike other labels who just focus on whats currently 'fashionable'.

Nothingham is a great place for music and Area4 show this.

They are a credit and it would be great to see the same from other cities/areas.

Submitted by Ollie, 28 May 2007

Working for an organisation that is integral to the regeneration efforts in Nottingham's Area 4, I recognise the value of both the effort and commitment that went into setting up Areafour Records and the positive message it sends about this part of the city.

Areafour Records has been born out of a friendly, vibrant and interesting place bursting with art, culture, music and positive people.

I hope that the project - and the people behind it - are recognised for what they have achieved.

Submitted by Jeff, 29 May 2007

The same tired old people making the same tired old noises with the same tired old dreams of being anything other than that which they have always been; alone. Music is not a gift or a right. It is a poison. There is no good or bad. Only silence speaks with a voice you can't deny. x

Submitted by baby bean, 31 May 2007

In addition to the above comments about the music, the positive image the project has given Nottingham, etc., it is great that so many people came together on this project and gave up a lot of their time to see it through. It was all done on a shoestring budget - but you would not believe it to look at the website. It was a great project that brought together some great people and it certainly deserves to be recognised by the New Media Awards 2007. If you have not heard the cd visit the website above and listen to the tracks - BUY A COPY -and then come back and leave a comment!

Submitted by George Moulson, 01 June 2007