The story of how FDM Records went about the 'JCB Song' campaign at the end of 2005, (which saw the song reach Number 1 in both the UK and Irish charts in the week running up to Christmas, selling over 400,000 copies (inc 100,000 downloads) and 50,000 copies in those regions respectively) is one that regularly needs clarifying with people. There are often misconceptions or simply people do not know how it worked seeing as FDM is such a tiny independent label. After all the celebrations had died down and the new year gathered momentum, the FDM label members and the core campaign team along with the Head of Independent Labels at the BPI (British Phonographic Industry) did a master-class seminar to discuss and communicate how it all worked and who was involved.

The purpose of the master-class was: A) to tell the story and fill people in on what actually happened, with a sense of posterity too, and B) to share the experience with people so they see that it is possible to achieve that level of success without being a 'Major'. A part of FDM's purpose is to share knowledge and experience with others and help inspire.

The master-class (which took place on February 23rd 2006) was audio recorded, so you can listen back yourself. We have also transcribed all the important information/dialogue into a PDF document for you to easily reference and share with others.

>> Masterclass Audio << Click text to listen. To download the mp3 file (144Mb, approx 1 hour long) Right-click and 'Save Target As'

>> Transcribed Masterclass PDF << Click text to view. To download the PDF file (128Kb), right-click and 'Save Target As'

Please pass this on to your friends, colleagues, contemporaries, and anyone else who many be interested. Thank you.