Some say D.I.Y. is the way to go, but the reality is that out of 105,000 records released last year, only 6,000 sold over 1,000 units! You can do it yourself, but can you make enough money to pay the rent? This panel will take you through the steps necessary to make a career out of a popular mantra and grassroots cause in the age of the self-employed arts professional.
The modern day musician has a full plate. On top of the pressures of making and performing great music, one must also wear other hats including those of a marketing director, radio promoter, agent, lawyer, and publicist, but most importantly: the hat of a business owner. In a fluctuating market, with consistently evolving sales strategies, technology and elusive legal issues, how does one sustain their career's momentum and manage it all while leveraging their creativity as an artist?
There's way more that goes into an Off Broadway production than what you see on the stage. The work involved on all fronts is tremendous but it doesn't always pay off. This panel of cast members and production pros will bring you from back stage to the front row.
Rights. What a significant and complicated word. From a student syncing music to video, to artists determining what royalties they have coming to them and from where. From file-sharing lawsuits to new business models, these seasoned industry members will discuss where intellectual property is headed.
With the lack of record deals, some artists are aligning with organizations other than music companies to expose their work. Are these opportunities really that strategic? This panel will discuss the importance of finding and acting on "third party" opportunities.
As the digital age leads the forefront for all facets of media, radio is slowly beginning to adapt to its new surroundings and receiving mixed reactions from those who service music to those bringing it to the airwaves. Here we shed light on issues impacting metal radio and what the industry is doing to better serve the needs of both artists and the disc jockey.
A philosophical discussion on the genre. Where it came from, where it's going, and how it affects business. Diverse label rosters and wide-casting tours now define the genre, so what constitutes metal today?
With the world disparately turning into an eco-friendly place, is the music industry doing its part? How can the music industry contribute to this cause in more effective ways? Our lean, green panel team will spark the conversation and converse with the audience on various important causes and concepts
The roll of "The Producer" has changed greatly. More records are being made with less generous budgets. Grammy-winning producers are staying busy, but in a number of diverse ways. This top-tier panel will pick apart and rethink the current state of affairs concerning modern music production, its traditional role, and its future.
There are numerous ways artists can work with brands and sports properties to expose their music to a larger audience, grow their songwriting skills and get paid for it. This panel explores some of those opportunities available today.
Go to any music town, and without looking too far you will find a dedicated group of individuals who write great songs and share a certain bond of brother/sisterhood within their respective "songwriting scene." From New York to Nashville to L.A. and beyond, come listen in on some great stories about songwriting from this dedicated group.
Some people have the inside scoop on everything happening right now and others are constantly and accurately predicting the future. This group of professionals and soothsayers will do both while adding their own two cents.
Is there a formula for placing your music in a film or show, or is it merely luck and timing like everything else in show business? There is a lot going on behind the scenes these days and this "A-list" of industry pros will candidly discuss the path you need to take.
What exactly is A&R these days and who are the real people discovering new artists? This panel will branch outside the labels to discover the discoverers, and will dissect digital credibility through blogs and online (so called) critics.
