by Cari Cole
I often get asked about whether music conferences are worth going to, or which ones are best to attend. My quick answer is yes, to absolutely attend, but the best one/s to go to depends on what you are looking for, where you are in your career and what facet of the music business you’re in.
As in any industry, trade conferences build connections, get you up-to-date on the latest trends and current state of the industry, as well as expose you to critical information from trade leaders and industry mavericks. But even more so, for the music industry, which is still significantly behind closed doors, this kind of exposure can incomparably advance your art and your career.
I’ve had some of my most pivotal epiphanal moments at music conferences. I remember several years ago at SXSW watching Dave Grohl give his riveting sermon on the raw grit of being a musician beseeching us to dig in deeper. We were at music church and Dave Grohl was our pastor. Or listening to the legendary Clive Davis tell his stories of carving music history with his alchemical process developing music’s icons.
Or at the ASCAP Expo getting schooled by Bruno Mars and his songwriting buddies, or listening to Katy Perry talk strategy with single releases from One of the Boys. Or watching the unusually tongue tied Sara Bareilles interview legend Lindsey Buckingham telling us about the early days in Southern Cal and how they found their way into the biz. Or getting songwriting jewels from Josh Kear, Songwriter of the Year, as he emphasized the importance of “finishing muscles.”
Music conferences are where we in the biz go to get inspiration, motivation and wisdom from those who go before us, leading the way. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.
And if you can’t get there live, ASCAP sends out videos of the whole shebang post conference for a nominal fee of $60-$75 so you can stay up-to-date from your laptop no matter where you are in the world. Check.
3 Ways to Benefit the Most From Attending a Music Conference:
If you decide to cough up the bucks and go live, here are my top 3 tips for how to get the most benefit and leave with a feeling of satisfaction.
1. Know What You Want
Knowing what you want out of a conference can be the most important thing as it informs all of your other decisions at the conference. For instance, if you’re an indie artist with a killer catalog, you might want to attend the publisher or label panels to make some connections – or – you might want to dig into marketing and licensing panels for how to get more exposure. If you’re an emerging musician, the songwriting or branding panels might give you more bang for your buck than trying to make connections with higher ups. If you’re just starting out, go more for the educational, motivational talks and sit in on a few panels that are over your head to learn a thing or two. Take a moment and think about what is next for you before you fill your panel schedule and you’ll get more out of the experience.
2. Do Your Research
This takes a bit of time, but I highly recommend:
a. Go through the schedule, highlighting the panels you want to attend.
b. Research the panelists on each panel (Google is your BFF), to get info on what they are up to. This helps you now more about whether they would be interested in you, and you’ll have a topic of conversation if it comes to that.
c. Target 5-10 people (from your research) that you absolutely must meet and be sure to see their panel.
d. Grab a photo for instant recognition. It pays to know what they look like. You may have a better chance of connecting by running into them in the hallway then rushing the stage after their presentation with hundreds of other folks;).
3. One Professional Goal and One Personal Goal
I believe in the power of intention and setting goals as a way of:
a. Gaining Clarity
b. Manifesting
Setting goals does two things. One, it helps to define what you want and two, it influences the outcome. Check. I always set one professional goal and one personal goal for any industry meeting or event I attend.
Here’s some examples of goals to set:
Professional Goal: I.e.: I’d like to meet one industry professional that makes an impact on my career. Or, I’d like to find a solution for my query into finding the right booking agent for my music.
Personal Goal: I’d like to feel confident about my music, even if other artists are further ahead of me, or are farther along. Or, I’d like to mingle and meet new people without shaking in my boots like I usually do.
Make your goals match YOU and exactly what would make you feel great.
There’s a ton to gain by just being in the room, so don’t feel like you have to do all of this! If just one thing resonates, go for it.
And don’t forget, music conferences are more fun (and cheaper) with a roommate or pal. Bring your favorite musician buddy for someone to share the experience with.
Most Savvy Music Conferences to Attend
These are my 3 favorite conferences and the ones I hear most artists and industry like and benefit from. Each bring something different to the table.
1. SXSW (South by Southwest)
SXSW in Austin TX. SXSW is a top dog conference. The SXSW Music Conference and Festival debuted in Austin in March 1987. It is a six-day event held every March in Austin, celebrating 30 years in 2016. The conference offers unmatched access to ideas and global viewpoints on an increasingly borderless industry. It aims to educate and inspire musicians and professionals alike, with sessions attended by over 30,000 registrants and showcasing artists. Also a large multi-industry trade show exhibition, Music Gear Expo and daytime stage performances round out the day while evenings are devoted to the SXSW Music Festival, which showcases over 2,200 acts ranging from the unsigned to the iconic. SXSW is currently being held from March 15 – 20th, 2016. Tickets and lodging sell out as early as August – Sept for the following year.
2. ASCAP Expo
The ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO puts you face-to-face with some of the world’s most successful songwriters, composers, producers and music business leaders, all who willingly share their knowledge and expertise and give you the know-how to take your music to the next level. Launched in 2006, the ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO is the first and only national conference dedicated to songwriting and composing. April 28 – 30th, 2016 in Los Angeles.
We’ll be there. Look for info about our Cari Cole Meetup by joining our list here (LINK.)
3. Durango Songwriting Expo
Held twice a year, Jim Attebery’s Durango Songwriting Expo is a first class event. The Durango Songwriter Expo is one of the nation’s premier singer songwriter events. Held twice yearly – once in Colorado and again in Santa Barbara, CA wine country, the Expo gives artists and songwriters an unmatched opportunity to network with music supervisors, labels, publishers and fellow artists. Get your music critiqued in listening sessions, sit in on industry panels & perform your music during the evening showcases. Get on their list. The next Expo is February 25-27 2016 in Santa Ynez CA!
Share your favorite conferences or experiences in the comments below…
Happy Music Conferencing!!
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