2024 Industry Talks + Workshops
NEW YORK MUSIC MONTH IS PRODUCED BY THE NYC MAYOR'S OFFICE OF MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT
Join industry leaders for expert advice on advancing your career, as well as discussions on the latest trends shaping the industry. Whether you’re a musician looking to hone your business skills or a music industry professional looking to stay current and connected, NY Music Month has you covered.
As part of NY Music Month, an initiative of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media + Entertainment, Independent Perspectives is a three-part virtual series presented by Merlin. Each session features speakers from across Merlin’s dynamic membership of independent labels, distributors, and other right holders, discussing their company’s footprint in New York: their history in the city, why New York is a crucial place for their business, how their presence in New York impacts their global strategy, and other matters that independents navigate every day.
This edition will feature Gregory Hirschhorn, Founder and CEO of Too Lost, in conversation with Shannon Bradley, Senior Manager of Commercial Partnerships at Merlin.
Date: June 4
Time: 01:00 pm – 02:00 pm
Location: Online
Amazon #1 best-selling author, host of the #1 Music Business podcast globally, & music industry veteran Emily White will be covering the entire modern music industry, from recording to release, while ensuring artists aren’t missing any revenue stream along the way in a single session.
This presentation, Q&A + networking event will cover: getting your art together; pre-recording marketing foundation; getting your “business affairs” together; how to record with or without a budget; music publishing isn’t scary or confusing + how to land a sync placement; setting up your release & distribution plan; how to market with or without a budget; your live strategy & efficient touring; merch-recon; revenue stream checklist; how to know when to begin the process again; as well as when you need an attorney, business manager, and/or a manager – a.k.a. defining an artist’s traditional “team.”
Free Hal Leonard manuscript notebooks will be provided for all attendees on a first come, first serve basis. See you there!
Date: June 4
Time: 06:00 pm – 08:00 pm
Location: 327 Bowery, New York, NY 10003, Manhattan
As part of NY Music Month, I AM I and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, cordially invite you to a conversation shining the spotlight on a notable immigrant music artist based in NYC. Hosted by Amazon Music and led by multi-Grammy award-winning producer/engineer, Mr Sonic, this event promises insight, inspiration, and celebration of cultural diversity within the music industry.
Make sure to stay after the panel for ‘Sounds From Abroad: A Multicultural Songwriting Experience’ where selected participants will have the unique opportunity to engage in a 4-hour writing session at Amazon’s Studio126, Brooklyn, under the guidance and mentorship of Amazon Music’s Producer in Residence, Mr. Sonic, and the guest artist. During the session, other attendees are encouraged to rotate between multiple writing sessions, observe, and ask questions about the creative process.
Fill out this form to be considered for the Songwriting Experience: copy and paste this link in your browser: https://forms.gle/vSnzM16r3dFiP9b2A
Date: June 6
Time: 01:00 – 02:00 pm
Location: 25 Kent Ave, Brooklyn
Join us for a panel of distinguished producers that are making waves in the NYC music community as they discuss their journey, their craft, and being the architects of a surging music community. The panel will consist of:
Ian Kimmel: 5x Grammy nominated Producer, Songwriter, mixer, and artist with 15 Platinum and Gold certifications and 15 Billboard #1’s.
Miette Hope: Miette A Brooklyn based singer-songwriter, producer and Berklee College of Music graduate that is very active in the NYC music community, with an incredible selection of writing and production credits, millions of streams, and various synch, editorial, and press highlights.
Devvon Terrell: Devvon Terrell is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and music producer. He rose to fame with his 2016 single “Flex”. Since then, Devvon has released several singles and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry such as J. Cole, Erykah Badu, 2 Chainz and Ty Dolla $ign.
Moderated by Chris Sclafani, Grammy Award Winning Engineer, Producer, and Mixer.
Networking to follow panel.
Date: June 6
Time: 06:00 pm – 08:00 pm
Location: 120 Walker Street, 2nd Floor, Manhattan
Hosted by Amazon Music and led by multi Grammy award-winning producer/engineer, Mr Sonic, the conversation will feature a notable music executive specializing in working with multicultural talent. You’ll leave with backstage industry insights on how to use your cultural background as an advantage and set yourself apart on the global music stage. Don’t miss this opportunity to map out your path to success in the music industry.
Following the discussion, a select few will have the opportunity to participate in a 3-hour writing session under the guidance and mentorship of Amazon Music’s Producer in Residence at Amazon’s Studio126, Brooklyn, Mr. Sonic and the guest music executive. During the session, other attendees are encouraged to rotate between multiple writing sessions, observe, and ask questions about the creative process.
Fill out this form to be considered for the Songwriting Experience. Or copy and paste this link in your browser: https://forms.gle/Z3zf1kYKsoX6HnCR8
Date: June 7
Time: 01:00 – 02:00 pm
Location: 25 Kent Ave, Brooklyn
Students and young professionals can delve into the business side of the music industry with Emily White of Collective Entertainment & #iVoted, Nurit Siegel Smith of Music Forward Foundation, and Nancy Tarr of Well Dunn Foundation.
Participants can ask questions in the live chat, gaining personalized advice on how to enter, or advance your career in the music industries. Join this interactive session to discover the inner workings of the music industry and receive expert guidance on advancing your career, whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your professional life to the next level.
Date: June 11
Time: 12:30 – 01:30 pm
Join Mehmet Dede, talent buyer at Drom and author of “Make It Live: The Handbook for Getting Gigs,” for this presentation to learn how live music works including the booking, planning and marketing processes.
Some of the things you’ll learn in this masterclass include:
How to get booked into clubs
How to promote your concerts
The do’s and don’ts of playing venues
In addition to the in-person workshop, participants will have access to instructional videos ahead of the masterclass and meet their cohort online to start networking
Anyone looking to build a career in the live music sector will walk away with practical knowledge and clear starting points to book and market their live performances.
*The masterclass is open to both beginners-level artists as well as emerging performers.
Date: June 12
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Power Station at BerkleeNYC, 441 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, Manhattan
Anti Social Camp is the largest songwriting camp in the world with the mission to revitalize the nyc music scene. Artists this year include Jacob Collier, Alec Benjamin, Miranda Lambert, Rob Thomas, Cults and hundreds more as featured in The New Yorker, Billboard and Variety.
The Anti Social Camp Playback Party is the world premiere of 100+ new songs. After 3 days and dozens of sessions, it’s time to play back all the fresh tracks with our talented creators, A&Rs and industry.
Date: June 14
Time: 11:30 am – 03:30 pm
Location: 80 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, Brooklyn
Anti Social Camp is the largest songwriting camp in the world with the mission to revitalize the nyc music scene. Artists this year include Jacob Collier, Alec Benjamin, Miranda Lambert, Rob Thomas and hundreds more.
We want to invite all NYC high school, undergraduate and graduate students on Saturday June 15th to this free event. In the morning, Grammy-winning artists and industry leaders will give expert advice and provide feedback on your songs, followed by pizza lunch networking. In the afternoon, a small number of students will be selected to participate in recording sessions at Roc Nation’s studios.
Date: June 15
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: 1 University Plz, Brooklyn, NY 11201, Brooklyn
Calling all aspiring music moguls! Join us for a conversation about turning your passion into a thriving business. Established music industry professionals will share their experience in artist development, licensing, distribution, management and marketing. Gain insights into building a strong brand identity and navigating the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape to reach a target audience. We’ll discuss the key qualities to look for when forming and growing your team, how to foster a collaborative environment, and effective delegation strategies. We will delve into the realities of starting a business in this competitive field, discussing the common pitfalls faced by new entrepreneurs and offering practical strategies to overcome them.
Date: June 17
Time: 05:30 – 07:00 pm
Location: 101 Avenue A, Manhattan
Independent Perspectives is a three-part virtual series presented by Merlin. Each session features speakers from across Merlin’s dynamic membership of independent labels, distributors, and other right holders, discussing their company’s footprint in New York: their history in the city, why New York is a crucial place for their business, how their presence in New York impacts their global strategy, and other matters that independents navigate every day.
This edition will feature Emily Puterbaugh, Secretly Group’s Global Director of Streaming and Digital Sales, and Josh Madell Secretly Distribution’s Director of Artist and Label Strategy, in conversation with Shannon Bradley, Senior Manager of Commercial Partnerships at Merlin.
Date: June 18
Time: 01:00 pm – 02:00 pm
Location: Online
Join Ariel Hyatt, the founder of CyberPR, for a masterclass on unlocking the secrets to transforming your fans into passionate superfans. Dive into the world of AI-driven tools and discover how to create captivating collaborative content that brings you and your fans closer than ever. Learn to harness the power of AI for personalized recommendations, immersive virtual experiences, and dynamic social media engagement. By leveraging these cutting-edge techniques, you’ll build a dedicated community of loyal supporters who are genuinely connected to your journey and eager to champion your music. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your fans into your most devoted advocates!
Date: June 18
Time: 07:00 pm
Location: Power Station in our Black Box Theater – 441 W 53 Street, New York City
Broadway is all about live performance, but the cast recording is how millions of listeners worldwide are often introduced to a show and its score. Many of us remember first hearing West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Into the Woods, Wicked, Hamilton, and so many more at home while imagining what those shows would be like. The recording of these albums is very different from those in other genres. They are traditionally recorded in just two days, right after the show opens, and edited, mixed, mastered, and packaged in a month, in order to promote the show. This breakneck pace brings its own challenges in selecting, planning, recording, and marketing, and brings together hundreds of artists, musicians, engineers, and studios right here in New York City. Meet a terrific panel of some of the most active creators of new cast recordings:
Moderator: Sean Patrick Flahaven – Grammy & Tony winning producer and label head, Concord Theatricals Recordings
Panelists: Tom Kitt – Grammy, Tony, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize winning composer, producer, arranger, music director
Ian Kagey – Grammy winning recording engineer and producer
Oscar Zambrano – Grammy winning mastering engineer
Scott Farthing – EVP Sony Masterworks Broadway (label head) Kelli O’Hara – Broadway star, Tony winner, 2x Grammy nominee (and current Tony nominee)
Date: June 20
Time: 12:00 – 01:00 pm
Location: Online
Don’t miss this unique and entertaining opportunity!
5 Top NYC-based Sync Managers from Major Publishers, Major Labels and Music Companies will offer a peek behind the Creative Sync Pitching Curtain.
They will pitch music LIVE to an Ad with no music. All in real time! A music editor will also mix and edit the music, live and direct.
The event is moderated by advertising Music Veteran and Professor Josh Rabinowitz of Brooklyn Music Experience, who has produced over 10,000 tracks for brands, tv, cinema and for major labels.
Come experience the magic of pitching great music for an advertisement.
At the end the audience will vote on who’s submission is best in show.
The Sync Managers:
Samantha Storch, Sync Manager – Ads, Concord Music Publishing
Kelly Haggerty, Manager, Sync Licensing, Sony Music Entertainment
Sydney Ferleger, President and Executive Producer, The Music Playground
Eunique, Sr. Director, Sync – Brands & Advertising, Empire
Joyce Lin, Director, Synchronization, Warner Chappell Music
Date: June 20
Time: 04:30 pm – 06:00 pm
Location: 200 Varick Street, Manhattan
This panel discussion delves into the world of digital marketing with a focus on production and digital marketing. You will learn about the a-b-c’s of digital marketing and what steps Haitian artists can make to become a global phenomenon.
Date: June 20
Time: 06:00 pm – 09:00 pm
Location: 217 Bowery Street, Manhattan
“The Recipe Music Workshop: Lunch & Learn for Kids”, an interactive day of music, learning, and fun, is designed to inspire and develop the talents of young, emerging artists. This dynamic and engaging program, led by Grammy-nominated Singer Songwriter and Adjunct Professor Mary Brown along with her team offers a unique, immersive experience combining hands-on music production, vocal training, and music education with entrepreneurship, fun games, and arts & crafts. There will be a nourishing mealtime setting, fostering a safe and supportive community for young artists to grow and thrive.
The workshop also includes a segment on self-care, emphasizing the importance of well-being. This event aims to be a beacon of positive change, encouraging creativity, personal growth, and a sense of community among participants.
The day will conclude with an exciting live performance by Grammy-nominated singer and children’s author, Divinity Roxx, inspiring attendees with her talent and dedication.
Highlights of “The Recipe Music Workshop: Lunch & Learn for Kids” include:
– Interactive sessions on music production and vocal training
– Educational insights into the music industry and entrepreneurship
– Fun and engaging games to foster creativity and teamwork
– Creative arts & crafts activities
– A healthy communal meal setting
– Discussions on self-care and well-being
– A live performance by Grammy-nominated artist Divinity Roxx
Date: June 23
Time: 02:00 – 06:00 pm
Location: Kaufman Music Center, 129 W. 67th Street 10023, New York, NY 10023
As part of NY Music Month, an initiative of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media + Entertainment, discover the power of support, visibility, and community in musical theatre at a panel discussion exploring how Maestra Music fosters connection through its programming and directories. Event in partnership with Disney Theatrical and with support by Kendra Scott.
Originating in early 2017, Maestra Music emerged from informal gatherings led by Composer/Lyricist and Music Director, Georgia Stitt. Georgia’s experiences as the Music Director for the Off-Broadway revival of Sweet Charity unveiled a glaring issue: the invisibility of women musicians. Over the past year, Maestra Music’s impact has expanded, including the development of a partnership Directory with MUSE (Musicians United for Social Equity) and the introduction of the RISE Theatre Directory. Developed in collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda and the Miranda Family Fund, the RISE Directory aims to uplift underrepresented artists across backstage, administrative, and creative roles in the performing arts. Its strategic design amplifies the voices of women, people of color, trans, non-binary, deaf, and disabled individuals. Join us to delve into the significance of visibility and support in our community.
Date: June 24
Time: 03:00 – 05:00 pm
Location: The New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
Music videos have always been a powerful medium for artistic expression and cultural influence. From the early days of groundbreaking visuals on television to the current age of online and viral distribution, the way we create, consume, and distribute award-winning music videos has undergone a revolutionary transformation.
Join The Webby Awards and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment for a conversation and drinks with the creative luminaries at the forefront of this new era for music videos. The panel, part of New York Music Month, will take place at Soho House New York and feature filmmakers and executives from Columbia Records and Object & Animal in conversation with Nick Borenstein, General Manager of The Webby Awards, as they share insights into the creativity, technology, and collaboration behind making groundbreaking music videos.
Date: June 24
Time: 05:00 – 07:00 pm
Location: Soho House New York, 29-35 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014
Independent Perspectives is a three-part virtual series presented by Merlin. Each session features speakers from across Merlin’s dynamic membership of independent labels, distributors, and other right holders, discussing their company’s footprint in New York: their history in the city, why New York is a crucial place for their business, how their presence in New York impacts their global strategy, and other matters that independents navigate every day.
Speakers to be announced shortly.
Date: June 25
Time: 01:00 pm – 02:00 pm
Location: Online
The Bridge Studio, in collaboration with She Rocked It Productions, is proud to present from Studio to Sync. This panel discussion and live podcast recording will feature real talk and actionable tips from women making an impact on the NYC music industry. The conversation will explore the opportunities and obstacles of navigating the NYC music industry and how each of the panelists gained and maintained their foothold in the industry. Plus, expect valuable insights on courage, confidence, leadership, and self-care in an often volatile and demanding industry.
Panelists include:
Mona Kayhan: Majority owner of The Bridge Studio (Williamsburg, Brooklyn), a classic, large-format “big room” analog and digital recording and video production studio
Jen Pearce: Founder of Low Profile, a music licensing & consulting agency based in Brooklyn
Jeanne Montalvo Lucar: Grammy-nominated audio engineer and award-winning radio producer
Rashida Scott-Cruz: Professor in the Music Industry Program at Monmouth University
Hosted by: Karen Gross, Host/Founder of She Rocked It Productions
Date: June 25
Time: 06:00 pm – 08:00 pm
Location: Exact street address provided upon registration, Brooklyn
Implementing a successful campaign for your release from start to finish can be a minefield to navigate. What happens after you’ve scheduled your release? How do you reach the right audience and grow your fanbase? When does publishing come in? Join prolific artist and multi-instrumentalist, Tiffany Day and Downtown Music’s team of experts across marketing and publishing as they help guide you through the process. Whether you’re an independent artist, label or just interested to understand more, this session will show you how to start and execute your campaign roadmap and why a well planned strategy can pay off.
Moderator: Chantelle St. Clair – Director of Marketing, Songtrust
Panelists:
Tiffany Day – Artist
Victoria Tsigonis – Senior Marketing Services Director, FUGA
Sarah Davis – Senior Manager, Global Client Services, Downtown Music Publishing
Channing Mitzell – Project Manager (Marketing), Downtown Artist & Label Services
Date: June 26
Time: 11:30 – 12:30 am
Join Us for “The Recipe Music Workshop”, A One-Day Event for Singers, Songwriters, Producers, and Music Artists crafted to inspire and equip emerging music artists. This event, led by Grammy-nominated Singer, Songwriter, and Adjunct Professor Mary Brown, alongside esteemed industry experts, offers small bites of knowledge through interactive songwriting exercises, vocal training, hands-on production tips, and engaging conversations focused on marketing, distribution, touring, and royalties.
Each segment of the workshop will be followed by an engaging Q&A session, providing attendees the chance to delve into the specifics with our panel of industry professionals. This workshop aims to nurture creativity, enhance technical skills, and provide strategic insights for building a successful music career.
Small Bites will include:
The event will culminate in a catered Networking Mixer.
Date: June 26
Time: 04:00 – 10:00 pm
Location: Powerstation at Berklee NYC, 441 West 53rd Street New York, NY 10019
Join us for a panel featuring companies that are helping independent musicians advance their careers through innovations in music creation, representation, distribution, performance, and more. The panel will consist of:
Jordan Weller, Indify: Indify helps promising music artists get funding to grow their careers without a traditional record deal.
Romain Palmieri, Co-Founder & CEO, Groover: Groover connects musicians with media outlets, record labels, and radios, guarantees they’ll be listened to, and helps accelerate their careers.
Allison Bond, Concerts Director, Sofar Sounds: a music events startup company, responsible for various small performances, hosted in over 400 cities.
Luis Valencia, Co-Founder & President, Biscuit Head Collective: Manhattan based production collective and artist incubator.
Moderated by Griffin Bader, Head Booker at Breaking Sound NYC.
Networking to follow panel.
Date: June 27
Time: 06:00 pm – 08:00 pm
Location: 120 Walker Street, 2nd Floor, Manhattan
SoundExchange was independently formed in 2003 to build a fairer, simpler, and more efficient music industry through technology, data, and advocacy.
The only organization designated by the U.S. government to administer the Section 114 sound recording license, SoundExchange collects and distributes digital performance royalties on behalf of 700,000 music creators and growing. Through proprietary music tech solutions that turn data into accurate revenue, the non-profit has collected and distributed more than $11 billion to creators and rights owners to date.
Attend this webinar to learn more about SoundExchange – from domestic non-interactive streaming royalty collections to membership mandates and international royalty services. Gain insight into the tools creators and rights owners use to manage their repertoire with the metadata and information necessary to ensure timely royalties for the use of your work. And find out more about SoundExchange’s deep commitment to advocating on behalf of creators wherever necessary to ensure equitable treatment.
Date: June 28
Time: 12:00 pm – 01:00 pm
Join us for a panel featuring NYC based managers that are representing some of NY‘s finest as they walk us through the trials and tribulations of managing and developing talent in the modern music ecosystem. The panel will consist of:
Alexa Fasulo: Head of Digital at Why & How, partnered with Red Light Management.
Ben Locke: Director, A&R & Marketing, (dis)Harmony Records, Sony. Founder, Hot MGMT.
Luis Valencia: Manager at Fenway Recordings and co-founder and President of Biscuit Head Collective.
Moderated by Griffin Bader, Head Booker at Breaking Sound NYC. Networking to follow panel.
Date: June 28
Time: 06:00 pm – 08:00 pm
Location: 180 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002, Manhattan