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

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

The first event of Anti Social Camp 2024! Celebrity guests greet our 200+ participants and guests. Previous years include Nile Rodgers, Moby, Andy Grammer, Kimbra, WALK THE MOON, Grace VanderWaal, X Ambassadors, JP Saxe, Rostam of Vampire Weekend, Rob Thomas, Madison McFerrin, Linda Perry and more. There’s also a live podcast recording and Anti Social Women Running Music Panel.

Date: June 10
Time: 10:00 am – 04:00 pm
Location: 55 W 13th St, Manhattan

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
Location: Power Station at BerkleeNYC, 441 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, Manhattan

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: 25 W 39th Street 11th Floor, 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.

Speakers to be announced shortly.

Date: June 18
Time: 01:00 pm – 02:00 pm
Location: Online

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: Lunch & Learn’, hosted by Grammy nominated Singer Songwriter, Professor Mary Brown & Team, is a dynamic, fun, interactive program designed for younger emerging artists and the youth (Children 7-12). The workshop offers an experience that combines music education, entrepreneurship, fun and games, arts & crafts and technology with a friendly mealtime setting. Fostering a safe and supportive community, with a light discussion on self-care, ‘The Recipe’ series stands as a beacon and force for positive change. The event will conclude with a live performance by: Divinity Roxx.

Date: June 23
Time: 04:00 pm – 06:00 pm
Location: 129 W. 67th Street 10023, New York, New York

Discover the power of visibility and community support in musical theatre at a panel discussion exploring how Maestra Music fosters connection through its programming and Directories.

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 pm
Location: TBD

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

Get ready to turn up the volume for “The Recipe: MMM”, hosted by Grammy-nominated Singer, Songwriter, Professor Mary Brown and invited industry experts.

The Recipe: MMM is an innovative workshop designed to guide music artists through the journey from ideation to realization. It combines small bites of expert knowledge, hands-on activities, and a dash of real-world insights. Along with a side of learning tools, sautéed with music & business strategies to empower artists in today’s dynamic music landscape.

So grab your pen, warm up those vocal cords, and get ready to sprinkle some magic into your music because with Mary Brown leading the charge, there’s no telling where the rhythm will take you!

Topics include, but are not limited to:
Vocal Training
Songwriting
Production
Recordings
Legalities
Artist Development
Marketing
Social Media
Distribution
Touring & Merchandising

Date: June 26
Time: 04:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location: 441 West 53rd Street, N.Y. 10019, Midtown Manhattan

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

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

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 (KALEO, Saint Motel, Echosmith, and more)

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