2024 Talks Archive

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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)

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

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.

“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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

A one-day intensive designed to inspire and equip emerging singers, songwriters, producers, and music artists. Led by Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and educator Mary Brown, alongside a lineup of seasoned industry professionals, this dynamic workshop offers bite-sized sessions on the creative and business sides of music.

Through interactive songwriting exercises, vocal training, hands-on production tips, and real-world insights into marketing, touring, distribution, and royalties, participants will walk away with practical tools to advance their careers. Each session includes a Q&A to dive deeper with our expert panel.

Topics include:
– Vocal training
– Songwriting
– Music production
– Recording
– Legal basics
– Artist development
– Marketing
– Social media strategy
– Distribution
– Touring & merchandising

The day concludes with a catered networking mixer to connect, collaborate, and build community.

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.

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.

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.