Talks
The Narrative Engine: Scaling Your Story from DIY to Global Brand
- Marketing/PR/Social Media
In a saturated digital landscape, great music is the requirement, but a great story is the differentiator. This panel explores the critical role of Communications and PR in the modern music ecosystem—the strategic "bridge" that connects an artist's vision to the media, the industry, and the fans. We’re pulling back the curtain on how narratives are built, managed, and protected in an era of 24/7 news cycles and viral trends. Join a collective of seasoned publicists and communications strategists as they discuss the "PR Lifecycle." We’ll move past the high-level buzz to tackle the practicalities: how can an independent artist build an effective story on a budget? At what precise milestone does "investing in PR" actually yield a return? And what does the day-to-day work of a music publicist really entail behind the closed doors of major agencies and labels? This session is designed for the industry's next generation—from students looking to master the art of the pitch to artists ready to scale their presence. We focus on the high-level methodology and the "unspoken" strategies that turn a single release into a career-defining moment.
Speakers

Bria Fisher
Vice President, Communications, EMPIRE
Maria Ho-Burge
Global Head of Communications and Industry Strategy, TuneCore and Believe Americas
Faryal Khan-Thompson
Vice President Global Markets, Strategy & Development, EMPIRE
Anthony Langone
Global Head of Music and Brand Communications, Spotify
Evelyn Swiderski
Director, Communications, Vevo
Ariana White
Vice President, Press & Media Strategy, Atlantic Records