Music Forward: Industry Sessions

Music venues are critical for live shows to take place. Duh, right? Well let's spotlight the professionals that basically "live" in them and hear about a show loads in and loads out.

Speakers: Brian Kline - Regional General Manager - West, House of Blues Las Vegas Kelly May - Head of Production, House of Blues Paul Mcguigan - Sr. Talent Buyer, Live Nation Laura Clark - Director of Education, Music Forward Foundation

Originally aired: August 2, 2023 @ All Access Fest: Virtual

Join Rock Lititz for a look at how your favorite large-scale shows become a reality. Follow a show from napkin sketch to opening night, as events are designed, manufactured, routed, rehearsed, and prepped for the world’s largest tours. Hear about the importance of vendor relationships, the realties of both budget and timeline, and the best ways to collaborate for safe and successful run.

Speakers:

Bing - Senior Producer, Production Glue/TAIT

David '5'1' Norman - Tour Manager | Tour Director | Tour Accountant, Tour Forensics

Rachel Pfennig Hales - Experience Manager, Rock Lititz

Sooner Rae Routhier - Founder/Designer, The Playground

Originally aired: August 2, 2023 @ All Access Fest: Virtual

Tour promoters are very hands on with everything from putting a tour on sale to helping execute the artist team vision for the live experience. Come learn about this popular career pathway and you may be surprised about what it takes to get there.

Speakers: Aria Williams - Global Project Manager & Tour Director, Live Nation Eric Holt - Founder (The Lovenoise Group), Assistant Professor (Belmont University) Michael Schneider - VP, Content Acquisition & Partnerships, Veeps Originally aired: August 2, 2023 @ All Access Fest: Virtual

In the music business, "marketing" is probably one of the hottest buzzwords. What do marketers even do and how does it apply to the many faces of music business careers?

Speakers: Dani Chavez - Artist Manager and CMO, FM Group at YMU Joanna Noyes - SVP, Global Marketing & Brand Strategy, The Orchard Dre Slater - Founder (Emperium Entertainment), Head of Artist Discovery (The Digilogue) Rhea Ghosh - Chief Marketing Officer, Cosynd

Originally aired: August 2, 2023 @ All Access Fest: Virtual

It's important for artists to have their brand and image together in order to engage with their fans – get more followers, sell merch, and get people out to their live shows. In this panel, we'll have key players come together to talk about the essentials for a promoting a successful artist brand.

Speakers: Blair Miller - Founder & CEO, Chaos Creators Entertainment Brooke Rascoff - Global Music Marketing & Streaming Lead, Riot Games Chadae Bowler - Principal, Like The Singer Will Tenney - Founder and Managing Partner, SunPop

Originally aired: August 2, 2023 @ All Access Fest: Virtual

A great team is essential for an artist as they need to protect their creative craft. This panel will detail the various members of an artist's team and how they interact and play a role in an artist's life and career financially and creatively.

Speakers: Aurielle Brooks - Attorney (Arrington & Phillips, LLP), VP & General Counsel (Collective Gallery LLC) Chayce Cheatham - Music Brand Partnerships, CAA Eric Garcia - Owner / Artist Manager, Light Cave Entertainment Moody Jones - GM, Dance (EMPIRE), Founder (Everybody Knows) Paulina Vo - General Manager, Highnote

Originally aired: August 2, 2023 @ All Access Fest: Virtual

Join this panel of artists, writers, and creators talking about working together and collaborating to make a body work. (Hint: everyone is different!)

Speakers:

Jake Posner - Founder & CEO, The Culture Theory

Lydia Caesar - Artist/Host, Everything Lydia LLC

Jamie Hart - Founder/CEO, Hart & Songs

Ryan Nealon - Artist, Hart and Songs Originally aired: August 2, 2023 @ All Access Fest: Virtual

Perhaps the most hands on job within the music business is in music management. While no two stories or pathways will ever be the same in this sector of the music business – there are definitely themes and duties that will align. We'll get real in this questions-heavy session.

Speakers:

Basak Kizilisik - Founder/CEO, Eighteen Company

Sharon Tapper - Executive Director, Music Managers Forum-US

Justin LaMotte - Co-Founder / President, Black Wax

Veli - Founder (Veli Brand), Partner (Sounds Music Group)

Originally aired: August 2, 2023 @ All Access Fest: Virtual

Learn how the various label group departments at independent creative rights company, Concord, work together. We'll show you how key stakeholders at Concord collaborate to release the music of the artists it partners with. Concord is the independent, worldwide leader in the development, management and acquisition of sound recordings, music publishing and theatrical performance rights. Speakers: Andy Serrao - President, Fearless Records (Concord Label Group) Jill Weindorf -GM, Label Group, Concord Hazel Malit - CFO, Label Group, Concord Joe Dent - SVP, Label Operations, Concord Nurit Smith - Executive Director, Music Forward Foundation Originally aired: August 2, 2023 @ All Access Fest: Virtual

New tech announcements and advances in the music business are the norm. Join this panel of tech innovators to hear about new opportunities in spaces you may have never thought about. Speakers: Andrew Batey - Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Beatdapp LaTecia Johnson - Head of Growth, FORMLESS Dmitri Vietze - CEO, Rock Paper Scissors Megh Vakharia - Co-Founder & CEO, SymphonyOS Originally aired: August 2, 2023 @ All Access Fest: Virtual

There are an abundance of resources, groups, and helping hands out there that can help you navigate the music and live entertainment business. They range from trade orgs to unions to community groups, and more. Come hear about important skills and trainings that can make you stand out in this wild business. Speakers: Allyson Newman - Film/TV Composer and Songwriter, Whipbird Sound DeMarco White - Manager, Partnerships & Business Development, The Recording Academy Chris Wares - Assistant Chair, Music Business/Management, Berklee College of Music Rio Van Risseghem - VP, SOLID (Society of Leaders in Development) Originally aired: August 2, 2023 @ All Access Fest: Virtual

Finding the perfect balance between business and creativity is a major everyday topic of conversation when it comes to our industry. Building and translating an artist’s brand to the masses needs to be authentic to the craft, but also something that can be marketed and commercialized. But how does an artist do this in a world where music and the music business need to intersect in order to make a living!? Join this team of artist advocates as they talk about this, but also how artists can launch careers by using the tools available and how to build momentum with their brand. Experts: DeMarco White (Moderator) - Manager, Partnership & Business Development, The Recording Academy, Ashly Williams - Recording Artist, Ashly B. Williams Incorporated, Cecille Crisostomo - VP, Streaming & Commerce, Giant Music, An Azoff Company, Mike Warner - Head of Editorial Marketing Partnerships – North America, Believe, Rachel Dunham - Artist Partnerships Lead, North America, TikTok Recorded Live at All Access Fest: April 26, 2023

How does one take their love of music and turn it into a career? People often wait until they have an internship at a company to officially kick start their career in the entertainment industry – but what if you could have a voice in the music before any of that? We’re all music fans first right? Gone are the days where gatekeepers run every aspect of our business and barriers to entry are getting better each day. Do you want to work for your favorite artist? How about starting a fan account that ultimately gets their team’s attention? Do you want to start a record label or at least start working with artists? The possibilities are real and we wanted to showcase people who have done it as students to show you what you could be capable of!

Experts: Lyndsey Havens (Moderator) - Senior Editor, Billboard, Adam Barrera - Music & Culture Creator, AdamTheFlop, Chuka Chase - Co-Founder, Symphony OS, Claudia Villarreal - Co-Founder, FANMADE, Helen Showalter - SVP, Crowd Surf

Recorded Live at All Access Fest: April 26, 2023

You may have heard the word networking a ton – but what if we told you the secret to success in this business (and life!) is shifting your thinking to a more community-driven mindset when approaching meeting people. Networking can be seen as transactional whereas community building can mean many things – most importantly it means getting to know someone regardless of what they can do for you. Once you interact with someone on a human level, the rest comes easier – including securing that coveted internship or connection you’ve dreamed about! Join this panel of industry pros as they talk about how meeting new people and adding value to various parts of each other’s lives can make the daunting task of “networking” go away. Plus, we’ll even share tips and tricks on how building a community crew of fellow students, interns, and assistants can be a superpower!

Experts: Brandon Nales (Moderator) - Music Program Manager, Dolby Laboratories, Maria Gironas - Founder, Cool Sh*t Cool People, LÉA THE LEOX - Artist, Todd Goodwin - Head of *1824, Universal Music Group, Leslie Rosales - Head of Marketing, Rostrum Records

Recorded Live at All Access Fest: April 26, 2023

Explore careers that exist in live music venues. Delve into the gear, skills and creativity that are part of making live music happen!  

Panelists: Nurit Smith - Moderator (Music Forward Foundation), Chance Fullerton (Live Nation Entertainment), Kelli Hovanec (Live Nation), Stacy Butler (Live Nation)

Originally Aired: September 30, 2021

The festival experience is magical for both artists and fans! Find out what goes on behind the scenes to produce some of your favorite festivals from booking to production and everything in between.  

Panelists: Kyle Casey - Moderator (Gravity Productions), Katelyn Scott (Winter Circle Productions / AEG Presents), Jocelyn Gan (A Greener Festival), Michael Sampliner (Madison House Presents / AEG Live)

Originally Aired: September 30, 2021

Let's challenge traditional methods and systems defining the industry by leaning into the future!  

Panelists: Trista Yeager - Moderator (Rock Paper Scissors) Clayton Blaha (Audius) Fabian Alsultany (Bitfury Surround) Bruno Guez (Relevator)

Originally Aired: September 30, 2021

Walk through a 45-day timeline leading up to the launch of new music, including social media tactics, creative video ideas, and much more!

Panelists: Chris Robley (CD Baby), Cristina Cano (CD Baby)

A promoter's role is critical to the entire touring ecosystem. Discover what it takes to be a music promoter! 

Experts: Nazanin Fatemian (Moderator) - Director of Strategic Partnerships, Music Forward Warda Baig - Talent Buyer, Live Nation

Originally Aired: September 30, 2021

Team work makes the dream work! Explore the career pathways of the people supporting the artists we love.  

Panelists: Craig Baylis (Moderator) - Music, Media and Management Principal, Eighth & Groove Bryan Calhoun - Creator, Music Business Toolbox Shazila Mohammed - Grandstand Media, Sr Director of Publicity Deborah Klein - Cosmic Mgmt Inc with Primary Wave, Music Manager Entrepreneur

Originally Aired: September 30, 2021

The ups and downs of music industry careers can be hard on your well-being. Find balance and tools to support your physical, mental and financial wellness.

Panelists: Charyn Harris - Moderator, Rachael Bronstein (Life's Jam), Chris Smith (Actors Fund), Mystic

Originally Aired: September 30, 2021

Great music helps movies ramp up the drama, TV tell stories, and ads sell products. Find out why music for picture, also known as sync, is more important to artist careers than ever.

Panelists: Serona Elton - Moderator (The Mechanical Licensing Collective), Derek Pierce (Primary Wave), Kirt Debique (SyncFloor), Barry Coffing (Music Supervision.com), Nicole Sanzio (InDigi Music)

Originally Aired: September 30, 2021

Explore the world of a label! Learn about the details and people behind Concord Recorded Music and Craft Recordings record labels across multiple genres as we deep dive into Marketing, Estate Management, Label Services and more from a global leader in music.

Panelists: Nurit Smith - Moderator (Music Forward), Andrew Woloz, Michele Smith, Rebecca Berman

Originally Aired: September 30, 2021

Give your creative career a makeover with brand new tech tools! Learn how to use current technology to develop, market, and monetize your content.

Panelists: Mike Warner - Moderator (Work Hard Playlist Hard & Chartmetric), Chris Robley (CD Baby), Stacey Bedford (Bandzoogle), Chaz Jenkins (Chartmetric)

Originally Aired: September 30, 2021

Strengthen your brand with an in-depth look at marketing strategies that maximize the impact of everything from campaigns to roll-outs.

Industry Experts: Dmitri Vietze - Moderator (Music Tectonics & Rock Paper Scissors), Madisyn Holland (Scoremore), Lorena Garcia Waheibi (Primary Wave), Andrew Pilcher (Tradable Bits)

Originally Aired: September 30, 2021

The relationship between music and culture is inseparable. Music is a direct expression of a culture's collective and its parts. Join us for a discussion with industry leaders and taste-makers using their voices to tell the stories of their culture through music.

Originally Aired: May 24, 2021

It all starts with the music. Whether it's the lyrics that inspire us to communicate our emotions or the track that makes us want to move, music production is the foundation of the music industry. Join us as we discuss what goes into producing the perfect song.

Originally Aired: June 10, 2021

Curious to learn more about sync licensing and how music makes it onto film, TV, video games, and other forms of media?

Originally Aired: May 27, 2021

The festival experience is magical for both the artists and the fans. Watch our conversation with the experts who make it all happen as they share what goes on behind the scenes to produce some of your favorite festivals from booking to production and everything in between that makes the experience so special.

Originally Aired: May 14, 2021

Listen our intimate discussion with rapper and singer Angel Haze, an artist who has forged a path to success despite being presented with unexpected challenges throughout her personal life. 

Writing music as a form of therapy, Angel began to build her career as a rapper/MC garnering recognition and nominations from BET, MTV, BBC, and GLADD to name a few. She has proven herself to be a powerful artist with a powerful message to match.  

Listen as we explore her journey from her own words and the artist team behind her that makes the magic happen.  This Industry Session was created in partnership with Columbia College Chicago and their Career Center. Featuring Audio Engineering Society member/student Tiffany.

Originally aired: April 29, 2021

In partnership with Columbia College, we bring you an intimate discussion with Chicago-based Island Records artist Kidd Kenn as we explore "The Art of Authenticity."  Kidd Kenn and his publicist, Cheyenne Beam discuss the importance of inclusivity, advocacy, and creating your own lane with confidence and intention.  Kidd Kenn has forged a path as an openly gay artist and has created a safe space through his music for himself and his fans.

Originally aired: April 1, 2021

There’s no doubt that streaming has transformed the dynamic of the music industry and is at the forefront of marketing and monetizing music.   In this week’s Industry Sessions panel, “Now Streaming,”  our industry experts from Beatport and Pandora along with guest artist, Kid Daytona, bring us the insight on the trends, tips, and tools to help  up your game in this competitive space.  

Originally Aired: March 19, 2021

What's next for social media as its role in music marketing continues to rise. Hear from top social media strategists about predictions, trends, and technology to tell your story in 2021 and beyond.  

Industry Experts: DeMarco White - Moderator (Music Forward), Todd Triplett (TikTok), Murdoc Hardy (Interscope Records), Tiffany Tyson (Versus Creative)

Originally Aired: March 5, 2021

Music rights is something we all want to get down. Join us for easy-to-use advice with reps from the leading organizations on knowing your music rights and how to put them into action!

Industry Experts: DeMarco White - Moderator (Music Forward), Loretta Gadson (BMI), Dae Bogan (The MLC)

Originally Aired: February 19, 2021

The music industry is a space of uncertainty now more than ever.  In this current climate and beyond, it is important to practice habits that aid in the management of stress and maintain wellness.  Listen to our panel discussion with wellness and entertainment industry professionals sharing tips and strategies for maintaining your health and wellness as you continue to follow your dream of a career in music.  

Industry Experts: DeMarco White - Moderator (Music Forward), Kristelle Aisaka (The JED Foundation), Harold Owens (MusiCares), Chris Smith (The Actors Fund)

Originally Aired: February 5, 2021

Let’s explore the world of streaming. Hear from the professionals from major platforms about the state of streaming, careers that drive the industry, and how artists monetize their music using the platforms.

Industry Experts: DeMarco White - Moderator (Music Forward), Landon Hornbeck (Ingrooves), Cierra Hardy (Epidemic Sound), Michelle Solomon (Pandora)

Originally Aired: September 29, 2021

A&R is focused on music and artists. From scouting talent and artist development, to creative input and liaising with labels, hear from the gatekeepers and tastemakers across genres at Concord.

Industry Experts: DeMarco White - Moderator (Music Forward), Pablo Ahogado - Director, A&R (Concord), Chris Dunn - Senior Director, A&R (Concord), Margi Cheske - President, Fantasy Records (Concord), Jeremy Yohai - SVP, A&R (Concord)

Music supervisors combine music and visuals to provoke the desired emotions for movies, TV, commercials, and video games. Go behind-the-scenes into scoring visual media.  

Industry Experts: DeMarco White - Moderator (Music Forward), Angela Asistio (Music & Strategy), Joel C. High (Creative Control Entertainment), Raphaella Lima (Electronic Arts - EA), Tony Scudellari (Sony Pictures Television)

Originally Aired: December 1, 2020

DJs influence the musical world from setting an entire mood to introducing new music to culture. Take a step behind the booth to explore the craftsmanship and control of the DJ.  

Industry Experts: DeMarco White - Moderator (Music Forward), DJ Domo, DJ Omega, DJ Sundance

Originally Aired: November 17, 2020

This panel explores on-stage skills with performance experts including preparation, storytelling, audience engagement, communicating through performance, and developing the confidence to shine.  

Industry Experts: DeMarco White - Moderator (Music Forward), Antonique Smith - Singer/Actress, Stacy Barthe - Artist/Songwriter

Originally Aired: November 3, 2020

Touring is essential to the music industry. Learn about the key players, the landscape, as well as career pathways and opportunities as we all anticipate returning to the magic of live music.

Industry Experts: DeMarco White - Moderator (Music Forward), Ina Jacobs - Global Touring (CAA), Nicole Massey - Production Manager (Billie Eilish), Salim Akram - Audio Engineer (Billie Eilish), Tadia "T" Taylor - Event Producer (Women of Qolor Entertainment)

Originally Aired: October 27, 2020

Numbers don’t lie, which makes them great for insights to reach your followers and fans. In this session, experts will share how to use technology and data to follow trends and grow your audience.  

Industry Experts: DeMarco White - Moderator (Music Forward), Kristin Juel (Juel Concepts), Julien Benatar (Pandora)

Originally Aired: October 13, 2020

Delve into the guiding forces and creative relationships behind sounds that define musical moments. Learn about the roles of a sonic dream team spanning artists, writers, producers, and engineers who impact our culture.

Industry Experts: DeMarco White - Moderator (Music Forward), Ali Prawl (Triangle Park), Dre Pinckney (Triangle Park), Nettie Wood (Triangle Park), Scott Carter (Triangle Park)

Originally Aired: October 6, 2020

In a culture of women’s empowerment and with a desire to create equity that benefits everyone, we would like to explore the challenges and opportunities in the music industry that will allow for a more inclusive music industry. Our panelists today will share their thoughts and experiences with the intent of creating an open and thoughtful dialogue that can push the needle on the topic of equity. 

Industry Experts: Meleni Smith - Moderator (Music Forward), Jaila Simms (Artist), Farrah Fawx (Artist), Nylo (Artist), Eena (Artist),

Originally Aired: August 27, 2020

Artists discuss their creative process and journey, as well as share insights on personal perspectives and techniques on songwriting, instrumentation, individual roles in the band, working together as creative collaborators, and their pathways to success in the music industry.  

Industry Experts: Nick Henderson - Moderator (Music Forward), Ant Clemons (Artist), K-. (Artist), Lunchmoney Lewis (Artist), Coco Sarai (Artist), Polly A (Artist)

Originally Aired: August 6, 2020

Festivals have always been a magical experience and a highlight of the summer for both the artists and their fans. In this session, we hear from industry professionals on the state of festivals, festival booking, and advocacy activations at music festivals. 

Industry Experts: DeMarco White - Moderator (Music Forward), Edward Castillo (ScoreMore Shows), Amy Corbin (C3 Presents), Brandon McEachern (Broccoli City Festival), Jeanine McLean-Williams  (MBK Entertainment Inc.), Lesley Olenik (Live Nation Entertainment)

Originally Aired: July 30th 2020

The industry is shifting. Indie and unsigned artists are finding creative and innovative ways to create, distribute, and grow their brand. In this session, music industry professionals shed light on the journey of independent artists and what it takes to be successful in today’s music industry.  

Industry Experts: DeMarco White - Moderator (Music Forward), Emi Secrest (Artist), Kat Dahlia (Artist), Samuel Green (Artist), Zach Person (Artist)

Originally Aired: July 16, 2020

In our current climate, the necessity for technology has increased. In this session, artists and music tech professionals discuss using technology to create music, curate spaces, and move the music industry forward.

Industry Experts: Nick Henderson - Moderator (Music Forward), Kam Lal (CEO, Notetracks), Alex Mitchell (CEO, Boomy), Allison Shaw (CEO, Manic Monkee)

Originally Aired: July 23, 2020

Latin music has become so popular over the decades and even more so in recent years. During this session, Latinx trailblazers and tastemakers speak on their career, Latin music, and ways to break into the music industry.

Industry Experts: DeMarco White - Moderator (Music Forward), Emily Simonitsch (Live Nation), Wil-Dog (Artist), Cesar Alan (Artist), Laura Rodriguez (The Recording Academy)

Originally Aired: July 9, 2020

Professional music supervisors combine music and visual media to set the mood and provoke the desired emotions for movies, TV, commercials, and video games. Join us for a panel and meet these experts to learn what it takes to successfully score visual media.

Industry Experts: DeMarco White - Moderator (Music Forward), Laura Webb (Music Supervisor), Lindsay Wolfington (Music Supervisor), Ashe (Artist), Anton Monsted (EVP Soundtracks and A&R)

Originally Aired: June 18, 2020