Matt Bittman – Infuseon Productions/Sonar
Tattoo Detectives – Teggno Records
Vaggeli – Taurus &
Vaggeli – Teggno Records
Matthew Leffler Schulman – Mobtown Studios
Robin Hodson – Sibelius
USA : Pro Tools/M Audio
Andre Ferguson – D.A.A.S. Wuz Up Entertainment
Tips on Choosing a Studio
What to look for
when deciding where to record and what to expect from a recording
studio. We will discuss everything from what an artist(s) should seek
in a facility to what to expect from their engineer. Every studio runs
differently but there are certain things artists should consider when
choosing a place to record.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
When
choosing a studio there is a lot to acknowledge. We will discuss how to
understand the rates that a studio gives you. Even though you might
find a lower priced studio compared to others their may be costs down
the line that an artist didn’t expect. We will talk about the mistakes that can be avoided and in the end save you money and also make sure your project has the proper turn around.
Preparation to Record
Once
an artist(s) chooses a studio there is much they can do on their end to
prepare. This can not only save money but also assure they produce the
best project possible. How an artist(s) should prepare their
instruments to record but how they should prepare mentally. It is a lot
of hard work but we also want to recognize that it is also something
fun!
Dayna Ghiraldi – Big Picture Media
Michelle Rakshys – THE SYNDICATE
Kim Paris – Sinister Foxy Production
Winifred Chane – CMJ Network Inc
Steffen Franz – Independent Distribution Collective
Learn the most effective means of marketing your music- from
myspace to print advertising to PR methods to promotional comps, this
panel will explore which methods will work best for your label and
artists.
Christopher Cabott Esq.– Law Office of Lloyd Z. Remick
Michelle Rakshys – THE SYNDICATE
Larry White – Invisible Records
Steffen Franz – Independent Distribution Collective
Mike Brown – Brake Fast Records
Andre Ferguson – D.A.A.S. Wuz Up Entertainment
Today’s top independent labels are not only surviving but
thriving. What are their secrets? Join them in a discussion about the
state of the industry and what an Indy label needs to do in order to
survive a cut-throat industry.
Larry White – Invisible Records
Cynthia Blake Sanders – O B E R | K A L E R
Kurt Klaus Esq. – Entertainment ESQ
Christopher Cabott Esq.– Law Office of Lloyd Z. Remick
TV, radio, film, ringtones, gaming, and licensing are present more
now than ever. Industry professionals will discuss how to license music
properly in order to maximize revenue potential. Learn about various
licensing laws and contracts. A must see panel for every artist and
label owner in the business.
Alterra Robinson – National Wildlife Federation
Scott Haapala – Attorney
Ayodele Vassall-Gore, Esq. - The Vassall-Gore Law Firm, P.C.
Andrew Lovett – WTMD
This year everyone was buzzing with environmental chatter and the
music industry was no different! Artists are touring using only green
methods and labels are now using biodegradable packaging. Music
business initiatives in the environmental field are gaining traction,
most notably in the touring and recording fields. The Industry is
rallying around conservation efforts in an unprecedented way. Listen to
some of the professionals leading this movement in an open forum.
Maori Karmael Holmes – Black Lily Film Festival
Denise Melanson – AM Only
Larry White – Invisible Records
Kim Paris – Sinister Foxy Productions
Steffen Franz – Independent Distribution Collective
Having the right representation can make or break your mainstay in
the industry so choosing the right manager is one of the most important
career decisions an artist makes. Learn from Industry veterans about
how to choose the manager that best suits your needs.
Steffen Franz – Independent Distribution Collective
Christopher Cabott Esq.– Law Office of Lloyd Z. Remick
A discussion of the process of securing distribution for an independent band
What is distribution: “creating demand” versus “facilitating access”
Timing for an independent release
Handling territorial rights
Advertising and promotion
Deciding between a straight distribution deal versus a Manufacturing & Distribution deal
cost management
Pitfalls to avoid
Ayodele Vassall-Gore, Esq. - The Vassall-Gore Law Firm, P.C.
Discuss the process of securing distribution for a DJ
What is distribution: “creating demand” versus “facilitating access”
Timing for an independent release
Handling territorial rights
Advertising and promotion
Deciding between a straight distribution deal versus a Manufacturing & Distribution deal
cost management
Pitfalls to avoid
Brian McTernan – Salad Days Studio
Robin Hodson – Sibelius USA : Pro Tools/M Audio
Interact with top producers, programmers and re-mixers doing what
they do best. What should you charge for a remix? What is reasonable to
pay for a remix? How do you decide whether or not to accept a remix
offer? Learn dos and don’ts from the experts!
Richard Cruit – Xurban–nation.com
Sebastian Gnolfo - Musician - Atomic Brother
John Kerecz - OSHRadio
This panel will tackle the changes in how people are being exposed
to music. Access, distribution and dissemination of both music and
information, plus discuss the innovative advances in technology
ushering in this dramatic shift that’s transforming the music and
broadcast industry.
Maori Karmael Holmes – Black Lily Film Festival
Sara Thurston – DJ / Boutique Owner
Winifred Chane – CMJ Network Inc
Ayodele Vassall-Gore, Esq. - The Vassall-Gore Law Firm, P.C.
Think the music industry embodies the “It’s not what you know but,
who you know” idea? Learn tips and strategies from industry veterans on
how to network your way to success. Tap in to successful networking
strategies from these networking divas.
Sara Thurston – DJ / Boutique Owner
Michelle Rakshys – THE SYNDICATE
Fiona Bloom – The Bloom Effect
Sam Gallant – The Creative Alliance
John Kerecz - OSHRadio
Ever wonder why Tom’s band always has a huge fan base there to see
them play? Or why Dick’s party is always packed. And how does Jane sell
all of those CDs? Well Spot would tell you, it’s all about marketing
and promoting what it is you have to offer people! Join some of the big
dogs of the industry as they discuss ways to promote, market and make
your ventures successful.
Maria Gonzales – Warner Bros Records
Sara Thurston – DJ / Boutique Owner
Winifred Chane – CMJ Network Inc
Music, its artists and message permeate all aspects of modern
culture from social undertones to politics and fashion. Partnerships
between artists and products push the influence of cultural icons to an
ever-greater reach thus contributing to and in many cases eclipsing,
perhaps even circumventing, all traditional notions of what we call
“artist development”. This will cover various levels of sponsorship /
partnership for your events, artist product endorsements and the cross
pollination between Music, Fashion, Film, Television, and so much more…
Kurt Klaus – Entertainment ESQ
Christopher Cabott Esq.– Law Office of Lloyd Z. Remick
Ayodele Vassall-Gore, Esq. - The Vassall-Gore Law Firm, P.C.
Cynthia Blake Sanders – O B E R | K A L E R
Make money off your music! Learn how to protect your songs,
programs, and ideas effectively. What are the pros and cons of
publishing under a label or independently? How do you make sure that
your agency is recouping royalties? Can you copyright your songs years
after the release date? This panel takes an in-depth look at copyright
laws and publishing agreements.
DJ Leko – Tharsis Records
Alan Freed – Independent Consultant and WorldSpace Satellite Radio
John Kerecz - OSHRadio
Professionals from around the country evaluate radio as a vehicle
for developing artists and audiences. How are the current developments
at broadcast, satellite and internet radio affecting radio’s ability to
break artists and sell records? Once you get your record on the air,
how do you keep it in rotation? How to draw & sustain listeners?
This panel will also discuss the rapid changes in radio. The structural
differences between terrestrial and satellite radio. Also,
groundbreaking ideas and experiments in internet radio.
Rob Hatch
Maori Karmael Holmes – Black Lily Film Festival
Kurt Klaus – Entertainment ESQ
Have a great idea for a film but no budget? Expert suggestions
from those that have come up with a way to realize your dream film
without nightmare costs. How do you pay for your film? This is perhaps
the most daunting and important question to every filmmaker, but there
is no one clear answer. Come talk with producers, developers and
grant-writers about the various ways you can find the money you need to
make a movie. Find that funding, because the funding won’t accidentally
find you.
Walter Rowe – Rowe Images
Courtney Block – Block Design & Photography
Josh Sisk
The stage is set, the lights are on, the stars are ready to play
and there you are with your camera rolling! Delight in the escapades
both on & off the stage that these photographers have been witness
to while capturing bands, DJs & fans on film.
Stacey Arrington – Revolution Magazine
Courtney Block – Block Design & Photography
Stephanie Halmos – Free-lance Photographer
Walter Rowe – Rowe Images
Shantel Mitchell – Free-lance Photographer
Or at least in a good one! So often performers use snapshots taken
by their friends & fans to promote themselves on their myspace
page, their website or for interviews & promo pieces. And so often
these pictures show as the amateur photographer which also shows as
amateur for the performer. Professional photographers know how to work
with concert lighting, low light conditions - as well as know how to
use programs to enhance their work. Learn how having pictures taken by
a professional photographer can transform your image into a
professional one also.
Courtney Block – Block Design & Photography
Ayodele Vassall-Gore, Esq. - The Vassall-Gore Law Firm, P.C.
A candid discussion about the trials & tribulations of being a
woman in the entertainment industry from maintaining your integrity to
using your female wiles to getting things done!
Courtney Block – Block Design & Photography
Jon Stapp – Freelance Graphic Designer
Sleek, streamlined & smooth or funky, chunky & hard? Which
design is going to sell your album/CD, party or product? Discover the
difference design can make for what you’re selling in this discussion
with cutting edge designers.
Everything
you ever wanted to know about where Digital Distribution stands today.
This panel will explore every angle- legalities, exclusivities,
recouping earnings, accounting, attracting labels, inventory, encoding,
sound quality, etc. This is a not to be missed panel for every person
working in the business today.
Tattoo Detectives – Teggno Records
Vaggeli – Taurus &
Vaggeli – Teggno Records
Robin Hodson – Sibelius USA : Pro Tools/M Audio
A guide to making tracks in Apple Logic, Ableton Live, Propellerheads Reason and Pro Tools.
Fiona Bloom – The Bloom Effect
The phenomenon now known as blogging was little more than the
writing of online diaries. Blogging is now changing the media world!
Experts agree that blogs are an effective tool for advertising and can be very successful as a means of self promotion.
Join
veteran bloggers as they discuss what to blog about, how to catch
people’s attention through your blogs, where to place them and more.
Seminars
Martin AtkinsWhy
do some bands thrive on the road? They do the work, make contacts,
promote themselves effectively, and create fans who will bring more
people to their next show. The author of “Tour Smart” brings you solid
information to take with you on tour.
JaWar – Music Therapy 101 (MT 101)
JaWar,
Author – Music Industry Connection Books, talks about the new music
business record label & using tools to make money online while
creating multiple streams of revenue in the music industry.
Ravi – Artistic Integrity
Part 1: Live the Dream: Ravi
truly does “live the dream.” He’ll take you vicariously to the stages
of Madison Square Garden, David Letterman, Saturday Night Live, and
even Washington, DC for a White House Christmas party! Then, venture
into the big time studios where the hottest session players make the
most memorable recordings. His story will inspire you and show you how
to “live the dream” for yourself.
Part 2: Electric Guitarology: The dream begins with the music, and the music begins with the instrument.
Ravi
will walk you through the electric guitar world. Discover designs,
bodies, electronics and other characteristics that differentiate one
from another. Learn to evaluate which “axe” will work best for you, and
how to get the best value for your money.
Part 3: Tonal Recall: Once armed with instruments, the fun really begins.
Ravi
will create and record songs using selected guitars and
state-of-the-art home recording tools and techniques. Discover the
power of stacking electric guitars in a multitrack recording and the
finesse with which it can be done. Then, sit back and instantly recall
the magic, wrapped up in a tapestry of tone.
Part 4: Test Drives: The proof is in the pudding, as they say. After
Ravi’s presentation, it’s time for the audience to try these instruments on for size.
Ravi will work with you personally to find the
guitar that speaks your language. This individual attention and the opportunity to put the instrument
through your own tests will make “Instant Guitarification” the beginning of a lifetime of musical gratification.
Barbara Garshman – MyTVTreatment
Want to be successful in the TV/film business? Learn the skill set
you must have to give you the competitive edge. Book time with former
Director of Development, East Coast for NBC and five-time Emmy
nominated producer and Emmy honored writer, Barbara J. Garshman. Learn
how to “mine” your creativity to develop unique ideas that you can turn
into industry standard treatments that will sell.
Jesse Saunders – Broken Records
The history and evolution of House and Electronic music.
This
visually dynamic show includes 2 video projections working
simultaneously together to create an unusual performance featuring the
digital turntable mastery of
Jesse Saunders
as he takes the audience and dance floor on a musical journey through
the history to the present of HOUSE and Electronic Music. The show
appeals to all demographics (18-64). House Music has been a part of our
lives for more than 20 years. It’s influenced how we dance all over the
world. That makes this unique show a sell-out in any venue. A never
before experienced show that can’t be missed! It’s a LIVE DOCUMENTARY
that the audience participates in and watches unfold before their very
eyes. It’s educational and entertaining. A must see for anyone who
loves to dance.
The timeline begins in the
1970’s and continue until present
day. Utilizes the story from
Jesse Saunders:rsquo; book “House Music…The Real Story” as the reference.
Ravi – Artistic Integrity
We live in a world of diminishing integrity. Capitalism has spun
out of control and is turning us into a lowest common denominator
society. The artistic community is caught in the tide with not enough
of us swimming upstream. Society no longer recognizes true value.
We can change that.
Decreasing
appreciation for the arts (and fewer schools teaching art and music) is
grossly affecting our well being as a society. We Artists potentially
have an equal voice to Corporate America, and therefore a huge
opportunity and responsibility to the public at large. If Corporate
America recognizes social responsibility and we embrace the opportunity
to educate by breaking new artistic ground, Society will once again
recognize true value and everyone can live in a “Culture of Integrity.”
We
have the gift to create, inspire, and shape the world through our work.
Corporate America (I include the government) relies on rhetoric. No one
should tell the public how to think, but Artists can provide colorful
canvases or musical vibrations that inspire free minded people to think
for themselves and rediscover what truly drives their happiness.
The
dilemma lies in Maintaining Artistic Integrity while Running Your
Career as a Business.” As impossible as it seems, it is more attainable
now than ever before. Many big businesses are imploding (particularly
in the music industry), creating a vortex in which we can rise and
actually prosper while having a positive effect on society. That’s
where integrity comes in - if we remain honest with the audience and
true to ourselves, we are doing society a great service. We can educate
and inspire the public to reach new cultural heights.
Hired Gun – Mikal Lee
A brief historical timeline from 1996-2008
The
talk/seminar/roundtable will briefly highlight the climate of the music
industry, the country and explain the phenomenon behind the fracture in
Hip Hop once it went Mainstream. Looking at the growing popularity of
the genre, coupled with key legislation and the onset of new
technologies, the conditions were ripe for the culture to move in a new
direction and turn in on it self resulting in the establishment of
boutique, DIY record labels, and media sources that would largely exist
outside of the mainstream circuit of the music.
As the mass
commercialization and mainstreaming of the music occurred, independent
hip hop rose as an answer and counterbalance to it. This resulted in a
more diverse experimental and at times nostalgic sound. Hired Gun
explores briefly the key players and factors involved in the creation
of “independent” labels such as Project Blowed, SoleSides (now
Quannum), Definitive Jux, Rawkus, Fondle’em and Stones Throw. Through
this lens, we will look at some of the careers of individuals such as
Slug of Atmosphere, BlackStar, Aceyalone, EL-P and others. From here we
ask the question, where are we now? where do we go? and what
potentially is the future of independent hip hop music?
Robin
Hodson from Pro Tools/M-Audio/Avid Education presents an intro class to
using Pro Tools for the songwriter, the project studio owner and for
the technically challenged!
The session features Pro Tools LE with
M-Box hardware, and Robin will show how to get started with loops,
recording, mixing, audio, MIDI and working with film/video.
Bring your questions!
Open Forums
Women in EntertainmentPresented with:
WIM (Women In Music – NY Chapter)
Ayodele Vassall-Gore, Esq. - The Vassall-Gore Law Firm, P.C.
Gurus of the Biz
Mentoring Session
One on One sessions with the
above speakers held during the course of The Sessions. Availability
depends on the schedule of each individual speaker and will be on a
first come, first served basis.
Speakers
**The above topics and speakers are subject to change due
to unforeseen circumstances however we will announce any changes as
they happen **
Benefiting the African Diaspora Medical Project’s Cameroon Orphan Relief Project