The conference season is well under way and you should take advantage of it. Navigating the somewhat complex landscape of the music industry can be tough, especially now more than ever where paradigms are shifting and the game is changing rapidly. As an aspiring music creative, entrepreneur or professional you should constantly seek ways to develop a better understanding of how this industry operates. These 9 events are a perfect start, not only are they opportunities to walk away with invaluable knowledge from industry experts, they also provide a chance for you to expand your networks. Forging a career in this business requires a fair bit of talent and intellect, but equally important, if not more so, is the ability to build relationships and connect the dots.
We appreciate that some of these events require you to dig deep into your pockets, and as young professionals and students sometimes its simply not affordable. However, if you can manage to maybe eat baked beans for a week or secure a small loan from your parents, we can guarantee that these events will be well worth it.
1. MAKING SENSE OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY - by BBM/BMC - 21ST JAN - £32.45 - £53.69
This master-class is open to anyone with an interest in developing a career in the music industry.
It's aimed at the unsigned or do-it-yourself artist, musicpreneur, or those who provide artists, songwriters and producers with specialist support. (search title) www.eventbrite.com
2. MAKING MONEY FROM MUSIC - by URBAN DEVELOPMENT X CMU - 24TH JAN £5.67 - £21.19
Learn about the different ways artists make money – including recordings, songs, merchandise, gigs, brand partnerships and the fan relationship – plus the companies they work with along the way. www.urbandevelopment.co.uk
3. MONETISING YOUR RIGHTS IN THE DIGITAL SPHERE by BBM/BMC - 26TH JAN - FREE
This free seminar is meant to give songwriters, performers and label owners a better understanding of the income streams generated by the use of their music rights within the digital space and some indication of fees or royalties they can expect for specific usage. (search title) www.eventbrite.co.uk
4. INDIE CON - by AIM - 1ST FEB - £144
Indie-Con 2017 will offer a unique programme of sessions aimed at helping independent artists and labels to grow their businesses and get their music heard. Indie-Con is the only conference in the UK to focus specifically on meeting the business needs of independent labels and self-releasing artists. www.musicindie.com
5. GETTING STARTED AND BUILDING A TEAM - by URBAN DEVELOPMENT X CMU- 21st FEB - £5.67-£21.19
Brand new artists need to make things happen for themselves by adopting a DIY approach at the outset of their careers. But how do make recordings, get them distributed, capture a fanbase and build a team on a budget? www.urbandevelopment.co.uk
6. FAST FORWARD - 23rd - 25th FEB - £210 - £250
Fancy a trip to Amsterdam? FastForward is boutique (two day) music conference that exists to connect, engage, and inspire a diverse group of ambitious under 35s working in the music business, laying the foundation for a sustainable career in the modern music industry. www.fastforward.xyz
7. BUILDING A FANBASE & MUSIC MEDIA - by URBAN DEVELOPMENT X CMU - 21ST MARCH - £5.67 - £21.19
Social media and other digital tools are vital for capturing and growing your fan base. Find out which social media and digital channels matter; How do you get the most out of them on a limited budget? At what stage should you start reaching out to magazines, radio and how is the most reliable way to get their support? www.urbandevelopment.co.uk
8. MUSIC INTELLIGENCE - by YOUNG MUSIC BOSS - 23rd MARCH - £12.00
We bring you the best in the industry for the ultimate seminar, creating the perfect environment for networking, empowerment and edutainment. The day will feature 2 Exclusive workshops and 1 headline panel. Keep an eye out on the website and social media for panelists announcements. www.youngmusicboss.com/events
9. THE GREAT ESCAPE - by CMU - 18th - 20th MAY
The Great Escape is the festival for new music, showcasing 450 emerging artists from all over the world in 30+ walkable venues across the city. It’s the first place to discover your new favourite artist and see them in an intimate setting before they go on to headline major festival stages. TGE is also attended by the music industry who are on the hunt for the next big thing. Also running a convention alongside the gigs featuring insightful panels, topical debates, keynote speeches and networking opportunities in abundance. www.thegreatescape.com
