CD Baby will bring the DIY Musician Conference to Nashville August 24-27, 2017.
It will turn Music City into a temporary hub for one of the most dynamic parts of the music business: the indie music scene, the musicians of all backgrounds and styles who shape their own careers, on their own terms.
The conference is the largest event dedicated to musicians of any genre who share a common professional approach. Last year’s meeting in Chicago attracted artists from 44 different states and 15 different countries.
“Independent musicians and small boutique labels are one of the fastest growing segments of the market, and they share a lot of concerns,” explains CD Baby’s Kevin Breuner. “No matter what kind of music you make, no matter where you are in your career, you need similar advice and support, and we program the conference in direct response to the questions and concerns we hear from musicians.”
DIY Musician Conference insists on providing strong, actionable advice that artists can start applying immediately. Going beyond the talking-head panel, DIY offers artists everything from press photo and live show makeovers (thanks to experienced photographer Becky Yee and live performance guru Tom Jackson), to legal clinics led by the music law specialists at Brooks Pierce.
Experts will present deep dives into how to manage touring, publishing, and promotion in efficient and authentic ways. Other topics include how to use Spotify and Facebook Live to maximize income, how to grow audiences via social media and platforms like SoundCloud, and how to make the most of performance opportunities on the house concert circuit.
There will also be ample opportunity to learn from artists who succeeded in creating sustainable careers. This year’s keynote address will be given by Nashville-based Americana singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier, who turned a renegade, raw artistic vision into a successful career, using her own approach and resources. Gautier, who wrote her first song at 39, has gained a large audience, while insisting on owning her career and building a team around her.
Artists will also have a chance to exchange ideas and relax together, thanks to several jam rooms and evenings filled with showcases, all downtown. The conference’s move to Nashville was about bringing one of America’s most musical cities into the mix, with its unique blend of business acumen and creativity. “Nashville’s energy will add another dimension to the conference,” says Breuner. “Our evening showcases, which we’ve expanded this year, will really highlight the diverse community of musicians that make up the indie world.”
CD Baby’s DIY Musician Conference
www.diymusiciancon.com
Omni Nashville
August 25-27, 2017
Sponsored by GigSalad, Berklee Online, Kickstarter, Royalty Exchange, Stashimi, and Brooks Pierce