2012 Featured Panels

The Art of Creating a Superb Website for Musicians

An artist’s website can be a luminous tool that highlights a band, or a disastrous representation of career doom. What should a homepage look like? What are some of the key factors involved to launch and maintain a successful site? Your website is your faceplate and your mouthpiece to the world, and these dedicated professionals are here to show you how to get online traction to match your music.

The Cloud Hovers

Opinions on the direction of cloud computing will challenge attendees rain or shine. How do musicians feel about the fact that most “premium” accounts allow any files to be shared freely? How do labels feel about the cloud? All benefits and tribulations will be discussed in what will no doubt be a very lively discussion.

The Third Party: How to Hire Out Help

Hiring out help for music-related marketing and promotion projects? What are your options and which will get you the best ROI? Radio? PR? Social Media? Should you spend your hard-earned dough in another way? This panel aims to provide guidance for artists looking to source out.

Fan-durance

“Direct to Fan” can be a compelling strategy for young artists, but there are many hurdles to overcome. How can artists unite their fanbase to build a revenue stream? We’ll reveal pitfalls to beware of and specific methods and tools that work.

Social Media Sobriety

The social media environment is frantic and volatile. Learn how to build and execute a social media plan. Which sites, tools, widgets and apps work best? How much manpower is needed and how much does it cost ? This panel will help cure your social media hangover.

Modern Music Business Education Programs Assessed

Get the lowdown on music education here. What are colleges and other academic programs teaching these days? What does the typical curriculum look like and what institutions are leading the way to find solutions for the next generation of musicians and music business professionals?

Twice the Work: The Modern Artist Super-Manager

Find out exactly how super-managers are surviving and thriving, from taking over the heavy marketing formerly provided by record labels to staying on top of the digital world. What does a typical deal look like? What activities does a manger organize on a daily basis? Come hear exclusive information on how these successful managers operate in today’s chaotic music climate.

What’s the Deal?

What do 2012 deals look like? Expert entertainment deal makers will dissect a cross-section of deals, including rights-based and much more.

Non-Traditional Catalysts of Breaking an Artist

Get granular guidance and new ideas on unique promotions and unorthodox campaigns relating to radio, touring, marketing and digital efforts.

Becoming an Artist: Working Backwards from the Beginning

It’s 2013, you’re a musician, and you’ve decided to get serious about making something happen in your career. Where do you start and what can you do to build your brand? Industry troubadours will expose the hazards to avoid, the channels on which to focus, and the lighted path to follow.

Replacing the Record Label

Industry pros deliver absolute direction on every component to go it alone. How to choose and hire a radio promoter; how to A&R your own record; how to run up to a release with digital PR. These questions and more will be answered along with all of the related financial components.

The Real-Deal Breakdown of Branded Placement

Trace the steps of a song to learn exactly what goes into a branded major placement. Exactly how does a song get aligned with a brand? What do the deals and the contracts look like? We will cover everything you need to know on major placements.

International Hopscotch: Touring outside the U.S.

From opportunities to obstacles, find out what is and isn’t working on the international touring circuit. Preparation, financials, international agents, taxes, promoters and marketing to international fans will all be covered by people who have succeeded in the foreign touring game.

The 411 on Important International Markets

From China’s new emerging music market to K-Pop, find out what territories you should be focusing on as an up and coming artist.

An Intervention on Career Reinvention

As mergers, consolidations and their requisite downsizing abound, what does it take to reinvent your career? How do you find a lane and forge your own new opportunities? Many have done it and are finding a rewarding path.

We Are Left to Our Own Devices (and Apps)

A new device or gadget seems to hit the market every other minute. These experts in-the-know reveal what’s hot, what’s next and the cool applications that are driving these devices.

Dumb Band, Smart Phone

A Smartphone can be an artist’s best friend. This panel goes deep into new mobile technologies for the modern artist.

The All-In-One Modern-Day Producer

Many successful music producers play the combined role of musician, producer, A&R, mixer and even artist. Who are these super producers and what powers them? What is their work flow and what are they using for gear? This intriguing group of producers will open up their box of tricks and take you through a day in the life.

A Day in the Life of a Successful Career DJ

There are many flavors of the modern DJ, all the more fascinating given the explosive growth of Electronic Dance Music. From the technology to the fanbase, find out what goes into being a modern career DJ.

A&R = Arithmetic and Research

How do decision makers discover new talent? What are the numbers required to get on the radar of A&R executives? These modern-day algorithmic gatekeepers shed light on the contemporary talent scout.

Creating a Cost Effective Modern Music Video

A music video – in all its multiple platforms and forms – remains one of the most compelling and effective tools for today’s musician. What are the costs and line items inside a music video budget? Hear great advice on story plots, planning and executing, as well as salient advice on how to avoid pitfalls.

Creating Music for Video Games

Video game budgets surpass even the greatest record deal budgets from the golden era, causing many composers and producers to tap into this lucrative space. How does a composer or producer find work in this field and is it different from making music for standard media forms?

CMJ Fireside Chat: Young Guru on Fidelity, Hip Hop Culture, and Life

Young Guru excels behind the board as Jay Z’s right hand man in the studio. But he also excels on the mic when speaking about hip-hop culture and his unique life experiences.

No Code No Problem: Anatomy of the API

Ideas are king. APIs [Application Programming Interfaces] are bringing the expertise of the programmer into the hands of the idea-generator. This expert group of digital soldiers will let you in on a paradigm that is changing our music landscape and creating opportunity for the forward-thinker.

Advanced PR Techniques for the Digital World

What tools and techniques work best in the implementation of successful PR campaigns? How should you position press releases for effective results and who are the most influential recipient targets? What should you budget to engage a PR firm? This panel is all about cutting edge PR campaigns.

Analyzing Digital and Physical Sales in a Global Market

With unprecedented mainstream chart success around the globe, independents are proving that the freedoms of the digital world can be far more empowering than the shrinking physical market. Still, some view the independent sector as inferior in market value and only representing a “long-tail” specialist repertoire. Here we delve into what effect these views have on the long-term success of digital music services, on their consumers, and what will it take to foster understanding of the new digital music market.

Behind the Digital Wall

It takes a lot to get your music ready for digital distribution. It’s so much more than just ripping, renaming and filling out a form. This discussion will include insider secrets, tips, tools and best practices that can be employed to get more traction out of the zeros and ones behind the music.

Composer’s Consortium

There is a world of opportunity for composers in today’s music landscape. From TV commercials to complete library solicitation, composers from different music stances will share knowledge and answer all your questions on how to start composing music for modern media.

Good Will Music

Music has the power to elevate, inspire and tap into the cognitive emotional zone in all of us. Fundraising trailblazers share great stories and get technical about what it’s like to fight for a cause in the modern world of music.

I Lived the Heyday and I See the Future

We are at a momentous crossroads in the music industry. The business has seemingly undergone a 180-degree change in recent years. While many top executives have left the building, others have survived the battles and are ready to impact on the future. Twenty years back and twenty years forward; our panelists will share stories from yesteryear and predictions for the future in the areas of radio play, digital sales, brand alignment and A&R.

Modern Barriers to Entry

From prestigious bloggers to major label executives, who are today’s gatekeepers and what are they looking for? Having one influential person in your corner can trigger a firestorm and connect many dots. Is it luck? Timing? Destiny? These professional tastemakers candidly talk about what it takes to get to the next level.

The Impact and Traction of College Radio

What impact does college radio have on the new music industry circa 2012? This panel analyzes music trends, artist case studies, and the digital domain, along with specific advice on what is working at college radio.

Breaking Digital

Go behind the scenes to find out what it REALLY takes to break a band in the digital world. Case-study scenarios will be examined by pros as they analyze artist-centric PR, marketing, touring and radio campaigns.

Modern Merch: Beyond the Tour T-Shirt

You create great music. Now support and supplement it with killer merch. We’ll offer non-traditional creative advice (along with specific ideas) on creating merchandise-driven revenue streams.

The Pitch Party: A Daily Lane for Opportunity

A panel of professionals from various yet critical worlds listen and respond to your media pitch. A different mix of panelists every day, including figures from record label A&R, publishing, radio, music supervision and entertainment law, will offer candid feedback and who knows what else?

The 411 D.I.Y. Roundup

There are more and more success stories every year triggered by artists going it alone. What’s new and what’s working? This panel will reveal cutting edge techniques that successful D.I.Y. artists rely upon for their projects.

The 411 Indie Label Roundup

Which indie labels are flourishing , and what are they specifically doing for their artists? How are indie label deals cut and what do the financials look like? We’ll cover a wide range of useful information on the modern indie label.

The 411 Major Label Roundup

Over recent years there have been seismic changes in major label-land. Who is left, who is on top and who is doing business? What is the current state of major labels and what goes on inside their respective four walls? This panel will give you up-to-the minute information on all things Major Label.

I Stream, You Stream, We All Stream…For What!?

INTERNET RADIO; bigger, better, and stronger. These pioneering experts will get you in-the-know on how it works, getting your own station on the air, the latest technologies–even how to handle music royalties. From small independent stations to the major players, come learn where the future lies for internet radio.

I’m A P.R.O.! Performing Rights Updates and Info

An overview of Performing Rights Organizations. Why and when do you need a P.R.O.? What are the differences among the various organizations? How does the payout work? Bring your questions and this panel will supply the answers.

Getting Licensed on Licensing

Straight talk and straight answers: 1. The fundamentals of owning a copyright 2. Different types of licenses such as a synchronization license 3. Up to the minute information on how musicians are generating revenue by licensing their work.

I’ve Got You Covered

How does one obtain the right to cover a song and potentially make money from it? This panel covers every element necessary to generate a new revenue stream from covering songs.

Open Forum No Boredom

Bring your best ideas, your thoughts, dreams, fears, questions and game plans to the mic and bounce them off these iconic music industry sounding boards.

Unturned Stones: Don’t Leave Money on the Table

There have been many recent studies about where musicians are finding revenue. Which sources can generate the most cash and which are likely to come up dry? Pennies add up from the traditional and non-traditional revenue streams to be discussed in detail.

Now More than Ever: The Importance of the Mastering Engineer

Recording, mixing and mastering completely inside the digital domain is becoming the rule instead of the exception. Learn tips, tricks and methods that the pros are implementing to make records. Guitar amp simulators, plugins, DAWs such as Pro Tools, SONAR X2, Logic and more; find out what’s on the cutting edge.

Tattoo U

Thinking about getting a tattoo? Do you have a killer tattoo to share? Ink experts will exhibit great designs, demonstrate how tattoos are made, and reveal what to look out for when getting a new tattoo. Get straight answers to questions before slinging the ink.

The Two Most Important Elements of Digital Recording: Microphone and Preamp

There are many Digital Audio Workstations to choose from when recording music to a computer. Yet the two most important elements of a recording remain the microphone and preamp. This panel of experts will explain exactly how an analogue signal passes through a microphone and preamp to give you recorded sound. What are the microphones and preamps to look for, and which ones should you stay away from?

The Pipe Leading to the Synch

How are artists with successful placements making it through the clutter and the noise? What “3rd Party” placement companies are credible and what piece of the pie are they taking? Great advice from experienced executives on getting your music placed into media.

The Pedal to the Metal

Dedicated fans of heavy metal culture keep the scene thriving by supporting its artists and shows. What is the secret to this genre’s success and what can the rest of the music business learn from it? How are metal bands weathering today’s changing climate? What is the role of the label in metal-land? This panel of metallic industry warriors will set fire to your face.

Career Counseling Meetings:

Ever wanted to get a one on one session with a trusted pro from the music industry? Kickstart your career as an executive by receiving vital advice from important figures who have seen it all and are willing to share their experiences with laser-like guidance. Topics covered will include:

Artist Management
Career Direction
College Radio
International Interests
Music Marketing
Music Production
Publishing/Licensing/Synch
Record Labels
Music and Technology
Start-Ups
Touring Industry

CMJ is also proud to present the seventh annual Entertainment Business Law Seminar, which is open to all badgeholders at CMJ Music Marathon. For a full ist of events and panelists click here. Featured panels at the seminar will include:

Stream A Little Stream

Nearly every media expert, pundit and observer predicts that an increasing amount of media consumption will be via streaming media. To what extent is streaming media being held back by legal and technological issues? This panel will discuss some of the open issues facing streaming media, including copyright and licensing concerns, technological issues (e.g., limits on mobile data plans, wireless capacity) and business issues (e.g., recording artist holdbacks, conversion of free to pay services and royalty payment methods) in light of the growth (or lack of growth) of streaming media consumption.

Music Lending 2012

With debt at rock-bottom prices and many of the traditional buyers of music assets sidelined, both banks and lending funds have focused on the music industry. What is the state of lending against music assets in 2012? This panel will discuss issues including valuation, asset classes, the underwriting process, loan structures, tax concerns, covenants and the lending process generally.

Does TV Everywhere Mean Cutting the Cord, Or Getting All Tangled Up?

Video streaming and compression technologies keep improving, letting innovators vie to be the next disruptive television distribution platform. Everyone from startups like ivi, Slingbox and Aereo to conglomerates like Time Warner Cable and Cablevision have made innovative legal arguments about their entitlement to stream others’ television programming. We’ll hear from litigators and business leaders on the front line of these battles and ask them what lessons these cases hold for related industries.

Ethics On The Borderline

Legal representation of musicians, bands, or tech or entertainment startups frequently comes replete with ethical dilemmas. Expert commentator and well known ethics author Ron Minkoff will help you navigate so you’re never unexpectedly close to the line, and explain how to avoid crossing it.

To 1099 Or Not To 1099, That Is The Question

Over the past few years, the IRS has embarked on a campaign of enforcement relating to the misclassification of workers as independent contractors, seeking to curtail hemorrhaging tax revenues. Similarly, numerous worker class action lawsuits have cropped up asserting violations of wage and hour laws through misclassification. This changing landscape of employment and tax law makes the hiring of artists, musicians, writers, and other entertainment professionals a precarious process. Join us for a discussion mapping out the potential pitfalls, legal challenges, and tax implications of classifying your workforce in the entertainment industry. A panel of experts will explore topics including potential liability to workers and the IRS, maintaining ownership of worker-generated intellectual property, and the applicability and effects of the Central Withholding Agreement on foreign nationals.

Starting Up And Rolling Out: Fostering And Financing Innovation In Entertainment

Entertainment technology is evolving rapidly, new business models are emerging, and even the most traditional players are challenging long held assumptions about the industry. How should startups navigate the challenges of partnering with established media businesses? What is the industry doing to foster innovation? How has the capital raising environment evolved over the past year and how might the JOBS Act affect entertainment startups? This panel will address these questions and more.

Copyright Enforcement On The Edge

Years after YouTube’s launch, online providers have more sophisticated software tools than ever before for screening for infringing content. Yet even the most recent court decisions about what technical measures are required, and who is liable for copyright infringements, concern business practices from years ago. Using cases such as YouTube, UMG, and Megavideo, prominent lawyers in this area will work out where the outer edge of copyright enforcement currently lies, and how developments like SOPA and Pinterest will change the legal map.

What Could Possibly Go Wrong! Protecting Yourself In A Wind-Down

Entrepreneurs plan for success. Optimism is in their DNA. However, every entrepreneur should also have a plan in case the dream crashes. There may be valuable assets to protect and preserve. Our expert panel will look at the anatomy of a failing company. They will discuss vital steps to take in order to get out of a dying company with as few bumps and bruises as possible. After all, there’s always the next company.

Celebrity Estates: Death Poses New Problems

The estates of creative artists and celebrities present issues that are different and challenging. What rights does the estate have to exploit celebrity status? Can the will overcome the presumptions and dictates of certain laws regarding the disposition of property? What are the implications of copyright termination/reversions? A panel of experienced attorneys and CPA’s will explore these as well as other issues and bring light to possible solutions.

Beyond The Copyright Claim; Using All Your Ammunition

Rights holders often think of copyright claims as their most powerful weapon to fight intellectual property theft. However, there are many other weapons beyond copyright. Our team of top gun litigators will look at the latest strategies beyond copyright to protect owners’ rights in entertainment properties. They will look at the differences among these strategies and what needs to be done in advance in order to make sure they are available. Don’t go into a fight without a full arsenal.

CMJ Fireside Chat: Ted Cohen and Peter Kafka: 30 Years and We’re Getting Closer

A candid talk on the state of our digital existence with Ted Cohen of Tag Strategic and Peter Kafka of All Things Digital.

CMJ Fireside Chat: Tim Westergren and Matt Pinfield on the Future of Radio and the Music Industry

What do you get when the founder of Pandora casually engages in an interview and conversation with one of rock genre’s most prominent figures? A full hour of entertainment.

Galleries are Venues Too! The Future of Hybrid Audio-Visual Music Culture

Recent movements depicting music culture through art exhibits are proving to add yet another layer to the evolution of the musical landscape. Perfected audio and visual sensory combinations are an interesting new twist on classic content. Our gifted panelists will discuss the future of music culture in its evolving hybrid form, and its multi-platform expression from concert venues to art galleries.

Global Social: Worldwide Impact of Social Media and Music

An exploration into how the world is utilizing Social Media, and the impact it’s having on messaging, broadcasting and sharing information within the paradigm of the international music market. What are the trends, and how can brands use social media to expand their international fans to ultimately generate more revenue?

Hitting the Digital Jackpot; China’s Trillion-Dollar Music Platform

With a population of over 1.4 billion, China’s market could potentially be the next jackpot for the music industry. Last year, China’s digital revenue was reported as the highest value (71%) in the world according to IFPI. Here, we delve into how Taiwanese and other artists are behind the unprecedented success in the Greater China Region, as well as the innovative business model that could revolutionize the global music industry.

Music Journalism Exploded

The digital orb has exploded audiences into tiny factions. This all-star panel will discuss how the repercussions of digital journalism has changed the all-encompassing work flow of the industry. Find out how the top-level journalists fight the clutter to hit target and find impact.

No Code No Problem; Anatomy of the API

Ideas are king. APIs [Application Programming Interfaces] are bringing the expertise of the programmer into the hands of the idea-generator. This expert group of digital soldiers will let you in on a paradigm that is changing our music landscape and creating opportunity for the forward-thinker.

Sifting Through Transnational Licensing Complexities

While the world gets closer from digital opportunities, the complexities of international music licensing grows. This panel of experts will depict, define and try to conquer the current issues at hand while also exposing where good fortune may exist.

The Connective Tissue Between Content and Advertising

The term “advertising” in music is now quite diverse. There are new revenues and opportunities for the artist as well as new decisions to be made for the advertising executive. Maneuvering through the digital landscape is proving to offer real opportunities as well as real challenges. Join this panel of ad-hawks who will sift through the weighty current affairs.