Why one indie artist thinks many small music conferences aren’t worth the price of registration
[This article was written by performing songwriter Joe Marson.]
Writer’s note: This piece is mostly disparaging of the small time music conferences that I feel only exist to feed off ambitious, starving artists and dreamers; however, there are nuggets of positive things woven in.
What is a music conference? It can be described as a one-to few-day event, usually held at a hotel or event space where people in the music industry and artists gather to listen to guest speakers during the day and to performances by showcased artists at night. Unless you are selected as a performing artist, you must pay daily to attend.
Sounds like a great networking opportunity where you might meet some folks who, if they like your stuff, could help take your music career to the next level, right? Unfortunately I have found that these conferences seem to be little more than chance for the oftentimes amateur “music industry” speakers to pedal their services* – as well as to bring some much needed business to a town or hotel during their slow season.
I have been to a good number of these conferences, usually in the form of a showcased performer. The last one I performed at, which will remain unnamed, exemplified the reason I will never go to another one (unless they are paying a good amount to do so!)
Unnamed Town invited around 40 performers to attend their conference for free as long as they play at designated “venues” around the town, unpaid. The old “exposure” lure. Well, first off it ain’t good exposure if there’s no one living in your town, as is the case with most of these conferences. Honestly, look …Read the full story
Source:: DIY Musician Blog