CD Baby is bringing its DIY Musician Conference back to the Live Music Capital of the World, aka Austin, Texas, for its first conference since the start of the pandemic. The three-day conference unites and excites musicians, ready to take their careers to the next level, and offers keynote events, songwriting and marketing workshops, one-on-one mentorships with music business professionals, performance opportunities, and countless jam sessions over the weekend.
After three years away, CD Baby has assembled a stellar roster of keynotes and speakers, ready to take the stage in efforts to reunite the DIY Musician community in Austin, and around the world. Keynote speakers Kara DioGuardi and Ross Golan are songwriters for Maroon 5, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and dozens more, and will host a “Shark Tank” inspired critique session to workshop songs by artists in the audience in real time. Legendary live music producers Tom Jackson and Amy Wolter return as crowd favorites, ready to transform a band’s live performance with their live band makeover. NY Times bestselling author Austin Kelon will teach artists creative processes to showcase their authentic artistic voices. Afro-latino and rock songwriter Enrique Chi and his band will instruct artists on creating transformative and meaningful music.
Austin speakers include the returning freestyle master SaulPaul, GRAMMY Award-nominated and named Austinite of the Year in 2017; music producer Henry Roland, songwriter Matt Ramsey; and Ableton trainer and producer Alberto Chapa. Other Texas speakers include award-winning music producer Justin J. Rhodes and strategist & reality TV music coach Brianna Ruelas.
“The pandemic has shown musicians how important it is to have a digital presence. When live music came to a halt musicians had to get creative, both indie and commercial,” says speaker and music coach Kareem Guy.
Growing a supportive fanbase is crucial to a career in music, both for revenue streams and music discovery. Artists can learn from marketers, playlist specialists, and public relations experts who will talk trends and tools to simplify content creation and promotion including Diarmuid Moloney from Rotor; Kaytee Long Becker from DIY Public Relations, Inc; author of Work Hard Playlist Hard Mike Warner; Rick Barker of Music Industry Blueprint; and Hisham Dahud from ArtistPro.
Artists will hear from movers and groovers in music education and various aspects of career consulting. Lesley Barth will share her business expertise in maintaining music productivity; returning mentor Judy Stakee will offer songwriters career advice; professional percussionist Damon Grant will share how to get the gig and keep the gig; mindset and productivity coach Suzanne Paulinski will talk about overcoming loss and embracing change; artist and blogger Ari Herstand and artist and educator Chris Carr will tap into touring in alternative venue spaces. Musicians seeking legal advice can learn from entertainment attorney Karl Fowlkes. Wendy Parr of Parr Method Inc will help guide artists in revitalizing their approach and creativity, and Stefan Aronsen from Balanced Breakfast will help foster community within the DIY industry.
Dramatic changes to music and technology over the past two years have resulted in new platforms and revenue streams for artists to consider, including TikTok, Zoom and Twitch concerts, and NFTs. “Everything has changed as we return with the DIY Conference this year. Through all the uncertainty and changes, the passion and strength we have seen emerge from the DIY community is just exhilarating,” says Cristina Cano, Community & Events Manager at CD Baby. “DIY will equip attendees with what they need to thrive and build a sustainable career in an always-changing musical ecosystem.”
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