CD Baby’s annual DIY Musician Conference is coming to Austin for the first time, taking place Aug. 16-18 at the Austin Hilton. This year is special because it will feature keynotes from Questlove as well as Darryl McDaniels, aka DMC from Run DMC.
This year’s speakers and presenters also include many that represent Austin and its independent spirit. Alejandro Escovedo will talk about his career in a fireside chat. Other speakers include freestyle master SaulPaul, named Austinite of the Year in 2017; audio production whiz and owner of Same Sky Productions, David Messier; and talent buyer Mike Henry.
Austin does its own thing and often does it with music. That’s why CD Baby is bringing its DIY Musician Conference to the city this August for the first time. The conference unites musicians who are taking charge of their own careers and offers a wide range of actionable talks and workshops on musicianship, royalties, marketing, live performance and other key elements making a musical life and living.
Other Austin speakers include freestyle master SaulPaul, named Austinite of the Year in 2017; audio production whiz and owner of Same Sky Productions, David Messier; video director and producer Traci Goudie; Stephen Belans, sought-after Americana drummer/producer; advance vinyl pressing plant owner Caren Kelleher of Gold Rush Vinyl; and talent buyer Mike Henry.
NPR All Songs Considered host and indie music kingpin Bob Boilen will talk about what he listens for in new music. Other presenters include Shan Dan Horan, an alternative/metal label founder and video producer whose unscripted show, Musician Rescue, will air in 2020, and Judy Stakee, a former Warner/Chappell songwriter developer who offers career advice to songwriters. Seattle-based Afrofuturist SassyBlack will lead an interactive digital beat-making workshop
The conference regularly attracts participants from all fifty states, as well as several dozen countries. These are musicians brand new to the scene and seasoned veterans making a living from music. They are all ages, all ethnic backgrounds, all musical styles and approaches you can imagine, from hip hop MCs to old-time one-man bands.
Tickets can be purchased here.
