Every year, producers and industry-types I talk to lament the lack of meaningful business conducted in Miami at the Winter Music Conference. You'd think that getting most of the top people in all facets of the dance industry together would result in more than douchemusic DJs complaining about doucheculture heiresses disrespecting their craft, but outside of a few below-market bookings and the chance to seed promos to the right people, the only ones who seem to do a killing are the hotels and clubs.
But years ago, there used to be something called the New Music Seminar, and industry legends from Terry Hunter (and here) to Tyree Cooper to Farley Jackmaster Funk have told us in interviews how crucial the New Music Seminar was in their respective careers.
Now, Tommy Silverman of Tommy Boy Entertainment and Dave Lory of Worldwide Entertainment Group are bringing it back. And unlike the party vibe of Miami, the "new"-New Music Seminar is focusing like a laser beam on the question on everyone's mind: how are we supposed to make a living these days?
Helpfully, their promo package indicates what this incarnation of the New Music Seminar is not about, which seems determined to limit or eliminate the navel-gazing that plagues industry conferences altogether:
What the New Music Seminar is NOT about:
• A debate about DRM
• How to get signed
• Getting your songs on the radio
• The politics of the music business
• Fitting InWhat the New Music Seminar IS about:
• Seeing the music business and your opportunities a new way
• Learning to create the music and content you need to succeed
• Standing out from your competition
• Legal and business basics that you must know
• Keeping up with the latest technology to put you in front
• Managing and monetizing your relationship with your fans
• Networking with others to build your own music business foundation
In response to an email, Mr. Silverman tells us more about the approach they're taking this time around:
The New Music Seminar is launching on July 21 in New York as a one day event with a focused goal of introducing the new music business and its demands and requirements so artists of all types, from house to hip hop can learn how to become successful in the years ahead. NMS will not have 48 panels as the old seminar did. It will have a keynote and four consecutive sessions aimed at changing the way we think about the music business and our own art and businesses.
Just last week, some guy peddling hilariously generic "HOW TO BECOME A MUSIC SUPERSTAR" ebooks enquired about advertising with us. The whole thing smelled of scam and, while providing some amusement in the office, I was still amazed that people will actually buy this kind of junk. Anything you're likely to read - even if it was produced by someone you've actually heard of instead of a two-bit internet spammer - is likely to be out of date by the time you read it, especially now. Frankly, if you want insight into how this mess just might be sorted out, ignore all of the gurus and aggregators and hypemen for services you probably don't need. This is it.
Registration is currently open for the New Music Seminar's first date, this July 21, 2009 at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (566 LaGuardia Place) in New York. You can find out more info and details about the sessions here.
