CD Baby's DIY Musician Conference Set For Sept. 30th-Oct. 2nd In Chicago

CD Baby's DIY Musician Conference

Actionable, artist-driven advice. That’s the main inspiration for CD BABY's DIY MUSICIAN CONFERENCE, created specifically to give independent artists tools, skills and ideas they can take home and implement instantly. The second event takes place SEPTEMBER 30th through OCTOBER 2nd at CHICAGO's CONGRESS PLAZA HOTEL.

The conference is expanding to include high-energy talks, carefully curated panels, and useful workshops by artists and music industry pros.

CD BABY VP Marketing KEVIN BREUNER stated: “We’ve asked a lot of artists what they need and want more of, and have designed the program with this in mind. We’ve included more workshops and one-on-one mentoring. The conference isn’t about a big-name speaker talking in general terms, or about information that is more geared toward managers or label execs. This is about content that people can use right away to move their careers forward. It’s about strong takeaways.”

This year’s keynotes include JACK CONTE, one of the driving forces behind POMPLAMOOSE and founder of artist funding platform PATREON. He is a perfect example of how indie musicians are finding uncharted roads to success and building significant careers using digital tools, innovative marketing, and good old-fashioned hard work.

“I'm super pumped to be a part of the conference,” exclaims CONTE. “Being in an indie band for 10 years is one of the hardest things I've ever done. I can't wait to dive into the nitty gritties and answer some questions.”

Some of those topics include the art and craft of songwriting, with GRAMMY-nominated writer STEVE SESKIN, whose songs have been recorded by and scored chart hits for WAYLON JENNINGS, ALABAMA, PETER FRAMPTON and TIM McGRAW, among others. In-demand fashion and commercial photographer BECKY YEE will not only share tips on how to get great band photos, but will work with artists at a special photo booth, with shots artists can take home with them.

Topics will range from managing the creative process to booking a house concert tour, from putting on a stronger live show (the live band makeover with veteran manager TOM JACKSON) to diving into sync, publishing, and streaming revenues. In addition, BERKLEE ONLINE, the premier platform for online music and music business education, will curate several panels.

Artists can also hang out, network, and even play together in a new feature this year, the JAM ROOM. “We had a lot of spontaneous music making last year,” recalls BREUNER. “It started with just a few artists playing, then got really big. Artists asked for a dedicated space to jam, and we’re doing it.”

“This conference is one of the most engaging, productive artist events of the year for me,” says BENJI ROGERS, who in addition to his role as founder and chief strategy officer for PLEDGEMUSIC, is an advocate for new, more artist-friendly tech approaches to music rights and distribution. "I'm really excited to return."

Tickets are only $99 until AUGUST 16th  For more information, go to diymusiciancon.com.

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