7 Must-Attend Music Conferences
Check this out if you're looking for the important music gatherings of the year.
Do you want to take your music career to the next level? If so, then you need to attend one of the many music conferences that are happening all over the world. These conferences offer a wealth of information and networking opportunities to help you reach your goals.
The seven best music conferences to attend are:
1. South by Southwest (SXSW)
2. CMJ Music Marathon
3. Noise Pop
4. NAMM Show
5. A3C Festival & Conference
6. Reeperbahn Festival
7. Canadian Music Week
This blog post will discuss seven must-attend music conferences and why you should care about them. We will discuss what each conference offers and when they started, how many people attend, the average cost, and what takes place at these events. Let's get started!
The Seven Top Music Conferences to Attend
Attending music conferences can also provide an invaluable opportunity to meet people in the industry and make connections that could prove beneficial to your career. Whether it's meeting new artists, discovering talented producers, or finding new potential collaborators, music conferences offer a fantastic range of opportunities.
1. South by Southwest (SXSW)
This music conference has been around since 1987 and takes place annually in Austin, Texas. It draws a variety of big-name acts and emerging talent and is attended by more than 70,000 people annually. The average cost to attend is $400-$500 per person. Some famous artists previously attended include Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and CeeLo Green.
What takes place at SXSW?
It mixes music showcases, industry panels, networking events, and more. The event is excellent for discovering new talent and networking with industry professionals. It's known for its exciting and diverse lineup of performers.
2. CMJ Music Marathon
This conference in New York City has been around since 1980 and has been dubbed the "who's who of emerging music." It is attended by more than 40,000 people annually, and the average cost to attend is $350-$450 per person. Some famous artists who attended previously include The Weeknd and Mumford & Sons.
What takes place at CMJ Music Marathon?
It includes performances from established artists and up-and-coming groups, keynote speeches, and educational panels. At CMJ, you can expect to see a wide range of talent from established and emerging artists.
3. Noise Pop
This Bay Area music festival has been around since 1993 and is beloved by indie music fans worldwide. It is attended by more than 25,000 people annually, and the average cost to attend is $200-$300 per person. Artists who have attended previously include Bon Iver and The Black Keys.
What takes place at Noise Pop?
It mixes music showcases, industry panels, networking events, art exhibitions, and film screenings. Some popular showcases include the "Indie Mixtape" and the "Breakout Showcase." Many attendees state they like the festival's intimate atmosphere.
4. NAMM Show
This massive music conference takes place in Anaheim, California, every January and is attended by more than 115,000 people annually. It is considered the "mecca" for music professionals and enthusiasts and features performances from some of the world's top acts, as well as educational panels and workshops. The average cost to attend is $500-$600 per person. Some previous participants include Metallica and ZZ Top.
What takes place at NAMM Show?
This music conference is excellent for discovering new trends in the industry, networking with industry professionals, and exploring the latest products and services. You can also find educational sessions and workshops on various topics related to music production, marketing, and more.
If you're trying to get your music heard you need to be where your music fans and music industry get together.
5. A3C Festival & Conference:
This hip-hop music conference and festival has been around since 2005 and takes place in Atlanta, Georgia, every year. It is attended by more than 30,000 people annually. It features performances from some of the biggest names in rap and hip-hop, as well as educational panels and workshops. The average cost to attend is $250-$350 per person.
What takes place at A3C Festival & Conference?
It's a great place for emerging artists to showcase their talent and connect with industry professionals. It also hosts workshops, panel discussions, mentor sessions, and an artist accelerator program to help emerging artists build their careers.
6. Reeperbahn Festival
This music festival and conference in Hamburg, Germany, has been around since 2006 and is attended by more than 25,000 people annually. It features performances from established artists and up-and-coming groups, as well as various cultural events and seminars. The average cost to attend is €200-€300 per person. Some popular acts that have participated in this festival include The xx, Father John Misty, and Jamie xx.
What takes place at Reeperbahn Festival?
It mixes music showcases, industry panels, networking events, and cultural experiences. Attendees also have access to an artist mentoring program that allows them to receive feedback from industry professionals. It is considered an excellent place for international music fans to discover new acts and experience different cultures.
7. Canadian Music Week:
This Toronto-based music conference has been around since 1981 and is Canada's biggest music industry gathering. It is attended by more than 30,000 people annually. It features performances from top artists, as well as educational panels and workshops. The average cost to attend is $250-$350 per person. Some famous acts that have participated in this festival include Arcade Fire and Drake.
What takes place at Canadian Music Week?
It offers music-related conferences, networking events, awards shows, and live performances. You can also find industry panels with topics ranging from the music industry's current state to marketing, branding, and more. It's an excellent opportunity for artists to learn about the latest trends in music and meet industry professionals.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are plenty of options for attending music conferences. Each one offers something unique that can help you take your career to the next level. Whether you're looking for networking opportunities, industry insights, or just a great party, there's a music conference out there for you.
So, if you're a recording artist looking to make the most out of your career, attending one of these conferences is worthwhile. With the proper knowledge and connections, you'll be ready to take your career to the next level.