Aug 30 2007
The CMJ Music Marathon Looms…
Can’t believe it’s only a month and half til this year’s CMJ. I’ve been a bunch of times, my first being 1995 when I was music director at KUNV, the radio station on the campus of UNLV in Las Vegas, NV.
For those of you that haven’t been, here’s the deal in a nutshell. During the days you go to amazing panels full of the best and brightest minds in the biz. Oh did I mention I am moderating a Marketing and Promotion panel? Best and brightest indeed! ;)
Then, at night, you traverse the glory that is NYC to go see a plethora of amazing bands. Occasionally one band is on at 10:15pm in lower Manhattan and the next band you want to see is on at 11:30pm in the Bronx, but logistics aside it’s a ridiculous time filled with amazing bands, both established and developing.
Oh, did I mention it’s NEW YORK CITY?!?! If you can’t have a good time here during a music conference you may want to check out another planet. Good times, good times indeed.
So, go here to register, come see my panel, then find me at a bar and buy me a drink!
Any tips for a CMJ first timer?
What shows do you plan on seeing?
Jbrickman
Hi – as far as your first CMJ, here’s my advice.
Most importantly, CMJ (like most conferences) is an A+ networking opportunity. You have thousands of like-minded people from all over the world in one place at the same time, and in this industry that’s where the gold is at.
Be prepared for this. Know what you have to offer and what you are asking for back. Have your elevator pitch ready. As in, be able to sell yourself in 30 seconds or less.
Know what types of people you need to meet. Are you after A&R reps, artists, distributors, digital aggregators, or just looking to meet anyone and everyone? It tends to help if you have a direction in mind.
Other than that, I’d suggest going to as many relevant panels as possible. Not only is there a ton to learn from working professionals, but these are also awesome networking opps. After the panel, haul ass to talk to the panelist(s) that you most identify with and that may have an interest in knowing you.
And of course all the live shows! Plan ahead, sometimes you have to move quick to get across town to see the band you want. And forget the super hyped bands – it’s next to impossible to get in, and there are usually 50 other amazing bands playing at that very moment.
Lastly – and maybe most important – do not appear needy or put out the “What can you do for me?” vibe. Nobody wants to hang out with someone who only needs and has nothing to offer. When I meet someone new, I work the 30 second pitch into the conversation, then the conversation goes to music or something else. Plenty of time later for biz once the relationship is in place.
Jason