Catapult Your Career
Steve Augustine of Thousand Foot Krutch Bandzoogle ’ s Dave Cool
MAKE MENTORSHIP SESSIONS & MAKE MENTORSHIP SESSIONS & ONE-ON-ONES WORK FOR YOU
So you ’ ve got your conference pass and ambition to learn from industry experts , but now you ’ re faced with the chance to sit down one-on-one with managers , label executives , music supervisors , and even celebrities . Here ’ s how you prepare to rock it :
• Find out who is available through the conference website and make note of who you ’ re interested in meeting , the times , and where the activities are taking place . If you ’ re feeling social , tweet at them to let them know how excited you are to meet them . Better yet , read their conference bio and find a bit of info that you connect with , like bonding over puppy memes or burritos .
• Don ’ t be intimidated . Know that you don ’ t need to be at the level of artists that they work with to talk to them . These people are here to meet with you and let you pick their brain .
• Have a list of a few key topics you want to touch on . It could be as simple as , “ What does my band need to do to land a booking agent ?” Or , “ How do you scout bands you ’ re looking to sign to your label .”
• Find out which panels they are speaking on and attend them . A compliment or mention of a bio detail upon meeting a mentor goes a long way because it shows you ’ re actually interested in who they are . The worst thing you can do is say , “ So what do you do ?” That ’ s wasted time on both sides .
• Bring some sort of print collateral . This
54 • CANADIAN MUSICIAN could be download cards , business cards , or handbills to your showcases . Just have something with your social and contact information that you can exchange with them .
• If one mentor session doesn ’ t go well , move on to the next . Conferences can be crazy and you ’ re not expected to be perfect in your pitch .
• Don ’ t overstay your time . Other people are eager to meet with the mentors as well . If the conversation is flowing , ask what they ’ re up to later in the day . A beer or coffee could be currency for some additional time .
• And if you sit down at the wrong table or mistake a mentor for someone else , like this writer once did with Taylor Swift ’ s former manager , remember , a sense of humour goes a long way !
This sounds very simple , but listen intently . You ’ re there to learn . Do your pitch and ask your questions but don ’ t just talk about yourself . Let the mentor talk to you and take notes in a notebook . Don ’ t be distracted . Conferences are loud places and you want to give this person your undivided attention . Make eye contact , ask questions , and be grateful and polite .
And remember to follow up . Be the star they remember from their mentorship sessions so you can continue to develop that relationship .
Bring the Event to You
No music conferences nearby ? Want to get together and share some skills and knowledge with local musicians ? As they say , a high tide floats all boats . Hosting your own music panel is a great way to help educate your music community .
Truthfully , planning a music panel isn ’ t that different from organizing a DIY show . Determining what your panel will be about should be your first step . Brainstorm potential topics and guest speakers you could involve . Some great first topics could include : funding , touring , recording , music rights , and licensing . The speakers should have some level of expertise or first-hand experience on the topic .
The second step is to secure a venue . Ideally , you could find a space that will let you use it for free ( or in return for concession sales like coffee or beer ). It shouldn ’ t be big enough that if only 20 people show up that it seems empty but not so small that people can ’ t stand or sit comfortably . You ’ d be surprised by how welcoming bar or club owners are to daytime events that support the arts .
That said , art galleries , music schools , book stores , rehearsal studios , community centres , libraries , and other spaces known to local artists are great . Even though musicians are used to lugging gear up stairs , avoid basements or anywhere that could be inaccessible so that anyone interested can attend .
A general rule of thumb is to keep a panel discussion to 45-60 minutes with time for audience questions . Try to hold your panel on “ off-times ” for musicians , like weekday evenings so that it doesn ’ t conflict with day jobs or gigs . Alternatively , weekend ( late ) mornings are great options . Make sure your panel begins at the time advertised and count on a few stragglers arriving late .
A moderator or host is required to introduce panelists ( basically why they are relevant to the topic ), ask questions , and moderate audience interaction . This moderator should be confident with public speaking and be able to interrupt the speakers to get them back on track . They need to keep the panel flowing no matter what . If you ’ re organizing , chances are that you ’ re passionate enough to lead it yourself .
Invite the speakers to the panel ! A good guideline for speakers is to get one artist and one industry . More than three speakers can make it difficult to moderate and let people speak naturally . Also , you don ’ t need to have a budget ; most people are honoured when they are requested to share their expertise and will contribute their time for free . Others may see it as a promotional opportunity .
In your initial email , give your speakers the basics – who , what , where , when , and why – and a deadline to confirm .
With speakers confirmed , start your promotion ! You don ’ t need to be a graphic designer