Six SXSW Panels to Check Out

Updated:

August 30, 2018 2:56 pm

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SXSW can be intimidating. The overwhelming amount of shows, events and panels is a scheduling nightmare, so we’re here to help. Here are some must-see panels you have to check out during your stay in Austin.

Still Screaming About Streaming

An always interesting and highly debated topic is the issue of streaming. It financially benefits the already popular and doesn’t fairly compensate up-and-coming artists, many argue. But at the same time, it gets the music out to fans and listeners in an efficient and effective way. And still there are huge artists like Taylor Swift and U2 who are on two totally different ends of the streaming spectrum. This panel will focus on the legal side of the issue as the former General Counsel at the National Music Publishers Association, Pandora’s counsel in its lawsuits vs. ASCAP and BMI, and Senior Counsel at SoundExchange square off in what promises to be a stimulating discussion.

Saturday, March 21
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Austin Convention Center Room 9BC

The Celebrity Economy in Music featuring Paul Krugman, Win & Will Butler, & More

In 1996, The New York Times columnist Paul Krugman wrote about “the celebrity economy,” in which “creations must make money indirectly by promoting sales of something else.” In today’s culture, the music industry is no different from others when applying the idea that popular means more valuable. And now, it seems we’ve begun to pass the point of judgement for artists who “sell out” to help move themselves or their band in a newer and bigger direction. This panel will discuss the changing landscapes of how artists are increasingly turning to ad placement and sponsorships for funding.

Thursday, March 19
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Austin Convention Center Room 18ABC

Americana – Future, Present, Past

A no-brainer for us. Moderated by Grammy Foundation and MusiCares Vice President Scott Goldman, this panel will dig deep into the roots of Americana’s past and how it has shaped the culture today. And as a treat, Jamestown Revival will be joining Goldman and his other guests.

Friday, March 20
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Austin Convention Center Room 16AB

Takin’ Care of Bits-ness: Reshaping Music Data

Music sharing makes the world smaller and more reachable. Sites like Songspace maximize an artist’s ability to get his or her music out into the world and heard by as many listeners as possible. But like most of the industry, this arena continues to change at a rapid pace. This event – moderated by Howell O’Rear, a music industry litigation lawyer, and featuring Songspace CEO Robert Clement – will showcase forward-thinking companies who are building leverage by harnessing data and intellectual property.

Thursday, March 19
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Austin Convention Center Room 15

Elevator Pitch Session

This one’s pretty self-explanatory. You get one minute to pitch a music/technology related company or idea. Come prepared and be ready to collaborate.

Tuesday, March 17
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Hilton Austin Downtown (500 E 4th St) Salon A

Self-Releasing for Success

This panel comprises folks from Bandcamp, PledgeMusic and Nettwerk Music Group and will look at the pros and cons of self-releasing, strategies for a successful self-release, and the future of artist-owned recordings.

Thursday, March 19
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Austin Convention Center Room 9BC