The Homemade Music Symposium

Between the decline in popularity of traditional so-called "terrestrial" radio stations, the abundant availability of music online and changes in the public's individual tastes, the recording industry as we know it is quickly becoming extinct. Understandably, many people within that industry, artists as well as executives, are very nervous while they wait to see how things shake out. Smart people, however, are not waiting at all and are already exploring new and different ways to connect with their audience in an effort to remain artistically and commercially viable. Those who can anticipate and stay ahead of the trends (the failure to do so, particularly in regards to the internet, is the biggest single reason the old paradigm is dying) stand to benefit the most. The days of big contracts (front loaded with tricky clauses that may or may not yield big pay days) and high exposure may be over but a new age with artists having greater freedom, control over their output (including ownership of their masters) and more real money finding it's way into their pockets (as opposed to some number written into a contract that only exists in that document) could be right around the corner.
So if you're a young artist looking to enter this turbulent market, how do you know what to do first? Well, a good place to get some ideas and network with people who could be of assistance is this weekend's Homemade Music Symposium, taking place at various locations in Ybor City. Presented by The Artists & Writers Group, Homemade is "designed to help musicians develop and compete in the modern commercial environment" and will feature workshops, guest speakers and performances. I plan on attending in the hope of meeting and working with new artists. I'm especially interested in the workshops on Saturday that cover marketing and media. I really hope to see people there.

Here's the event schedule, but of course there is more info available at the official symposium web site.

Wednesday - June 10 2009
The Dirty Shame - 7th Ave and 20th St in Ybor City (map)
7:00 PM An Evening with Tony Michaelides Stories from the ’24 Hour Party People” scene in Manchester UK and the birth of Punk and Rave Culture — Tony presents his personal reflections on relationships with icons like Tony Wilson from Factory Records, Martin Hannett, Joy Division, and The Happy Mondays with some never before seen video and audio.Free and open to public

Saturday - June 13 2009
HCC Art GalleryHCC-Ybor Performing Arts Center (map)
9:00AM - 10:30AM Opening Reception. Coffee and nibbles.
9:00AM - 7:00PM One-day show. Special exhibit featuring art works inspired by music and music makers. Featuring a live generative deconstruction sound/performance installation by AVAACC.

Main Stage HCC-Ybor Performing Arts Center
10:00 AM Poets of Popular Song. The Lyrics and Lyric Writers of the Great American SongbookRosa Rio, Paul Wilborn, Eugenie Bondurant
Noon Lunch Network with area professionals or check out some of the great restaurants in Ybor City
1:00 PM TuneCore and Digital Media Distribution. Peter Wells, Co-Founder of TuneCore
2:00 PM Area Record Labels and Artist Managers Panel. Ivan Peña (Mohawk Bomb Records), Brett Steele (Steele Management), Joe D'Acunto (THX MGMT), Steve Dube (Decadent Suite)
3:00 PM Alternative Media Promotion: Making the Most of Twitter, Facebook, and the Blog Network. Julia Gorzka (Social Media Consultant), Megan Voeller (Editor, artsqueeze.com), Darrin Guilbeau (siliconeadvantage.com), Stephen Hammill (Creative Loafing), Bryan Childs (ninebullets.net)
4:00 PM Marketing, Touring and Band Management: Content Managing for Bands. Joran Oppelt (Creative Loafing), Ivan Peña (Mohawk Bomb Records), Stephen Hammill (Creative Loafing), Shawn Kyle (REAX Magazine), Joe D'Acunto (THX MGMT)
5:00 PM How to Get the Most Out of a Studio Session. Steve Connelly (Zen Recording), Wes Price (Polysound Studios), Brian Merrill (Studio B), John Stephan (Springs Theatre)
6:00 PM Meet the Press: Area Music Critic Panel. Julie Garisto (St. Petersburg Times and tbt*), Curtis Ross (Tampa Tribune), Lee Courtney (WMNF Radio), Scott Harrell (REAX Magazine), Leilani Polk (Creative Loafing)

Studio TheatreHCC-Ybor Performing Arts Center
3:00 - 6:00 PM Theatrical Concepts in Video Recording. Stan Arthur (Filmmaker and Musician), Fred Smith (Grown Man Brand). Featuring Hypnophonic Band.

Rehearsal Hall HCC-Ybor Performing Arts Center
3:00 PM The Pranayama of Voice. Denise Moore (jazz vocal stylist and yoga teacher)
5:00 PM Using Your Electronic Press Kit and Website to Put More Money in Your Pocket. Ivan Pena (Mohawk Bomb Records)

HCC Art GalleryHCC-Ybor Performing Arts Center
3:00 PM Special exhibit featuring art works inspired by music and music makers.

Saturday Night Showcase - June 13 2009
An evening of Special Guests and Performers at Venues All Across Ybor $5 per venue or $10 for an All-Access Pass (Sold at the Symposium and New World Brewery)

New World Brewery1313 E 8th Ave (map)
8:00 PM - 1:00 AM Homemade Symposium Showcase. Featuring Will Quinlan, Rebekah Pulley and the Reluctant Prophets, Lorna Bracewell, Skull and Bone Band, and 10th Concession Sonic Departures: Avant Garde InterludesFeaturing the Aripeka Stompers (Clogging), Rayzilla (Psychedelic Bass), Lee Hinkle (Avant Garde Zarb), John McCoy (Nintendo DS Techno), The Hole (Ukulele)

Crowbar 1812 17th St N (map)
8:00 PM - 1:00 AM Mohawk Bomb Records Showcase. Featuring Hat Trick Heroes, The Orchid Thief, Ascending to Avalon and Rise of Saturn

The Roosevelt1812 15th St N (map)
8:00 PM - 1:00 AM Project 3.0 & Tek-nique Entertainment Present Re:Create The Art of Upcycle "Upcycling the practice of taking something disposable & transforming it into something of greater use and value."Art & Live Works By:Carlos Pons Paz, Isiah Perkins (Boundless Creativity), Efrin Rebugio Jr. (Everyday Research), Christine Galas, Greg Latch (Y.A.A & Ybor Art Colony)Performing live:Dynasty, Slimm Hustle, Shardz of Glass, Dj Furious and More TBA Poetry By: Xzanthia, Katie Punto + More

Arts on 9th 1513 E 9th Ave (map)
8:00 PM - 1:00 AM New Performers from the Next Generation. Featuring Next Exit and Friends

Sunday - June 14 2009 Free and Open to the Public
Ybor City Museum State Park 1818 E 9th Ave (map)
1:00 PM Stephanie Carpenter
2:00 PM Hypnophonic Band
4:00 PM Francillia & Lorna Bracewell
5:00 PM Ella Jet featuring Experimental Pilot

Tre Amici @ The Bunker 1907 19th St N (map)
1:00 PM In Vogue: Tips on Promotional Photography. Jesse Stehlik (Stehlik Photography)
2:00 PM Bunko Squad and Ronnie Elliott
3:00 PM State of the Scene Town hall meeting to discuss pertinent issues in the area music scene
4:30 PM Insights from the Engine Room Tony Michaelides
6:00 - 8:00 PM Homemade Wrap Party

REAX Space1911 19th St N (map)
1:30 PM DIY Sound Recording Stephen Hammill (Creative Loafing), Brian Merrill (Studio B), Alastair St. Hill
4:00 PM Using Homebrew Software in the Nintendo DS and Audiomulch John McCoy

Arnold Martinez Gallery1909 19th St N (map)
1:00 PM Steve Vaclavik
2:00 PM Papos Frassica
4:00 PM Emily Roff

Mermaid's Slipper1903 19th St N (map)
1:30 PM 10th Concession
2:30 PM Liz Hollister
4:00 PM Fred Slutsky
4:30 PM Charlotte Lee
5:00 PM Harry Hayward

Tuesday - June 16 2009 Free and Open to the Public
Main Stage HCC-Ybor Performing Arts Center (map)
7:30 PM Theatrical Music for Solo Percussion. Lee Hinkle, Doctoral Candidate at University of Maryland, and Robert McCormick, University of South Florida Professor of Percussion, will present a concert of contemporary percussion music that incorporates a variety of performance genres into the art of percussion. Highlights include the Daniel Adams marimba duo "Road Traversed and Reversed" and the Florida premiere of Stuart Saunders Smith's "The Authors for Marimba / Vocalist".