New York - A GRAMMY Professional Development Event: Speed Networking
On October 27, 2011, The Recording Academy New York Chapter hosted the GRAMMY Professional Development Event: Speed Networking. Speed Networking provided an intimate setting for members to get to know field leading professionals, and engage in thought provoking conversations with them in order to better their understandings in different branches of the recording industry. The event, which encompassed members of all aspects of The Recording Academy (voting members, associates, P&E, GRAMMY U), was seen as a great success in helping to provide connections that can lead Academy artists, producers, and business individuals into the forefront of the industry.
The leading professionals which took place in the event included: Jonathon Adelman (Agent, Paradigm), Johnny Beach (Booker, The Bowery Presents), Sarah Mary Cunningham (The Chamber Group), Jonathan Daniel (Founder, Crush Management), David Massey (President, Mercury Records), and Richard Stump (President, Imagem Music, US). During the event, Academy members formed 6 groups of 7-9 people with the leaders joining each group, individually, for 15-minute increments each. During these 15-minute periods, a short introduction was provided by each speaker, but was largely consumed with questions fielded from the groups.
One of the more pressing topics discussed included the advent of digital music streaming services, such as Spotify and Mog, and how they are influencing the music industry today. David Massey provided a bit of insight into the development of “the artist” as it pertained to the streaming service noting that in locations such as Sweden, the launch of Spotify has actually seen album sales rise versus the pre-Spotify rampant piracy. He feels that it can be a successful tool if properly utilized by the labels, even though the actual payouts Spotify provides are very limited. Another interesting area of discussion was brought up with booker Johnny Beach who noted that The Bowery Presents, which operates local NYC hotspots The Bowery Ballroom, Music Hall of Williamsburg, and Terminal 5 (among others), listens to nearly every submission they receive from indie artists to their offices. He stated that his company actively searches for the best new “talent” available, and for bands they believe could have a shot, Bowery Presents will provide the opportunity for a show at The Mercury Lounge, which can precede shows at their larger venues. Moreover, as a tip from him to up-and-coming artists sending material to The Bowery, he warned “don’t send us packages, we just want the music.” The music will get you in.
Following the speed networking, members and the leaders congregated together for a final meet, greet, and information exchange in the main conference room of the New York Chapter. The success of the event could be visibly scene in the “drop boxes,” where members could drop their music demos, resumès, business cards, et cetera for individual leaders from the event. These boxes were later delivered, all fully packed with materials, to their respecting leaders. By helping to create these great connections, The Recording Academy has once again helped to facilitate the growth and diversification of the music industry.
By: Bryant Rockoff (GRAMMY U Rep)