What makes some musical performers memorable and others blasé?
How do you recognize a good record deal? How do I sell my songs? How do you go about booking a national tour?
Find the answers to these and many other questions at the fourth annual Vancouver Island Music Business Conference from June 22 to 26.
The four-day event will include panel discussions by a host of industry veterans and professionals who represent every aspect of the music business. Professional songwriters, music publishers, lawyers, managers, promoters, producers, are among the 35-plus panelists that include Canadian Idol judge Jake Gold and live music producer Tom Jackson.
Jackson, who has helped to shape the live shows of many of today’s artists including Taylor Swift, Jars of Clay, Jordin Sparks, James Bryan, Casting Crowns and others, teaches onstage performance techniques and shows artists how to enhance their live shows, connect with audience members and earn the loyalty of lifelong fans.
“We’re thrilled to have Tom Jackson joining us this year,” says organizer Susie McGregor. “Our focus is on artist development this year, so we’ve added a component called AMP (Artist Mentor Packages) this year.
“For an additional fee, delegates who want to be part of a small group session with Tom Jackson or who want to book time for one-on-one coaching can do so. Some of our other AMP options include vocal techniques, guitar workshops, as well as band makeover sessions to find the right look to match your sound.
“This is really a great option when you compare conference costs to the cost of travelling to larger cities to access resources of this calibre. This kind of accessibility is what makes VIMBC different from any other music business conference you can attend.”
Jackson is credited with being able to turn “bar band into star band,” and is the author of the popular live performance teaching series All Roads Lead to the Stage, and Live Music Makeover.
His performance tips and constructive criticisms have groomed some of the top entertainers on the world stage, focusing on the unique strengths of each group and finding ways to emphasize their individuality and create a bond with their audiences.
“The conference is designed to help emerging artists prepare for success in the music industry by giving them the tools they need to present their talent as a product, just like they would any other business proposal,” says McGregor.
VIMBC provides an educational opportunity where artists can get the answers they need from credible sources as well as networking opportunities and artist showcases. Delegate passes are available online at www.vimbc.com.
— Vancouver Island Music Business Conference