Don’t miss the Confluence conference! We are excited to announce that we are bringing together over 40 music industry professionals from all over the Carolinas and beyond! Our speakers have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, and many have never spoken in Charlotte before. See the full schedule below.
The Confluence Conference is Wednesday, Oct. 18, and Thursday, Oct. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Conference sessions will take place in multiple venues inside the AvidXchange NC Music Factory.
Get your Confluence Conference Pass (includes both days!) for just $50 or upgrade to an All-Access Pass to enjoy 2 evenings of showcases as well for just $75!
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 18
Opening General Session
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Why Music Matters to North Carolina
From banjo and guitar innovators Earl Scruggs and Doc Watson to Nina Simone, George Clinton, Etta Baker, James Taylor, J. Cole, The Avett Brothers, John Coltrane, and everything in between, North Carolina musicians have impacted audiences across the globe. Today over 40,000 North Carolinians work in the music industry, and countless more enjoy the art that comes from that work. Hear from N.C. leaders about their work to celebrate, support, and help sustain North Carolinians’ groundbreaking contributions to American music and why it matters to you.
Location: The Hamilton
Moderator: Rick Thurmond (Charlotte Center City Partners and Music Everywhere CLT)
Speakers:
Staci Meyer (N.C. Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources)
Crystal Taylor (N.C. African-American Music Trail)
Chastan Swain (N.C. Hometown Strong)
Jeff Bell (N.C. Arts Council)
Wednesday Breakout Sessions 1
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Unlocking Opportunities in Sync Rights and Licensing
Are you earning all you can from your music? In this exploration of sync rights and licensing strategies tailored to indie artists, hear from industry experts how to navigate the world of music placements and maximize your creative potential in the industry.
Location: The Hamilton
Moderator: Tiffani Lewis (Artist, Entrepreneur, Podcast Host)
Speakers:
Mark Eckert (Thatpitch)
Maronda “Lyric” T’Pring (iAMaSONGwriter)
11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
Charting Your Path: Innovative Tools and Strategies for Successfully Releasing Your Music
In this all-star panel, we’ll explore practical techniques, strategies, and tools to amplify your next music release with speakers from N.C.’s most prestigious record label as well as a premier distributor of independent music. We’ll also examine new tools (are NFTs for real?) and more.
Location: Comedy Zone
Moderator: Patra Sinner (Symphonic Distribution)
Speakers:
Gar Ragland (Citizen Vinyl)
Shana Douglass (NFTCLT)
Christina Rentz (Merge Records)
Lunch Break at the Confluence Hub
12 – 1:30 P.m.
Lunch, Vendor Tables, Short Showcases
Visit the Hub @ VBGB to network, explore the vendor marketplace, and hear live music showcases. Lunch and beverages are available for purchase. Sponsored by Tosco Music and NC Guitarworks.
Location: VBGB
Wednesday Breakout Sessions 2
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Workshop: Why You Need an EPK and How to Build One
Pre-registration required
i love a good vibe™ presents their EPK Workshop designed to help emerging and established music artists understand the value of an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) and provide a comprehensive guide on how to design an effective EPK. Wherever you are in your music journey, artists will gain a clear understanding of the benefits of having an EPK, the key components to include, and how to leverage this industry-standard marketing tool to enhance your professional presence and efficiently share information with industry professionals, venues, promoters, and media outlets.
Location: Karaoke Room
Speaker: friday jones
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Artist to Entrepreneur: Crafting Your Path to Success in Music
In today’s dynamic music industry, indie artists are not just creators; they are entrepreneurs charting their own course. In this discussion with three remarkable leaders, learn how to blend your artistic passion with an entrepreneurial mindset, including how to build the perfect winning team. Emerging artist, a seasoned musician, or passionate about the intersection of music and entrepreneurship, this discussion promises valuable takeaways to help you thrive.
Location: The Hamilton
Moderator: Greg Knight (Greg Knight Music)
Speakers:
Roger Brown (Salt Lick Incubator)
Liza Levy (Salt Lick Incubator)
Chris Elmore (AvidXchange)
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Cultivating a Local, Loyal Fanbase
Explore how to cultivate a devoted local following while strengthening your ties within your community. Learn practical strategies about how to manage social media (and not let it manage you!) while developing an authentic brand and connecting with like-minded artists to take your music career to the next level.
Location: Comedy Zone
Moderator: Tim Miner (Charlotte Is Creative)
Speakers:
Natalie Carr (artist)
Jordynn Nickolson (social media/brand expert)
Elliott Tousley (De Novo Agency, Inc)
Wednesday Keynote Session
3 – 4 P.m.
The Musician’s Success Cycle: The Only Framework *Every* Musician Needs
The Musician’s Success Cycle is a transformative tool that will simplify your music career journey and provide clear direction on what YOU should do next, no matter where you are in your career. Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to action as we demystify questions like “what now?” and “how do I do it all?” You’ll leave with a guaranteed “aha moment,” enabling you to reduce the overwhelm you walked in with, permanently.
Location: Comedy Zone
Speaker: Cheryl B. Engelhardt (GRAMMY®-Nominee and Music Success Coach)
THURSDAY, OCT. 19
Thursday Breakout Sessions 1
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Building a Thriving Music Community
The best music scenes are built on a supportive community. But in an industry of siloes and sour grapes, building a music community is easier said than done. Tony Arreaza, Lonnie Davis, and John Tosco have each done it, and Don Pitts has helped many cities do it. They’ll share wisdom, strategies, and lessons learned from their careers building platforms where all artists can thrive.
Location: The Hamilton
Moderator: Rick Thurmond (Charlotte Center City Partners and Music Everywhere CLT)
Speakers:
John Tosco (Tosco Music)
Lonnie Davis (Jazz Arts Charlotte)
Don Pitts (Sound Music Cities)
Tony Arreaza (Carlotan Talents)
10 – 11 a.m.
The Tipping Point: When to Pitch for a Manager, Agent, or Label
Timing is everything in the music industry. Discover the critical juncture when independent artists should strategically pitch themselves to artist management, record labels, and/or booking agents. In this panel, industry experts share insights on recognizing that tipping point in your career, preparing a compelling pitch, and maximizing your chances of securing the right team to propel your music career to the next level.
Location: The Underground
Moderator: Liz Brigham (Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Davidson College)
Speakers:
Evan Hunsberger (Space Colonel Mgmt)
Christina Rentz (Merge Records)
Dolphus Ramseur (Ramseur Management and Ramseur Records)
Thursday Breakout Sessions 2
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Workshop: Production Roles for the Aspiring Recording Artist
Pre-Registration Required
Today’s rising artist is more than just performer, musician, songwriter, arranger, publicist and agent … they’re often producer, engineer, editor and mastering engineer too. In a perfect world you could give each discipline its due, but which roles are realistically best to hire? Which roles are best to keep in-house? How can we remain artistically free, keep costs low, grow an audience and take advantage of postmodern opportunities? In this intimate workshop, an experienced producer breaks it down.
Location: Karaoke Room
Speaker: Rob Tavaglione (Catalyst Recording)
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
How to Grow Fans–not Followers
In a world obsessed with numbers, true success in music lies in cultivating genuine connections with fans who are passionate about your work. This panel explores the art of nurturing authentic relationships, crafting meaningful content, and engaging with your audience in ways that transcend mere follower counts. Join us to discover the strategies that turn casual listeners into devoted fans who support your music and journey throughout your career.
Location: Comedy Zone
Moderator: Sara Colée (Constellation Music, FairPlay Music Equity Initiative)
Speakers:
Mikey Evans (Ari’s Take)
Danielle Dror (Victory Lap Media)
Elliot Tousley (De Novo Agency)
Kevin Dailey (Remedy.io)
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
How to Pitch a Music Venue or Festival
Getting your music on stage at a venue or festival can be a game-changer for your career, and the path starts with a compelling pitch. This expert panel shares what they look for in a pitch and how to navigate the submission process. Learn what to do and what NOT to do. Emerging artist or an experienced performer, this session will equip you with the tools to secure those coveted performance opportunities.
Location: The Hamilton
Moderator: Cheryl B. Engelhardt (GRAMMY®-Nominee and Music Success Coach)
Speakers:
Gregg McCraw (MaxxMusic)
Chris Cobb (Bonafide Live)
Teddy Johnson (Middle C Jazz)
Tony Arreaza (Carlotan Talents)
Lunch Break at the Confluence Hub
12 – 1:30 P.m.
Lunch, Vendor Tables, Short Showcases
Visit the Hub @ VBGB to network, explore the vendor marketplace, and hear live music showcases. Lunch and beverages are available for purchase. Sponsored by Tosco Music and NC Guitarworks.
Location: VBGB
Thursday Breakout Sessions 3
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
The Economics of Live Performance
Whether you’re a performer, promoter, buyer, or venue, understanding the economics behind them is essential for success. This panel delves into the financial aspects of live shows, covering topics such as ticket pricing, venue selection, merchandise sales, and cost management. Join us to gain valuable insights on how to make your live performances not only artistically rewarding but also economically sustainable, ensuring a thriving career in the music industry.
Location: The Hamilton
Moderator: Wes Gilliam (Radio Room)
Speakers:
Micah Davidson (Midwood Entertainment)
Mike Killeen (First Ave MN)
LouisTee (LouisTee Comedy)
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Mastering the Stage: How to Raise Your Performance Game
The best way to make a fan for life is to give them an unforgettable show. Incredible performers and industry professionals share the secrets to stage presence, crowd engagement, and the necessary art of captivating an audience. We’ll also explore the next frontier of live performance.
Location: Comedy Zone
Moderator: Byron McClendon (Eagle Nest Management)
Speakers:
DJ Fannie Mae (DJ and Sainted Trap Choir)
Jason Jet (Artist and Grindhaus Studios)
Cam Brown (Of Good Nature)
Chris Lawes (OmniSpace360)
Thursday Closing Keynote Panel
3 – 4 P.m.
Building a Sustainable Career in the Music Industry of the Future
The closing, keynote panel brings together visionaries, industry insiders, and forward-thinking artists to discuss strategies for not only surviving but thriving in the ever-changing landscape of the music business. Topics will include leveraging technology, diversifying revenue streams, nurturing fan relationships, and adopting sustainable, equitable practices. Join us to gain invaluable insights and navigate your path to a resilient and prosperous future in music.
Location: The Underground
Moderator: David “Dae-Lee” Arrington (Artist and Producer)
Speakers:
Nikki Sanz (Giggs.com)
Sean Peace (SongVest)
Emily Sage (Emily Sage Music)
Andrea DaSilva (ADA Advisory, LLC)
Eddie Harris (Sofar Sounds)
AVIDXCHANGE MUSIC FACTORY MAP
