South by Southwest returns to Austin from March 11 to 18, bringing a week of sonic excitement and industry engagement across multiple venues. At SXSW 2024, developing artists will have the opportunity to showcase their artistry in front of leading industry professionals — including managers, A&R executives, and public relations teams.
In addition to myriad performances, artists and entertainment professionals can attend panel conversations on a variety of topics pertinent to the music industry. Many members of the Recording Academy will be panelists and moderators of these events, including Chief Awards and Industry Officer Ruby Marchand, Sr. Director of Member and Outreach Ashley Thomas, and Membership Manager Amanda Davenport.
From panels on music and democracy to artists-as-brands, get excited for these seven must-see panels happening at SXSW 2024.
Fan-First Solutions for Fair Ticketing in Live Entertainment
March 11
For years, concerns over live event and concert ticketing have been impacting music fans and venue managers alike. With the recent questioning of fair practices — including Ticketmaster’s system crashing during presales of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour tickets — the conversation on equitable execution of ticket sales websites is at the forefront of consumers' minds.
Hosted by Dayna Frank from NIVA, Deb Girard of Newport Festivals Foundation, Lyndsey Parker of Lyndsanity, and Russ Tannen from DICE, this panel will discuss the need for ticketing practices that places fans first through transparency of up-front costs.
From the White House to local stages, learn more about how these organizations prioritize sustainable ticketing practices on March 11 at the Austin Convention Center.
The People’s Playlist: Diplomacy and American Music
March 12
New to SXSW 2024 is the People’s Playlist: Diplomacy and American Music panel. This event will be a conversation that discusses the ways in which American music is a “universal language, influential cultural export, and force multiplier for diplomacy.”
America’s music diplomacy will be discussed as an asset to forge coalitions and bridge divides on a global music scale. Moderated by the Academy’s Chief Awards and Industry Officer, Ruby Marchand, the panel will feature Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Elizabeth Allen, and Latin GRAMMY nominee Gina Chavez.
Latin Music Momentum in the Age of Glocalization
March 12
Latin music continues to dominate the mainstream, and will be spotlighted throughout SXSW 2024 events, including Rolling Stone’s Future of Music showcase featuring Latin GRAMMY winner Peso Pluma and Latin GRAMMY nominee J Noa, along with Puerto Rican singer/songwriter, Pink Pablo.
On March 12, the panel Latin Music Momentum will highlight the successes of Spanish-language tracks and records by Bad Bunny and Eslabon Armado, who are crossing borders, genres, and language barriers.
This conversation will be held at the Austin Convention Center and hosted by Leila Cobo (Billboard), Cris Garcia Falcão (Virgin Music Group), Sandra Jimenez (YouTube), and Pedro Kurtz (Deezer).
In CTRL: Voices Behind the Board
March 12
With March being the official celebration of Women’s History Month, this panel will feature four influential women engineers, producers, and songwriters who have worked on music by Dua Lipa, Brandi Carlile and Sia.
Gena Johnson (audio engineer/producer), Gloria Kaba (Redsoul Music), Taylor Mims (Billboard), and GRAMMY-nominated producer/songwriter Suzy Shinn will share stories about building their careers and personal brands all while combating gender bias. The panel will provide unfiltered insight on how these experienced mentors from We Are Moving The Needle’s soundBoard navigated a career path in producing and engineering — a sector of the music industry where women are greatly underrepresented.
Indie Distribution A&R: Finding the Right Partner for You
March 13
For independent artists, finding the right music distributor is essential. Eddie Blackmon (ONErpm), Katie Garcia (Bayonet Records), Josh Madell (Secretly Distribution) and Bryan Mooney (Downtown Music Services) discuss what distributors look for in a direct artist or label partnership.
These experts will model business plans and analyze risk and investment opportunities amongst distribution A&R. With the evolving physical and digital landscape, this panel will help provide a better understanding of indie distributors' marketing strategies.
Off Stage Presence: Artists as Brands
March 13
Today, it’s easier than ever for artists to share music internationally and interact with fans. In addition to social media, online content, personalized merchandise and physically distributed music, artists have many avenues to build on their image and create their own brand. From Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty to Machine Gun Kelly’s nail polish UN/DN LAQR, Off Stage Presence will explore how artists can channel musical talent into creative branding businesses.
Held at the Austin Convention Center, this panel features Steve Astephen (The Familie), Candy Harris (UNDN LAQR), Jaden Hossler, and Molly Neuman (Downtown Music Holdings).
Music Catalog Deals: The Ins & Outs Explained by Experts
March 14
Catalog sales of musicians continue to be a conversation amongst record labels and artist managers. For instance, in 2023, Katy Perry sold her rights to Litmus Music for $225 million, which includes Perry’s stakes in master recordings and publishing rights for five albums. This panel of experts will delve into catalog valuation and the motives behind why artists such as Perry, Justin Bieber, Dr. Dre, Justin Timberlake have sold their catalogs.
Learn more about the future of catalog sales during this conversation at the Austin Convention Center hosted by Katie Baron (Alter, Kendrick & Baron, LLP), Evan Bogart (Seeker Music), Rell Lafargue (Reservoir Media), Bill Werde (Syracuse University).