Music Exchange – South Africa’s 3rd independent music Conference | 21-22 March 2013

Music Exchange is a 2 day conference where seasoned professionals come together to impart their knowledge of the industry. They are encouraged to give real life scenarios and engage with delegates at the conference. Empowering them with tools to enable them to make a sustainable living out of their passion for music. Delegates after attending the Conference will thus gain a better understanding of “The business of Music”:

Success Stories

We spoke to the speakers and panelists of past conferences to find out how they gainedfrom this integral Music Conference:

What sort of interactions did you have with conference attendees? “Actually quite a lot of interactions during one-on-one sessions, breaks and at Zula bar. I’ve met quite a few artists and labels who were interested in getting into business with my company. I will definitely be a part of it next year,” said Yoel Kenan, Keevision.“I’ve been to many conferences, but this one stands out as the one with the highest face to face interaction and the one where I met the highest proportion of delegates after my presentation,” added lawyer Nick Matzukis.

Did you see benefits being imparted to them – not only from you, but others as well? If so, in what ways?

“Music Exchange had the result of tangibly opening up the “mysteries” of the industry to people who were keen enough to attend,” said Stuart Rubin, former Senior Vice President International Commercial Marketing Group for Sony BMG, “Thespeakers were experienced, practical and open people who had no reason not to answer candidly when asked – this definitely benefited delegates.”

“Absolutely yes! Every panelist and speaker delivered real information in a fresh and engaging way, putting attendees at ease. This is turn made for great debates and conversations during and after each session,” continued Jason Curtis, a long standing music journalist, “Music Exchange has started a dialogue that’s been sorely missing in the South African music and entertainment industry and the sheer swell of support for the inaugural conference proves that people are keen to be empowered and, more importantly, share knowledge and experience to the collective benefit of all who actively participate in the space now created.”

Did you experience personal interaction with any of the speakers and panelists during the conference? How did these interactions benefit you?

“My personal interaction with speakers and panelists during the conference was incredibly beneficial,” said Shannon Hope, an aspiring artist from Durban, “While the independent road is still a daunting one, looking back on the wealth of information communicated, and having networked with artists who have and are marketing, managing and successfully promoting themselves, it is possible, albeit with limited resources, to gain some headway independently, and having gained some key insight into industry workings, I feel I am more equipped to do so.”

Music Exchange was a valuable experience, we had the opportunity to pick the brains of tons of professionals in our field,” was the comment made by up and coming SA band Evolver, “It was pretty frightening to see the lack of support from the locally based major record labels however it is fantastic to see the love of music exude from these delegates and how they aim at improving the standard of music management in South Africa.”

Heinrich Franz – I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute positively toward (what I consider) the most important convention of minds within the South African music industry. Upon my first visit to the ‘Music Exchange’, I found the occasion to be one of great value for independent artists especially. I am unaware of an alternative forum where as holistic an approach to industry possibilities and learning are on offer in such an engaging setting and, where the content is shared by thoroughbred industry professionals and veterans from various industries and parts of the globe. I am pleased to have read that the conference now carries endorsements by both ‘SAMRO’ and the ‘City of Cape Town’. Even without their endorsements, the ‘Music Exchange’ would still be a phenomenal value proposition for any industry participant or enthusiast. That said, given all the other malarkey they attach their names to, it is refreshing to finally see them endorse something of actual value for a change. As practical examples of the immense value the ‘Music Exchange’ has offered me as a now independent recording artist, I first discovered Brian Currin at the ‘Music Exchange’ and, he and I now work closely together on my web presence as an independent recording artist and industry contributor. I also discovered the inimitable Nick Matzukis with whom I will be working as closely with as of next year.

Which speeches/panel discussions were of most relevance to you and what did you take away from them?

“Nick Matsukis’ speech was of particular value to me, as was Peter Lacey’s talk,” said Jordi Reddy of The Sleepers, “It is evident that I was more interested in the inner workings of the music industry and the financial breakdown. This is information that is generally not easy to come by in general conversation.”

“We have also collaborated on the business front with regards to marketing strategies and constructive criticism of our music,” continued Reddy.