Featured Panels
At Chicago Music Nexus, we explore every aspect of building a successful music career, equipping artists not only with inspiration but also with practical strategies.
Our panels provide comprehensive insights into establishing a legitimate business, effective branding, diversifying income streams, and addressing vital mental health concerns—key elements for thriving in today's dynamic industry.
Join us for engaging discussions led by industry experts who will help you navigate the complexities of monetizing your talent, building effective teams, innovating your brand, and fostering mental resilience.
Monetizing Your Personal Brand: Beyond the Booth
Unlock the potential of your personal brand. Designed for artists seeking to expand their income beyond live performances, this discussion offers practical strategies for sustainable growth in the electronic music industry.
You'll learn how to:
Discover how to use social media as an effective tool for revenue generation without compromising your artistic integrity.
MAXIMIZE SOCIAL MEDIA
LEVERAGE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
Harness subscription models to cultivate a dedicated fan base and secure a reliable income stream, balancing content exclusivity with accessibility.
Learn the best practices for launching your merchandise at the right time, ensuring your products resonate with fans and drive sales.
MASTER MERCHANDISING
EXPLORE LECENSING & SYNC DEALS
Tap into the lucrative world of music licensing and synchronization deals, gaining insights on how to feature your music in TV shows, movies, commercials, and video games.
By attending this panel, you'll gain invaluable insights and tools to transform your music career into a diverse and thriving business.
Panelists:
Mike Salvione
Artist/Founder
Elevated Radio & Elevated Academy
Anj Fayemi
CEO & Co-Founder
Rivet App
Celia Rose
Co-Founder
What Up Pitches
Building Your Dream Team: Roles, Titles, & Strategies
Empower your music career with the right support network. This session is tailored for artists at every stage and provides actionable insights on assembling a team that complements and enhances your artistic vision.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Find the best times to start building your team, whether breaking into the scene or looking to expand.
Understand the balance between managing your own career and when to seek professional help to maximize your growth.
BALANCE AND STRATEGY
Learn how to select team members—from managers and agents to PR pros and lawyers—who truly align with your career goals and values
CHOOSE WISELY
FINANCIAL FOUNDATIONS
Get practical tips on budgeting for your team, ensuring your investments in professional support pay off.
With expert guidance, you'll leave equipped to strategically choose and effectively manage a team that supports your journey to the top of the music industry.
Panelists:
Kristin Wollam
Financial Advisor
The McBride-Wollam Group at Morgan Stanley
Michael Sherman
Co-Founder 22Twenty
VP, Business Development Feature.FM
Franz Hilberath
CEO & Founder
MP3 PR & MP3 Mag
Boost your mental fortitude and maintain your creative edge. This panel is designed to help artists navigate the psychological challenges of the music industry, from imposter syndrome to maintaining mental health.
Adapt or Die: Pt 1: Cultivating Resilience
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN:
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Discover techniques to conquer self-doubt and reinforce your confidence as an artist.
Explore the mental frameworks and attitudes essential for staying relevant and successful in the ever-evolving music landscape.
Mindset for Relevance
Learn how to maintain your mental well-being amidst the pressures of the music industry, ensuring your creativity continues to flourish.
Sustaining Mental Health
Equip yourself with the resilience needed to thrive not just artistically but personally in the demanding world of music.
Panelists:
Dani Deahl
Artist/Trustee
Recording Academy, Chicago Chapter
Terry Hunter
Artist/Label Owner
T's Box Records
Darlene Jackson
Artist, DJ Lady D
Governor, Recording Academy, Chicago Chapter
Elevate your music career. This session is designed for artists who want to stay ahead in the competitive music industry by evolving their brands, setting new trends, and ensuring long-term success.
Adapt or Die Pt 2: Innovating Your Brand
WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Learn how to pinpoint the next steps for your brand's evolution, maintain your authentic identity, and know when it's time for a change.
Evolving Your Brand
Explore the essential strategies for a sustainable career in music, from continuously refining your craft to adapting to new industry trends.
Ensuring Longevity
Master the art of innovation to not just keep up with, but set the pace in the music industry. Uncover strategies to become a trendsetter and define the future of music.
Setting Industry Trends
Join us to transform your artistic vision into a dynamic, lasting brand that resonates with audiences and withstands the test of time.
Panelists:
Abigail Grohmann
Artist/Creative Lead
HOTPRETTY/Manifest
Seamus Doheny
Artist/Creative Director
HOTPRETTY/Auris
Abby Lagunov
Co-Founder
House Calls/Area Code
Agenda
NOVEMBER 23, 2024
Check-In & Opening Remarks - 2:00 - 2:30 PM
Monetizing Your Personal Brand - 2:40 - 3:25 PM
Building Your Dream Team - 3:35 - 4:20 PM
Networking & Light Bites - 4:20 - 5:00 PM
Adapt or Die Pt 1 & 2 - 5:15 - 6:45 PM
Networking & Food/Drinks - 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Networking hour beats provided by Proppa
Wrap-up & Closing Remarks - 9:00 - 9:15 PM
