How to Plan a Music Conference Week as an Independent Artist
Updated 5 min read
How should an independent artist prepare for a music conference week? Come with one goal, a one-line introduction and one link to your music. Plan two things a day, write notes the same evening, and follow up within a week.
Start with one goal for the week
A conference week is full, and one clear goal makes every choice easier. Decide what the week is for before you plan a single day:
- Meeting a manager or an agent
- Finding a label or a partner for your next release
- Meeting producers and writers to create with
- Getting to know the scene and the people in it
Your goal shapes which sessions you choose, which shows you go to at night and what you say when someone asks what brings you to the city.
Prepare one line and one link
People at a music conference meet many artists in a day. A short introduction and a single link make you easy to remember.
- One line about you: your name, what you make and one thing happening now. For example: "I'm Noa, I produce melodic house in Lisbon, and my new single is out this month."
- One link to your music: an artist page, or a link page that opens your songs on every service.
- That link as a QR code on your phone screen, so people scan it in a second.
One line, one link and a QR code on your phone. That is all you need to share your music in a few seconds.
Arrive with your numbers ready
Managers, agents and labels enjoy talking with artists who know their numbers. Three answers cover most conversations:
| What to know | Why people ask |
|---|---|
| Where your listeners are | It shows where you could play and where your music is growing |
| Which release is growing now | It shows the momentum you bring to a partner |
| Your audience across platforms | It shows your reach beyond a single service |
Write the three answers in your notes before you travel, so they are ready in every conversation.
SoundEX.ai brings your platforms and your stores into one clear view, so your three answers sit on one screen, ready whenever someone asks.
Plan two things a day, and leave room for people
Many of the best conversations of the week happen between sessions, over coffee and after shows. Plan two things a day and keep the rest of the day open.
| Part of the day | One idea |
|---|---|
| Morning | One conference session, or a daytime program open to the public |
| Afternoon | One networking session or a meeting you planned |
| Evening | One show where artists you admire are playing |
| Before sleep | Five minutes of notes on the people you met |
Most conference weeks combine talks, networking sessions and shows across the city. Many also run a daytime program open to anyone who registers, so check the official website of the event for what fits your goal.
Write notes the same evening
After each conversation, note four things: the person's name, where you met, what you talked about and the one next step you agreed on. Notes written the same evening keep every conversation clear when you write to people the week after.
Follow up within a week
A short message within seven days keeps the conversation going. Four parts are enough:
- Where you met, in one line.
- What you talked about, in one line.
- Your one link.
- One clear next step: a call, a demo, a show or a studio session.
A short follow-up with one link and one next step is the message people answer.
Meet the SoundEX.ai team in Amsterdam
The SoundEX.ai team is in Amsterdam in October, meeting independent artists. SoundEX.ai is a Free professional platform for artists: you connect your streaming and social accounts and get your platforms and your stores in one clear view, a weekly tip or task and one dedicated AI agent. When you release through SoundEX.ai, your account moves up to Artist PRO for Free. There is no upfront cost: SoundEX.ai takes a 25% share of what your song earns from the stores. If you meet one of us, scan the QR code on our phone and join the waitlist.
Questions and answers
How should an independent artist prepare for a music conference?
Choose one goal for the week, write a one-line introduction, and turn one link to your music into a QR code on your phone. Have three answers about your numbers ready.
How do I meet the right people at a music conference?
Plan two things a day and leave the rest open. Networking sessions, daytime programs and shows in the evening are where most conversations start.
What should I bring?
Your one-line introduction, your link as a QR code on your phone, three answers about your numbers, and a place to write notes on the people you meet.
When should I follow up with the people I met?
Within a week. Remind them where you met, add your one link and suggest one clear next step.
Who wrote this article?
The SoundEX.ai team, for independent artists.