Sxsw day 2

First of all, sorry that I was not able to post more blog entries yesterday. I think March Madness + huge blogging crowd made the cell networks slower.

Day 2 was just as busy as Day 1. I went to a panel called "bloggers are now in charge" about the power of music blogging in building a name for a new band. The theme from the bloggers was "we blog about music we like and if you don't like it, we don't care."

Probably the most beneficial panel was with A&R reps from major record labels (the mysterious people with the power to sign new bands). It takes millions of dollars to get a song on pop radio. This usually takes the form of a nationwide marketing campaign at radio stations. The panel said that, contrary to popular belief, labels are still looking for new artists. In order for a new artist to have a chance at getting signed, they must have a lot of myspace plays and a live show that draws consistent crowds in the town where the act lives. I agreed to be the ears on the ground in Columbus for one of the labels who lacked an Ohio scout.

Other panels in included one about how to put on a festival, which was very Eurocentric, although the founder of Bonaroo provided good insight. Festivals don't expect to make a profit until the third year. That was surprising.

I also attended a management discussion, where I met John Mayer's manager.

Music-wise, I saw Alice Russell (no doubt + Boyd Tinsley with Duffy singing), Lenka (Dave Barnes-ish but weirder and female), Landon Pigg, and Meiko (funny singer/songwriter with a breathy voice and good songs).

The lawyer CLE program begins today.

-- Post From My iPhone