7^TH ANNUAL SEMINAR – A BIG SUCCESS!

“Best yet in my five years of coming,” said one evaluation card after the “I’ve Made a Record…Now What?” seminar held January 30 in Houston, sponsored by Shane Media, The Texas Music Chart and Best In Texas Music Magazine. 

We’ve received lots of congratulatory notes from attendees on the presentation, the choice of speakers, and the atmosphere of this year’s seminar—our seventh annual event. 

Seminar host Ed Shane, keynote speaker Kevin Fowler, and Shane Media's Pam Shane

Highlights included singer-songwriter Kevin Fowler who appears March 5 as a headliner at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  He began the seminar’s keynote interview saying this appearance on the big stage is good for him and all of Texas music.  Fowler offered direct answers about the rewards and the pitfalls of directing his own career, saying that building the fan base has been his biggest asset. 

BMI Senior Director Thomas Cain opened the “Now What?” seminar by combining business savvy for the aspiring songwriter with a healthy dose of hope and inspiration. His own story—growing up in the Alabama cotton fields, pursuing music, and moving to Nashville as an African-American in a very white business—underscored his philosophy: “Don’t get in your own way.”

Moderator Renee Revett of Shane Media, Sunny Sweeney, and John Zarling of Big Machine Records

Another case study featured Austin artist Sunny Sweeney whose independent CD was licensed by Big Machine Records for national distribution.  Big Machine Director of Marketing John Zarling outlined how his company took Sunny’s project to its next level.

Radio and promotion panels offered real-world advice on how to get airplay and attention for a new CD or album.