By Andrea K. Hammer
The day was gray and chilly outside the ACX1 Studios across from Caesars in Atlantic City, but warm greetings kicked off the lively 2-day Distro Fest music conference.
Colorful lights circled around the speakers’ stage while some visitors moved to the beat of the welcoming tunes. As guests met at the back of the long cavernous former Playground building facing the ocean, ACX1 Studios continued to wake up the largely vacant site (learn more at https://www.artsphoria.biz/2023/10/09/film-and-tv-industry-boosts-local-economies-spotlight-on-acx1-studios-opening-in-atlantic-city-n-j/) from a long slumber with upbeat energy and informative sessions.
“Expanding Your Reach–Growing Your Fans”
David Hazan, founder of DLH Strategic Marketing, moderated “Expanding Your Reach–Growing Your Fans.” Panelists (see details at https://distrofest.com/schedule/) shared valuable insiders’ knowledge and offered in-depth replies to intelligent questions. Here are some key take-aways:
- It is important to know what service you are offering and marketing.
- Artists need to let fans be part of the music experience, or they won’t make a sustainable income.
- A personal website, with social media launched from this official location, is essential for direct interaction with fans.
- Fans want the opportunity to learn about artists’ personal interests in videos, which don’t need to involve high production.
- Collaboration is critical for fostering engagement and cross-building opportunities.
“Music and Movies–Getting in Front of Directors and Music Supervisors”
ACX1 Studios Co-Founder, CMO and Global Head of Music Rob Schwartz was the moderator for this outstanding and illuminating session. Panelists exchanged ideas and openly expressed thoughts about topics ranging from the recent SAG-AFTRA strike to an unwillingness to work with prima donnas–however talented. Here are some of the highlights from this session:
- Music needs to tap into emotions and give others the “chills.”
- Artists need to focus on qualities that make them stand out during auditions.
- The ability to follow direction is “huge.”
- Many people are talented, so artists also need to be great to work with and understand that others–from wardrobe to makeup–contribute to the process.
- The willingness to “show up” and do the hard work is critical.
To learn more about the speakers and sessions at the Distro Fest music conference across from Caesars in Atlantic City, visit https://distrofest.com.