Although there will be plenty of topics and tracks to choose from during the day at 2016 SXSW Music, session formats present another way to navigate the conference. Network during Meet Ups, get advice from industry veterans in Mentor and Demo Listening Sessions, or take in a variety of intriguing panel discussions.
Browse the complete schedule for the 2016 SXSW Music Conference.
Music Session Formats
Featured Speakers
The SXSW Music and Media Conference Sessions educate and inspire musicians and those who work with them. Speakers share trends, best practices and experiences, and sessions are curated by PanelPicker®, Staff and the Advisory Board. Check out our list of past speakers.
Keynote
Music Keynote Speakers share insights, advice and experiences. Here are some examples: Bruce Springsteen, Dave Grohl, Johnny Cash, Little Richard, Lou Reed, Neil Young, Pete Townshend, Quincy Jones, Ray Davies, Robert Plant…Get it?
Meet Ups
Meet Ups are sessions typically identified by a skill-set or by a particular interest and can serve as a platform for introducing yourself to new and different tribes that you don't belong to yet. New for 2016: all Meet Ups are open to all badge types throughout SXSWeek.
Demo Listening & Pitch Sessions
Demo Listening Sessions provide artists and registrants direct feedback from music professionals like producers A&R reps, publicists and venue talent buyers. Music Supervisor Pitch Sessions offer the same sort of feedback from licensing, sync, and music supervision experts who provide honest opinions on licensing music to film, commercials, TV and more. We will begin accepting music submissions prior to the 2016 SXSW Music Conference.
Mentor Sessions
Music Mentor Sessions are one-on-one meetings with industry professionals from all aspects of the music business. The SXSW Music Mentor Program will run for four days (Wednesday, March 16 - Saturday, March 19) of the 2016 SXSW Music Conference.
Panels
Panels make up the bulk of the Music Conference sessions and cover a wide spectrum of subjects and themes. Typically comprised of three or four expert panelists, plus a moderator, panels range from beginner to advanced levels and offer great insight in the art and business of music and entertainment.
Workshops
Hands-on, DIY workshops take place in Artist Central during the SXSW Music Conference. Located near the Artist Lounge on the 4th floor of the Austin Convention Center, Artist Central features a track of sessions designed to further your career, grow your fan base, and even improve your live and studio experiences. Whether you are a pro or a beginner, you will certainly learn something new.
If you have any questions about Music Session formats, please email musicpanels@sxsw.com.
Demo Listening Session photo by Sofia Shapiro
