datamusicata

I just came back from the best Folk Alliance International Conference I’ve ever been to.    If you haven’t investigated this organization, www.folkalliance.org, and  you play music, you are missing out.

We met in Memphis, all 2000 of us, and traded songs and stories, beers and business cards, info and compliments for four days.

There is a very strong sense of community there and it was really in evidence at this one.  And the talent?

It was humbling to see and hear so many gifted performers, composers and musicians (sometimes all in the same person).

My personal favorites were Anais Mitchell (www.anaismitchell.com), Grace Pettis (www.gracepettis.com), Michael Smith (www.artistofnote.com/michaelsmith), John Fulbright (www.johnfulbright.com), Miles To Go (website), the Little Stevies (website), Dirk Hamilton (www.dirkhamilton.com), Jim Photoglo (www.jimphotoglo.com), Jude Johnstone (www.judejohnstone.com),

Susan Herndon (www.susanherndon.com), and I know I’m leaving people out here, that knocked me out, but you can’t imagine how wonderfully overwhelming it was to hear so much great music.

And it goes on all day and night.   In the conference rooms which have been set up as concert venues of various sizes and in the three FLOORS of rooms set aside as little concert rooms.    So much music and so much of the time you can get right up and see your favorite artists as close as if you were having dinner with them.

Great fun, an inspiration and an education. 

Speaking of which, there are seminars on almost every aspect of the business and the act of making music.   I went to the “How To Make A Better Record”  seminar and learned so much, I’m doing a column just on that later this week.

There’s so much bang for the buck it’s almost illegal.   If you factor all the fun, education, edification, inspiration, networking and connections, radio/venue/presenter/agent connections you make it must come down to pennies per.

But most of all, the people are just amazing.  Nurturing, kind, friendly and seemingly very little ego on parade.    If you don’t go to the next one, you are not taking advantage of one of the best music conferences on the planet.

And there are also regional conferences that happen in the fall.  Go to the Folk Alliance site and see which regional is closest to you.  It’s a great place to get your feet wet, make contacts and yes, get some work.

I love these things.