Day Two Of Music Biz 2024 Focuses On Mental Health

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Music Business Association President Portia Sabin. Photo: Jason Mallory

The Music Business Association continued its annual Music Biz conference on Tuesday (May 14) at the JW Marriott Nashville.

Programming continued with the Music Biz Roadshow, a collection of panels with artists and industry executives, as well as different track programs. Day two also featured the Music Biz Brunch, sponsored by Warner Music Group.

In the “What’s Happening in Washington: A Music Policy Outlook” panel, attendees heard from Graham Davies of DiMA, Chris Barkley from the NMPA, Morna Willens from the RIAA, Michael Lewan from The Recording Academy, Erin McAnally from SONA and Meredith Rose from Public Knowledge. The group discussed current legislation, policy landscape, prospects of new legal action and the music industry’s future surrounding AI and ticketing reform acts.

“What’s Happening in Washington: A Music Policy Outlook” panel. Photo: Jason Mallory

The Music Biz Brunch kicked off with a keynote address from Music Business Association President Portia Sabin.

During the brunch, Sabin recognized Naomi Fabricant of the SCARS Foundation and Tatum Allsep of Music Health Alliance. Both were recognized for their contribution in kickstarting the Music Biz Mental Health Fund. The fund currently sits at $355,000, helping serve more than 500 industry professionals with 5,426 outpatient counseling and psychiatry visits.

Pictured (L-R): Tatum Allsep (Music Health Alliance), Portia Sabin (Music Business Association), Naomi Fabricant (SCARS Foundation) and Laura Flagler Crowell (Music Health Alliance). Photo: Jason Mallory

Following the keynote address, attendees were treated to performances from Warner Music Group artists Avery Anna, Tyler Halverson and Cassandra Lewis. 

Avery Anna. Photo: Jason Mallory

Next, the 2024 Inspiration Award was presented to Porter’s Call Founder Al Andrews for his unwavering dedication to providing community, support and mental health services to artists and their families.

Al Andrews. Photo: Jason Mallory

Olga LaBelle, VP, Head of ESG at Warner Music Group also gave a presentation on Sustainability in Touring during the brunch. To wrap up brunch, Tennessee State Representative Gloria Johnson and Lucille Wenegiame of Headcount talked about the importance of voting and influencing others to vote.

Olga LaBelle. Photo: Jason Mallory

Later in the day, Kobalt CEO Laurent Hubert sat down with CEO & Founder of Sound Royalties Alex Heiche to converse about the streaming revolution and how songwriters can use technology for growth. This marked the opening keynote conversation for the “Music & Money” track.

“Keynote Conversation: The Enduring Value of Songs — Leveraging Technology to Drive Growth for Songwriters and Publishers.” Photo: Jason Mallory

Other panels throughout the day included “Paying Out The Black Box: Is Market Share Fair?” “The Industry’s New SuperWeapon: Creatives As Executives,” “Music Videos: Fandoms & Culture Unfolding” and more.

Additional tracks for day two included “Howdy Neighbor: Understanding Neighboring Rights Opportunities,” “Sync Symposium,” “Startup Lab: A Bootcamp For New Music Ventures” and more.

Music Biz 2024 continued today (May 15) with the Metadata Summit, panels featuring industry executives from Universal Music Group, BandLab, TikTok, Vydia, Hopeless Records, The Black Opry, SoundCloud and more. Tracks included “Artificial Intelligence,” “Glocals Only,” “The Greatest Good” and more. The 2024 Bizzy Awards take place tonight.

Madison Hahnen
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