Podcasting Presence during CMJ Panels was Minimal | Podcasting for Bands
I’m of the opinion that any band or musician should have a podcast. They probably already have the audio production gear. To succeed as a band you absolutely have to keep in touch with your fans. Just having a web site is no longer enough. If I was still in a band, I would for sure have a podcast.
The annual CMJ conference was held recently in NYC. This is one of the many educational and showcasing conferences (similar to SXSW) held around the U.S. for bands to be heard and find out what it takes to "make it." I wasn’t able to attend because I was in Antigua (actually speaking about podcasting believe it or not).
Still, out of curiosity I was just looking at the list of CMJ panel sessions. A few piqued my interest:
- Digital Domination 2006: The Guru Guide to Music’s Latest High-Tech Media
- Invasion of the New Radio Media
- How Much Clout Do Bloggers Have?
I made a few disappointing observations. You would think that all three of these panels would/should include some discussion of podcasting. None of them included anybody known for their knowledge of the use of podcasting in music.
Such a lack of foresight, CMJ!
This conference is attended by indie musicians who are looking for solid advice on how to build/maintain their fan-base, get press, make some buzz and get noticed. Podcasting is a perfect tool for all of these things.
A great music panel was held at Portable Media Expo. Why weren’t any of these panelists people involved at CMJ? Why wasn’t there a panel specifically on podcasting? I spoke to the director of an music PR firm in NYC who attended the CMJ sessions. She stated that podcasting was barely mentioned and the blogging session lacked useful information.
Of course I know why this is…the music industry is confused and scared by podcasting. But the way I see it, it’s a disservice to the musicians who paid good money to attend to not give them the most up to date information.
I’m not saying podcasting is the end-all-be-all. But it should have been talked about more.
As an indie musician myself, I’m asking CMJ to give it more thought next time. Better yet, give me a call and I’ll set up a panel for you.
