Rethink Music Adds GZA, Karmin, the Lumineers, Thievery Corporation, Junior Boys

Artists will join business leaders from companies like YouTube, Spotify, Converse, and Pitchfork to generate solutions to transform the music industry.
By
Nick Balkin
April 12, 2012

Business leaders from companies like YouTube, Spotify, Converse, the Echo Nest, Pitchfork, Vevo, Nokia and others, along with artists like Wu-Tang Clan's GZA/the Genius, Karmin, Portugal. The Man, and Thievery Corporation will come together to generate solutions to transform the music industry at the second Rethink Music(Opens in a new window) conference. Produced by Berklee College of Music and midem(Opens in a new window) and running from April 22-24, 2012 in Boston, Rethink Music will address trending topics like direct-to-fan artist issues and streaming services' impact on the industry. The second edition of the conference brings an increased focus on live-learning workshops and panels with acclaimed artists throughout the event. Creative marketer and best-selling author Seth Godin will present the keynote speech.

Leading up to the conference, Rethink Music's Impact Weekend(Opens in a new window) showcases around Boston will include Mayer Hawthorne(Opens in a new window), the Stepkids(Opens in a new window), the Lumineers(Opens in a new window), Kopecky Family Band(Opens in a new window), JD McPherson(Opens in a new window), and Lucius(Opens in a new window) on April 20-21.

On Sunday, April 22, the Music Deconstruction Experience(Opens in a new window) offers a "musician's clinic" session led by Portugal. The Man(Opens in a new window), who will unveil real-life music-making experiences and provide an in-depth perspective of what it takes to make it to the top of a challenging industry. Rethink Music's opening concert at the Berklee Performance Center will feature performances by Junior Boys(Opens in a new window), Karmin(Opens in a new window), and Yoga Girls(Opens in a new window).

On Monday, April 23, world-renowned DJ and producer DJ Spooky(Opens in a new window) holds a session on the musical breakdown of the electronic music's intricate genre and how he is using technology to promote his career. Also on Monday, the resurgence of music videos will be discussed with the group Karmin(Opens in a new window), explaining how the convergence of video and music has become an integral part in fostering growth and establishing an artist's career.

On Tuesday, April 24, GZA/the Genius(Opens in a new window) of the iconic group Wu-Tang Clan will address maintaining success as a legacy artist. The day culminates with the release and discussion of a studio collaboration between acclaimed electronic group Thievery Corporation(Opens in a new window) and Berklee Electronic Production and Design students.

The final roster(Opens in a new window) of artists and outstanding personalities and speakers taking part in Rethink Music 2012 now include:

A key part of Rethink Music's goal of fostering innovation and new ideas for the music industry, the Genesis Project(Opens in a new window) startup competition will recognize new concepts, technologies, and businesses that can move the music industry forward.

The Genesis Project's finalists are now announced:

  • "Promoter" by Sam Taylor: A bridge between artists and their hardest working fans.
  • "That Was My Jam" by Kristin Hill: A new web service helping music enthusiasts create a personalized music timeline.
  • "Have You Heard?" by Joey Seiler: Leverages the listening data available on music-streaming platforms to benefit both fans and artists.

After an in-depth review by Rethink Music's academic partner and recognized specialist in researching entrepreneurship in the music industry, Babson College(Opens in a new window), the winner will be announced during Rethink Music's closing ceremony and will receive $10,000 in legal services from the Genesis Project's sponsor, renowned law firm Duane Morris(Opens in a new window).

The Rethink Music 2012 updated program-at-a-glance(Opens in a new window) is available online and registration(Opens in a new window) is open, with special rates for students and musicians.

About Rethink Music – Produced by Berklee College of Music and midem, in association with Harvard University's Berkman Center for Internet and Society, Rethink Music is a hands-on conference designed to bring music stakeholders together to discuss business models for the future, examine copyright challenges in the digital era, and analyze technological innovation in music and its distribution. Centered around transforming the music industry, Rethink Music's programming does not just focus on discussing change, but rather making it happen.

More information can be found at rethink-music.com(Opens in a new window)