Over the four days of midem, the “D2F from A to Z” programme will teach you how to take your music from your studio to the global stage. Kevin Wortis, Partner and Director of Label Services at Girlie Action Media & Marketing (USA) will tell you how to enhance your recording and funding process with a successful direct-to-fan strategy.
How does direct-to-fan impact funding and recording?
When rolling out a direct to fan campaign all the elements of making a record, from song writing to recording, to manufacturing and mailing becomes a potential marketing tool or at least a conversation with the fans. The walls come down, the window shades are thrown open and fans can be invited into the process. And they want to be. Open dialog through consistent updates and messaging is key to bringing in new fans and rewarding those that have funded a project.
What are the main challenges and opportunities raised by crowdfunding?
Crowd funding isn't for everyone. For an artist that is not comfortable being so connected and intimate with their fans it can be an uncomfortable route. It’s as much an exercise in communication and vulnerability as it is in marketing or sales.
What will midem participants learn by attending your session?
Crowd funding can be the ultimate melding of Sales, Marketing, Social Media and Promotion. Its real time monetizing as marketing tool.
Why midem?
midem is a great place for a higher level of discussion about our business. The exchange of information at midem and the ability to connect one on one is like no other conference.
Bio
Kevin Wortis, a 20-year music industry veteran, has worked as a booking agent, artist manager and label head before co-founding and running the pioneering label services company World's Fair. There he signed and authored marketing campaigns for such notable clients as Rough Trade, Daptone, PIAS, Fabric, Dandy Warhols, Lady Sovereign, J Dilla and Secret Machines.
Over his career, Kevin Wortis has worked with a wide range of artists, including Amanda Palmer, Flaming Lips, Sharon Jones, Sigur Ros, Devendra Banhart, Aphex Twin, El-P, Swans, Neurosis and many others.
Since March of 2011 when Wortis brought his Label Services model and clients to Girlie Action, he has led on the marketing, promotions and sales campaigns for such artists as Amanda Palmer, The Cure, David Lynch, Dead Can Dance, Grace Jones, Marianne Faithful, Meshell Ndegeocello and UNKLE, among others.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kwortis
Website: www.girlieaction.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwortis