Even though summer is still in full swing, we’re already looking ahead to 2015 and our annual springtime sojourn to Austin for the South By Southwest annual music, film, and interactive conference. It’s always a jam-packed week of great music and important conversations, and we’re excited to be part of the action once again.

Every year, SXSW offers the public a chance to weigh in on the kinds of programming choices they’d like to see at the conference through their PanelPicker online tool.  There’s a lot of great proposals to choose from; below, we’ve got a handful of panel proposals for which you might consider casting a vote.You can sign up at panelpicker.sxsw.com.  Voting closes September 5, so don’t delay!

The Devil You Don’t Know: Artists & Direct Deals

Major labels and publishers tout the benefits of “direct deals” and “free market rates.” But are they telling artists the whole story? While it’s possible that direct deals might lead to higher rates, it’s just as likely that the opposite will occur, as rightsholders rush to undercut one another. Artists would cede leverage to just a handful of powerful industry players, with no guarantee bigger paydays. At a time where we desperately need more transparency, are direct deals a step in the opposite direction? This panel will examine the issues at play in Washington DC, and in the marketplace and what they might mean for the most important players in the space: music creators.

Panelists to include: Casey Rae, Future of Music Coalition; more TBA

Vote for this panel!
  

Indie Revenue Streams Breaking Through: Real Data

Check the pulse of how independent artists and labels are generating revenue in the music industry with leaders in very different roles: DIY distributor, advocacy and educational organization and music business analyst. Find out which traditional revenue streams are holding their own and which are in decline. Understand emerging revenue streams and how to get started with firing them up. See where streaming revenue has come so far and where it is projected to go. Find out some unexpected and underreported trends in music revenue

Panelists to include: Casey Rae, Future of Music Coalition; Glenn Peoples, Billboard; Tracy Maddux, CD Baby.

Vote for this panel!

Elevator Pitch Session a la SF MusicTech Summit

Everyone is welcome to stand up and present an up to 1-minute pitch about a music/technology related company or idea, to connect with others who might be interested in collaboration. Preparation is not necessary - but is definitely encouraged.

Panelists to include: Brian Zisk, SF MusicTech Summit, FMC cofounder.

Vote for this panel at SXSW Interactive!
Vote for this panel at SXSW Music