10 THINGS WE LEARNED - DO IT FOR THE CULTURE FEST 2024
The amount of festivals this year has been phenomenal. Whether it was brand-new players on the block like Baby's Bonanza, or the rash of street parties we saw explode, it’s been an exciting year to catch a vibe regardless of the genre you lean towards.
Yet, if there was an underrated fest I had to choose, it had to be 100 Collective’s “Do it for the Culture Fest.” Do it for the Culture Fest, hereby DCF, was the cleanest $100 plus a hotel you could have spent in the city. And with it being hosted out of the ever-gorgeous city of Kelowna, during one of the slowest tourist periods in recent history, there was much to discover.
The 100 Collective crew spun together a quasi-festival, showcase, and seminar, featuring 17 performances and 4 workshops with artists and industry professionals that highlighted some of the brightest talent in Canada while providing them the right set of eyes to galvanize their movements. While also providing lanes to directly encroach on these experts, to throw a quandary or question to. If you were a record label, A&R, producer, artist, or manager in the province of BC, you should have been there.
Here are some of our biggest learnings from the weekend.
LOCAL BASE IMPORTANCE
Emphasizing the significance of one's local base, it's important to understand that being from a small town or city still holds value. Many artists achieve great success and become major figures in their hometowns after reaching new levels in their careers. This local connection can lead to major events and festivals. Representing and incorporating your home base into your career can be a source of pride and support.
CRAFT DEVELOPMENT
Developing your craft is crucial. It's not always about staying local; sometimes, you need to go where your art is appreciated and can be developed further. The priority should be on becoming the best artist you can be, wherever that may be. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who can help you grow is essential. This development stage is about quality first and finding the right environment to nurture your talent.
AGENT’S ROLE
Agents play a vital role in the careers of artists by monetizing their art. They ensure artists create sustainable income through live performances and brand partnerships. Agents work with artists to build long-term plans, aiming to grow the artist’s fan base and income over time. This involves collaborating closely with the artist to develop and adjust these plans as needed, focusing on sustainable career growth.
FESTIVAL AND CONFERENCE PROGRAMMING
The importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces in festival and conference programming cannot be overstated. This allows participants to be open, vulnerable, and receptive to valuable information. Topics like mental health are crucial, even if they are less popular. Having professionals available to provide immediate support during sessions ensures that attendees receive both practical advice and emotional support.
5. NETWORKING
Genuine relationships are at the heart of success in the music industry. Digital content and social media are useful, but personal connections are irreplaceable. Utilizing available funding to travel and meet people face-to-face can make a significant difference. Building a strong network, both with industry professionals and fellow artists, is crucial. It's about people and the personal connections that help support and grow your career.
6. TOURING READINESS
Expanding into new markets requires strategic planning. Start locally and expand outward methodically. Utilize metrics and analytics to determine when and where to grow your audience. This data can guide you in making informed decisions about touring and expanding your reach. Ensuring that there is already some level of audience interest in new markets can make the process more effective and less risky.
7. VALUE ADDITION
Adding value beyond just performing can set you apart. Engaging in activities like writing camps or offering other creative services can help you build stronger connections and maintain a presence in the industry. Providing additional value makes you more appealing and helps you stay relevant. This approach can lead to more opportunities and longer-lasting relationships within the industry.
8. SUSTAINED GROWTH
Sustained growth in the music industry relies heavily on relationship management. Building initial contacts is only the first step; maintaining and nurturing these relationships over time is what leads to long-term success. This involves staying in touch, being genuine in your interactions, and continuing to provide value to those you work with.
9. PROFESSIONALISM
Treating your music career as a business is essential. This means being professional in all your interactions, doing thorough research, and approaching every opportunity thoughtfully. Professionalism helps build credibility and respect, which are critical for long-term success. Every interaction should be approached with care, ensuring that you present yourself in the best possible light.
10. FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
Festivals are not just about performances; they are prime opportunities for networking and building relationships. Engage with both delegates and fellow artists to expand your network. The connections you make at these events can be invaluable for your career. It's important to take full advantage of these opportunities by being proactive and making lasting impressions on everyone you meet.
FINAL THOUGHTS
"Do it for the Culture Fest" was more than just an event; it was a vibe, a celebration of talent, resilience, and community. This festival proved that despite the challenges and geographical limitations, British Columbia's music scene is alive and thriving. The diverse performances, insightful workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities created an atmosphere where artists and industry professionals could connect, learn, and grow together.