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Haulix LIVE! returns Thursday, June 18, with a FREE Music PR panel

Haulix LIVE! is your chance to learn from and engage with the greatest minds in music publicity today.

With Coronavirus making music conferences and festivals impossible, Haulix LIVE! is here to fill a void in the entertainment business. Twice a month, Haulix brings together the greatest minds in music publicity and promotion to share their knowledge with anyone hoping to hear it. These events are 100% free, and they are open to everyone.

Join us on Thursday, June 18, at 2PM EST for a free PR roundtable with special guests Ebony Jeanette (EJPR), Jamie Roberts (Better Noise), Jon Freeman (Freeman Promotions), and Bill Meis (eOne Entertainment). The event will cover the promotional challenges of COVID-19, emerging trends in music publicity, and advice for people hoping to work in music PR. Viewers will also have an opportunity to ask our guests questions. Click here to register.

About our panelists:

Bill Meis is an aggressive multi-skilled music business professional with more than fifteen years of experience in marketing, media relations, and logistics. He is still driven by the same love for rock n’ roll that fueled him as a teenager growing up on Long Island, New York. 

Currently, Bill oversees all media relations and marketing for the rock and metal artists found on the eOne music roster. During the last decade, he has landed his artists in significant publications like Billboard, Rolling Stone, NPR, Pitchfork, and Guitar World. Bill was also at the publicity helm when his artist High On Fire won for “Best Metal Performance” at the 2018 GRAMMY Awards.


Metal music publicist Ebony Jeanette’s lifework is connecting people with the entertainment and brands they love by converting messages into discoverable media experiences. Ebony currently owns and operates boutique Public Relations firm, Ebony Jeanette PR (EJPR), and over the course of her decade on this side of the desk in the music industry, she has held posts as the in-house publicist for two of the world’s foremost extreme heavy metal record labels; Century Media Records (Sony) and Prosthetic Records. Additionally, Ebony is a singer and music journalist whose work has been featured in Substream Magazine, SonicBids, New Noise Magazine, and more.


Jamie Roberts from Better Noise Entertainment has a wealth of experience as a music publicist and PR executive, having led departments at Roadrunner Records, Universal Records and EMI’s The Enclave prior to her time at Better Noise (previously Eleven Seven Music) as well as running her own firms – Right Angle PR, then For The Win Media. Over 25+ years in the music industry, she has worked with such top-­tier artists as Mötley Crüe, Blondie, Papa Roach, Godsmack, Nick Lachey, and Paulina Rubio, among others. She has been an integral part of building the careers of bands like Slipknot and Nickelback and has helped artists like The Dillinger Escape Plan, Sloan, and Nothing More reach new heights of success.


Freeman Promotions is the brainchild of Jon Freeman, whose humble career beginnings are rooted in college radio. Freeman has worked his way up the music industry ranks, thanks to a cocktail of ambition, drive, and good, old-fashioned elbow grease.

Some key artists whose careers he has been intrinsically involved in include Type O Negative, Whitesnake, Alice Cooper, GWAR, Mark Morton, and Municipal Waste. If you’ve heard about these acts in some form or another, chances are, it’s because Jon Freeman was involved in spreading the word and creating their media profiles.


These four PR powerhouses have never sat on a panel together before, and you can be there to learn from their combined experiences FOR FREE. Click here to register for our event.

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Haulix Industry News News

We’ll see you at LAUNCH Music Conference 2019

Haulix makes a return to LAUNCH Music Conference next month, and we hope to see you there!

Music conferences are where the future of the industry is discovered. Whether you’re an aspiring professional looking for a job or a rising artist seeking new opportunities, conferences can serve as a stepping stone to the next phase of your career.

We have promoted a number of festivals over the years, but the one event we never miss is LAUNCH Music Conference. Taking place in Lancaster, PA every April, LAUNCH has continually proven itself to be an event where dreams grow closer to becoming a reality for musicians and professionals alike. We’ve seen first-hand the difference an appearance at LAUNCH can make, and that’s why we make it a point to contribute to their efforts with each passing year.


This year, Haulix Director of Customer Engagement James Shotwell will be on hand at LAUNCH all weekend long. He will be speaking as part of a panel, as well as meeting with those interested in learning more about our promotional distribution services. James will also be sharing his experiences at the event through our social media, this blog, and our budding YouTube Channel.

LAUNCH takes place April 25-28, 2019. You can view the full panel lineup, as well as a list of artists performing during the conference, over at the official LAUNCH website. Tickets are on sale now.

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VIDEO: A beginner’s guide to music conferences

Music conferences can break artists and change careers, but only if attendees are prepared for the event.

There is nothing like a great music conference. For one or more days, aspiring professionals and rising artists alike come together to discuss the latest trends and developments in the industry. There’s often a lot of live music as well, and the performances on display can attract the attention of gatekeepers from the world of entertainment.

That said, no conference attendance is guaranteed to change someone’s career. The factors that dictate the value of attending a music conference are many, but there are steps individuals can take to position themselves (or their group) for success. In this video, Music Biz host James Shotwell breaks down what music conferences are, how to prepare for them, and where you can catch him speaking in 2019.

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Music conferences you should attend in 2019

Not all music conferences are created equal. Some will change your life, but others are a waste of time.

Music conferences are an increasingly popular way to learn about the industry, network with peers, and gain access to business leaders who may otherwise be unavailable. No two events are the same, which can be a good and bad thing for consumers, but they all promise to help dreamers learn how to make their fantasies a reality.

The truth is that no one can make your dreams a reality other than you. The best any conference can do is offer the chance to learn how to best position yourself for success. Maybe the means attending panels featuring discussions between industry figures you admire or perhaps it means submitting to showcase at a place where movers and shakers in the business may be present, but success itself is still your responsibility.

With this in mind, it’s important that aspiring professionals who want to attend music conferences select the right event to meet their needs and help their career. There are many conferences that offer little to no useful information, as well as many more who gladly take money from artists in exchange for showcase opportunities that have little to no likelihood of being attended by people who can actually boost a career. These events happen all over the country every year and will continue do so because the vast majority of aspiring professionals are so desperate for the keys to success that they will go anywhere and do anything to get ahead.

But that’s not you. The fact you’re reading this now says you’re only interested in making wise investments with your time and finances. You understand there are no shortcuts in this business, and that alone places you in rarified air in your peer group.

We’ve had the opportunity to attend music conferences from coast to coast, and though we have not been to them all, we do know several that have the potential to change your life and career. Don’t miss these events:

SXSW

When: March 11-17
Where: Austin, TX
Details: https://www.sxsw.com/festivals/music/

The largest gathering of dreamers and professionals in the world, SXSW is the go to destination for anyone trying to rise through the ranks of the music industry. There are hundreds of speakers, thousands of performers, and all the parties anyone could hope to attend. The street food is pretty good too.

We believe everyone should attend SXSW at least once in their lives. It’s a chaotic event unlike anything else that isn’t for everyone, but those determined to get their name or music in front of tastemakers can accomplish that on the streets of Austin as long as they have the confidence to step up and say something.

LAUNCH Music Conference

When: April 25-28
Where: Lancaster, PA
Details: http://www.launchmusicconference.com/

LAUNCH is the SXSW of Pennsylvania. In fact, it may be better than SXSW because those in attendance have more access to industry leaders and a better chance of seeing the next big band in music. The event welcomes thousands from around the US for four days of discussions and mentoring, all lead by some of the brightest minds in the music business. At night, the festival takes over the city of Lancaster with hundreds of live performances happening all over the historic downtown area.

Haulix has participated in LAUNCH several times and will return this April to appear on one of the many great panels curated by the event staff. We’d love to meet you, so please come out and say hello!

Music Biz 2019

When: May 5-8
Where: Nashville, TN
Details: https://musicbiz.org/events/music-biz-2019/

Music Biz 2019, powered by the Music Business Association, will return to Music City USA to unite leaders in the commerce, content and creative communities across the globe to discuss the future of the music business and to build relationships that will steer the industry for years to come. Here you can find representatives from the biggest names in music, as well as networking opportunities with peers in a city where anything can happen.

We collaborate with the Music Biz organization throughout the year on webinars and other educational opportunities. Their star power and location sure makes Music Biz an event worth attending, but it’s the fact that they care about making sure everyone gets something from their conference that places them on this list.

East Coast Music Conference (ECMC)

When: May 9-12
Where: Norfolk, VA
Details: https://eastcoastmusicconference.com

For its second year, ECMC is adding more nationally recognized speakers, such as Matt Starr; Tune Core founder, Jeff Price; and documentarian, John Rash; along with 30 other speakers and panelists. Additionally, for the live music showcases, ECMC will be adding several national acts to compliment approximately 75 international, national, and 20-30 local performers. ECMC 2019 is hosted and sponsored by a Who’s Who of innovative local companies, including O’Connor Brewing, Percolator, and Homemadesoul Music. So far, ECMC 2019 has artists booked from four nations including the U.K. and Japan. The growth has been spurred by overwhelmingly positive response of first year attendees and the successes of 2018 artists, such as being added to Warped Tour and other major events, widespread national media coverage, and the signing of licensing and other deals from the conference.

Every conference promises opportunities to get ahead, but ECMC backs their claims up with evidence of success that no one can deny. Also, it’s the only conference on this list to feature Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman AND rap icon Ice-T in the lineup. If that’s not enough to make you want to attend, we don’t know what to tell you.

CD Baby’s DIY Musician Conference

When: August 16-18
Where: Austin, TX
Details: https://diymusiciancon.com

Don’t let the name fool you. DIY Musician Conference has something to offer artists and aspiring professionals alike. The event itself is young, but the industry talent it attracts is seasoned. You will be face to face with movers and shakers of the industry who are still actively involved in shaping the business of music on a daily basis. You will also rub shoulders with peers who, like you, are ready to take their career to the next level. 

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Why Your Money Might Be Better Spent At Small Conferences & Festivals

The following post is the latest in an ongoing collaboration between Haulix and the fine folks at Muddy Paw PR.

It’s almost that time again. Time to fill Lancaster, PA with enthusiastic young minds, passionate musicians, and eager industry folk, all thrilled at the opportunity to hear some of the best and the brightest speak—with no idea that there’s also a powerful networking component that’s about to take place. Of course, I’m talking about this year’s Launch Music Conference, kicking off this Thursday-Sunday in Lancaster, PA. No, I don’t work for the festival—but I am a strong advocate for it and others like it—and I think you should be too.

I have a confession to make. Up until this time last year, I’d never been to an industry conference. For nearly six years I’d watched others flee to festivals like SXSW or NAMM, and I’d think “yeah that would be cool. But…” and it was never long before I could fill in the blank. Too expensive, too much time away, I don’t know anyone, etc. I chose to ignore for years what ended up being one of the best ways for me to network.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love larger conferences like SXSW. But it’s easy to love the majors—they’re filled with top-tier panelists, A-list musical talent, showcases galore, and everyone you know is bound to be there. It’s a breeding ground for inspiration and creativity—but so are the smaller conferences.

And let’s not forget that many of the major conferences are also expensive. Very, very, expensive.  And It’s crowded. And it’s easy to get overwhelmed and to feel a little in over your head. The panelists, though you may catch them right after their set, are not always easily accessible, and while you might bump into the people you meet here and there, there’s no sense of intimacy, because you’re sharing a few blocks of Austin with hundreds of thousands of people. There’s not as much time to truly get to know those around you, because you’re already rushing off to the next panel or show. There’s a constant sense of urgency, and a need to go, go, go.

Not so with a smaller conference. The panelists, though accomplished and esteemed, are also approachable and oftentimes, more open to collaboration than some of the major players at a larger conference. In fact, there is a sense of community that is practically built in. Everything feels so tightly knit, from the location of participating venues, to the panelists roaming the room after they speak. You’re more likely to form bonds with the 100-200 people that show up each morning to delve into the panels with you, than you might when you’re constantly bumping into strangers amidst an enormous conference. In those few days, you become a part of something. You have a real shot at making friends and making connections, based off the simple fact that you are in such close proximity to the same small group of people for 3 days straight. That bonding and sense of common ground are what relationships are built on. So before you turn your nose up at the smaller conferences, remember that while there’s a ton of value in the SXSW’s of the world, as a growing artist, you should be partnering with other growing artists, entrepreneurs, and yes, even festivals to forge relationships and grow together. It’s going to make all the difference.


Angela Mastrogiacomo is the founder and CEO of Muddy Paw PR, a public relations firm specializing in personalized campaign initiatives for independent artists, as well as music blog Infectious Magazine. She is also the curator of several chapters of the music community Balanced Breakfast, which currently operates in 12 music cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, Nashville, Toronto, and Portland. She loves hanging out with her dog, eating ice cream, and a good book. Read more at https://angelamastrogiacomo.wordpress.com/

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Haulix Returns To Launch Music Conference This April!

We are thrilled to announce that we will be returning to LAUNCH MUSIC CONFERENCE this April 21-24 in Lancaster, PA. We will be bringing with us a new discussion on the best methods for promotional distribution, as well as an update on the war against piracy. We will also be showcasing the brand new version of Haulix, which we hope to launch in early March 2016. You can find ticket and travel information on the conference website.

Need more reasons to go to Launch? Here’s just a taste of what lies in stores for those who attend this year:

The 8th Annual LAUNCH Music Conference is set for April 21st – 24th in Lancaster, PA. The jam-packed event, full of panels, seminars, parties, events, and performances, has welcomed heavy hitters such as Panic! at the Disco, Atreyu, twenty-one pilots and Foxy Shazam, as well as 180+ more artists annually over the last seven years across 11 venues and 15 stages, all happening in the beautiful Lancaster County Convention Center and surrounding venues. The conference covers topics such as artist management, publishing, festivals, touring and more giving artists and attendees a well-rounded look at today’s music industry.      

This month, LAUNCH Music Conference revealed Bayside, Ice Nine Kills, Intervals and The Weekend Riot are set toperform at this year’s conference. New panelists have also been announced, including Finn Mckenty (CreativeLive), Dan Rozenblum (Circle Talent Agency), Christian McKnight (LiveNation New York), Mike Ciprari (SJC Drums), Eric Osman (Bands With Management) as well as returning panelists, Randy Nichols (Force Media Management), Jason McMahon (Substream Magazine), and Jen Appel and Chrissy Borsellino (The Catalyst Publicity Group). 

More announcement and lineup details will be revealed in the weeks and months ahead.

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Haulix Live! Come See Our Panel At LAUNCH Music Conference

This is some news we have been anxiously waiting to share for some time now. We told you 2015 would be our biggest year to date, and part of making that goal a reality includes bringing the educational efforts found on the blog into conferences, panels, and related industry discussions across the nation. Haulix Live, which is essentially just a catchy way of saying we’re hosting a panel about piracy and the ways it can be combatted in the year ahead, will premiere at the LAUNCH music conference in Lancaster, PA this April. The first wave of performers and panelists were just announced, so we thought we’d share the entire release in case any of you care to join us.

Lancaster, PA | January 12, 2015 –  Over the past seven years, Launch Music Conference has welcomed some of today’s top musicians and music executives to speak and perform to a crowd of artists and industry go-getters. Launch Music Conference is thrilled to be back with a new weekend event filled with enticing panels and showcases on April 23rd – 26th at the Lancaster County Convention Center and surrounding venues. Founder, Jeremy Weiss had this to say about the forthcoming event: 

By combining both a music conference and festival, LAUNCH brings together two aspects of the music industry for one exciting weekend in beautiful historic Downtown Lancaster, PA! With the variety of performers and events, there’s something for everyone going on during LAUNCH – for the most casual music fan to the most die-hard!”

Today, Launch Music Conference is thrilled to announce their first wave of panelists, artists and seminars including: Kevin Lyman (Vans Warped Tour), Mike Mowry (Outerloop Management), David Silbaugh (Milwaukee Summerfest), Tim Borror (The Agency Group), Lou Plaia (Reverbnation), Randy Nichols (Force MGMT), James Shotwell (Haulix), Jen Kellogg (T.E.I), Joyce Dollinger (Ent. Attorney) with performances by Badfish, Atreyu, and Mo Lowda and The Humble and breakout session with Vocal Coach Deborah “Zuke” Smith (Frank Iero, The Voice). 

Launch Music Conference is sponsored by Heineken, Fireball, Dr. McGillicuddy’s, Disc Makers, Millersville University, Strongbow, Lancaster County Convention Center, Substream Music Press, Atomic, Herr’s, The City of Lancaster, The Catalyst Publicity Group, CI, dropcards, Gerhart Coffee, and more to be announced.
 
Artists and attendees can purchase weekend badges at LaunchMusicConference.com!

Launch Music Conference

Where: Lancaster, PA

Dates: April 23rd – 26th

Marquee Events:

April 24th – Atreyu – Freedom Hall/Lancaster County Convention Center

April 24th – Badfish – Chameleon Club

April 25th – Mo Lowda – Tellus 360

Panelists (More announcements to come):

Kevin Lyman – Vans Warped Tour / Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Fest

Mike Mowery – Outerloop Management

David Silbaugh – Milwaukee Summerfest

Tim Borror – The Agency Group

Jen Kellog – Vans Warped Tour / The Event Institute 

Lou Plaia – Reverbnation

Randy Nicholas – Force Management

James Shotwell – Haulix

Joyce Dollinger – Dollinger, Gonski & Grossman

Ticket/Registration Links:

LAUNCH Registration/VIP – http://bit.ly/LAUNCH15-WKND-VIP

Friday Badge – http://bit.ly/LAUNCH15-FRI

Saturday Badge – http://bit.ly/LAUNCH15-SAT

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