90 Seconds or Less: MusicWorks Video Tips

Here is a brand new feature that gives you an inside look at some of our past workshops and panels in 90 seconds or less. Stay tuned in the coming weeks to find out more about music publishing, regional touring, social media metrics, showcase shmoozing, and much much more...

Representatives from the Calgary Folk Music Festival, Halifax Pop Explosion, and Sled Island Music and Arts Festival were in Winnipeg for our Join the Crowd: Festival Talent Buyers workshop. Each panelist took a few minutes to answer questions about the decision making process of festival programming.

The average festival gets between 1500 and 3000 submissions from artists each year looking to perform and it's the responsibility of the festival talent buyer to assemble a high-quality lineup. Performers on festival stages represent the best in international, national, and local performers.

This workshop took participants inside the decision making process of the festival programmers and help you realistically determine if your act is ready to perform alongside the established acts. Panelists explained how they curate their festival, what drives their musical decisions, and what other factors impact festival programming.

The festival directors described what they are looking for in the artists they hire and provided tips and techniques that can go into maximizing your chances of being booked for these much sought after spots. Topics included researching festivals before applying, understanding where you would fit in their lineup, how to submit, the negotiation, and many other tips to increase your chances of festival success.