Mandy Salem-Aubry Music Services

From music publishing to freelancing: Help us share our insights at SXSW London

Dec 10, 2024By Mandy Salem-Aubry
Mandy Salem-Aubry

From music publishing to freelancing: Help us share our insights at SXSW London

SXSW is coming to London, and so are our ideas.

I've never been to SXSW in Austin, Texas, but its reputation as a globally renowned hub for artists, innovators, and industry professionals has always intrigued me. When Steve Farris mentioned that SXSW was coming to London next June, he piqued my interest.

Steven Farris

Bringing together insights on music publishing and freelancing.

Steve, like me, is a freelancer. He's a music consultant with a rich background in publishing and A&R, specialising in catalogue optimisation, artist development, business and A&R support, startup guidance, project management, and mentoring. Having worked together through HEMI and sharing similar roots in music publishing, albeit from different angles, we saw this as the perfect opportunity to combine our perspectives. We developed two proposals that reflect our shared expertise and interests: one focuses on freelancing and the other on music publishing.

Our two submissions bring practical insights to the table. The workshop, Thinking about becoming a music publisher: Start here, is designed for those curious about music publishing and offers clear, actionable guidance on how to get started. The panel, Thriving as a freelancer in the music industry: Turning skills into success, explores how freelancers can build sustainable careers by leveraging their skills and adapting to the industry’s challenges.

Joining us for the freelancing panel submission is Bernardo Queirós a marketing, events management, and partnerships specialist with a decade of experience in the music and cultural sectors. Bernardo is currently working with organisations spread across the globe. He started at an early age as an independent concert promoter and has been, since then, walking his path non-stop throughout various strands of the industry. That wide range of experiences and backgrounds have been giving Bernardo the confidence to have opted to navigate as a service provider full-time. 

Bernardo Queirós

Why these panels matter.

Both topics, publishing and freelancing, are deeply rooted in our personal and professional journeys. Steve and I have decades of experience in music publishing, helping creators protect and monetise their rights. We’ve witnessed how equipping creators with the knowledge and tools to manage their work effectively can significantly impact their careers.

On the other hand, freelancing is a path we’re both walking, with all its challenges and rewards. Our journey exemplifies the importance of resilience, adaptability, and building connections that go beyond just business. These experiences have shaped our understanding of what it takes to thrive in an industry that demands constant evolution.

We proposed these sessions because they address two critical areas where creators and professionals can successfully pursue new opportunities. Whether it’s understanding the foundations of publishing or building a sustainable freelance career, we want to share practical insights that can empower others to succeed.

Voting Deadine 19th December, 2024

Help shape SXSW London with your vote.

SXSW has a unique approach to deciding its programme. Part of the final selection process includes a public vote, where anyone can support the sessions they want to see included.

Deadline.

The deadline for voting is 19 December 2024, and your input could make all the difference. If these topics resonate with you, we’d be so grateful for your support.

How to vote for our sessions.

Your vote could make all the difference in helping us bring these sessions to life at SXSW London. Here’s how you can vote:

1. Go to SXSW Public Voting.

2. Log in or create an account (I know it’s a hassle, but we’d really appreciate it!)

3. Search for our sessions:

Creator Economy Section:

Thinking about becoming a music publisher? Start here.

People & Workplace Section:

Thriving as a freelancer in the music Industry: Turning skills into success.

4. Click “Vote” for both sessions, and don't forget to support the other ideas you like too!

Thanks for helping us bring these conversations to life at SXSW London!

Let's make this happen!