Event recaps
Guest session | Mika Karhumaa’s Managerial & Intermediation Skills programme | 3rd November, 2025
It is always a pleasure to work with my long-time partner, Mika Karhumaa. On Monday, 3rd November,we shared practical approaches to publishing, long-term career planning, and building trusted global networks.
It was such a pleasure to have this candid, intimate discussion with the small group.
The aim was clarity and direction, rather than perfection. Each participant left with one small, immediate step to move their financial planning forward.
Key themes included:
Mapping current income streams
Identifying gaps, risks and areas for growth
Recognising the link between financial choices, capacity and well-being
Setting realistic short-term actions to create momentum
Considering revenue for both artists and managers
Establishing simple habits to support long-term sustainability
Q & A session with IMB School | 27th October 2025
It was great to return to the IMB School for what must now be my third year, this time leading a Q&A session focused on the realities of music publishing today. We explored practical scenarios around royalty collection, metadata, international rights management and when to either build or partner on publishing infrastructure. The students asked smart, relevant questions about AI-generated music, counterclaims, ISRC and ISWC codes, advances and the differences between PROs and publishing administrators. We also discussed when it may be the right time to sign a publishing deal and when it is better to retain control and collect directly.
What stood out to me was how engaged and informed the group was. It is encouraging to see future music professionals take publishing seriously as a core part of building long-term value in their careers.
Testimonial
"Learning about Mandy Salem-Aubry’s work has been truly inspiring to me as a Music Business Management student. Her dedication to empowering artists through education on rights management shows how passion and knowledge can create a meaningful change. Mandy’s work is helping shape a fairer and more connected global music industry."
- Sayda | Digital Marketing Strategist | IMB School, MA (Music Business Management)
Missed an event, check out the blog recap
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EMC pre-ADE online networking session in partnership with Mixmag Asia & AFEM
During the recent EMC, Association for Electronic Music Mixmag Asia, and Sounds Australia pre-Amsterdam Dance Event session, I was invited to share advice on practical preparation and networking. I’ve now pulled those insights together in a new blog:
How to network at ADE and other music conferences: What 30 years in the biz has taught me.
It covers 20 practical tips drawn from nearly three decades of trial and error. A couple of tasters: at ADE you’ll see a sea of black clothing, so wear something that makes you easy to spot. And remember, some of the best people I’ve met there were not in panels, but in queues, cafés and even in the loos.
Metadata madness: Why sp aces matter, it’s all in the sp e;;ing, moderated by Nina Condron, was a genuinely enjoyable and thought-provoking session. The room was full, engaged, inspired to action and smiling.
We made metadata great again.
Deal or No Deal, moderated by Jay Mistry, unpacked what a publisher really brings to the table and whether their percentages make sense for composers.
A celebration of the most fantastic evening of music. All of the artists who performed in 2025 at the famous Cotton Club.
Featuring Jon Norris, Carmen Jackson, Dr. Alyn E. Waller, Nesha Nycee, Robert IMtume Owens and Brian Martin.
Two long trips recently. No flights. Have a look at the CO₂ and energy difference. When I can, I take the train.
Funding & entrepreneurship in music: From idea to impact
Panel moderator:
Funding is not a shortcut: building sustainable music ventures
This session unpacked what founders really need to grow, the support routes available, and how to approach funding with purpose and clarity.
Live plays, real income
Panel moderator:
Why live shows are worth more than streams—if you claim the royalties.
This session unpacked why royalties from live performances often go unclaimed and what artists, DJs, and writers can do about it.
Collaboration is key: How independent labels drive artist success
Panel moderator:
How collaboration helps independent labels thrive
This panel explored how artist–label and label–label partnerships strengthen local scenes, support sustainable careers, and open doors to international growth.
Professional communication and presence in the music business
Workshop:
Clear, visible, and ready to connect
This workshop offered practical guidance on presenting yourself professionally and making meaningful connections in music, both online and in person.
(I took this photo before anyone came...)
***Past event - Panellist***
ESNS 2025: (Still) hard out here: Paving the way to gender equity in music // How to overcome the 'isms': sexism, ageism, classism...
This panel, based on MiDIA’s Be The Change study, explored gender equity in music. It covered barriers to entry, challenges of staying in the industry, and shared real experiences and practical solutions for change.
***Past event - Interview***
Key takeaways from “Professional networking in the music industry: Building genuine connections that last", an exclusive interview with Mika Karhumaa.
Hosted by Mandy Salem-Aubry. I had the privilege of joining Mika Karhumaa on December 12, 2024, for an insightful discussion about optimising professional networks in the music industry. Here are some key takeaways: Networking is non-linear: Success often comes from unexpected connections. Be authentic online: Consistent, knowledge-driven content matters more than popularity. AI and algorithms matter: Platforms like LinkedIn use AI to track and enhance visibility. We also explored LinkedIn strategies, the importance of a well-structured website, and using different platforms for distinct purposes (e.g., LinkedIn for business vs Instagram for artists).
Mika Karhumaa is the acclaimed author of The Art of Music Business Management – For Artists & Managers, Music Business Management Lecturer at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences and Artist Manager at IRENE.
