After 9 months of planning, anticipation, and building excitement, we are very happy to announce that we are ready to make the big push to bring the Northwest Music Experience convention and expo to life! Our grassroots effort to create a major multi-genre event which educates, connects with music industry, and creatively inspires in Seattle that serves the entire Pacific NW region needs your help…it’s as simple as going to:
All you need to know about the seedfunding campaign is there, and more great news regarding the exact date and venue are coming within the next few weeks! Please share the link, post it on social media and spread the word – it is as important, if not more important, than contributing yourself. Please consider giving $5, $10, or more - every little bit helps. This is going to be a music community event like nothing else in the Northwest. Have a look and be a part of launching something special! We hope you are as excited as we are to see this event take shape and become reality. Share it, contribute, and let’s make it happen!
“Jean Mann is a very special talent!” - Cyndi Lauper “I love your voice and music!” -Jacqui Naylor Top 12 finalist - Lilith Fair NW Talent Search 2010
Noted alt-folk indie-pop singer songwriter, Seattle-based Jean Mann has a lot to write and sing about. Having toured extensively since releasing her first album, blossom (2000), this innovative, self-taught performer shares her soulful, lovely and gritty-honest tales woven through the voice of an angel. Her vocal prowess, combined with eclectic instrument playing (de-tuned acoustic 6-string and tenor guitars, harmonica and ukulele), results in the homey, intimate feeling of sitting around a kitchen table with close friends.
Jean has released four albums since she began pouring out her world in song, beginning September 1999, the very day her mother passed away. Along the road of that life-changing event, came more life, love, a stolen vintage Gibson guitar and enough broken hearts to fill a country western album. A cache of beautifully arranged songs and an empowered voice emerged through it all.
She has a new CD out (her 4th), entitled Dream of Goats - which you can get at a live show or on CDBaby here:
In her SiS podcast Jean shares her experiences touring around the country, challenging herself to write many songs within short periods of time, and her new album Dream of Goats. You can find her podcast post by clicking here!
Songwriters in Seattle is proud to be planning the 2013 Northwest Music Experience convention and expo. Teaming up with other key organizations in the community such as Seattle WAVE Radio and Music Aid Northwest, SiS member volunteers have played a large part in getting this exciting project underway. There is a lot in progress right now, and there are many ways you can be a part of making it happen. First, you can go to the NWME Facebook page and join the discussion - also while you’re there, take a quick survey and be entered to win a $150 gift certificate from Pacific Music!
So, what is this conference all about? Here’s the overview:
Northwest Music Experience is a convention/expo for musicians and industry professionals to develop and promote performance, as well as inspire and connect in community.
Over a three day weekend in the city of Seattle, NWME will provide an environment of collaboration and inspiration between musicians, music industry professionals, and music fans. Musicians of every age, experience and skill level will find the tools they need to enhance their creativity, boost their productivity, hone their delivery, and find support and community. With keynotes, panels and breakout sessions as well as an industry packed expo floor during the day and performance showcases at local venues in the evening, NWME packs a lot into just a few days. Participants come to network, perform, learn, do business and enjoy the community of other artists and their fans. The goal is for this event to become an annual showcase of regional talent with a sprinkling of the best from the national and international music community, drawing speakers and attendees not only from the western region of the United States, but from around the world.
Summary of key event activities:
o 2 days of packed music education and business tracks
o 3 nights of live music at local venues featuring the best of the Northwest and beyond
o Music industry expo floor featuring top brands for gear, services, and more
o Friday youth music events
o Friday evening VIP reception/gala at EMP honoring local music celebrities
o Saturday morning keynote (speakers TBD)
What makes NWME different from other Northwest region music events?
o Created and run by musicians, NWME is organized under a non-profit organization, Songwriters in Seattle…
o …with the goal of supporting and nurturing musicians, not making money from them.
o The only NW music event that combines education, industry expo, and public performance across all genres and interests.
o NWME focuses on the independent musician and music professional’s complete needs, from licensing and copyrighting to performance and home studio recording.
o A welcoming and supportive environment for musicians with a variety of levels of experience and goals, whether it’s weekend hobbyist or making a fulltime living as an artist.
o Genuine and honest feedback from professionals and peers.
This is bound to be an incredible event for our creative community, and with our combined efforts will be a lasting annual event for years to come. Get involved now!
David Guilbault
Classic Americana singer/songwriter David Guilbault is interviewed by SiS Organizer Chris Klimecky. David & Chris go in-depth about David’s latest experimental project: Giving his songs to 4 different producers to let them do what they will.
Erin Jordan
Retro-cabaret singer/songwriter Erin Jordan is interviewed by SiS Organizer Chris Klimecky. Erin shares songs from her new album with the band Bakelite 78, insight into her original sound and songwriting process, and performs a new song, “Jim.”
