DEPOT Sound: Professional Development Workshop
DEPOT Sound: Professional Development Workshop
July 28 @ 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
DEPOT Sound presents a Professional Development Workshop tailored for emerging recording artists, songwriters and producers looking to advance their careers in music.
- Date: Sunday 28 July, 10am – 5:30pm
- Cost: $30 (Scholarship available – Please enquire below)
- Location: DEPOT Sound, 28 Clarence St, Devonport, Auckland 0624
- Limited spots available
Tune up your career as an artist and producer in the music industry.
Explore and discuss tips and tricks for growing your musical career and business mindset.
What’s Happening:
Featuring a lineup of three incredible recording artists and producers, we’re hosting a massive kōrero, with hands-on modules and discussions—and we want you there with us! Gain real-world insights from our industry-professional facilitators and practical knowledge from their ongoing work. Discuss the important tasks that artists and producers actually do behind-the-scenes. We’ll delve into their stories, exploring what works and what doesn’t, and will provide feedback and guidance for your trajectory.
Deepen your industry knowledge, connect with peers, and navigate your music career with confidence.
About the Facilitators
CHAII (چای) – Mona Sanei
Artist, Songwriter, Producer, Creative Director
Suzuki, MBCPersia, Marvel, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Apple, The Old Guard (film)
Mona, AKA CHAII, a genre-bending artist with Iranian roots, infuses electronica and hip-hop. This songwriter, producer, and creative director has honed years of dedication and hustle. Her work, featured in numerous syncs, has been heard on both the big and small screens. From early rap battles to international acclaim with global tours, CHAII’s journey is a testament to artistic exploration and tireless hard work.
Sam V – Sam Verlinden
Artist, Songwriter, Producer
Pacific Music Awards Best Pacific Soul/R&B Artist, AMA Best R&B/Soul Artist Nominee
Auckland’s R&B star, Sam V, began his journey at 15, amassing a million YouTube views and captivating audiences with his soulful vocals. A seasoned performer and songwriter, Sam V has toured internationally and recorded alongside top American collaborators in LA. With many impressive awards and nominations under his belt, Sam V shares a unique blend of island heritage and modern R&B with the world.
EDYONTHEBEAT – Edy Liu
Producer, Mix Engineer, Artist Manager
Pacific Music Award Nominee, Hales, Sam V
Auckland-based producer/mix engineer EDY is a prominent figure in NZ’s music scene, collaborating with a diverse range of local and international artists. His versatile production style spans pop, R&B/soul, reggae, and hip-hop, drawing inspiration from artists like Ryan Lesloe and Scott Storch. EDY freelances and extends his reach to LA and Australia, collaborating with artists and producers like Sam V, HALES, Christian Tjandrawinata, and many more.
Meet your Hosts
Alex Twidle | DEPOT Sound Programme Lead | Audio Engineer, Photographer
Ciara Bernstein | Musician, Producer, Sound Engineer | The Vault, Half/Time, To The Front
What to expect:
- Industry Insights: Discussions with professionals and opportunities for Q&A.
- Navigating the Music Industry: Discussing challenges, opportunities, and trends.
- Artist Development and Growth Strategies: How to evolve as an artist/producer over time.
- Professional Development Workshops and Small Group Mentorship:
Receive personalised guidance and feedback.
Bring something to the table! A focused session to discuss and refine your career goals.
Shape an EPK, create a media strategy, or dive into your brand identity. - Artists and Socials: Digital marketing, and promoting music through online platforms.
- Creative Collaboration: Techniques and benefits of collaborating with other artists and producers.
Preparing Artists for the Studio, avoiding disappointment and Maximising Efficiency. - Management for Artists: Understanding royalties, budgeting, and financial planning.
- Connections: Connect with fellow artists.
Who is this for:
- Artists, producers, music creators, collaborators, and similar.
- Emerging, Intermediate or Advanced Professionals.
- Artists actively creating music and asking themselves, “what’s next?”
- Musicians seeking practical guidance, industry insights, and expert mentorship.
Why attend?
- Learn to navigate the music industry.
- Gain insights and receive practical guidance from our facilitators to advance your career.
- Set realistic goals for artistic growth.
- Meet participants, share goals, and connect with facilitators.
- Explore brand identity (artist as brand) and marketing strategies.
- Understand the roles of artists, managers, agents, and publicists.
- Learn networking strategies.
Topics we’ll cover:
- Building Your Team and Networking
- Sustaining a Creative Career: Opportunities, Work Ethic, and Business Fundamentals
- Setting Goals and Understanding Your Brand Identity
- Crafting Your Image, Content, and Marketing Your Art
- Creating an EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
- International Collaboration and Touring
- Understanding Sync Licensing and Placements from the Artist Perspective
- How artists prepare for studio and avoid disappointment.
What do you need:
- Curiosity and willingness to jump into the kōrero!
- Feel free to bring anything we could help with, i.e. EPK, social media strategy.
- BONUS: If we have time, bring your music for feedback.
Note: Get to know the facilitators! Our facilitators are accomplished professionals actively engaged in their respective fields with significant expertise and awesome careers. They bring valuable real-world insights and practical knowledge gained from their ongoing work in the music industry.
Contact alex@depotsound.co.nz for more information.
Thanks to Creative New Zealand for supporting this workshop.
