San Diego Music Thing returns the weekend of September 14th and 15th, showcasing some of the best bands and musicians from America’s Finest City, while mixing in nationwide favorite acts. We have got what you need to know for a great weekend, including an interview with Kevin Hellman of CityBeat and San Diego Music Foundation.
It just so happens to be that time of year yet again. Summer is coming to a close, schools are coming back to life, and bags are unpacked and back in the closet from summer vacations. But don’t let the end of summer spoil your mood, because this time of year marks the return of San Diego Music Thing, and this music event is just heating up!
San Diego Music Thing (formerly the North Park Music Thing) is a two day music festival and conference which will fill some of the best venues in America’s Finest City with some of the best bands and musicians from near and far. Both Friday and Saturday nights will be jam packed with some of the summer’s hottest shows. Friday night events include shows by Family Wagon and Sleep Lady live at Eleven SD. Hunx and His Punx, Shannon and the Clams, and Bunny Gang live at Casbah, while Tin Can Ale House presents the Manuok release party for their upcoming record, “Traps.” Saturday proves to be a huge night for SDMT, by bringing festival attendees The Burning Of Rome and Deadly Birds at Eleven SD, as well as the power packed showcase at the Casbah featuring Dead Feather Moon, Low Volts, Get Back Loretta and Father John Misty. SDMT presents live performances from an extensive list of artists including Pinback, The Heavy Guilt, Jesse LaMonaca and the Dime Novels, and Lord Howler plus many many more. Some of the other San Diego venues hosting live performances include The Office, Whistlestop, U-31 and Bar Pink. (For a full list of bands and venues, please visit the San Diego Music Thing official page!)
The two day music conference also offers some of the most respected and talented minds in the business, hosting dozens of workshops throughout the festival to teach aspiring musicians and music business professionals the ins and outs of the entire field. Workshops range from how to market your music, how to choose the right representation all the way down to how to design the best website for your music and workshops on songwriting. Some of the exciting workshops to watch for include Music Industry 101: The Basics, which includes panel hosts Tim Mays of the Casbah and Justin Pearson of The Locust and Three One G Records. The Business Of Touring, featuring panelists Lou Plaia of ReverbNation, and Tonya Cooke of The Roxy, as well as Tooting Your Own Horn, A how to guide to approaching the media hosted by industry professionals from Union Tribune, LA WEEKLY, Hollywood Reporter and Billboard. (For a full list of panels and workshops please visit the official SDMT page)
San Diego Music Thing also presents talks by some very special guests. Friday night will conclude with a talk by Martin Atkins. Martin Atkins is a 30+ year veteran of the music industry with experience as a producer, DJ, drummer and documentary filmmaker. Saturday at 1:30 guests will have the opportunity to sit in on a talk with Wayne Kramer, founding member of the legendary group MC5 and owner of MuscleTone Records. Topping off the entire weekend will be an event hosted by none other than Chuck D of Public Enemy. World famous rapper, producer and author, Chuck D was named as one of the top 50 lyricists of all time by The Source Magazine.
Tickets are on sale now. 2 day passes which get you into all workshops and music showcases are currently $50. 1 day passes good for either Friday or Saturday’s events are currently $30. All proceeds from ticket sales go to the San Diego Music Foundation’s Guitars For Schools program.
Please enjoy our interview with Kevin Hellman of the San Diego Music Foundation and City Beat.
In a statement, what does the San Diego Music Thing stand for?
San Diego Music Thing is about music, music education and the exposure of new music to San Diego.
In what ways does it benefit the San Diego music community?
Well, for one, proceeds from SDMT go to our Guitars for Schools program. So the youth of San Diego will see a benefit. But for those who perform music currently, you can get a ton of knowledge from the conference portion of SDMT, by attending the dozen plus panels that we offer. The music industry is changing – rapidly – and there is a ton to learn just to keep up. For what we charge to get in, you can’t stay away. Our panels are every bit as quality as those at any conference in the country.
SDMT is being put on by San Diego Music Foundation – For people who are unaware, what are the goals for SDMF?
What are some of the activities and programs being offered to the community?
The San Diego Music Foundation has multiple goals, but most important is to educate musicians in San Diego about the music business. And then to begin the process of learning by helping San Diego youth find music.
What are some of the key issues that will be presented by speakers during SDMT panels?
The panels cover anything from Publishing, to Social Media, Marketing for musicians, digital media and much more.
In the digital age bands are forced to market themselves and push the envelope on getting their name known.
What are some of the most important lessons San Diego Music Thing wants to help teach not only new, but veteran musicians?
It’s pretty simple: DIY musicians can make alot of money of the work hard and get creative. You no longer need a major label to make it in the music business. They are plenty of alternate methods to make money these days.
If you were to name some of the must see bands during San Diego Music Thing, who would they be?
That’s tough, we all have personal favorites. I guess for me, Father John Misty and Alejandro Escovedo are two I won’t miss. Locals Pinback are gonna be great as always. 91X is playing a new band that we just added, IAMDYNAMITE…love their video, so I wanna see them also. If I had to suggest something, I’d suggest going to see someone new, not a band you’ve seen a bunch of times. EXPERIENCE San Diego Music Thing by enjoying some new music. I promise, you’ll stumble onto something you’ll enjoy.
What are some of the volunteer opportunities available to music fans interested in helping SDMT?
We can always use help staffing all of the events we have going on, many at the same time. Just email the contact info on the sandiegomusicthing.com website…we will connect with you, I promise!
Finish this sentence… Without music San Diego would be…
Just another city. Here in San Diego, we have art, we have culture and we have music. But on September 14-15, we will have TON of new music right here for everyone to enjoy. People, get off the couch, and check some great new music artists before they grow big and you regret missing out.
Thank you to Kevin Hellman, Marjy Taylor and everyone at San Diego Music Thing. Please visit the official site for all information on bands, venues, workshops and volunteer opportunities.