Sync Up
Sync Up is a series of sessions focused on educational and business development for the entertainment industry and take place all year round. The conference debuted in 2008 as one of the Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s efforts to support the local music industry by connecting Louisiana’s independent artists with top professionals in music, film, and digital media.
Over the past year and a half, New Orleans artists of all stripes have been redefining what it means to perform in an unprecedented landscape that asserts their craft as currently unsafe for live public consumption. As restrictions on public gatherings and businesses ease, musicians and music venues are beginning to open their doors and return to the stage. Through all of this, artists and creative professionals persist and strive to keep the art of public performance alive and continue to serve their communities via the means available to them. Sync Up is about what’s next.
Missed Sync up? Check out the latest sessions
Sync Up: Booking 2 branding series
Branding to Booking, a three-part Sync Up panel series created in collaboration by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and Them People Productions, was designed for new, upcoming, and evolving New Orleans artists who want to take advantage of New Orleans’ thriving festival and entertainment economy to build sustainable careers. On October 4, October 11, and October 18, 2023, New Orleans’ most influential booking agents, talent buyers, venue owners, and promoters shared their perspective on what it takes to consistently earn bookings at venues, festivals, and private events around the city. Each panel discussion ended with open networking and discussion, giving attendees ample opportunity to ask specific questions, make new connections, and leave feeling more ready than ever to book the gigs they deserve.
Sync Up: On The Books focuses on aspects of artist development, including image and branding, marketing and social media, as well as audience engagement – important factors contribute to successful, repeat bookings at local venues, festivals, and event series. The panel features professional perspectives and expertise of some of New Orleans top talent buyers and promoters, including: Sonali Farnando, Independent Talent Buyer + Booking Consultant Jevon “Rq Away” Thompson, Music + Programming Director at The Ace Hotel DJ Legatron Prime, DJ + Event Producer Greg Schatz, Senior Talent Buyer for French Quarter Festival Inc. The panel will be moderated by Them People Productions co-founder, President of glbl wrmng, and MaCCNO Board President Nathaniel Cameron, Jr.
Sync Up: Thanks, Mgmt focuses on how to collaborate with current or potential talent managers for more frequent and better-quality bookings. The panel features some of New Orleans top music industry professionals, including: Juan Knatt, Artist Manager, Talent Buyer Mousa Hamdan, Artist Manager & President of Jetlife Recordings Tavia Osbey, Mid Citizen MGMT, Tank and The Bangas Lajoan Williams, Dream MGMT The panel will be moderated by Them People Productions co-founder, President of glbl wrmng, and MaCCNO Board President Nathaniel Cameron, Jr.
Sync Up: Nola Next
Sync Up: NOLA Next was focused on artists emerging, collaborating and evolving within the local music industry as both an artist and entrepreneur. As a year-round program, the Sync Up series provided a meeting place, educational space and community for local musicians and industry professionals who want to connect with the Music Industry and industry professionals in the city. All events took place at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center.
Interview with Mia X
Artist Evolution moderated by Christie Jourdain of The Original Pinettes Brass Band
This panel focuses on Mia X and her evolution as an artist.
Interview with GLBL WRMG
Collaboration as Emerging Artists moderated by Amanda Mester
The panel will cover topics including collaboration methods as emerging artists, balancing the needs of creative collaborators and business collaborators, creating impact, and getting noticed.
Interview with GenRise
Entrepreneurial Collaboration moderated by Ashley Shabankareh
This panel on Entrepreneurial Collaboration features Lou Hill, DJ Raj Smoove in conversation with panelists LaWanda Smith and Malaika Moran.
“Sync Up’s reputation has continued to grow within the music industry, providing practical and valuable information to musicians with advice from music supervisors from hit TV shows to legendary musicians
Forbes