The transparent nature of social media allows fans to get to know their favorite artists in ways that are unprecedented in music. While some artists have embraced tools like Twitter to build personal relationships with fans, others are reluctant. How do you get artists to kick their shyness and begin turning casual listeners into fully invested, lifelong fans?
SHANNON SCHLAPPI has been working professionally in the music business for fifteen years. An early proponent of Internet technology adoption for musicians and online social networking tools to foster and nurture organic fan communities, Shannon launched Punknews.com in 1996. One of the first Internet-based social music communities, Punknews became a testing ground for new technologies and music discovery. Shannon also advises and acts as label manager of Doomtree Records. Shannon has run many successful labels as well as having worked in retail distribution. Shannon has been instrumental in helping emerging artists build long-lasting careers and fan communities.
JASON FEINBERG runs digital strategy and development for Concord Music Group, one of the world's largest independent labels. Jason is responsible for digital business development for a roster that includes Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, Carole King, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and hundreds more timeless artists.
GREG PATTERSON is co-founder & Creative Director at ground(ctrl), an artist-fan engagement company with music at the core.
Greg and the team at ground(ctrl) leverage a proprietary technology platform combined with a true love of music to provide fans a more direct and intimate relationship with the musicians they follow. This results in a longer life cycle for artists.
Prior to ground(ctrl), Greg co-founded The Artery Foundation Artist Management in 2005 and worked as Art Director/A&R at Tooth & Nail Records from 2001-2003.
Doug Lefrak is founder of Feisty Management a boutique artist management firm now based in New York, NY.
Clients include Motion City Soundtrack, P.O.S., Empires, Ben Weaver, and general management for Doomtree Records and the Doomtree collective (P.O.S., Dessa, Sims, Cecil Otter, Mike Mictlan, Paper Tiger + Lazerbeak).
Previously, he was a partner in the independent record label Sugar Free Records serving as a product manager and director of marketing and sales.
He served as the talent buyer at Schubas Tavern (Chicago, IL), and upon graduation from Northwestern University was commissioned a Navy Supply Corps Officer and was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz in Seattle WA.
He currently resides in Brooklyn NY after spending 10+ years in Chicago. He loves Major League Baseball, a hoppy IPA, and a run outdoors.
