Russell Nygaard (Defend Music): Mentor

Mar 16, 2019

3:30pm – 4:45pm CT

Advance RSVP is available to Primary Entry badge types only. Walk-ups may be accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Mentor Sessions offer 15 minutes of one-on-one interaction with industry leaders and professionals from a variety of fields spanning interactive, film, and music.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in management, synch, licensing, and IP & copyright.

Russell Nygaard is a Los Angeles based music publisher, manager, and trumpet player. After studying music business in college, Russell spent the past 6 years negotiating synch uses for the Black Keys, Hall & Oates, Def Leppard, Fitz & the Tantrums, Vulfpeck, and Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings for brands like Apple, Google, Ford, and Chevy as well as countless TV shows, films, and trailers. He also pitches Defend’s catalog for ads and manages a writer/producer.

You can see Russell’s full bio on his speaker page.

Registrants who sign up online must check-in 30 minutes before their mentor time slot to guarantee their spot. Limited on-site sign up is also available for a small number of Mentor Sessions spots and will begin 30 minutes before the first time slot of each session.



Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

photo of Russell Nygaard
Russell Nygaard

Defend Music

Primary Access
Artist Wristband
Music Badge
Platinum Badge