Beyond the Gatekeepers: The Impact of Grassroots Communities
Summary
The music industry is undergoing a massive restructure, but a new, healthier model is emerging. This panel unites leaders from LWC, BAK, jump.global, and digilogue to reveal how grassroots communities are reshaping the industry. We'll explore their profound impact on members' mental health, career growth, and the creation of new opportunities. This session will demonstrate that when gatekeepers fail, a better, more supportive, and thriving music industry can be built through collective action.
- Format: Panel
- Category: Panel
- Event Type: panel
- Presented By: n/a
Contributors
- Carolyn Page
- Paulina Vo
- Nick Maiale
- Lauren Blitzer
Raw Event JSON
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