What makes a good performance?
Seeing an artist in their element making an emotional impression. I see stuff all the time that I might not otherwise be into but find myself liking simply because it's real. For me it's about being in the moment and making the most of it. Play like it's the last show you'll ever do. I mean, there's nothing worse than watching a band fake its way through a set, calling in a 40-minute show. It's pretty simple really. Mean what you say and say what you mean.
Are there specific networking events artists should attend?
Last year we launched NXNEi - our new Interactive component. This year we'll be going deeper with NXNEi and combining it with our more traditional conference programming. It’ll explore digital interactive technology, media, and business ideas as they relate to music and musicians. Look for cool keynotes and interviews back-to-back on panels all about trans-media and developing tech trends.
What are some of the common mistakes that bands make when performing at NXNE?
You will only get back what you put into it. Thinking that the work is done simply because you’ve been confirmed to play the fest, that everything will fall into place, that you won't need to promote your showcase, that all your meetings will materialize magically… is a mistake. NXNE is too big for you to expect to just arrive and have everything fall into place. Artists need to make themselves known to other bands and delegates alike. Once you've been invited to play the fest the real work begins. But then again the work is fun, so don’t stress.
What should artists avoid doing?
Acting like you're owed something from someone just because you're playing NXNE is not the way to go. Remember that you're one of hundreds of other bands playing the fest – you’ve got to work just as hard as you would in getting people out to your show as you'd have to with any other show you do, maybe harder to get above the noise of it all. But it's a concentrated environment and there'll be lots of people that you'll want to connect with. It's a cool community at a fest and everyone is into meeting and talking. So avoid just waiting for stuff to happen. Get into it. Mingle.
What should artists do after the event?
Follow up with all the people you met that you want to stay in touch with - maybe all of them in fact - as you never know what someone will move on to in the future. Take the time to evolve the relationships you've worked hard forging. Keep writing more music. The list goes on.
Now, we think you’re fully prepared to take on the festival beast that is NXNE. Don’t forget to submit here by January 31, 2011 and we’ll see you at the show!
