Stinkfest is a new event focusing solely on the children’s music and family entertainment market. One of the founder, Tor Hyams took a minute to answer some of our questions.
Stinkfest is a new event. Who are the people behind it and what is the goal of the event?
Tor Hyams (Founder, Kidzapalooza)
Bill Childs (Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child)
Stephanie Mayers (Kindie Rock PR)
This is our first year, but we do have some of the most influential industry folk attending and watching the showcase. We suspect we will have several success stories from our inaugural year. Bill and Stephanie have done a smaller showcase event for the past couple of years, and significant bookings and media have resulted from both. The goal of this event is to further the business of the new family music genre by building community and networking.
Are there any confirmed attendees at this point? If so, what companies are they from?
Mindy Thomas (Kids PLace LIve/XM)
Beth Blenz-Clucas (Publicist)
Kathy O’Connell (WXPN Kids Corner)
Christopher Healy (Cookie Magazine)
Tammy LaGorce (Amazon, NY Times)
Warren Truitt (About.com)
Stefan Shepard (Zooglobble.com)
Brian Swanson (Monterey Peninsula Artists)
Daniel Brindley (Jammin Java)
Christine Timm (Bowery Kids)
Uncle Rock (Artist)
Dan Zanes (Artist)
Bryan Townsend (Pokey Pup)
Veronica Villareal (Koch)
Kate Hyman (Little Monster Records)
Linda Simensky (PBS)
Jennifer Oxley (Little Airplane Productions)
Panos Panay (Sonicbids)
Kevin Salem (Little Monster Records)
What is the most valuable opportunity for an artist selected for Stinkfest?
To be exposed to some of the most influential members of the family music industry.
How big is the Family Entertainment market? What other types of opportunities exist for artists?
The market is growing faster now than it ever has been. Other opportunities include getting better and higher paying gigs, getting good press (good ink!), licensing opportunities, possibly getting a record/distribution deal and radio airplay.
When you’re reviewing artists, what are you looking for? What are some mistakes you see? What do you think is the single most important thing artists can learn?
We are looking for a great singer, a great song and we MUST be able to hear the performer’s joy in the recording. We also look for the fit, ie the genre of music. If a performer is talking down to kids, we won’t be receptive. If an artist is just making great, g rated music, it could be a hit for us.
The mistakes we see are primarily based in production. If artists want to be noticed, they need to have a great recording or, at least, a video that shows how amazing they are playing to families. We would recommend to get a video up on Sonicbids. It’s much easier to judge/select an act for a live show if you can see them in action.
The most important lesson here is to be honest when submitting. If you’re not truly a family act, don’t submit (you know who you are). Listen to known artists in the genre to see if you fit in (like Dan Zanes, Ralph Covert, et al). Learn to know your booker!
