Artists and industry innovators flock to Rethink Music 2012

Business leaders from such companies as YouTube, Spotify, Converse, the Echo Nest, Pitchfork, Vevo, Nokia, along with artists including Wu-Tang Clan's GZA/The Genius, Karmin, Portugal. The Man and Thievery Corporation will come together to generate solutions to transform the music industry at the second Rethink Music conference. 

Produced by Berklee College of Music and midem and running from 22-24 April 2012 in Boston, MA, Rethink Music will address trending topics like direct-to-fan artist issues and streaming services' impact on the industry. The second edition of the conference brings an increased focus on live-learning workshops with acclaimed artists throughout the event. Creative marketer and best-selling author Seth Godin will present the keynote speech.

Leading up to the conference, Rethink Music's Impact Weekend showcases around Boston will include Mayer Hawthorne, The Stepkids, The Lumineers, Kopecky Family Band, JD McPherson and Lucius on 20-21 April.

On Sunday 22 April, the Music Deconstruction Experience will offer a ‘musician's clinic' session led by musical group Portugal. The Man who will unveil real-life making music experiences and provide an in-depth perspective of what it takes to make it to the top of a challenging industry. Rethink Music's opening concert at the Berklee Performance Center will feature performances by Junior Boys, Karmin and Yoga Girls.

On Monday 23 April, world-renowned DJ and producer DJ Spooky will hold a session on the musical breakdown of the electronic music's intricate genre, and how he is using technology to promote his career. Also on Monday, the resurgence of music videos will be discussed with the group Karmin, explaining how the convergence of video and music has become an integral part in fostering growth and establishing an artist's career.

GZA/The Genius of Wu-Tang Clan will present a lecture on Tuesday 24 April about what it takes to sustain a career in a world of new technologies and short attention spans. The event will culminate with the release and discussion of a studio collaboration between Thievery Corporation and Berklee Electronic Production and Design students.

The final roster of artists and outstanding personalities and speakers taking part in Rethink Music 2012 now include:

• Mike Bebel, Global Head of Music,Nokia
• Zahavah Levine,Director of Content,Android
• Cathy Merenda, Vice President of Music Publishing,Twentieth Century Fox
• Amanda Palmer, artist
• Len Schlesinger, President,Babson College
• Bill Werde, Editorial Director,Billboard

A key part of Rethink Music's goal of fostering innovation and new ideas for the music industry, the Genesis Project startup competition will recognise new concepts, technologies and businesses which can move the music industry forward.

The Genesis Project's finalists are now announced:

• "Promoter" by Sam Taylor - A bridge between artists and their hardestworking fans.
• "That Was My Jam" by Kristin Hill - A new web service helping music enthusiasts create a personalised music timeline.
• "Have You Heard?" by Joey Seiler - Leverages the listening data available on music-streamingplatforms to benefit both fans and artists.

After an in-depth review by Rethink Music's academic partner and recognised specialist in researching entrepreneurship in the music industry, Babson College, the winner will be announced during Rethink Music's closing ceremony and will receive $10,000 in legal services from the Genesis Project's sponsor and renowned law firm Duane Morris.

The Rethink Music 2012 updated program-at-a-glance is available online and registration is open, with special rates for students and musicians.

More information can be found at www.rethink-music.com