Off to the Races with Readi Set… Music Conference
CAFETERIA WAS INVITED TO CT OFFICE OF THE ARTS INDUSTRY INSIDER MUSIC CONFERENCE FOR THE NEXT WAVE OF EMERGING ARTISTS.
In the midst of the changing seasons, music enthusiasts came together for a day filled with performances, industry insights, and good vibes at the READI Set...Music Conference and Showcase. This dynamic event took place on October 7, 2023, at NXTHVN in New Haven, CT. The conference wasn't limited to professionals – it welcomed anyone with an interest in the music industry. It was an ideal opportunity to connect with industry leaders who are shaping the music landscape. The conference was brought to life by the Connecticut Office of the Arts and the leadership of Kolton Harris, collaborating with The Breed Entertainment, the City of New Haven's Department of Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Sweets & Sounds Entertainment, and Cultured AF. Together, they created a memorable experience.
The heart of the conference was its panels and sessions, offering artists essential knowledge and tools for success. "Protect Yourself" covered critical topics like contracts, copyrights, splits, and royalties. "Hitmakers" provided a hands-on opportunity to learn music production from rising stars and established producers. "Plug and Playscape" offered a unique setup for artists to share their music in a relaxed, cozy atmosphere with aux cords, bluetooth connections, and instruments at their disposal. A few other sessions explored mixing and mastering, engineering, photography, stage design, creative direction, and live performances.
All Photos by Johsua Jenkins
Our team at Cafeteria was also granted the opportunity to produce the Readi Set Gift Shop installation. Our idea was to take elements of The CAF and craft them into an auto garage. To tie into the theme of musical heritage, we set up turntables and ran predominantly A-sides throughout the day. Alongside select items pulled from our flagship, New Haven-based brand Deadby5am was tapped by COA as their official merch collaborator and had a range of graphic tees, pillows and some of his signature cut/sew garments.
There were plenty of other collaborators we would like to recognize. Our friends Tekowa Lakica, Dylan Healy, and Dom McLennon allowed us to ask a few questions so they could weigh in on their experiences:
What was your role or contribution to Readi Set?
TEKOWA:
My biggest role at the music conference was as a moderator for “The Show” session with Ace Bowerman where we discussed how to bring a musician’s work to life in a live setting. The session was really interactive and used my artistry as a case study. Ace treated our session as a client consultation call, where she walked us through her creative process and incorporated feedback from the audience to build out an awards show medley performance for my release “THE SHED”. It was really incredible to be a part of!
DYLAN:
I put on the Funnybone Records installation called Plug & Play. Kolton [Harris] and I wanted conference-goers to feel like they could tap into the free-flowing energy of a bedroom studio, so I brought a ton of instruments to NXTHVN, hooked up a sound system, set up a GameCube… It didn’t take long for people to come hang out, share songs they’d been working on, improvise with strangers, and try out an instrument they’d never played before.
DOM:
I was asked to participate in a panel to share my expertise of performances on the road, and to curate a performance for the end of the conference.
What was your initial reaction when you first learned about the conference and COA’s approach this year?
TEKOWA:
When I first learned that COA was going to be putting on the READI Set Music Conference - I was really thrilled to participate. I think that it’s really innovative to make the panels and workshops interactive. That interactive piece helps artists to walk away not only with practical knowledge to help advance their careers but also practice the integration of that knowledge.
DYLAN:
I was stoked to hear of a music conference in CT. Our state’s creative communities really benefit from access to resources and perspectives, so to have panels led by experienced members of our community and visiting guests was a really valuable asset for everyone there. It was cool to see the mix of students, young professionals, emerging artists and industry giants having space for a dialogue.
DOM:
I was grateful to see the ambition and direction that was taken on the individuals being tasked to participate in this event. My initial reaction was spearheaded by curiosity and followed up with a sense of appreciation and understanding for the care being taken into the selection of participants for this event.
What do you think results from bringing people together during events or platforms like this year’s conference?
TEKOWA:
I think that a gathering such as this, fosters greater collaboration amongst Connecticut-based creatives while also developing their craft to a level of excellence. That networking and collaboration is key to even achieving excellence because it takes a village of people with different skills to execute a grand artistic vision. Bringing in panelists, for example, of Ace’s caliber is an impactful opportunity that helps to nurture Connecticut talent while priming us to be competitive in the global arts industry. It’s a great way to retain our homegrown talent - showing creatives that we can participate in the arts on a large scale and connect with industry greats while still keeping Connecticut as a home base if we so desire.
DYLAN:
It’s a great chance to get out of your own bubble or echo chamber— creatively, intellectually, socially, etc. Unexpected conversations, connections, and collaborations are inevitable.
DOM:
I’m still not exactly sure honestly. I think that the ideology of events like these focuses around expanding networks and sharing insight from industry professionals, though I still feel there is more to be desired in regards to how the music & arts community can leverage that insight — be it connecting to more external resources or with each other. I think that the results of events and platforms like these should be more people wanting to be involved in its development and growth primarily, with it eventually becoming a hub for professionals and creatives in the world of music to discover each other. I think we’re getting closer to that with experiences like these.
Are there any major takeaways you experienced from your attendance or in your practice that any emerging artist should know?
TEKOWA:
My greatest takeaway came from my session with Ace. She emphasized that “it’s free to have an idea.” I think that emerging artists should never feel discouraged by a perceived lack of resources. The idea is the gold. The idea is the magic. And that is free. From there it can be executed on a small scale with the help of your peers and the resources you do have, or it can be scaled up to a stadium level. I think it’s important for us to never stop chasing the manifestation of our ideas - no matter the scale on which we can execute them. All things evolve. From a small seed of an idea, something grand can sprout - we just have to actually utilize the resources we have and hold fast to the magic of the idea.
DYLAN:
Being at the conference reminded me of the importance of stepping outside your creative comfort zone— whether it’s picking up an instrument you’ve never played, asking a burning question to a panelist, striking up conversation with the person next to you at a workshop. That moment of connection is what it’s all about and could lead to your next big idea or project.
DOM:
I think one of the biggest takeaways that I come from with events like these is being reminded of how many industry professionals in Connecticut are successfully taking their work and brands to the next level. I will say this though, it feels like there’s a ceiling of communication between the panelists and our audiences, and something I’d love to see in more future experiences like this is a space for more direct Q&A moments for panelists to have time set aside to connect either with each other or with individuals with more in-depth inquiries to share their thoughts.
There you have it. The READI Set...Music Conference was designed to be a transformative gathering. The goals were straightforward: create connections and rekindle exposure, celebrate Connecticut's music heritage, empower artists through knowledge, showcase talent and creativity, and give local talent and industry leaders the recognition we too often overlook. It was a pleasure to have come along for the ride this year and look forward to the next one.
