The Sound Convergence

[John Patterson]

The Sound Convergence and the Future of the Music Industry.

I am often introduced as 'the guy who started SXSW'. I am not that guy (I don't know who is). I am a guy who 22 years ago began meetings to connect silos of artists of all kinds together to collaborate and make Austin 'the arts capital of the South'. This began a few years of monthly meetings that organized collaborative activities to promote ourselves this way.

In the same way a group of antique stores might put together an antique store map of the city, we simply put together activities that helped build a collective intent to brand Austin for the arts.

The Chicago Convergence builds on the collective talents of Chicago also. We have a rich and compelling history in the music industry, and with this newsletter, we announce The Sound Convergence: A mixture of presentations, live concerts and conversations about the future of the music industry.

The digital technologies turned the entire music industry on its ear. What does the future hold? Will music be free? Will brands be attached to them in some way? Will branded content enter the music arena? What will social media do to the industry? Is the barrier to entry getting lower and lower?

The formation of this addition to The 2009 Chicago Convergence (TCC09) begins this Wednesday, April 29th with a Conference Call at 3:30-4:30pm CST. The number is [phone] pin 344149#. If you would like to participate, please be on the call a few minutes early as we will begin promptly.

In addition, please join the MUSIC GROUP so we may keep you in the loop on all things Sound Convergence (you must be a Convergence Member to join, membership is free).

We welcome the power of the crowd.

John Patterson
Convergence Founder

image: Kanye West, click for source