New York Music Month Returns with In-Person Events, June 2022

Mayor's Office of Media & Entertainment continues its signature month-long celebration, providing NYC's musical artists with free rehearsal spaces, workshops, master classes and songwriting camps

Annual NYMM Industry Conference to Feature Speakers Paul Shaffer, Hank Shocklee, Michael Dorf, Joaquin Waah Dean, and Natalia Nastaskin

Full calendar of live and virtual concerts and events available at NYMusicMonth.NYC

 

NEW YORK – Today, the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) announced the full slate of programming for the fifth annual New York Music Month (NYMM), to run throughout the month of June 2022 in New York City. This year's NYMM will feature a combination of in-person and virtual programming, with more than 20 events, including an all-day industry conference on the future of NYC's music industry, skill-building workshops, free rehearsal space, songwriting camp, and showcases of emerging NYC artists. This month-long series aims to support songwriters, established musicians, emerging artists, and NYC's entire musical community, many of whom were severely impacted by the pandemic. Information on all events can be found at NYMusicMonth.nyc. To join the conversation follow the #NYMM2022 hashtag on social media.

"Music has been, and will always be, part of our city's rich multicultural heritage, serving to bring us together in the best and worst of times," said Mayor Eric Adams. "It has acted as a lifeline for us all during the pandemic and now, it is time for New York Music Month to return in-person. The month-long celebration will connect our musicians to work, our audiences to inspirational moments, and will remind the world that music is at the heart and soul of New York City."

"New York Music Month is back with live, in-person events, signaling to the world that our vibrant music industry will continue to serve as a valuable contributor to the city's cultural and economic recovery. This month-long series of concerts, panels and workshops demonstrates this administration's support of an industry that suffered during the pandemic by providing economic opportunities for artists and venues, while producing a variety of experiences for all New Yorkers to enjoy," said Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer.

"We are thrilled to announce the return of New York Music Month this June, offering a mix of live and virtual programming that showcases, convenes, and supports the diverse talent and creativity of New York City's music community," said Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, Anne del Castillo. "Our musicians, industry professionals, and venues have given rise to some of the most influential music in the world, and New York Music Month celebrates the role of this sector in elevating our city's reputation as a global creative capital."

Signature components of NYMM include:

• The Future of NYC's Music Industry: The annual conference will be held in-person from 10:00am-4:30pm at CUNY City Tech in partnership with the NYU Steinhardt Music Business Program sponsored by SoundExchange. The conference will feature a mix of speed talks, fireside chats, and panels with more than 40 industry leaders. Featured speakers include Anna Bond of Songtrust, Ariel Palitz of the Office of Nightlife at the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, Emily White founder of #iVoted Festival, author and podcast host, Daniel Glass of Glassnote Music, Hank Shocklee formerly of Public Enemy, Joaquin Waah Dean of Ruff Ryders Entertainment, Justin Kalifowitz of Downtown Music Holdings, Michael Dorf of City Winery, MoRuf Adewunmi (Musician/Rapper/Songwriter/Community Activist), Natalia Nastaskin of Primary Wave and Paul Shaffer formerly of The Late Show and more.
• Anti Social Camp: Presented by the Anti Social Producers Club, this three-day, invite-only songwriting camp aims to strengthen the music community and creative economy of NYC. More than 100 signed artists, writers, producers, labels and publishers will gather in person at New York City studios for dozens of recording sessions with the goal of creating new commercial music that will sway the culture and support NYC-based music industry professionals. Information on additional public-facing camp events, including the Opening Ceremony, Anti Social Women Running Music panel, Gear Day information sessions and Spotify Noteable Industry Showcase can be found below.
• Free rehearsal space: Thanks to a partnership with the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, more than 1,000 hours of free rehearsal space will be available during NYMM at any one of the Conservatory's 17 studios.
• Community-sourced Calendar: The NYMM website features a calendar for users to upload free and ticketed music events happening in June across the five boroughs.
• Concert Series with Parks Department: A series of 9 concerts in underserved communities in the Bronx and Queens featuring culturally relevant performances, including Lady Bird Sunshine, Bobby Sanabria, Yasser Tejada, Bambara, Dr. K's Motown Review and more! Showtimes and locations are listed below.
• 4 Master Classes with NY Chapter of the Recording Academy: The Producers and Engineers Committee of the Recording Academy's New York Chapter will present four master classes on The Mechanics of Making a Record, The Art and Magic of Mastering, and Time Management and Tips for Producers. Featured presenters will include Grammy-award winning Ann Mincieli, George Massenburg, Fernando Lodeiro, Mario McNulty, and more. Virtual classes held every Wednesday in June at noon; see below for details.
• 300U and Demystify: 300 Entertainment is honored to serve as a partner for New York City Music Month. The award-winning, NYC-based record company will continue its support of independent music by producing four episodes of their digital series, 300U. The episodes of the popular series will spotlight Black Music Month with homage to genres that were originated and cultivated by Black artists including Reggae/Ska/Afrobeat, Hip Hop, R&B, DJ/House/Dance Music. The virtual series will be presented every Thursday in June at 8PM; see below for details. In addition, they will conduct an artists-only panel discussion and present three micro episodes of Demystify, a music business series dedicated to educating independent artists; see below for details.
• Make it Live!: Led by Drom talent buyer and educator Mehmet Dede, this series is an essential primer for independent artists and performers who will be introduced to tools, tactics and insider tips on how the independent booking world operates. This year, in addition to the in-person workshops, participants will have access to instructional videos ahead of the masterclass and meet their cohort online to start networking. The presentation will cover an introduction to booking NYC venues, crafting the perfect pitch email and how to put together an electronic press kit. Times and locations are below.
• RAMP Up Your Game: RAMPD is a national coalition (based in New York) that aims to amplify Disability Culture, promote inclusion and advocate for accessibility within the music industry. RAMPD will host a virtual webinar educating D/deaf musicians, musicians and music professionals with disabilities on how to become more established and competitive in the music industry. Times and locations below.
• Royalty Collection for Producers & Songwriters with Songtrust: Experts from Songtrust, a global publishing administration service based in NYC, will go over rights for musicians, songwriters, producers, and anyone involved in creating a song, to ensure royalties are collected. Times and locations are below.

In-person events include:

• NYMM Concert Series Presents R&B singer, Lady Bird Sunshine
  • Saturday, June 4, 4:00-6:00pm
  • Gil Scott Amphitheater (St. Anne's Ave. and E. 146th St., Bronx)
• NYMM Concert Series Presents African band, Bambara
  • Saturday, June 4, 4:00-6:00pm
  • Roy Wilkins Park (Merrick Blvd. between 115th & 116th Avenues and Baisley Blvd., Queens)
• NYMM Concert Series Presents Big Band Salsa star, Bobby Sanabria
  • Saturday, June 11, 5:00-7:00pm
  • Soundview Amphitheater (Rosedale Ave. and Lacombe Ave., Bronx)
• NYMM Concert Series Presents Jamaican/R&B group, Derrick Barnett & The Statement Band
  • Saturday, June 11, 4:00-6:00pm
  • Archie Spigner Park (169th St., Merrick Blvd., Marne Pl. between. Linden Blvd., Sayres Ave., and 111th Rd., Queens)
• Anti-Social Camp Kick-Off, featuring celebrity interviews, panels and networking event
  • Monday, June 13, 11:00am-5:00pm
  • D'Angelico Showroom (141 W. 28th St, Manhattan)
• Spotify Noteable Presents Anti Social Camp Industry Showcase
  • Monday, June 13, 6:00-9:00pm
  • Baby's All Right (146 Broadway, Brooklyn)
• Make It Live! Book and Market Your Next Show; Masterclass with Mehmet Dede
  • Tuesday June 14, 2022, 5:00-8:00pm
  • BerkleeNYC (441 West 53rd Street, Manhattan)
• NYMM Concert Series Presents Caribbean Folk star, Yasser Tejada
  • Saturday, June 18, 5:00-7:00pm
  • Mullaly Park (Jerome Ave. to River Ave. between E. 164th St. and McClellan St. at Cromwell Ave., Bronx)
• NYMM Concert Series Presents Hip Hop star Ralph McDaniels and Friends
  • Sunday, June 19, 3:00-5:00pm
  • Roy Wilkins Park (Merrick Blvd. between 115th & 116th Avenues and Baisley Blvd., Queens)
• NYMM Concert Series Presents Motown group, Dr. K's Motown Review
  • Friday, June 24, 3:00-5:00pm
  • Baisley Pond Park (Sutphin Blvd. and Baisley Blvd., Queens)
• NYMM Concert Series Presents Reggae/Caribbean band, Therapi
  • Saturday, June 25, 5:00-7:00pm
  • Haffen Park (Hammersley Ave. to Burke Ave. between Ely Ave. and Gunther Ave., Bronx)
• Make It Live! Book and Market Your Next Show; Masterclass with Mehmet Dede and Guest Artist Scott Kettner
  • Sunday, June 26 12:00-3:30pm
  • Drom (85 Ave. A, Manhattan)

Virtual Events Include:

• 300 Entertainment presents the 300U Digital Series: HIP HOP
  • Thursday, June 3, 8:00pm
• Recording Academy's NY Chapter presents Tips for Producers with Alissia Benveniste
  • Wednesday, June 8, 12:00-1:00pm
• RAMPD presents Celebrating and Elevating Creators with Disabilities
  • Thursday, June 8, 12:00-1:00pm
• 300 Entertainment presents the 300U Digital Series: R&B and Soul
  • Thursday, June 10, 8:00pm
• Recording Academy's NY Chapter presents Demystifying the Mastering Process with Maria Rice and Jeff Lipton
  • Wednesday, June 15, 12:00-1:00pm
• 300 Entertainment presents the 300U Digital Series: Reggae/Ska/Afrobeat/Dance Hall
  • Thursday, June 19, 8:00pm
• Recording Academy's NY Chapter presents The Mechanics of Making a Record with Joe D'Ambrosio, Kim Rosen, Angie Teo, Fernando Lodeiro and Mario McNulty
  • Wednesday, June 22, 12:00-1:00pm
• Songtrust presents Royalty Collection for Producers and Songwriters
  • Friday, June 24, 12:00-1:00pm
• 300 Entertainment presents Demystify the Music Business series
  • Week of June 27, 2022
• 300 Entertainment presents the 300U Digital Series: DJ
  • Thursday, June 26, 8:00pm
• Recording Academy's NY Chapter presents Immersive Audio Deep Dive with Ann Mincieli, Michael Romanowski, George Massenburg and Eric Schilling
  • Wednesday, June 29, 12:00-1:00pm

The full list of events and activities for NYMM 2022 is available at NYMusicMonth.NYC.

The 2021 iteration of New York Music Month, dubbed New York Music Month Extended Play, ran from January through June of 2021, and featured 77 total events. With predominantly virtual programming, consisting of performances, talks and resources for both adults and younger viewers, over 1 million people participated/engaged with content, and succeeded in providing artists and fans alike with opportunities to enjoy NYC's music industry during the pandemic. You can explore recordings all these events, via our ICYMI section on our website.

"From the Bowery to the Bronx, New York City is the mecca of music," said Council Member Keith Powers. "After such a devastating time for our city's music scene, it's a great moment to uplift the industry and support their recovery. Hey ho, let's go Music Month!"

"Music unlocked so many opportunities for me – I learned three chords in my public-school guitar class growing up, and they took me around the world," said Council Member Justin Brannan. "Music is not extra, it's critical that everyone has a chance to include music in their lives in ways big or small. I think it's really cool that the city is making an effort to give more people that chance. All you need are three chords."

"As these last two years have demonstrated, New York City is defined by the resolve of our people," said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. "New York Music Month (NYMM), kicking off on the 1st of June, will remind everyone that this city is a beacon of musical and artistic excellence. It is a crucial way to support our arts and culture especially in light of the devastating impacts they felt during the pandemic. Thank you Mayor Adams and the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment for this celebration. I am especially excited about the events in collaboration with our NYC Parks!"

"From hip-hop to salsa to punk rock, many of music's most important movements and innovations have come from working class communities in New York City. As the cost of living continues to dramatically increase and our neighborhoods become less affordable for immigrants and other working class families, this legacy is threatened as never before. New York Music Month is an important initiative for fostering this city's musical heritage and calling us all to the task of ensuring New York remains hospitable to the working class communities that have been the birth sites of so many profound contributions to the world of music," said Council Member Tiffany Cabán.

"New York Music Month is a gift to all New Yorkers and we are lucky for its return, said Council Member Chi Ossé. "Government plays a central role in promoting and supporting the arts, and this is a shining example of the investment that maintains our city as the cultural capital of the world."

"The NYU Music Business Program is proud to be hosting the New York Music Month kick-off conference for the fourth year, and to partner again with MOME," said Larry Miller, NYU Professor of Music Business and Director of the Program. Added music attorney and NYU Clinical Assistant Professor of Music Business Judy Tint, "New York has long been at the center of the music world, for artists, fans, and professionals across every genre. It's been a challenging period, but the pandemic has only served to underscore music's essential role in helping get us through. We're excited to be back in the New York groove."

"The Power Station at BerkleeNYC is thrilled to be partnering with the Mayor's Office for Media and Entertainment for Music Month! We are witnessing a rising phoenix moment in the New York music industry as we emerge from the global pandemic. New York musicians and creators are doing some of their best work ever, and they're finding an audience yearning for connection and meaning. Musical projects emanating from New York are being imbued with deep meaning and relevance for our times; reminding us of the important role that music fills in society, as well as our personal lives," said Stephen Webber, Executive Director of BerkleeNYC and Dean of Strategic Initiatives at Berklee.

"Music is the lifeblood of New York City," said Danny Ross, Founder of Anti Social Producers Club. "Our legacy as the standard-bearer of global culture is towering — and it comes from the grit, determination and character of New Yorkers melding traditions and creating movements. As we seek to reopen our doors and our city, New York Music Month is an important opportunity to reclaim our mantle as the global center of arts and industry. Thank you to the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment for this initiative. Now we can say it in earnest — New York music is back."

"300 Studios was founded in the spirit of independence and service to artists, and we are excited to partner with NY Music Month to nurture, promote, and spotlight the independent creative community in one of the most exciting cities in the world," said Kevin Liles, CEO of 300 Entertainment.

"The last two years have been very challenging, especially for those in music and the performing arts, as we adjusted to a constantly changing new reality. We, as a venue, were closed for 15 months. We need, now more than ever, the healing powers of the arts to amplify the voices of independent creators and bring our communities back together again. The various diverse programs of New York Music Month celebrates the resilience of New Yorkers working in music, arts and nightlife," said Drom talent buyer and educator Mehmet Dede.