WATCH SEATTLE MUSIC INDUSTRY EXPERTS GIVE CRUCIAL TIPS IN 'MORE THAN MEETS THE DIY' SERIES

The series, which began in April 2025 and runs through November, is a collaboration between Recording Academy's PNW Chapter & Sonic Guild Seattle and features new topics + guest lineups in each episode.

We can't say enough good things about this series, and think it's an excellent resource for anyone learning to navigate the realities of the modern music business.

According to the Recording Academy website, the More Than Meets The DIY series aims "to support music professionals across the U.S." in "a virtual, monthly educational series designed to equip artists with the tools they need to navigate today's music industry."

You can check out every episode they've done so far, in the order they were released, right here:

EXPLORING THE EVER-EVOLVING ROLE OF THE RECORD LABEL

Guests: Megan Jasper (CEO, Sub Pop) & Nabil Ayers (President, Beggars Group)

Moderator: Jessica Toon (Senior Executive Director, Recording Academy PNW Chapter)

Synopsis: The music industry has never been one-size-fits-all. Whether you're self-releasing, signed to a label, or somewhere in between, understanding the role of labels—and how artists thrive within or outside of them—can be career-defining. This topic is explored in a compelling conversation featuring Sub Pop CEO Megan Jasper and Beggers Group President Nabil Ayers, moderated by Jessica Toon, Senior Executive Director of the Recording Academy's Pacific Northwest Chapter.

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MONEY TALKS -- FINANCIAL WELLNESS FOR MUSICIANS

Guests: Steven Palin (KLBM), Keaton Layman (Avantia), Dominic Cortese (Accounting & Tax Services for Artists)

Moderators: Jessica Toon (Senior Executive Director, Recording Academy PNW Chapter), K Van Petten (Marketing Director, Sonic Guild Seattle)

Synopsis: This session of More Than Meets The DIY focuses on bridging the gap between creativity and financial confidence. Whether you're an artist, producer, songwriter, or behind the scenes, this session explores how to manage your money and navigate the unique financial challenges of the music industry.

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SYNC LICENSING -- WHERE MUSIC MEETS FILM, TV, ADVERTISING, AND BEYOND

Guests: Duddy Brown (Executive Music Producer, AudioSocket), Shanice Antonia (Artist)

Moderators: Jessica Toon (Senior Executive Director, Recording Academy PNW Chapter), K Van Petten (Sonic Guild Seattle)

Synopsis: This session of More Than Meets The DIY is a deep dive into the world of sync licensing—where music meets film, TV, advertising, and beyond. Executive Music Producer Duddy Brown (AudioSocket) and artist Shanice Antonia sit down with Jessica Toon, the Recording Academy’s Senior Executive Director for the Pacific Northwest Chapter, to break down what it takes to land your music in visual media.

Whether writing to a creative brief or for a catalog, this session covers key strategies for creating sync-ready music, navigating placements, working with music supervisors, and building a sustainable income through licensing. Whether you're new to sync or looking to sharpen your approach, this conversation delivers practical insights and real-world perspective.

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TOUR SUPPORT

Moderator: Ben London (CEO, Sonic Guild)

Guests: Ali Hedrick (Partner/Agent, Arrival Artists), Alie Byland (Singer/Songwriter, Byland), Mackenzie McAninch (Owner, National Seat Filling)

Synopsis: Touring is more than just playing shows—it’s managing logistics, finances, staying organized, and taking care of yourself along the way. Whether you’re booking your first tour or looking to level up, this session covers the real-world tools and strategies artists need to tour smarter and more sustainably. We’ll delve into booking, budgeting, routing, travel, and maintaining your health on the road. Hear from musicians and industry professionals who’ve been there—sharing what works, what doesn’t, and how to make touring sustainable.

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AMPLIFYING CHANGE

Guests: Jordan Swider (Co-Director/Treasurer, Washington Nightlife and Music Association/Owner, Bad Dad), Kate Becker (Creative Economy Director, King County Office of Economic Opportunity & Creative Economy), Leigh Bezezekoff (Co-Director/Vice President, Washington Nightlife & Music Association), Shannon Welles (Commissioner/Co-Chair of the Advocacy & Economic Development Committee, Seattle Music Commission), Victoria Contreras (Songwriter/Vocalist, Advocacy Committee Co-Chair/Vice President, Recording Academy PNW Chapter Advisory Board), Shaina Foley (General Manager/General Partner, The Crocodile Venues)

Moderator: Jessica Toon (Senior Executive Director, Recording Academy PNW Chapter)

Synopsis: What does it take to turn grassroots ideas into tangible policy outcomes? This panel brings together musicians and industry leaders for an insightful conversation about organizing, advocacy, and the strategic efforts that drive meaningful wins for the creative sector. The conversation will kick off with topline findings from the Washington Music Census, presented by the Washington Nightlife and Music Association (WANMA), alongside key data from the National Music Venue Association's (NIVA) State of Live economic research study, grounding the conversation in the realities facing today’s music ecosystem. From there, panelists will walk through case studies that highlight how policy gets made, the critical importance of community and stakeholder engagement, and the role of legislative champions in advancing music-friendly reforms. Attendees will leave with insights to help actively drive change and participate in building a stronger, more sustainable future for local music.

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To stay up to date on future events, follow Sonic Guild Seattle + Recording Academy on social media.