About the Episode

Darryl Hurs stops by to chat the Indie Music Scene and Venue X Venue Festival

Event Introduction: Indie Week and Venue X Venue Brent welcomes Darryl Hurs, who introduces the upcoming Venue X Venue festival happening from November 14-16 in London, Ontario. This event, featuring 60 artists across seven venues, is a significant addition to Ontario’s vibrant music scene.

DIT Platform and Industry Reset Post-COVID Darryl discusses his DIT (Do It Together) platform, a networking hub similar to LinkedIn but tailored for indie artists and industry professionals. Post-COVID, there’s been a notable shift toward digital spaces, including online webinars and events through DIT, with mental health becoming a crucial focus as artists navigate new industry challenges.

Supporting Indie Artists: Challenges and Opportunities Through DIT, Darryl’s work centers on educating and connecting indie artists. He explains how shifts from record sales to streaming have reshaped artist careers, while social media has become essential for visibility. Challenges include navigating an industry that now demands more self-promotion and business savvy than ever before.

London’s Music Scene and Venue X Venue’s Community Impact Venue X Venue is also a testament to London, Ontario’s thriving music environment. With backing from the London Music Office, the festival aims to foster community by giving artists performance and networking opportunities, facilitating growth in the indie music sector.

Festivals and Conferences as Career Catalysts Brent and Darryl highlight how festivals and conferences are crucial for indie artist growth, with networking being a key component. Darryl shares a personal example of meeting music industry icon Martin Atkins on MySpace, which evolved into a meaningful professional relationship.

The Future of DIT and Venue X Venue DIT’s mission is to provide growth avenues for indie artists and to create new industry connections. Darryl and Brent discuss the need for sustained support systems and platforms like DIT to help artists and professionals thrive in the evolving music landscape.

Networking and Relationship-Building in the Music Industry Both Brent and Darryl stress the importance of networking, sharing that respect for all members of the industry—from interns to executives—is essential, as today’s juniors can become tomorrow’s leaders. Festivals like Venue X Venue provide a prime environment for these connections.

Data, Targeted Marketing, and International Reach Data analysis is increasingly valuable in the music industry. Darryl mentions tools like Chart Metric for identifying potential markets and using affordable online ads to test audience interest. Targeted marketing and understanding data help artists efficiently grow their fan base, especially when aiming to reach international markets.

Social Media’s Role in Today’s Music Scene Social media has made it easier for indie artists to enter the industry, though maintaining authenticity remains a challenge. Darryl emphasizes the importance of a sustainable approach to career-building in a social-media-driven environment.

Innovation and Wellness in the Music Industry’s Future Looking forward, Darryl believes innovation and adaptability are crucial for the music industry’s survival. Online platforms and webinars will continue to offer essential learning and networking opportunities. Moreover, Darryl highlights the importance of wellness, recalling past events where a full day was dedicated to mental health and wellness.

Community and Collaboration Community is at the heart of Darryl’s vision, with Venue X Venue and DIT both aiming to foster collaboration and support among artists. By working together, indie artists can create a more resilient music industry.

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