Focusing on the current state of the music industry, this discussion was hosted by SMC Professor and Verizon Chair Jim McKairnes. He and the panelists take a critical look at where the music business stands and what direction it’s headed in. The members on the large discussion panel range from hip hop artist Jasiri X to Dave Silver, owner of the Philadelphia-based record company Recollective Records. The panelists discuss the effect self-production has had on the industry, and how artists can differentiate themselves from the other multitudes of musicians by utilizing it. Additional points of discussion include songwriting, promotion, and Spotify.

Part two of the Symposium features returning faces from the morning panel, Jeff Moskow, head of A&R for the “Now” music series, as well as some new ones such as Philly rapper E-Hos, Ryan Hall, a member of the Fame House crew, and Will Toms, a driving force behind RecPhilly. All are present to continue discussion of the current state and future of the music industry. The panel focuses on creative control between artists and record labels, emerging new labels, the oft-questioned relevance of radio, and Philadelphia’s role in the future of the music scene.