The 4th Annual DC Music Summit was held across a 3-day span, executed as a hybrid virtual and in-person event. Over 250 DMV-based attendees, session leaders, panelists, and volunteers joined us online, and 30 attendees, vendors, session leaders, and volunteers attended in-person at the Eaton Hotel in Washington, DC.

Given the challenges our community faces due to COVID-19, the 2021 #VirtualDCMS was themed “The Year to Empower” to encourage creative entrepreneurs to move forward in the pandemic, and continue along our collective journey to artist empowerment. 

GRAMMY®-nominated artist, mix engineer, producer, and educator Carolyn Malachi was our Keynote Speaker, and we were uplifted by several local artists’ performances. Each educational session was tailored to be led virtually, and included elements of how attendees can apply this knowledge in a “quarantine world.” Examples of programs this year include: 

• The Business of Getting a Major Label Quality Mix For Artists (and Mix Engineers)
• Project Management: How to Steer Your Passion Project from Mission to Execution
• The Musician's Guide to Creative Wellness
• Maximizing Your Artist Brand: Creating Unique Digital Marketing Strategies
• Tools & Programs to Empower Youth During the Pandemic

Throughout the summit, we conducted over 20 mini-interviews with our community via Instagram Live, and will continue the “DCMS Speaks” feature into the future. Our premier “Music Industry A-Z” panel—where industry experts discuss challenges, solutions, and knowledge—included:

• Reesa Renee, Independent Artist
• EZ Street, WHUR DJ and Music Industry Educator
• DJ Heat, DJ for Washington Mystics and Wizards and 92Q DJ
• Stephanie Mathis, Entertainment, Copyright and Trademark Lawyer
• Elise Perry, Music Producer and Film Director 
• Malachi Robinson, Creative Director of Suitland Arts Center
• Debórah Bond, Artist and D.C. GRAMMY Chapter Governor 
• MaSheva King, Owner and CEO of Zimari Entertainment Group

Thanks to our volunteers, technology team, and sponsors like PorchfestDC, the DC Office of Creative Affairs, We Act Radio, Catharsis on the Mall, Born Brown, TTJ Productions,  and The Pocket—our virtual summit was a huge success. 

Attendees described the 2021 summit as “well-organized,” “engaging,” having “great community vibes,” and “quality speakers and the wide range of information provided.” Quotes from attendees:

“DC Music Summit was a fantastic event with a mix of educational sessions, discussion panels, and artist performances,” Arvind Venugopal, Musician, Podcaster

“As always, you keep your events informative, empowering and poppin!!! This year definitely didn’t disappoint!!!” Kim Dynasty, Music Media

"I cannot stress how important it is to build and maintain relationships with organizations like this and the passionate and committed individuals making events like this possible,” Daniel Hill, Musician, Music Media

“I feel connected and inspired!” Krista O'Connell, Musician

We’re committed to carrying this positive momentum as we continue to build our community! Stay tuned!