Full Schedule
Thursday, November 12
Speakers: Mike Fink, Marcel, Adrian Marcel, Mr. Hong, Erica Foss
There's endless advice about release day. Almost none about the other 364. This panel is about those.
Mike Fink from DistroKid sits down with independent artists and industry professionals to talk about what actually builds a career: how to space out releases, what to do in the gaps, and how to turn casual listeners into people who actually show up (and pay).
Whether it's your first release or your fifteenth, you'll leave with homework. The good kind.
Jake Warren, Music Producer
Inside Sync is an interactive discussion exploring the creative process behind modern sync music.
Using his original song,"HAUNT U," featured in the official trailer for American Horror Stories as a starting point, Jake Warren shares the story behind building an independent career in Los Angeles—from developing a signature sound and collaborating with artists to writing music for publishers, music libraries and major film and television productions.
Through conversation, audience questions and selected examples from his own work, Jake explores the creative and professional decisions behind modern sync music, offering practical insight into the creative and business sides of building a career in today's industry.
Jai Josefs, World Renowned Songwriting Coach
What separates a good song that you and your friends enjoy from an outstanding song that can be the gateway to reaching a worldwide audience? In this hands-on workshop,acclaimed songwriting coach Jai Josefs will break down the key elements that elevate a good song to greatness — both musically and lyrically. You'll learn the core concept behind what makes a song truly stand out, along with practical techniques you can apply to your writing immediately. Using real-world examples from classics to current hits, Jai will guide you in sharpening your craft and taking your songwriting to that next level.
Linney, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, DJ, Tastemaker
Great songs rarely begin with a melody. They begin with a moment: a passing thought, a conversation, a memory, or an emotion that refuses to let go.
In this workshop, songwriter and artist Linney shares her process for recognizing those creative sparks before they disappear and transforming them into meaningful lyrics, melodies, and stories. Through real-world examples from her own catalog, practical writing exercises, and techniques for developing stronger creative instincts, you’ll learn how to uncover inspiration in everyday life, build a library of song ideas, and write from a place of honesty that resonates with listeners.
Whether you’re an experienced songwriter or just beginning, you’ll leave with a practical framework for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary songs.
What does it take to build a lasting career in recording? Join a panel of accomplished Bay Area recording engineers, producers, studio managers, and studio owners as they share the experiences, decisions, and philosophies that have shaped their careers. From landing early opportunities and developing their craft to building studios, fostering creative communities, and adapting to an evolving industry, this conversation explores what it takes to build a meaningful and sustainable career in audio.
Jai Josefs, World Renowned Songwriting Coach
Jai’s SongShop is a rare, deep-dive song critique workshop for talented and aspiring songwriters ready to elevate their craft. In this immersive session, Jai offers professional, in-depth feedback on selected songs—using each one as a springboard to explore all the key elements of great songwriting: melody, lyrics, chords, groove, structure, and even marketing. Participants generally say they’ve learned as much or more from Jai’s insights into others’ songs as from the critique of their own. So this isn’t just about improving one track—it’s about gaining powerful tools and perspectives that will sharpen everyone’s songwriting overall.
Friday, November 13
Saturday, November 14
Moderator: Nikita Page
Elaine Huang, Neon Owl, Open Door Sessions
Lorne Padman, Laidback Luke, TrueStep
Sacha Robotti, Dirtybird, Sloth Acid
+ more
Careers in music and sound extend far beyond hit records, perhaps now more than ever. As the music industry continues to evolve, game audio has emerged as one of the most exciting and rewarding fields for composers, sound designers, producers, and audio professionals to apply their creative and technical skills. This is your chance to join a panel of experienced game audio professionals as they discuss the current state of the industry, the wide range of career opportunities available, and practical strategies for breaking into the field.
Karina Flonnoy, Founder, Studio X Recording, Artist and Engineer
Tyler Reese, Artist, Vocal Producer & Recording Engineer
Moderators: Steve Horowitz & Scott Looney (Game Audio Institute)
Jessica Fajfar, Director of the CREATE Law Clinic and Associate Professor
Justine Levy, Adjunct Professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law
Nicolas de Porcel, Owner and Chief Mastering Engineer, Million Dollar Snare
Steve Horowitz, GAI, SFSU
Scott Looney, GAI/IASIG
Nick, Insomniac / Factory 93 / Dreamstate
Lauren Anderson, Madminds / LabelWorx
Sacha Robotti, Sloth Acid / Dirtybird
Andrew + Natasha, Thrive Music)
Goshfather
Lorne Padman
Neon Owl
Schedule subject to change
