The City New Orleans Office of Nighttime Economy and The Ella Project teamed up to create Music Census Sessions —to help shoulder that burden and provide the tools, knowledge, and connections New Orleans music industry professionals need to succeed.
This series is tailored for everyone — from those just stepping into the music industry to veterans who’ve been shaping the New Orleans sound for decades. Each session focuses on actionable music industry and business skills, ensuring that no matter your experience level, you’ll walk away with strategies to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape..
2025 SCHEDULE
Career Sustainability in the Music Industry
Join us on Zoom as Shamarr Allen, Raney Antoine, and Sarah Quintana discuss how to build a sustainable, long-term career in music. Topics will include:
Alternative revenue streams
Building a business model
Balancing creative work with financial planning.
Plus your questions!
RSVP here to receive the link!
Building& Managing Your Music Team
Join us via Zoom on Wednesday September 24 at 2:00 p.m. for Building & Managing Your Music Team. Presented by musician and entrepreneur Lou Hill, owner of Rosebud Agency Mike Kappus, and attorney Bri Whetstone as they discuss:
Leveraging Licensing & Sync Opportunities
Join us via Zoom on Wednesday October 1 at 2:00 p.m. for Leveraging Licensing & Sync Opportunities. Presented by musician and entrepreneur Lou Hill, The Ella Project Co-Founder Ashlye Keaton and music supervisor Blake Leyh as they discuss:
Maximizing Revenue Streams for Musicians
On Wednesday April 16 at 2:00 p.m. at the Algiers Regional Library - 3014 Holiday Dr. join us for our latest Music Census Sessions Live workshop on Maximizing Revenue Streams for Musicians. Join Deborah Evans of Della Music Publishing, Jeremy Kelley of Bon Bon Vivant, and The Ella Project’s own Ashlye Keaton as they discuss:
Touring Tips for Local Musicians: Expanding Beyond New Orleans
On Wednesday April 9 at 2:00 p.m. at the East New Orleans Regional Library at 5641 Read Blvd. join us for our latest Music Census Sessions live workshop, Touring Tips for Local Musicians, a conversation featuring Gerard “Bo” Dollis Jr and Eric Johanson, moderated by Julia Heath as they discuss:
Building a Music Business Marketing Plan
On Wednesday April 2nd at 2:00 p.m. join us at the Nora Navra Library at 1902 St Bernard Ave for Building a Music Business Marketing Plan. Presented by Amy Kirk Duvoisin of WWOZ along with Axel Rosa of South 25 Entertainment as they discuss:
Protecting Your Intellectual Property: Copyright and Royalties
Focus: How musicians can protect their music and ensure fair compensation for their work. Topics will cover copyright law, royalties, and distribution rights.
Funding & Grants for Local Music Projects
Speakers: Kia Robinson Hartfield (Director of Programs, Marketing, and Communications for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation) and Gene Meneray (Co-Founder of the Ella Project)
Focus: Practical advice on securing funding through grants, crowdfunding, and financial support programs. Special attention will be given to navigating applications for local and national grants.
Utilizing Social Media for Musicians
Utilizing Social Media for Music Promotion
2:00pm - Wednesday, January 15th 2025
Sanchez Multi-Service Center - 1616 Fats Domino Ave.
Featuring CASMÈ (singer-songwriter), Lou Hill (musician and entrepreneur), and Amanda Mester (artist manager and journalist).