This year’s Mondo NYC conference brought together industry veterans to tackle today’s music challenges.
The Mondo NYC music business conference celebrated a decade of influence from October 14-17, uniting passionate professionals from both major and independent labels, management firms, legal teams, music publishing, technology startups, and educators. Held at the Arlo Williamsburg Hotel, the event featured a packed agenda filled with presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect over shared insights and evolving industry dynamics. The gathering attracted not only executives but also currently performing artists, many of whom have rich backgrounds in music performance or recording.
This year’s lineup of performers included Messiah Harris, the son of Atlanta rap star T.I., who performs under the name Buddy Red, and the alt-rock duo Absolight from Quebec, Canada, known for their catchy, riff-driven songs. The conference served as a platform for artists to showcase their work while engaging with industry insiders and discussions around the future of music.
Co-founders Bobby Haber and Joanne Abbot Green have worked to expand the scope of Mondo NYC, hosting a variety of influential figures who shape the production, marketing, and distribution of music. Attendees weighed in on how to tackle the persistent challenges posed by a rapidly changing industry, particularly the implications of technological advances. While discussions around Web3 technologies were less prominent, artificial intelligence emerged as a focal point of concern, with mixed sentiments about its potential impact on the industry.
A key panel discussion moderated by Jem Aswad from Variety featured industry leaders discussing the current state of the music business. Audrey Fix Schaefer of the National Independent Venue Association highlighted concert revenue struggles, noting that changing youth behaviors and trends in consumer spending are affecting live music attendance. Contrastingly, singer-songwriter Peter Silberman emphasized the importance of fans purchasing digital downloads to genuinely support artists, rather than relying solely on streaming services.
One of the most engaging segments came from a fireside chat with Henry Rollins, former frontman of Black Flag, who shared his gritty journey through the punk scene and his evolution into a multi-hyphenate artist and entrepreneur. Rollins recounted his early days in music, emphasizing that determination and resilience were key to surviving the demanding environment of touring and performing.
AI’s role in music creation and distribution was at the forefront of discussions throughout the conference. Experts shared insights on both the promises and pitfalls of AI technology, with panels examining its impact on creative processes and the challenges of integrating AI into existing systems. Industry professionals noted the growing prevalence of AI-generated content and the need for measures to protect artists and their intellectual property from potential exploitation.
Advocacy panels also highlighted the slow pace of policy adaptation in the music industry, particularly around the issue of performance royalties for terrestrial radio broadcasts. This ongoing debate underscores the need for continued advocacy and reform to ensure fair compensation for artists in a landscape that is largely unchanged despite technological advancements.
The Mondo NYC conference proved to be an essential gathering for anyone invested in the music industry, offering valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a sense of community among those navigating the evolving world of music business. As plans are already underway for Mondo NYC 2026, taking place from October 13-16, the community looks forward to continued discussions and developments in the years to come.