On the topic of subjects that can challenge your brain the Relix Music Conference next pivoted to the realm of how ever changing and advancing technology is impacting the live music industry. "Building Blocks" - moderated by Patrick Workman (Unlock) with speakers Deana Burke (Boys Club), Jarrod Dicker (The Chernin Group) and Vladislav Ginzburg (Blockparty) - dove into the emergence of Web3 space - blockchain, crypto, A.I. (artificial intelligence) and that three-letter acronym, NFTs - along with the practical application of these new, complex and still little understood tools and how their use in the live music space has grown considerably as artists, venues, promoters and ticketing companies look to capitalize on the ever-expanding tech field.

Greg Knight Music's Greg Knight led a conversation called "Brand Aid" that featured Mark Weiss of 237 Global, Brian Schwartz of 75 Management and MAC Presents' Marcie Allen. The three panelists discussed how to make brand partnerships feel authentic, creating relationships with brands, the need for artists to control their own data and more.

Quality interviews and pro panels helped Relix score big in Nashville.

Describing how co-branding with companies can still be a lucrative revenue stream for artists the panel cited the impact of recent change in these traditional relationships. They pointed out that emerging brands are now the ones most likely to back musicians in all capacities and showed how the power of social media to make an artist now can also be their undoing via canceling and the divided political landscape we all now find ourselves working in.

Artists were advised to remain authentic to themselves in order to become attractive to brands and using the example of the recent Bud Light fiasco musicians and companies were reminded to know your demographics by concluding that the Anheuser-Busch/Dylan Mulvaney partnership, "wasn't a good match".

Many other informative panels, live music, catered meals and networking opportunities via free bowling were all part of the experience at Relix publisher Peter Shapiro's world class venue in Music City. Showcasing the craft over the two days were during the afternoon breaks were quality sets by Autumn Nicholas, BOWEN * YOUNG, Goldpine and Wyatt Flores - all presented by the Americana Music Association.

Goldpine made a tour stop to play their hometown Brooklyn Bowl.

In a closing conversation with music journalist Jewly Hight, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Americana artist John Oates discussed his historic career including the impact of the folk revival in the '60s had on his life, how he combined all of his influences in his music, how the art of sampling is keeping classic music alive for a new generation, how "Maneater" evolved from a reggae tune and much more. He also performed a cover of Mississippi John Hurt's "Spike Driver Blues" and an acoustic version of his song "Pushin' A Rock."

John also talked about the importance of his move to Nashville on his own career especially the fact that with so many great players it forced him to up his own game by instituting a more disciplined practice regime. When asked about the future of music - Oates offered that he hopes, "the next generation of musicians will be able to preserve the integrity of organic music. As A.I. begins to rear its very frightening head I am concerned. I am very, very concerned."

"There's an art and a craft especially to songwriting," Oates elaborated. "It's a very magical thing to be able to create something from nothing. (Songwriting) is an amazing beautiful thing that's been a part of humanity from the beginning of time. I'd hate to see that disappear."

Wyatt Flores was hitting the road right after his afternoon set.

Related Links: For more information on the RELIX MUSIC CONFERENCE and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Relix Music Conference | Peter Frampton | John Oates | Brooklyn Bowl Nashville