Students in MUSB 425, a course focused on Music Marketing and Promotion, had an extraordinary experience at the Cave, a renowned music venue in Buffalo, NY. They got the chance to work closely with professional bands and artists, gaining invaluable insights into the inner workings of the music industry.

Key Takeaways from the Cave Show Experience

Working with Professional Artists

Students in the class had the unique opportunity to collaborate with renowned artists such as Modyst Vibes, a Rochester-based rapper, Spiria, an indie-pop sibling duo from Buffalo, and Hitgrl, an indie rock band composed of SUNY Fredonia students. This hands-on experience allowed them to understand the dynamics of working with professionals and learn how to enhance an artist's performance.For instance, Diavonte Allen, a senior majoring in Music Industry and Communication with minors in Music and Film Studies, served as the A&R representative for Modyst Vibes. He worked one-on-one with the artist, helping with promotion and staying updated on class discussions that could benefit the artist.

Putting on a Successful Show

The class took on the challenge of organizing a show from start to finish. They conducted extensive research on 12 Western New York artists before selecting the performers for the Cave show. Once the performers were chosen, they handled all aspects of show publicity.Posters were created and put up in Fredonia and Buffalo, TikTok videos and Instagram posts were made to reach a wider audience. Event information and promotional flyers were delivered to the artists, their representatives, and the venue. This comprehensive approach taught students how to effectively promote a show and ensure a good turnout.As Hailey LaMacchia mentioned, "We learned how to put on a show, to promote it, and make sure we actually get people to attend. It was a real-life experience that taught us so much."

Handling Challenges and Learning on the Go

Even with meticulous planning, challenges arose during the show. However, the students demonstrated their ability to work through issues and keep the show going.LaMacchia, who aspires to work as an events coordinator, learned valuable lessons in handling unexpected situations. "Of course, there were a few hiccups, but we worked through them and didn't let them stop the show from going on," she said.This experience also strengthened their problem-solving skills and taught them the importance of adaptability in the music industry.

Building Industry Connections

Thanks to the connection of Applied Professional Studies Senior Lecturer Armand Petri with the Cave owner, a Saturday after Thanksgiving has been reserved for future shows by students in HAIL! Fredonia Records. This connection opened doors for the students and gave them a platform to continue their music marketing and promotion efforts.It shows the significance of building relationships in the industry and how such connections can lead to future opportunities.The students' journey in MUSB 425 at the Cave was a transformative experience that equipped them with practical skills and a deeper understanding of the music industry. They are now better prepared to pursue their careers in this dynamic field.