How to Discover Music in 2023

The internet promised to level the playing field for artists and labels, yet the music we are served up feels increasingly determined by invisible algorithms. How can artists, managers and labels build sustaining connections with audiences amidst these shifting sands? Mexican Summer A&R manager and music journalist Matthew McDermott will speak with various music industry figures who manage to make fandom feel more personal and less data-driven.

Margeaux Labat (marg.mp3) is a Brooklyn-based TikToker, NTS DJ, playlist creator and member of the Pitchfork video team who has built a popular brand around music discovery. Across platforms, Labat exposes millions to unexpected artists from the past and present, positioning herself as a friendly guide rather than a traditional critic. Labat's practice indicates a personality-driven approach may be the future of music discovery on emergent platforms like TikTok.

George Connolly is an A&R manager for the London label Young, where he works closely with the likes of Jamie xx and Koreless. He also represents the meteoric dance duo Two Shell, who have employed a mix of pranks, puzzles and mystique to build both buzz and a devoted audience for their banging UK dance tracks – including playing a surprise set at by:Larm 2022. Connolly understands meme-worthy moments are useful mostly as a stepping stone to a sustainable, artistically rewarding career.

Algorithms will continue to play a huge role in music discovery. This panel will lay out novel ways artists can build personal and enduring bonds with fans in the "here today, gone tomorrow" attention economy.