In the organizer's words:

Premiere of the "Small POP Conference" at domicil

Independent music scene organizes new format with workshops, panel talk and guitar exhibition for the first time

For the first time in Dortmund, a format is being initiated from the independent music scene - and in cooperation with one of the city's most important live venues, domicil - that combines the areas of networking, making the music scene and its structures visible, education and participation.

The event, called "Kleine POP-Konferenz", takes place in several rooms of the domicil and is made by the music scene for the music scene. The mixture of workshops, exhibition, networking area and a panel discussion on the topics of "live venues and promotion" with a focus on inter-communal exchange with several music experts from other cities and regions form the core of the event.

The "Small POP Conference" will start with a double workshop on the topics of "Major labels, Spotify, GEMA and what else you need to know about the music business - an introduction". A workshop with the most important topics, tips, hints and the most important dos and don'ts for musicians, bands and music creators. Dr. Jan Hildenhagen from Ruhr University Bochum will talk about the basics of the music business, i.e. topics such as label work, publishing, online distribution and streaming. In addition, Marc Andre Hoepner will talk about copyright and collecting society laws, GEMA membership structures and earning opportunities as a music creator as well as GEMA's online services.

The second part of the "Small POP Conference" from 4 p.m. will be interactive and take up the idea of the Dortmund kick-off events from previous years, which were initiated by Musiksyndikat Ruhr and others. A musical act by Nordmarkt Records and speed dating to get to know each other and network will be followed by a panel discussion with guests from other cities. It is important that this is planned as a discourse with the visitors. Guests on this day will be Dorette Gonschorek from Musikbüro Bochum, Till Kniola from the City of Cologne's pop music department, Jona Seiler from Münsterbandnetz e. V. and Chris Brosky from Live Initiative NRW. The main focus here is on looking at other cities and their music structures and funding approaches.

The format will be rounded off with an outlook on the activities of the independent music scene in 2026. The day will be accompanied by a very special exhibition by the Rockaway Beat* guitar museum with numerous vintage guitars and special custom-made instruments. Musiksyndikat Ruhr will also be represented with an information stand.

Key dates:
Admission: from 12:30, workshop start: 13:00 / Plenary start: 16:00 / Location: Domicil, Hansastraße 7-11 / Participation is free of charge / Please register at: Freie-Musikszene@email.de

Organizer: domicil in cooperation with the Freie Musikszene Dortmund and the Musiksyndikat Ruhr and supported by the Kulturbüro Dortmund.