NORFOLK — Actor and rap icon Ice-T will be one of the keynote speakers during the East Coast Music Conference here.
Seymour Stein, founder of Sire Records will also be among the notable speakers during ECMC May 9 – 12, according to conference organizers.
The keynote will take the form of a conversation between the two well acquainted music industry legends. Stein left Warner Music as its vice president last year to return to his indie roots, and Ice-T is now the owner of his own label. The Legends of Modern Music event is expected to be equal parts reminiscence and discussion of the dramatic changes in the music industry, according to a news release from ECMC.
“We’re really excited to have this as part of ECMC,” said Executive Producer Grace Garvin. “By attracting industry figures at this level, we’re establishing ECMC as a place where music industry leaders go to talk about the future. With the conference drawing attendees from around the world, ECMC is a step in establishing the 757 as a Mecca for the fragmented $14b independent segment of the industry.”
Executive Director Drew Little said he first met Ice-T more than 25 years ago while working as a music journalist.
“He had a huge impact on me and on my career. I’ve never met Seymour but anyone who’s come up in the music industry, especially anyone into cutting edge rock or hip hop has been influenced and affected by Seymour,” Little said. “As a fan, the chance to see these two together is something I couldn’t have imagined before. As someone in the industry, I’m really excited about the knowledge they’re going to share and just to hear their stories of this amazing business we’re in.”
In its second year, ECMC already has one of the strongest speaker lists of any music conference. ECMC has been named a “Can’t Miss Music Conference for 2019” by College Magazine.
In 2018, the conference hosted 84 independent artists performing at its showcases and about 700 visiting artists attended over 30 panels, seminars, and workshops. Some 7300 fans came out for the music in 2018.
Legends of Modern Music: A Conversation with Seymour Stein and Ice-T will be on May 11 at The TCC Roper Performing Arts Center, 340 Granby St.
Tickets are on sale starting at $49 and can be purchased here. Seating is limited.
Click here for more information about the conference.
