2021 Highlights

The 4th Annual DC Music Summit was held across a 3-day span, executed as a hybrid virtual and in-person event. Over 250 DMV-based attendees, session leaders, panelists, and volunteers joined us online, and 30 attendees, vendors, session leaders, and volunteers attended in-person at the Eaton Hotel in Washington, DC. Major sponsors included PorchfestDC, the DC Office of Creative Affairs, We Act Radio, Catharsis on the Mall, Born Brown, TTJ Productions, and The Pocket.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 #VirtualDCMS was themed “The Year to Empower” to encourage creative entrepreneurs to move forward during the pandemic, and continue along a collective journey to artist empowerment.

Participants included GRAMMY®-nominated artist, mix engineer, producer, and educator Carolyn Malachi as Keynote Speaker, and uplifting programing including

  • The Business of Getting a Major Label Quality Mix For Artists (and Mix Engineers)

  • Project Management: How to Steer Your Passion Project from Mission to Execution

  • The Musician's Guide to Creative Wellness

  • Maximizing Your Artist Brand: Creating Unique Digital Marketing Strategies

  • Tools & Programs to Empower Youth During the Pandemic


The summit included 20 mini-interviews via Instagram Live, and introduction of“DCMS Speaks” on IGTV. The premier Music Industry A-Z” panel—including DC music industry experts included:

  • Reesa Renee, Independent Artist

  • EZ Street, WHUR DJ and Music Industry Educator

  • DJ Heat, DJ for Washington Mystics and Wizards and 92Q DJ

  • Stephanie Mathis, Entertainment, Copyright and Trademark Lawyer

  • Elise Perry, Music Producer and Film Director

  • Malachi Robinson, Creative Director of Suitland Arts Center

  • Debórah Bond, Artist and D.C. GRAMMY Chapter Governor

  • MaSheva King, Owner and CEO of Zimari Entertainment Group


Attendees described the 2021 summit as “well-organized,” “engaging,” having “great community vibes,” and “quality speakers and the wide range of information provided.” Quotes from attendees:

“DC Music Summit was a fantastic event with a mix of educational sessions, discussion panels, and artist performances,” Arvind Venugopal, Musician, Podcaster

“As always, you keep your events informative, empowering and poppin!!! This year definitely didn’t disappoint!!!” Kim Dynasty, Music Media

"I cannot stress how important it is to build and maintain relationships with organizations like this and the passionate and committed individuals making events like this possible,” Daniel Hill, Musician, Music Media

“I feel connected and inspired!” Krista O'Connell, Musician

Kate Rears

It stinks!

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DCMS 2021

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2020 Highlights