The conference kicks off today with a tour of KEXP's new home, before it officially opens to the public on Saturday. Then, later in the day, the keynote speakers take the stage of EMP's Sky Church in "To Sing: The Care and Keeping of the Voice in Music." NPR Music writer Ann Powers will moderate vocalists Merrill Gerbus of tUnE-yArDs, Americana music star Valerie June and four time Grammy winner k.d. lang in a discussion on how they came across, nurtured and continue to advance their vocal talents.
Throughout the week the panels range from taking a straight forward approach to the theme such as "Singer Songwriter" and "Good Bad Singing and Bad Good Singing" (which happens to include panelist and Seattle writer, musician and actor Sean Nelson), to more abstract interpretations like "Digital Prosumers Vocalize Identity" and "The Sentimental Voice." A diverse assortment of roundtable discussions can also be found spattered throughout the conference and a record store showdown offers a bit of competition to the mix. Regardless of what event you chose to attend, Pop Conference offers a great opportunity to hear what some of the greatest minds of the music community have to say, and often a chance to even meet and discuss with them.
The event is free and open to the public but registration is highly advised to ensure admission. Check out the full schedule and speaker list for the event here.
Loyal listeners of The Roadhouse on KEXP may have noticed host Greg Vandy was absent a bit last year... well, now you can hold in your hand the reason why: 26 Songs in 30 Days: Woody Guthrie's Columbia River Songs and the Planned Promised Land in the Pacific Northwest, out now via Sasquatch Books. …