Smashfest Summit 2026 brought artists, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals to the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville for a day focused on the evolving music business. Presented by Mickey Shiloh and Makeba Woods, the summit featured four panels covering royalties, songwriting, sync licensing, and music technology before concluding with The MainStage Showcase at Cannery Hall. Across each conversation, one theme consistently emerged: understanding the business side of music is just as important as the creative side. Speakers encouraged attendees to take ownership of their careers by learning about publishing, rights management, licensing, and emerging technology, emphasizing that long-term success often depends on knowledge beyond the studio.
The day opened with "Royalties: Paid In Full," featuring Brian Z Zisook, Jamie Dee Hart, Jeff Ponchick, Sean McNamara, and Tami LaTrell. The panel explored publishing, distribution, metadata, and the various royalty streams available to creators. A recurring point throughout the discussion was how frequently artists miss out on revenue due to incomplete registrations or inaccurate ownership information. Speakers stressed that releasing music is only part of the process. Understanding publishing, maintaining accurate records, and tracking song splits from the start can help creators maximize earnings and avoid challenges later in their careers. The conversation highlighted the often-overlooked administrative work that plays a critical role in today's music industry.
Royalties: Paid In Full
Royalties: Paid In Full
Royalties: Paid In Full
Royalties: Paid In Full
The Hitmakers Roundtable brought together Blac Elvis, David "DQ" Quioñes, Eric Hurt, Makeba Woods, and Mickey Shiloh for a discussion on songwriting, production, and creative collaboration. Drawing from their experiences across multiple genres, panelists reflected on the habits and relationships that contribute to long-term success. While every career path looks different, speakers repeatedly emphasized consistency and adaptability. The discussion also explored the balance between artistic authenticity and commercial realities, offering insight into how creators navigate an industry that is constantly evolving.
The "From Pitch to Placement" panel focused on sync licensing and what it takes to land music in television, film, and advertising. Amelia Gross, Butta B-Rocka, Derryck "Big Tank" Thornton, J Bonilla, and Liz Sharpe shared their perspectives on the selection process and the growing demand for original music across media platforms. Panelists explained that quality music is only one part of the equation. Songs must also be easy to clear, properly organized, and supported by accurate ownership information. The discussion underscored the importance of professionalism and relationship-building within the sync world, where preparation can often determine whether opportunities become placements.
The final panel, "Music, Tech & The Future," examined how technology continues to reshape nearly every aspect of the music business. Featuring Gebre Waddell, James Kaye, Juan Elias, Ke Shang, and Ori Winokur, the conversation explored the tools helping artists manage rights, analyze audiences, and continue to build sustainable careers. While technology remains a driving force in the industry's evolution, speakers emphasized that creativity remains at the center of successful artistry. The session closed with encouragement for creators to remain curious and adaptable as new innovations continue to emerge.
The Hitmakers
The Hitmakers
The Hitmakers
The Hitmakers
The day concluded with The MainStage Showcase at Cannery Hall, featuring performances from a lineup of emerging artists. While I was not able to stay for every set, I did catch performances from Victoria Alex and Rayne Fernandez. Victoria Alex delivered an energetic set that blended pop-punk influences with modern alternative sounds. At the same time, Rayne Fernandez showcased a mix of R&B, pop, and hip-hop backed by soulful vocals and quite a confident stage presence. Although I only experienced part of the showcase, both performances provided a fitting close to a day centered on creativity and career development. Smashfest Summit 2026 highlighted not only where the music industry stands today, but where it may be headed next.
Victoria Alex
Victoria Alex
Victoria Alex
Victoria Alex
Rayne Fernandez
Rayne Fernandez
- Ava Kellner Pence
Photos Courtesy of Ava Kellner Pence (For Bell Music Magazine)
