Sunset Sessions is a conference for music industry professionals, established by indie radio promoter Michele Clark in 1998. It features performances from new musical talent and established acts with the intention of exposing executives to new music while connecting with each other and the artists in intimate settings. It is not open to the public. Invited guests include radio programmers, music supervisors from film, television, ads, games and sports, artists, artists’ managers, major and independent record labels, TV bookers, press, booking agents, network executives, influencers, journalists and promotion executives. The conference includes daytime industry panels, keynote speakers and meetings for the industry to discuss current issues. The primary event is usually held in a tropical location and takes place over several days and nights, once or twice per year. There have also been breakout events such as songwriter retreats, South by Southwest showcases, tours, and small showcases.
Overview
Sunset Sessions was created in 1998 by independent radio promotion person Michele Clark as a new way to have the radio programmers in the Triple A Format see the artists she wanted them to play. It was also created as a way for industry executives to connect on a deeper, social level. Sunset Sessions historically focuses on specific types of music such as the Triple A music format and then later, the Rock and Alternative music formats beginning in 2011.
Sunset Sessions began hosting songwriters retreats in Las Vegas, and created a Sunset Sessions Tour where artists would share touring resources, benefit local charities and visit the cities of the radio stations who attended the Sunset Sessions events. The first tour featured Duncan Sheik, Alpha Rev, Courrier and Laura Warshauer.
Some of Sunset Sessions most notable alumni are Jack Johnson, The Zac Brown Band, Fun., Jason Mraz and The Black Keys
The first time the public could join the event, was in November 2012 at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas where all proceeds from ticket sales were given to charities chosen by the artists. Stevie Nicks and Carlos Santana participated in this event.
October 2013 Songwriters Retreat took place in Tulum, Mexico. Artists included Bob Schneider, Tristan Prettyman, Anya Marina Kahn Morbee and Glenn Hodgson from South African band The Parlotones Grammy Award winner Alex Cuba, Mark Bryan from Hootie and the Blowfish, Whitebread, Shawn Pereira, Louise Goffin Brittney Rose and others.
The 17th Triple A Sunset Sessions took place in February 2014 in Carlsbad, California with its primary Main Stage shows at the Belly Up Tavern. The public were invited to attend the Belly Up performances as well. and Keynote Speaker Erik Logan, President of Oprah Winfrey Network and Harpo Productions, owned by Oprah Winfrey. Marc Geiger, head of music for William Morris Agency as well as acclaimed artist manager Danny Goldberg and many others. Artist line up included return performances from Ziggy Marley who also played Sunset Sessions Hawaii 2003, the John Butler Trio Needtobreathe and The Parlotones all for their 3rd time, Augustana and Beware of Darkness for the 2nd time and new to the Sunset Sessions artist alumni were The Hold Steady, Jeremy Messersmith, Louise Goffin, Robert Delong, Eddie Money (along with the debut of his son Dez Money ), Kodaline, Flagship, and about 30 others. The Recording Academy LA Chapter hosted the Grammy Award Welcome Reception and the event culminated at 4x alumn Jason Mraz 's home studio with an intimate performance by Mraz.
Sunset Sessions produced a SXSW Showcase in Austin Texas with alumni Melissa Etheridge, Bob Schneider, Alpha Rev, The Parlotones, and Louise Goffin at the Paramount Theater.
The 4th Sunset Sessions Rock returned to Carlsbad CA in June 2014, with shows at the Belly Up in Solana Beach California. Artists included Galvanized Souls, Twelve Foot Ninja, Wake the Sun, The Last Year, TODDZERO, Semi Precious Weapons, Ryan Aderrey, Dirty Heads, Gary Calamar, Billy Gill, Black Mambooza, Oh, Be Clever, Kathryn Dean, Letters From the Fire, The Last Internationale, The Whigs, Open Air Stereo, Bushwalla Raining Jane, Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts, Hero The Band, The Young Presidents, Megafauna, Welshly Arms, Heartist and Michael Bernard Fitzgerald. Scott Weiland also did one interview with Matt Pinfield. This was one of Weiland's last performances before he died.
History
Sunset Sessions was founded by Michele Clark, who created Michele Clark Promotion and M:M Music, which did independent radio promotion for over 20 years. Clark has assisted artists by getting them radio airplay primarily in the Triple A radio format.