Other conferences talk about the industry. Chicago Music Nexus puts you in it.
Spend two days learning from some of the biggest artists and industry leaders in electronic music.
Field Day
Concord Music Hall becomes a working floor. Play your tracks for A&Rs, get one-on-one advice, and meet people to work with.
Demo Drop
Play your unreleased tracks one-on-one for 12+ A&Rs from Nervous, DND, Liminal, Discoluminati, PNK, and more.
Office Hours
Private one-on-one sessions. Bring your questions and leave with next steps.
- Artist Money Clinic
- Get Booked
- Brand Lab
- Find Your Story
- Instagram Review with 1001Tracklists
AutoTune Vocal Lab
Hands-on vocal production with the AutoTune team.
Headshots with CV Hixon
Professional headshots for $65, an add-on that typically costs $200 elsewhere.
Crossfader
Contest winners film multicam sets on the Concord stage.
Sensaphonics
Get fitted for custom in-ear monitors. The fitting is normally a paid appointment, and it's included with your pass.
The Fitting Room
Work with a stylist on your stage look.
GreenRoom
Maps the room and emails you your matches the next morning.
Conference Day
Three panels, three hands-on workshops, and open networking with the speakers.
Panels
- How To Get Your Music SignedBijou, Lorne Padman, Mike Weiss, Carissa Szlosek, Terry Hunter
- Borrowed Strategies: House vs BassGene Farris, Jake Shore, Paul Campbell, RayRay
- Social Media Secrets for CreatorsGoshfather, Alex Hilburn, Nicole Pellicano, Rach Brosman
- Networking
Workshops
Sign-up opens Nov 13- How I DJLaidback Luke and AlphaTheta
- SongwritingLinney
- Creating Your Signature SoundAspire Academy
Who you'll learn from
Plus Terry Hunter, RayRay, Paul Campbell, Carissa Szlosek, Rach Brosman (Support Women DJs), Alex Hilburn (Surge Social), Nicole Pellicano (Laylo), and more.
What artists left with
Tracks signed on the spot to labels like PLSR and Jack City. Sets at North Coast, House of Blues, Ramova Theatre, Sound-Bar, and Chop Shop.
"If you take advantage of everything that's offered at Music Nexus, it will pay for itself 100 times over."
Shane Archer, Artist
"It gave me so much credibility building relationships with people in Chicago when I was a brand new DJ in the scene in Minneapolis."
Ray Callahan, Artist
"I earned a chance to connect with agents, managers, and artists I normally wouldn't have access to."
Breauxx, Artist
Pick your pass
What your 2-Day Pass includes
- Custom in-ear monitor fitting with Sensaphonics$100 elsewhere
- Access to one-on-one sessions on money, booking, branding, press, and social$1,000+ elsewhere
- Three panels, three workshops, and the full Field Day floorIncluded
- More than $1,500 in services, before you count the panels and workshopsYour pass: $250
Optional add-on: professional headshots with CV Hixon for $65, typically $200 elsewhere. One-on-one sessions are first come, first served when sign-ups open November 13.
Payment plans through Klarna and PayPal Pay Later at checkout. For both days, choose "2-Day Passes" on the AXS page. Prices shown before AXS fees.
Sign-ups open November 13
Demo Drop, Office Hours, and workshop slots are first come, first served, and you need a ticket to get on the list.
Questions
Is this for beginners or only established artists?
Both. Nexus is what you make of it. If you come with questions and you're willing to walk up to people, you'll get a lot out of it wherever you are in your career.
I don't know if I'm ready for this.
Most people feel that way before their first one. You need a few tracks or a mix you're proud of and some idea of what you want help with. If you're not there yet, let the date be your deadline. Getting your materials together for November is a good way to set up your 2027.
Is it worth the money?
A 2-Day Pass costs less than most weekends out, and you leave with feedback from A&Rs, one-on-one advice, a custom in-ear monitor fitting, and a list of people who can help you.
Am I guaranteed a Demo Drop or Office Hours slot?
Slots aren't guaranteed. Sign-ups open November 13 and they're first come, first served for ticket holders. Last year everyone who wanted a slot and signed up on time got one.
What should I bring?
Your laptop, a USB, headphones, and tracks that are ready to play for someone.
Should I come to one day or both?
The days are built to work together. Field Day is one-on-one time and feedback. Conference Day is panels and workshops. If you can only do one, pick the day that fits what you need most right now.
Is there an age requirement?
Yes, Nexus is 18 and over.
Can I get a refund?
Tickets aren't refundable, but you can transfer yours to someone else through AXS.
How do payment plans work?
Choose Klarna or PayPal Pay Later at checkout on AXS, and they'll show you the installment options before you pay.
The room is open. Come be in it.
Two-day passes are limited, and every Nexus so far has sold out.
Not ready to buy yet?
Leave your email and we'll send the full schedule and a reminder before sign-ups open on November 13.