Impact Days 2024, which took place on July 26 and July 27 in Denver was a powerful, insightful, and impactful weekend. The event brought together musicians, industry professionals, and young creatives for two days of insightful discussions, inspiring workshops, and valuable networking opportunities. Curated and led by the team at Youth on Record including Jami Duffy (Executive Director), Stephen Smith-Contreras (Director of Programs), Mona Magno (Youth Success Manager) and Danielle Lumpkin (Mental Health and Wellness Manager), this year’s event was built around the following tracks: "What Artists Need to Know Now," "What We Can Learn From Experience," and "Building a Better Future…Together." This year’s Impact Days also included a robust Mental Health and Wellness track.

Highlights from Impact Days:

• Leadership Sessions: Inspiring talks from industry leaders, elected officials, and young creatives including Jami Duffy (Executive Director at Youth on Record), Representative Leslie Herod, Storm Gloor (Professor at UC Denver Arts and Media), and Youth on Record fellows, provided valuable insights and perspectives on the music industry and its impact across sectors.
• Panel Discussions: This year's engaging discussions featured experts in various fields, offering practical advice and guidance to musicians. 
  • A radio panel moderated by Bruce Trujillo of Manos Sagrados and members of Denver’s radio community including The Drop, Indie 102.3, KTCL and more. The conversation focused on how up-and-coming artists should approach getting airtime on the radio.
  • A music management panel moderated by Sofia Young, a current Fellow, featured insights from representatives from industry leading management companies like: Future Garden, Sonder Music, 7S Management and Psychic Hotline. 
  • The “Future of Merchandise” panel moderated by Mona Magno, explored all the different approaches to curating and producing music products. From unique band t-shirts to crossword puzzles, this panel showcased the creativity of merchandising. 
• Masterclasses and Workshops: We brought in some incredible industry experts and educators to lead in-depth and interactive masterclasses.
  • Kaitlyn Williams and Bunny Blake led an insightful and inspiring ‘Songwriter Fishbowl’ session exploring their world of songwriting, and focused on discovering the nuances behind creating a masterpiece and collaborating with other musicians. 
  • Denver based musician and producer Namebackwards from Off the Cuff led a jam session focused on collaborating with other musicians, flexing your improvisation skills, and learning how to conduct a jam session.
  • Boomy led two masterclasses with live product demos focused on incorporating AI tools into your music production and distribution workflow. 
• Mental Health and Wellness: Impact Days prioritized mental health and wellness, offering a range of supportive resources and activities. Under the guidance of Danielle Lumpkin, the new Mental Health and Wellness Manager, attendees had access to one-on-one support, engaging wellness activities, and essential mental health resources. One participant shared, “I was extremely anxious and paranoid going into the event. But the vendor, staff, and sessions made me feel welcome and like it’s ok if I’m different.” This feedback underscores the positive impact YOR made in creating a supportive and inclusive environment. The Wellness Track also included:
  • Wellness popup: Participants engaged in flower essences, acupressure, B12 shots, and a collaborative mural, finding these activities beneficial for connecting with emotions and reflecting on growth.
  • EMDR therapy: Ardent Grove Foundation's workshop explored trauma and its impacts, introducing participants to EMDR therapy as a valuable tool for coping with trauma.
  • Band mediation and coaching: The Conflict Center offered workshops to help musicians navigate creative differences and build stronger relationships within their bands.
• Coaching and Networking Opportunities: Impact Days provided various coaching sessions around fundraising, finance, marketing, and ample opportunities for attendees to connect with other musicians, industry professionals, and like-minded individuals. These one-on-one sessions with experts in funding, strategy, and finance were focused on the issues that matter most to creatives including securing funding, developing a strategic plan, and managing your finances, these personalized sessions are tailored to help you succeed.
  • Backline Care, an organization committed to supporting the mental health of musicians through case management and community referrals, offered attendees free one on one sessions to create a plan to address their unique needs and support their professional growth. 

Impact Days was a testament to the power of community and collaboration within the music industry. The event provided a platform for musicians of all levels to learn, grow, and connect with one another. By focusing on the importance of listening to young creatives and caring for the community, Impact Days helped to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. 

As the music industry continues to evolve, events like Impact Days are essential for ensuring that musicians have the resources and support they need to succeed. Youth on Record is committed to continuing to provide opportunities for young creatives to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on the music scene. Stay tuned for information on the 2025 Impact Days! Follow @impactdays for updates and subscribe to our newsletter!