​​*Water & Music members get in for FREE! If you're a member, please request a free "Members" ticket, and input the name and email tied to your W&M membership account. You should get approved within 48 hours of signing up.

​​​For everyone else, please purchase a non-member ticket to get access, or learn more about our membership perks here.

​RSVPs close at 12:30PM EST the day of the event (December 17).

​The music industry's obsession with superfans has reached a fever pitch. While everyone rushes to build the next fan platform or monetization strategy, we're overdue for an honest conversation about what's actually working — and what isn't.

​In this focused, 60-minute session, we're bringing together three leading voices to challenge common assumptions about fandom, technology, and data ownership. Each speaker will deliver a lightning talk examining an uncomfortable truth about modern fandom, followed by guided discussion and audience Q&A.

​Our speakers will unpack:

​The celebrity superfan complex

​Monia Ali (Writer/Critic, Fandom Exile) will examine how the current model of emotional monetization — asking fans to pay more for deeper parasocial connections — is creating unsustainable dynamics for both artists and audiences.

​The reality of data control

​Andy Blair (Founder, Reverb Data) will break down why no one truly "owns" fan data from a legal perspective, and how current incumbent industry approaches to data control are on a collision course with privacy regulations and growing artist leverage.

​The platform paradox

​Hanna Kahlert (Analyst, MIDIA Research) will present an argument for why launching new fan platforms isn't the answer to critical fan engagement challenges, drawing from years of research on failed attempts and shifting artist and fan behaviors.

​This won't be just another webinar celebrating superfan success stories. Instead, we're creating space for the critical conversations the industry needs to have about sustainable artist-fan relationships, practical technology solutions, and ethical data practices.

​This session is perfect for:

• ​Artists, artist managers, and labels rethinking their fan engagement strategies

• ​Music tech founders building fan-focused products

• ​Anyone interested in the future of artist-fan relationships beyond the surface-level hype

​Please note: This will be our final webinar of 2024. Don't miss this chance to challenge your assumptions about fandom, and gain actionable insights for the year ahead.

​​​*Can't make the event live, but still want the webinar recording? Please still RSVP so that you can receive our exclusive recording and recap notes after the fact!

​About Water & Music

​​​Water & Music is a leading provider of tech research, consulting, and education for the music business. Our premium research, company databases, and online courses help thousands of industry customers stay ahead of the curve on music-tech trends.

​​​Our mission is to empower music professionals with the knowledge, insights, and connections they need — not only to navigate innovation, but also to become active participants in advancing the industry forward.

​​​Learn more about our work:
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