Join the music industry's greatest minds for three days of connection, creativity, and opportunity in the heart of Music City. June 12-14, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.
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what is Smashfest?
SmashFest is a three-day music summit in Nashville uniting artists, songwriters, producers, and executives through curated panels, major and independent showcases, industry mixers, and intentional networking.
We’ll dig into sync licensing, A&R, AI in music, high-level songwriting, and the real-world strategies it takes to build a lasting music career. Beyond conversation, SmashFest creates hands-on opportunities to collaborate with the people shaping today’s and tomorrow’s music landscape.
Why this, why now?
The industry is changing fast. Our mission is to give creators at every level the tools, knowledge, and community to win.
In the past year, new revenue models, new creative tools, and new challenges have reshaped the landscape. SmashFest bridges that gap – bringing industry veterans and rising talent together to share real-world strategies, open doors, and help creators thrive in today’s evolving music ecosystem.

SmashFest is a female-founded, female-led event co-founded and produced by Mickey Shiloh (CEO, HRDRV) and Makeba Woods (Founder, TYDCA), with event coordination led by Adina Korn and brand sponsorships led by Sarah Martinico. We’re honored to bring this vision to life for our peers, partners, clients, fans, and fellow creatives.
SmashFest takes its name from “smash” – the traditional term for a hit – and from our commitment to dismantling outdated systems in the music industry. This is where we break what’s broken: old rules, closed doors, and tired narratives. What takes their place is real community, transparency, collaboration, and power in the hands of the creators.
industry-leading SPEAKERS
SmashFest is where music’s game-changers converge. From Grammy-winning songwriters and visionary executives to trailblazing artists and cutting-edge tech innovators, our stage will be packed with the people redefining the future of music.
Full speaker lineup dropping soon.
Max Gousse
Founder & CEO, Artistry Group
Grammy-winning music executive, producer, and A&R legend known for shaping careers at labels like Def Jam and working with Beyoncé, Solange, YG, and more, now leading his own venture focused on artist development, entertainment financing, and global partnerships.
Makeba Woods
Multi-Platinum Songwriter + Co-Host, SmashFest
Grammy-winning songwriter, vocal producer, and entrepreneur best known for penning hits for Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and many more. With two decades of success shaping the sound of global superstars, she has cemented herself as one of the most influential voices in contemporary music.
Brian "Z" Zisook
Co-founder, Audiomack
Co-founder of Audiomack, the artist-first streaming and discovery platform reaching 50M+ monthly users worldwide. As EVP of Global Operations and Head of Artist & Label Services, he leads a distributed team across four continents and oversees partnerships with 400+ labels and distribution partners. Previously, he co-founded DJBooth and grew it into a leading music publication.
DERRYCK "BIG TANK" THORNTON
Sr. VP Sony, Music Supervisor
Renowned music producer, composer, and music supervisor whose career spans chart-topping records and major film/TV franchises. Known for shaping the sonic identity of series like STARZ’s Power Universe (including Power Book II: Ghost, Raising Kanan, and Force), BMF, Showtime’s The Chi, and Apple TV+’s Swagger. He’s also held executive roles at Geffen, Universal, and Sony Music Publishing.
ADRIANA ARCE
President/Founder, Arce Entertainment
A former Berklee scholarship artist turned acclaimed manager, she guided Miley Cyrus for eight years and Lil Nas X for three. Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Music (2019), she now serves on its board. Her work spans collaborations with Zayn, The Kid Laroi, Labrinth, and Nicole Scherzinger, and building global tours that bridge artistry and business.
ORI WINOKUR
Head of Music, Artlist
Music-tech executive and award-winning producer blending creativity with cutting-edge innovation. As Head of Music & Sounds at Artlist, he scaled the division into a $10M+ operation, led a 50+ person team, and oversaw a global roster of 2,000+ artists. Previously, he co-founded Musico, launching a patented AI-powered online DAW. His production credits include 1,000+ songs and Israel’s best-selling album of all time. Ori now advises leading music-tech startups on product strategy, AI workflows, and catalog growth.
LIZ SHARPE
A&R Director, Music Supervisor
Powerhouse multi-genre songwriter, producer, vocalist, and pianist with major TV/brand sync placements (The Voice, All American, Selling Sunset, Fox NFL, Apple TV+, Netflix, Walmart, and more). She’s the Music Supervisor/Music Director at Songs for Film & TV, championing independent artists and placing music across film, TV, tech, and campaigns.
LYNDIA JOHNSON
Vocal Coach, Scholar, Founder
Globally respected vocal coach, scholar, and founder of Sterling Voice Coaching. Chair of USC’s Popular Music Program, she’s a pioneer of Popular Voice Pedagogy with Oxford-published research and a client roster spanning Grammy winners, Broadway stars, and global touring artists.
WYSHMASTER
Multi-Platinum Producer
Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producer known for creating records that cut across hip-hop, pop, and R&B—and for bridging artist work with brand, film/TV, and gaming worlds. Credits span artists like Nelly, Tech N9ne, Chingy, Pitbull, as well as music featured in multiple Midway Games titles.
CARMEN WALKER
Director, A&R | RCA Inspiration
Memphis, TN native and A&R Director at RCA Inspiration / Provident Entertainment, supporting Sony Music’s leading Gospel/Christian artists—providing creative support to GRAMMY-winning DOE and GRAMMY-nominated ANTHNY, and administrative support to legends like Kirk Franklin and Donald Lawrence.
MICKEY SHILOH
Songwriter, Artist, + Co-Host, SmashFest
Multi-Platinum songwriter, artist, and entrepreneur named to Forbes 30 Under 30. Credits include Janet Jackson, Pitbull, Britney Spears, and more. As founder of HRDRV, a global artist development company, she empowers thousands of creators to build sustainable careers by merging music, business, and community.
STU STAPLETON
Multi-Platinum Songwriter & Producer
Multi-Platinum record producer, songwriter, keyboardist, and mastering engineer. He’s earned 2× Platinum and 4× Gold records, contributed to Billboard 200 charting albums, and has credits across multiple Jelly Roll projects, writing and performing on tracks like Love the Heartless, 5 AM, My Only Enemy, and Southern Hospitality alongside major collaborators like Struggle Jennings and Yelawolf.
Apply to perform at Smashfest
DEADLINE TO APPLY: MARCH 15, 2026
Light up our showcase stage — where industry tastemakers, music lovers, and fellow creatives come together to experience the next wave of talent.
The only requirement to apply is purchasing an Artist Mixer Ticket ($35) — or any event ticket HERE.
Event Schedule
Friday, June 12 — WELCOME
  • 2:00-4:00PM - SmashFest Artist Mixer | All-Access, VIP, Artist Mixer ticket holders
  • 5:00-8:00PM - VIP Mixer + Special Guest Performance at BMI | VIP and Invite-Only
Saturday, June 13 — VIP Q&A + Panels + SHOWCASES
  • 10:00AM-10:30AM • Special Guest Presentation | VIP Only
  • 11:00AM-12:30PM • Plug & Play | live listens + real-time feedback from execs | VIP Only
  • 1:00PM - Royalties: Paid In Full | distribution, publishing, metadata | All-Access + VIP
  • 2:00PM - The Hitmakers Roundtable | grammy-winners on how hits are made | All-Access + VIP
  • 3:00PM - From Pitch to Placement | top supervisors on how to land TV/film/ad syncs | All-Access + VIP
  • 4:00PM - Music, Tech & The Future | the current + future tech stack powering music careers | All-Access + VIP
  • 5:00PM - Music Business Unlocked | deals, leverage, and artist development | All-Access + VIP
  • 7:30-9:30PM - The Main Stage Showcase | All-Access + VIP, Showcase ticket holders
  • 10:00-11:30PM - Drop The Mic: After Party | All-Access + VIP, Showcase ticket holders
Sunday, June 14 — VIP Brunch + SHOWCASES
  • 11:00AM-2:00PM - VIP Brunch + A-List Performance | honoring major executives | VIP Only
  • 4:30PM-7:00PM - Activations + Vendors + Food | All Ticket Types
  • 7:30PM-9:30PM - University Showcase | top student artists nationwide | All Ticket Types
MONDAY, June 15 — SECRET STUDIO SESSION (VIP ONLY)
  • 11:00AM-5:00PM - | Secret Studio Session with Makeba Woods & Mickey Shiloh | Select VIP Passes Only (Application-based)

Please note: Event titles and times are subject to updates.
Premier Venues Across Music City
We’re partnering with Nashville’s most iconic spaces to set the stage for industry innovation. The weekend is built to capture the energy and soul of Music City while offering the perfect backdrop for genuine connection.
National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) — our primary venue
The heart of SmashFest lives at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) in downtown Nashville. This is where we’ll host our panel day and Plug & Play programming—creating a focused, high-impact environment for learning, networking, and real opportunity.
Private industry mixers
We’ll kick off Friday with two exclusive mixers—one at one of the city’s trendiest hotels, and another hosted by BMI. Expect curated intros, genuine conversation, and rooms designed for relationship-building (not just small talk).
Showcases
Experience three showcases—including The Main Stage Showcase and the Drop the Mic afterparty—where rising talent, major artists, and industry veterans share a space for unforgettable nights of music. We’ll close out the weekend with a University Showcase on Sunday, highlighting emerging artists from universities across the country.
TICKET OPTIONS
Early Bird Pricing Ends January 31 • 11:59 PM ET
ALL-ACCESS PASS
FRIDAY, JUNE 12 – SUNDAY, JUNE 14
Gain entry to the full weekend of expert panels, exclusive mixers, and major showcases.
Includes:
  • Welcome Mixer (Friday)
  • Expert Panels (Saturday)
  • All Showcases (Saturday + Sunday)
  • Activations + Vendors (Sunday)
  • Does not include: VIP Mixer, VIP Q&A, VIP Brunch, Studio
(Early Bird: $500 / Reg. price: $625)

For Early Bird, Use Code: EARLYBIRDAA
vip PASS
FRIDAY, JUNE 12 – MONDAY, JUNE 15
Exclusive entry to VIP-only experiences led by Grammy-winning mentors, an invitation-only mixer, and full weekend entry to panels and showcases.
Includes:
  • Welcome Mixer (Friday)
  • VIP Mixer (Friday)
  • VIP Plug/Play + Q&A (Saturday)
  • Expert Panels (Saturday)
  • All Showcases (Saturday + Sunday)
  • VIP Brunch (Sunday)
  • Activations + Vendors (Sunday)
(Early Bird: $2,000 / Reg. price: $3,000)

For Early Bird, Use Code: EARLYBIRDVIP
SEE VIP PASS DETAILS
Elevate your SmashFest experience with unparalleled access and exclusive opportunities designed for the serious music industry professional.
$2,000 early bird (reg. price: $3,000)
Use Code "VIPEARLYBIRD" for $1,000 off until January 31, 2026.
Exclusive VIP Experiences
Gain entry to unique, VIP-only events, including intimate workshops and Q&A sessions led by Grammy-winning mentors, offering invaluable insights and direct interaction.
Invitation-Only Mixer
Network at our exclusive, invitation-only mixer hosted by BMI, connecting with industry leaders, A&Rs, and fellow VIPs in a relaxed, high-value setting.
Secret Studio Session Eligibility
As a VIP Pass holder, you are exclusively eligible to apply for our highly sought-after secret studio session, a rare chance to collaborate and learn from leading hitmakers.
SINGLE EVENT PASSES
If you’ll only be in town for a day or plan to attend just a couple of events. For access to all events, grab an All-Access or VIP Pass.
SHOWCASE PASS
This ticket grants you access to all 3 SmashFest showcases, Saturday - Sunday.
It does not include panels, mixers, or other programming.
Artist Showcases featuring rising stars and special performances from A-list artists. An incredible networking opportunity bringing together music industry leaders and creatives.
Includes:
  • The Main Stage Showcase - Sat, June 13 @ 7:30 PM
  • Drop The Mic After Party - Sat, June 13 @ 10:00 PM
  • University Showcase - Sun, June 14 @ 7:00 PM
$75
ARTIST PASS
This ticket grants you access to our Artist Welcome Mixer (Friday) and University Showcase (Sunday) only. This ticket also makes you eligible to apply to perform.
It does not include panels, mixers, or other programming.
An exclusive mixer uniting Nashville’s artists, songwriters, DJs, and producers with global talent attending SmashFest. Join us for an afternoon of music, meaningful conversation, and connection.
Includes:
  • Artist Welcome Mixer - Fri, June 12 @ 2:00 PM
  • University Showcase - Sun, June 14 @ 7:00 PM
$35
SmashFest Ticket Comparison
Apply to perform at Smashfest
Light up our showcase stage — where industry tastemakers, music lovers, and fellow creatives come together to experience the next wave of talent.
The only requirement to apply is purchasing an Artist Mixer Ticket ($35) — or any event ticket HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is SmashFest?
Friday, June 12 - Sunday, 14, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. All SmashFest events take place in the Music Row / Broadway area.
Core programming runs June 12–14, with a VIP-only extension on June 15.
Is SmashFest all ages?
SmashFest is all-ages.
At venues where alcohol is served, a valid government-issued ID is required to purchase/consume alcohol — no exceptions. Guests of legal drinking age will be wristbanded/stamped separately.
While the programming is all-ages, we recommend ages 16+. If an attendee is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present.
Discounted student tickets are available. To request a student rate or ask questions, email smashfest@hrdrv.com
Where should I stay while attending SmashFest?
Anywhere within a 5-mile radius of Music Row / Broadway will put you right near the action!
Which airport should I fly into?
BNA (Nashville International Airport). It's only 15 minutes away from where SmashFest events take place.
Do you provide hotel discounts?
Not at this time. All attendees will be notified should this change. We're working on it!
What is your refund policy?
All ticket sales are final unless the event is canceled for any reason, including a force majeure event. We know things come up—illness, travel issues, schedule changes—so if you can’t attend, your ticket is fully transferable to another attendee (you’re welcome to re-sell yours), or you can apply the full value of your ticket toward other services offered by Mickey Shiloh and/or Makeba Woods—such as 1:1 mentorship, creative services, or future events. We’ll honor the full value you’ve paid in whatever way works best for you.
How should I prepare for SmashFest?
Bring business cards, a QR code, or some other quick way for people to connect with you. Have your music ready to share (new demos, recent releases, etc.), especially for listening sessions or hangouts outside of SmashFest. Beyond that, show up with an open mind, something to take notes on, and be ready to network.
Can I promote my company at SmashFest?
Absolutely! Please fill out our vendor form here.
How do I become a sponsor?
We'd love to chat! Please fill out our inquiry form here. We'd be happy to share the deck outlining how SmashFest can highlight your company / brand / school.
MEET THE TEAM
MICKEY SHILOH
Co-Host & Co-Founder
Multi-platinum songwriter, artist, and entrepreneur named to Forbes 30 Under 30. Credits include Janet Jackson, Pitbull, Britney Spears, and more. As founder of HRDRV, a global artist development company, she empowers thousands of creators to build sustainable careers by merging music, business, and community.
Makeba Woods
Co-Host & Co-Founder
Grammy-winning songwriter, vocal producer, and entrepreneur best known for penning hits for Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and many more. With two decades of success shaping the sound of global superstars, she has cemented herself as one of the most influential voices in contemporary music.
Adina Korn
Event Operations
USC Thornton alumna (B.S. Music Industry, '19) from Brooklyn, Adina Korn blends her songwriting, production, and industry expertise to lead artist development and creative projects with companies like Breaking Sound and HRDRV. For SmashFest, she will ensure seamless execution and deliver unforgettable experiences for both artists and audiences.
Sarah Martinico
Brand Partnerships & Sponsorships Lead
Owner of Martinico Media and a music marketing executive with 12+ years of experience across strategy, partnerships, brand deals, and integrated campaigns for A-list talent, legacy artists, record labels, brands, and tech/entertainment companies. Sarah has led U.S. and international work spanning campaigns, partnerships, strategy, and pitches for Sony Latin, BMG, BIG3 Basketball, Gala Music (Web3), Snoop Dogg, Anitta, CeeLo Green, Keyshia Cole, DJ Nelson, Redwine, Albert Menendez, Caribbean Governments, and more.
Ambassadors
SHALISE
Shalise is a Connecticut-based member of the Moms in Music organization with a strong background in operations, team organization, and community engagement.
AIDANN
Aidann is a UCLA student, vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and producer merging computer science with music—focused on music technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
ANTHONY
Anthony is Head of Music & Publishing at HRDRV, a decorated producer and artist who connects sync opportunities with the metadata and systems behind them. He’s a key dot-connector for SmashFest.
past events
Our hosts have organized events in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, San Francisco, and New York City — from intimate 10-person studio sessions to 50-guest creator camps and 300-attendee award shows.
SmashFest is set to be our most unforgettable experience yet.
questions?
Message us!
SmashFest is brought to you by HRDRV and TYDCA.