Elevating music’s deep relationship with design.

How we connect, value, and engage with music is what’s at stake.

Designers and musicians have always had a special bond and an ability to influence culture. Design+Music is about leveraging that bond and improving the connection to the power and value of music. Join AIGA Nashville as we bring these two industries together to uncover solutions that enrich the audience experience with music, spotlighting how design thinking can be applied to strengthening our connection to music, culture, art and technology.

Moderated by AIGA Design+Music chairperson, Lawrence Azerrad, we’ll kick off the evening with a conversation on music, design, and inspiration between special guests Dan Auerbach (of Easy Eye Sound, The Arcs, and The Black Keys) and art director Perry Shall. Afterward, we’ll hear from a panel of Nashville’s visual and musical leaders with a focus on design thinking and its impact to solve problems in the music business today.

About the Moderator:

Lawrence Azerrad is a Grammy Nominated Graphic Designer and Creative Director, and is the founder of LADdesign - having completed work for clients such as Sting, Universal Music Group, UC San Diego, Esperanza Spalding, The Beach Boys, UCLA, and an Eighteen-year client relationship with Wilco. Prior to starting LADdesign, Azerrad was art director at Warner Bros Records, creating packaging and artwork for artists such as Miles Davis and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

About the Panel:

• Kris Lamb, Vice President of Promotion for Big Machine Records, has played an integral role in the development of platinum-selling artists such as; Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Zac Brown Band, and Steven Tyler.

• Josh & Bethany Newman, founders of ST8MNT Brand Agency, have combined experience in branding and design, animation, and video direction for clients including EMI, Sony, CMA, Legacy Recordings, CMT and Universal Music Group to name a few. Notable work includes Taylor Swift ’s last four albums, LiveNation, Bonnaroo, National Geographic Channel and the Atlanta Braves.

• Veteran marketing expert, Tom Osborn, is currently at Q Prime Nashville, transitioning recently from the VP of Marketing for New West Records.  He has also has overseen the worldwide music marketing initiatives for the likes of Warner Bros Records, Kobalt Music Services, Epitaph/Anti Records, and Capitol Records.

• Jennifer Peters, Sr. Director Of Production for Concord Music Group, has been doing print pre-press production in the music business for over 15+ years, having worked for Geffen and Capitol Records prior to her current role. Peters has facilitated album packaging for The Beatles, Beck, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, James Taylor, Esperanza Spalding, and Radiohead to name a few.

• Scott McDaniel currently serves as Vice President of Creative for the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation, facilitating visual art for the city of Nashville, and has over 20 years experience within the entertainment industry. McDaniel previously led creative at Sony Music Nashville overseeing art development for artists such as Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, and Carrie Underwood.

Thursday, February 1st || 6pm at the VAULT Studio at ST8MNT Brand Agency

6:00pm: Check In

6:30pm: Discussion

We’ll be serving Big Machine Platinum Filtered Premium Vodka, along with other libations. Appetizers will be available, courtesy of Randi Events. Music provided by DJ Russ Pollard.

Design inspires the world and we inspire each other. Only together can we ensure that everyone, not only in design, but in business, government, media and the public understand the potential of design to change everything. We are stronger together.