As Vice President, Digital Strategy and Business Development for NARM, Bill Wilson leads the charge on all things digital at the music business association. A music industry professional with over two decades of experience working in varied roles within independent and major record labels, internet ventures, and mobile content, he brings a well-rounded perspective to the industry trade association. digitalmusic.org, the virtual home of music business association NARM’s digital initiatives, will present several sessions from its "Music Start Up Academy" curriculum with Wilson hosting, in conjunction with the SXSW Accelerator program. SXSW Music and Platinum badge holders will be able to participate in the Music Start Up Academy, which will be held on Wednesday, March 14. Bill was kind enough to respond to our questionnaire.

1. Who are you/ what do you do?

Hi! I'm Bill Wilson and I run digitalmusic.org under NARM, the music business trade association. We bring commerce companies together with the labels and publishers to resolve B2B issues, provide continuing education for our members, and provide many ways for our members to grow their personal network. In my previous lives, I've worked at major labels, internet startups, and had my own indie label for 15 years.

2. What will you be talking about on your panel?

The three Music Startup Academy sessions held in conjunction with the accelerator are designed to teach developers and entrepreneurs the core of what they must know about the music biz. The first session dives into the basics of labels and publishing and the associated legal framework around copyright. The second session is a face to face with biz dev from a major label, who discusses the evaluation process for a new company who wants to license music. The last session is a
deep dive into what happens after the deal is done, the operations and technology that power the data infrastructure of the business.

3. What are you looking forward to this year at SXSW?

Each year SXSW affords me the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new contacts. This year I hope the Music Startup Academy sessions during the SXSW Accelerator helps the next generation of great music apps get a kick start!

4. Any advice you can give to someone who's never been to SXSW before?

Pace yourself... pace yourself. Understand that it is impossible to see everything you want to.

5. Do you have a favorite SXSW memory?

The Motorhead show a few years ago was nuts, made better by the people who I was with!

Bonus question: Your top five albums/cds you can't live without?