“Record Breaking!” is a community-powered live listening and critique session where Baltimore’s up-and-coming artists can test their original songs with an audience of seasoned DJs, industry experts, curators, and community members. Artists get real-time, personalized, feedback on their work, learn what makes a song radio-ready, and build connections with music gatekeepers.
Doors open for participants at 6pm, giving an opportunity to network and sign up for the session while a local DJ spins. Then, one by one, artists present one song to a panel of 3-5 music professionals, who will offer their advice before passing it to the audience to chime in. At the midway point, the panel will have a short talkback, addressing questions, the most prominent concerns, and how to solve them. The event closes out with a dance party to further elevate the spirits of everyone involved, before they return to the outside world.
Audience members get an interactive, behind-the-scenes look at the music industry’s selection process, and community voices help choose the best songs for broadcast. “Record Breaking!” invites our community to help shape the future of Baltimore music, and their favorite tracks will be featured on “The Baltimore Scene” live radio show on WEAA 88.9FM (The Voice of the Community,) giving talented emerging artists validation, exposure, and momentum. This event not only highlights homegrown creativity but also educates artists on production, arrangement, stage presence, artist etiquette, and audience connection. It’s free, open to all ages, and designed to inspire the next wave of hitmakers from Baltimore’s neighborhoods. This creates an empowering loop of creation, critique, and celebration—amplifying Baltimore’s sound for the world to hear.