WXPN’s Inside Hustle offers musicians direct access to industry insiders on Oct. 18

The music industry doesn’t come with an instruction manual. Most musicians figure it out through trial, error, and if they’re lucky, conversation with someone who’s been there before.

That’s the premise behind Inside Hustle, which returns to REC Philly on Saturday, October 18. WXPN and Philly Music Fest are set to once again create a space where the gatekeepers open the gates. Booking agents explain what they’re actually looking for, studio producers talk through rates and red flags, radio programmers demystify playlist decisions, and music lawyers translate the fine print. It’s a rare chance to ask the questions that Google can’t quite answer and to hear from people who’ve made the same mistakes you’re trying to avoid.

The afternoon kicks off with “The Musician Hustle: A Three-Part Journey,” a panel moderated by WXPN’s Bruce Warren that traces an artist’s path from first songs to first shows to the pivotal “what comes next” moment. Artists, managers, and industry professionals break down their own experiences navigating these questions, offering concrete strategies for connecting with audiences, building relationships, and creating sustainable momentum.

After the panel, the room opens up. Attendees move freely between tables staffed by radio programmers, booking agents, studio producers, lawyers, publicists, and community organizers, all ready to answer questions and talk shop.

Agenda

• 11:30 AM — Doors open
• 12:00 PM — Panel: The Musician Hustle: A Three-Part Journey
• 1:30 PM — Networking

Event Details

• When: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET
• Where: REC Philly, 901 Market St, Suite #2120, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• RSVP: HERE

Who You’ll Meet

Panelists

• Grace Gardner – PMF 2025 performing artist
• Osiris (Rock To The Future) – musician
• Tyler Asay – lead singer, guitarist The Tisburys
• Andrew Sparkler – CEO & Co-Founder Runner Music
• Allyson Coff – Director of Partnerships at Mellomanic 
• Joe Marro – Lesser Management
• Moderated by Bruce Warren – WXPN

Studio Production

• Tommy Joyner – Milkboy
• Mitch Beer – Producer, Musician, Music Educator
• Charlie Hall – producer, guitarist, drummer (The War On Drugs)

Venue Promoters/Booking Agents

• Graham Noel – Rising Sun Presents
• Anna Ready – Rising Sun Presents
• Felicite Moorman – Fallser Club
• Greg Horbal – Wasserman Music

Legal

• Jason Berger – Partner at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
• Stephen Vanyo – Attorney, Law Office of Lloyd Z Remick/Zane Management

Marketing & Fan Engagement

• Maggie Poulos – Mixtape Media
• Wendi Jensen – 100X
• Monika Julien – Assistant Professor, Drexel University

Radio & Podcasts

• Mike Vasilikos – WXPN
• Sara Parker – WMMR
• Nate Runkel – Yo! That’s My Jawn

Community/Local organizations

• Representatives from Rock to The Future and Beyond The Bars
• Representatives from Grammy U and Recording Academy Philadelphia Chapter
• Kerri Park – Executive Director, Philadelphia Music Alliance

Philly Music Fest producers

• Greg Seltzer
• Jenn Seltzer

And more TBA….