B2B Music Conference Launches in the Carribbean: Music Growth Will Continue to be Driven via Latin America

The first MusiCon by RT (Music Conference) wrapped in Santo Domingo, D.R. to a sold-out crowd of music talent from the island. MusiCon by RT is a platform designed to provide actionable knowledge and access to music industry professionals in the Dominican Republic, where opportunity is plentiful: 

• Economic Contribution: ~2% of GDP, 100k+ jobs in creative “Orange Economy”, which includes music and production 

• The Latin American region, which encompasses much of the Caribbean, experienced a 19.4% increase in recorded music revenues in 2023, marking its 14th consecutive year of growth  

• Platforms like YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify are the region’s primary streaming services. Increased internet access has dramatically expanded reach for Dominican artists globally 

• SODAIE, a collective rights organization, reported having 842 members in 2019, consisting of Dominican singers and musicians (both local and abroad). This gives us an actual number of registered music professionals—but this figure likely excludes many independent or informal artists and other music creators  

We brought together Dominican Talent (artists, composers, songwriters, and others) to meet with local and international music professionals to help them be more strategic about their music careers and become bankable across available opportunities including sync, licensing, DSPs and more. This was achieved through education, networking, and strategies to help ensure the music community in the Dominican Republic can build and grow for greater success. 

MusiCon by RT (MCRT) was founded by Gabrielle Mella, who identified a pressing need in the Dominican Republic: to bridge the gap between local talent and the resources, knowledge, and industry connections that have not always reached the market. PLR Group came on board as a founding partner to help create, produce and launch the inaugural event alongside Valerie Mella and Angel Zamora.  

On November 20th & 21st, MCRT 2025 took place at Los Reales Colonial, a play off the Dominican “colmado” (AKA what we in NYC would call a bodega), where locals meet over drinks and music. In doing so we tapped into our cultural heritage for gatherings and blended it with our forward vision of how people and music come together to collaborate and celebrate. The event was made possible because of our partners including: 1844, Dime Siete, Sound Exchange, Street Manners, Studio17, Vibras Market, Vinnie’s Way, SoStereo, Remezcla, and Rojo. 

MCRT was timed with Bad Bunny’s concert (series) in the Dominican Republic , the first of his International tour dates, as he prepares to headline for the Apple Music Halftime Show for Super Bowl on February 8, 2026. 

As part of the rollout, I had the good fortune to be able to join X102.1FM LIVE on air to talk about MCRT days before the event as the official announcement was made by Chuwi on the show, that they would be the official opening act for the Latin American leg of the DtMF Tour.   

Throughout the two days of meet & greets, discussions, networking and more, we heard from special guests including Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum (Editora Musical, Remezcla), Juan Cifuentes (Jefe de Finanzas y Operaciones, SoStereo), Max Escobar (Fundador, 1844), and Joel Moya (Director de A&R, Remezcla). 

MCRT featured special artist showcases from Dominican artists, Valentina & Miguel Berra. 

Taking chances during these uncertain economic times both in U.S. and abroad can seem counterintuitive. However, when there’s a need in the marketplace and the elements come together including your network, it’s the time to strike because the outcome can be professionally and personally rewarding.  

Some of the trends covered during MCRT included: 

• AI & Automation: From music creation to personalized fan engagement 

• Streaming Saturation: Growth shifting to emerging markets (e.g. LATAM) 

• Artist Independence: More artists releasing without labels and related opportunities 

• Cultural Crossovers: Latin, African, and Asian sounds redefining the global charts
• Fan Economy: Superfans driving revenue through memberships, direct sales, and experiential events 

Learnings and takeaways from MCRT were plentiful, but here are some that stood out:  

1. Music Talent needs to function like an “entrepreneur” and have an entrepreneurial mindset.  

 

This includes understanding budgets and how to fuel (artist) development and growth, professionally AND personally. Juan Cifuentes shared that artists, for example, should consider this directional budget breakdown for annual revenues:  

• 40% pays for production costs 

• 30% goes toward investment in equipment and/or business-related needs 

• 30% toward personal needs and indulgences, to ensure a health cash flow and business success   

 

1. Virality DOES NOT equal streams.  

Alexis shared how a recent Luminate study found that while GenZ may “discover” music via TikTok, the CTR to streaming platforms is low and therefore does not generate streaming revenue.  

In doing so she underscored the need to have a holistic strategy that includes a timeline with PR and Marketing elements clearly identified to ensure success 

1. Decide if you want to “make music” AND/OR “make money”. 

Max Escobar explained that based on your goal: focus on investing in your music, with contracts and rights in place to help you BUILD your catalogue, which will help you GENERATE consistent monthly revenue, helping provide a strong platform to create and grow, helping artists think of other income streams besides streaming and live performances.  

All attendees agreed that growth and opportunity will continue to be driven via Latina America, Asia and talent from these regions and so building to meet the moment is KEY for regional success.  

I’m grateful to have been able to help architect and launch MusiCon by RT during my first year as entrepreneur, during Global Entrepreneurship Week. It’s the culmination of what’s possible when vision and collaboration meet the moment, and based on the buzz…we hit all the right notes!

 

Author 

Pedro L. Rodriguez

Founder and Principal

PLR Group Inc.