Submission deadline for bands that want to showcase their music is April 3, and can be made through www.tulsaworld.com/Dfest.

Dfest is not only a way for music fans to hear groundbreaking new music from local and regional acts. It's a vital networking and foundation-building tool for any up-and-coming music act.

See, it's about learning what's important when it comes to breaking into the music biz, said festival co-founder Angie DeVore-Green in a recent interview with Electronic Musician.

"I've also seen bands from nowhere attend (Dfest) and put the ideas they learned at the conference into motion, which led to real interest and a management deal, a booking-agency deal and ultimately a record deal. It certainly wasn't an 'add-water-and-become-a-rock-star' scenario."

Last year Dfest had more than 750 submissions. This year they are expecting more than 1,500, according to a recent press statement.

More than 120 unsigned artists will be selected to perform, and half of those will be Oklahoma artists -- all of whom will perform for more than 40,000 people over the two-day festival.

Submission fees run $15, and all performing

Other festival pricing options are available at the official Dfest Web site, www.tulsaworld.com/Dfest.

And for artists who prefer the DIY career path, the conference will be a valuable tool for picking up resources and learning how to have a successful independent career as an artist in today's changing music industry.

"It's our mission to advance the careers of breaking artists by providing them with networking opportunities and education about the music industry," said Tom Green, Dfest co-creator. "In the past couple of years, we have had lots of talented artists apply to showcase -- and with the level of talent applying . . . we showcase the best of the best."

Last year, the event served as a launch pad for many acts, including Stillwater-based psych-pop band Colourmusic, which signed with indie record label Great Society, a part of the World's Fair family of artists. The group manages and promotes other noteworthy artists such as The Flaming Lips, British Sea Power, Pela, Roger O'Donnell, El-P and Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings.

In addition, Tulsa hard rock act Congress of a Crow signed with COTC Management, while Chris Cramberg, drummer for local hip-hop artist PDA, received an endorsement deal from Po Boy Drums.

For the second year, this festival will take place in down town Tulsa's historic Blue Dome District, with 13 stages. The conference is hosted by the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Tulsa.

Read the full Electronic Musician interview with DeVore-Green at www.tulsaworld.com/AngieDevoreGreen.

Jennifer Chancellor 581-8346
jennifer.chancellor@tulsaworld.com