Please see below some of the many judges, panelists, keynote speakers, celebrities, moderators and hosts who will be at IMC. Further announcements will be made regularly.
AMIR BOYD – Southeast Promotions Manager and National of Mixshow at Epic Records
Boyd’s reputation as a party promoter earned him a job in the promotions department at a local radio station, followed by a promotion to Assistant Promotions Director. Interscope Records soon recruited Boyd to serve as a Promotions Manager for their southeast region, working with artists like 50 Cent and Robin Thicke. With such success, Boyd formed his own promotions company, PrAmir Promotions LLC. Boyd is now the VP of Radio & Promotions at Grand Hustle Entertainment, where he has been since 2008 and Head of Promotions at Epic Records.
ANDREW GREENBERG - President of the Georgia Game Developers
Andrew Greenberg, best known for designing computer games and roleplaying games, is lead developer on the upcoming Haunted House Tycoon PC/Mac game and the Fading Suns: Noble Armada mobile and tablet game. Andrew co-created the “Fading Suns” roleplaying and computer games and was the original developer of White Wolf’s “Vampire: The Masquerade.” He has credits on more than 50 White Wolf products and more than 20 HDI books. He has also worked on products with other roleplaying game companies, including “Star Trek Next Generation” and “Deep Space Nine.” His computer game credits include Dracula Unleashed, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, Emperor of the Fading Suns, Warhammer 40K: Final Liberation, Merchant Prince II, Mall Tycoon, Dungeon Lords, The Virtual World of Kaneva, Railroad Tycoon Mobile and the Global Agenda MMO. A fellow with the Mythic Imagination Institute, Andrew is also the organizer of the Southeast Interactive Entertainment and Games Expo (SIEGE) and will be presenting the IMC panel, Secrets of Game Audio.
DJ BEESTROH – On Air Radio Personality at Radio One Atlanta
Born in Holyoke, MA, @BEESTROH spent his teenage years mastering every tool he could find in the studio on his own, discovering a new passion for production that would serve him well in the future. After several strategic career moves with major record labels, he quickly made waves at Hot 107.9, interning for the station’s top personalities like Searcy, Mami Chula, The A-Team and former program director Jerry “Smokin’” B. @BEESTROH even worked with DJ Drama as a producer on his acclaimed Gangsta Grillz Radio show. Currently serving as Radio-One Atlanta’s “Franchise Player” @Beestroh assumes responsibility for many areas in Radio Operations such as On Air Radio Personality, D.J., Online Creative/Video Editor, Commercial Production and Voiceover, as well Asst. for the Staions overall Imaging. “I am constantly growing and trying to learn to do everything. If I am no longer needed to do 1 thing, I can still do 5 other things. That’s what’s gonna keep me in the game.”
BRANDON OLIVER - Music Director at Atlanta Hawks
Brandon Oliver aka DJ Quiet Storm chose his stage name because it is the name of one of his favorite Mobb Deep songs titled “Quiet Storm”. The song describes his essence perfectly because he is a man of a few words When DJ Q Storm is on the turntables; he lets his hands do the talking. So even though he is quiet, when he is on the turntables it’s a wild storm of emotions. DJ Q Storm has spun at various night clubs and events in the Atlanta area i.e. Opera, Tongue & Groove, the Rooftop at the Glen Hotel, Final Four pre game party, Philips Arena and various other events, just to name a few. As a Georgia State Alumni DJ Q Storm once held down the air waves of Georgia State University’s WRAS 88.5 FM for 3 years. He had live shows on both Saturday and Sunday nights. In his last year at Georgia State Q Storm held down the Assistant Music Program director at the number one college radio station in the nation. When Q Storm is not in the clubs, you can find him working for The Atlanta Hawks and The Atlanta Dream. DJ Q Storm is both the Resident DJ and Music Program Director for the Atlanta Hawks and The Atlanta Dream. Q does everything from play the music at the games to make remixes of popular songs for the A- Town dancers. All the music that you hear at the Hawks and Dream games is 100% DJ Q Storm!
CAPPRICCIEO SCATES – General Manager at Arrow Records
Cappriccieo M. Scates is the Executive General Manager at Arrow Records and is the former Senior Director of Writer/Publisher Relations for SESAC where his direct signing’s included: Day 26, RichGirl, Bone Crusher, Jacob Latimore, Q Parker of 112, Nikeshia Briscoe, Rico Love, Jay Fenix, BXC, Atozzio Towns and London to name a few. Prior to joining SESAC, he was Director of Operations for PM Music Group where he represented songwriters whose credits included: Michael Jackson and Beyonce. He is also former Director of National Radio Promotions for Ruffhouse/Columbia Records and has been responsible for promoting the careers of artists such as: Fugees, Cypress Hill, Bone Thugs and Harmony, Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men.
In addition, he is author of “10 Steps to Successfully Managing Recording Artists,” which was published in October 2004. He is currently on the Atlanta Chapter Board of Governors for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), and a member of the Atlanta Chapter Board for the National Association of Record Industry Professionals (NARIP).
Mr. Scates is a former member of The Georgia Music Industry Task Force, which served to consult Georgia Governor Sunny Purdue on the economic impact of music, film and entertainment during his last term in office. Mr. Scates also holds a Masters in Business Administration from Averett University where he was selected to the National Dean’s List for academic excellence.
CHEF TONE – GRAMMY Award Winning Songwriter
Atlanta-based songwriter Tony “Chef Tone” Scales dishes appetizing love songs and bold club bangers for R&B heavy-hitters like Jamie Foxx, Mario, J. Holiday, Sammie and, most notable, R.Kelly and Trey Songs. As a teenager growing up on the south side of Chicago, Chef Tone avoided the pitfalls of inner city living by shooting hoops, which sparked the attention of the Pied Piper of R&B R.Kelly. Kelly liked Chef Tone so much at 15 that he moved him into his home, where he spent five years sitting in on studio sessions and listening to the crooner sing around the house. Chef Tone began writing at 19 and got his songs in rotation on one of Chicago’s hottest radio stations. Then, he struck artistic gold, collaborating on five chart toppers for Trey Song’s third album Ready, including “Say Aah,” “Yo Side of the Bed”, “LOL ☺” and producing on Rihanna’s fifth studio album Loud.
CHRIS RICKWOOD - Award Winning Games Composer
Chris Rickwood is an award-winning composer known for creating dramatic musical scores for video games. His past work ranges from catchy melodies underscoring fights with cartoon evil geniuses to massive soundscapes suitable for building and destroying empires. Blending the traditional with the modern, Rickwood’s musical style is often a marriage of current musical genres with traditional instrumentation and orchestration. Hip-hop for hammered dulcimer and djembe or heavy metal for full orchestra are the norm. Credits include: Age of Empires Online, Madden NFL 12, Orcs Must Die! Ghostbusters: The Videogame, and Tribes: Ascend.
CURTIS BRYANT - Instructor at Georgia State [Computer Applications]
Curtis Bryant is an American composer working in the Atlanta area. He has composed music for a wide variety of live media, including chamber music, band, orchestral, choral, and opera. Bryant has works published by Neil A. Kjos, Transcontinental, and Lux Nova Press. His opera “The Secret Agent” will receive world premiere performances in March 2013 by the Capitol City Opera Company. Bryant has been composing and producing music for film and television since 1985, and has been honored by seven Emmy Award nominations. A longtime video gamer and amateur designer, Bryant recently began creating music for video games. His most recent title in this area is “StreetKix – Freestyle Challenge” from Hoplite Research, which is scheduled for release on the Sony PSP this Fall.
CHUCK HARMONY - GRAMMY Award Winning Producer
Charles T. Harmon better known, as Chuck Harmony is an American music producer, musician and songwriter, based in Los Angeles, California, USA. He has production, composition, songwriting and instrumentation credits on many high charting albums including Mary J. Blige’s Grammy winning Growing Pains, Ne-Yo’s Grammy nominated Year of the Gentleman, Chrisette Michelle’s Epiphany, Rihanna’s “Russian Roulette”, the first single of her album, Rated R. Chuck produced Fantasia’s singles “Bittersweet” and “I’m Doin’ Me” from her album Back to Me. He also produced Keri Hilson’s track “Pretty Girl Rock.” Chuck Harmony launched his own imprint, Harmony House Entertainment, LLC, early 2009, which he uses as a vehicle to express himself through writing and producing. His whole musical production and creativity can also be found in musical score for number 1 box office selling Tyler Perry’s, I Can Do Bad All By Myself, and Walt Disney’s animated family feature film, The Princess and The Frog.
CLAUDE KELLY – GRAMMY Nominated Songwriter
A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Claude Kelly has written chart-toppers for Kelly Clarkson “My Life Would Suck Without You”, Fantasia “Bittersweet”, Michael Jackson “Hold My Hand” and Miley Cyrus “Party In The USA”. Some of his most recent hits include Bruno Mars’ “Grenade,” Jessie J’s “Domino,” Pitbull’s “International Love” and Karmin’s “Broken Hearted.” Kelly is currently working to establish an artist of his own, Masha, on his Carousel Music Entertainment label. He works across multiple genres, from pop and rock to R&B and soul.
DAVID MILLER – VP International Marketing/Promotion, Atlantic Records
David Miller has been developing urban/pop acts globally for the past two decades, his music career started in the UK, where throughout the 90’s he ran an urban music consultancy firm, Drum Media. The Boys II Men campaign was Drum Media’s first mainstream breakthrough project and from there the company went on to consult for a number of other acts, including Craig Mack, Biggie Smalls, Faith Evans, Clipse, Outkast, Jay-Z, Mary J Blige and Erykah Badu. After establishing himself as the leading urban music consultant in Europe his ten year stint at Drum Media came to an end when he joined Sony/BMG in 1999 where he oversaw urban marketing for the UK label, working artists projects which included Usher, Busta Rhymes, Faith Evans, 112, Toni Braxton, Luther Vandross, P.Diddy and the entire Bad Boy roster. In 2002 he moved to the USA to join Mariah Carey’s management team and spent two years working and touring with her before he was approached by Kevin Liles to join the Def Jam staff. During his three year tenure there he successfully helped develop acts such as Kanye West, Rihanna and NeYo, from being virtually unknown to becoming global stars. In 2006 he followed the Def Jam executive team of Lyor Cohen, Julie Greenwald, Kevin Liles and Mike Kyser to Atlantic Records and since that time he has been instrumental in building many artists brands – Flo-rida, T.I, Janelle Monáe, B.o.B and Bruno Mars are just a few examples. Recently David has launched a new company that runs alongside his responsibilities at Atlantic Records – Sevengrand Management (www.sevengrandent.com) with a view to develop artists with global appeal/potential.
DRUMMA BOY - GRAMMY Nominated Producer
Drumma Boy is a multi-platinum award winning record producer from Memphis, Tennessee. His musicianship is incredible, having the ability to pour passion and conviction into whatever he does. His combination of talent is one of many factors that separate him from the mainstream. His soul is soaked in the eccentricity of vintage Rhythm & Blues, P-Funk, Hardcore Street and Crunk. He plays with this dichotomy of yesteryear classics and current trends to concoct sophisticated arrangements that fuse the arrogance of hip-hop with the slickness of R&B. Billboard ranked Drumma Boy as the #2 R&B/Hip-hop producer of 2010. His production on Waka Flocka’s 2011 hit single “No Hands” was awarded “Best Club Banger” at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards. He also received two nominations during the 2009 Grammy Awards including his work on T.I’s Paper Trail (Best Rap Album) and “Put On” by Young Jeezy & Kanye West (Best Performance by a Rap Duo).
GLENN T. LITWAK, ESQ.
A founding member of Litwak & Havkin, Mr. Litwak specializes in music and entertainment law. He has extensive expertise in negotiating and drafting a wide variety of contracts relating to the entertainment industry. In the music industry, he represents recording artists, music producers, music publishers and songwriters as well as music production and management companies. Mr. Litwak also represents clients in the film and T.V. business. Mr. Litwak has negotiated recording and management agreements for artists who have been signed to major record labels such as Universal, Sony, Interscope/Geffen/A&M, and Warner Music. Glenn also has experience in negotiating music-publishing deals with publishers such as EMI, Zomba, and Notting Hill Music UK. Mr. Litwak has negotiated producer agreements on behalf of artists he represents with some of the top music producers in the business including Puff Daddy, the Underdogs, the Neptunes, Tricky Stewart, Rodney Jerkins, Steven Russel, L.T. Hutton, R. Kelly, Timbaland, and Jermaine Dupri.
DJ GREEN LANTERN – Hip Hop Artist, Nas’ Tour DJ
DJ Green Lantern is a prominent DJ and hip-hop music producer who became widely recognized after being signed by Eminem as Shady Record’s official DJ in 2002. After spanning several mix tapes with Shady Records, DJ Green Lantern cut ties with the company in 2005. He also showcased his production skills for Ludacris’s Red Light District album, producing the second single, “Number One Spot”. Today, he can be heard on Sirius/XM satellite radio hosting the Hip-hop Nation Show, and on tour with recording artist, Nas.
HURRICANE DAVE - Operations Manager at Radio One
David Glenn “Hurricane Dave” Smith is currently the Operations Manager of Radio One, Atlanta, where he oversees three area radio stations, including Hot 107.9, Magic 107.5, and Praise 102.5. His career in radio spans more than 30 years and began in Houston, TX at the start of that year’s hurricane season, hence the name Hurricane Dave. Dedicated to his craft, Hurricane Dave has made history with several radio stations across the nation. He helped generate the highest ratings ever for Norfolk, VA’s WOWI-FM. One of his latest ventures is the formation of the Per Diem Card; a unique Master Card that is targeted to the travel and allowance needs of entertainment professionals.
IAN BURKE – Entertainment Executive
Industry veteran, Ian Burke, first got his feet wet some 25 years ago doing roadwork for a local Atlanta band. Since then, he has been involved with the launch of some of the city’s most established acts, including Grammy-Award winning artists like TLC and Outkast. Backed with an impressive resume and sharp eye for talent, he is currently helping launch the careers of the next wave of entertainment royalty. His newest company, Burke Stone Management/ Entertainment, run with partner Stone Stafford (Icon Studios), represents The Voice, Season Two contestant, Mathai, and Big Boi’s (Outkast) Purple Ribbon Kidz artist Gabbie Rae, a stellar 13-year-old singer and budding actress who is already making waves in the industry.
JANET WADE – Music Clearance & Licensing at Turner Broadcasting
Janet Wade has been a professional in the music and entertainment industry for over 30 years, with expertise in the specialty area of Music Clearance and Synchronization Licensing rights for television and media production since 1990. Janet currently works for Turner Entertainment Networks in Atlanta where she negotiates licensed music deals for the promotions and marketing campaigns for Turner’s networks (TNT, TBS, TCM, Cartoon Network, TruTV, NBA TV, Turner Sports, CNN), as well as oversees the clearance of rights and licensing of music for TNT Original series productions and for Turner’s Latin American and International networks. Under her own music clearance, licensing and consulting business, Janet has worked with recording artists, major corporations and book authors and has notably been credited on several published books.
JENNIFER DRAKE – Director of Rhythm and Blues, ASCAP
Drake began her career as an event planner servicing clients such as Magic Johnson, Terrell Owens, Ne-Yo, Ford Motor Company and the former mayor of Atlanta, Shirley Franklin. Thereafter, Drake transitioned to Director of Operations for the Aphilliates Music Group. She coordinated releases for DJ Drama, A&R talent for the label, and utilized her event planning skills for clients such as Radio One’s HOT 107.9. In 2009, Drake became the A&R Coordinator at Warner. She worked with numerous artists including Gucci Mane, OJ Da Juiceman, Shawty Lo and Drumma Boy. During her tenure, she helped launched the independent record label, Versatile Records, which is currently the home to Grammy Award-winning artist and writer Nate Walka. In 2010, Drake was appointed the position of Director of Membership in the Rhythm & Soul department at ASCAP where she works to protect the rights of its members.
JON JON - GRAMMY Winning Producer
Jon Jon is revered by industry professionals as well as music lovers for his ability to interpret and deliver complex rhythms. His production debut on Beyonce’s, “Deja Vu”, won him a GRAMMY. Along with his subsequent co-production efforts on Bobby Valentino’s, “Turn The Page”, J. Holiday “Ghetto”, and “We Are Family”, sponsored by The Points of Light Foundation. That project was an all-star single featuring Chris Brown, Ciara, Patti Labelle and George Clinton, recorded in response to Hurricane Katrina. His, many accomplishments has helped to solidify his place as one of the country’s most sought after producers. Presently, Jon-Jon is signed to EMI Music Publishing and has been working with the likes of Sean Garret, Harold Lilly, La Shawn Daniels, Brian Michael Cox, UK artist Domino Go, Jessie J, and JLS, Leona Lewis, and Rodney Jerkins.
JOY A. YOUNG – Executive Assistant at Arrow Global Entertainment
Joy Young began her career as a college party promoter, simultaneously interning for two record labels, Trill Entertainment and Atlantic Records, while attending school full time. She later became the Marketing Assistant for Trill. She worked with Atlantic Records as an urban college representative, later becoming a grass roots marketing and promotions manager for the label in Baton Rouge, LA, Lafayette, LA and Atlanta, GA. After graduating from college, Young worked on the production staff of BET Network’s gospel singing competition “Sunday Best” Seasons 3 and 4 and CBS’s Nancy Grace “Swift Justice” Season 1.Young has put together national promotional campaigns and has managed promo activity, tours and events for a range of artists: Lil Webbie, Lil Boosie, Lyfe Jennings, Pretty Ricky, Musiq Soulchild, Plies, Trey Songz, T.I., Andre Harrell’s Hamilton Park, Bryan Michael Cox’s Bertell, B.O.B., Estelle, Maino and Pleasure P. Joy is a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, concentrating in TV/Radio Broadcasting. Young is currently the Executive Assistant to General Manager, Cappriccieo Scates, of Arrow Global Entertainment, which is the umbrella to Arrow Records, a Gospel and Christian label, Arrow Soul, an R&B, Pop and Hip Hop label and Arrow Entertainment, a TV/Film production entity. Arrow Global Entertainment is a division of World Changers Church International in Atlanta, GA under the leadership of Dr. Creflo Dollar and Pastor Taffi Dollar.
JR LINDSEY– Head of Urban at Sony/Columbia
J.U.S.T.I.C.E. LEAGUE – GRAMMY Award Winning Producers
J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, an acronym for Just Undeniably Some of The Illest Composers Ever, are a Grammy award-winning production trio from Tampa, Florida. The group includes the members Rook, Colione, and Kenny “Barto” Bartolomei. Together, they have produced songs for musical acts like Drake, Young Jeezy, Keyshia Cole, and Mary J. Blige. In 2007, the production trio won a Grammy Award for Mary J, Blige’s album, The Breakthrough, in the category of Best R&B Album.
KANE BEATZ – Producer
Kane Beatz first found success as a music producer while still in high school selling beats over the Internet through a music based community that allows musicians to promote, stream, and sell their songs. He soon caught the attention of Mike Caren of Atlantic Records and was signed to a publishing deal. He has produced 5 top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including Young Money’s “Bed Rock”, and Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass”.
KEINON JOHNSON - Director of Urban Promotions at Interscope
Keinon got a taste of the music business while he worked as an intern at the on campus Jazz station WCLK. Keinon was soon offered a job at Qwest Records headed by the legendary Quincy Jones, where he spent 2 years. Upon college graduation, Keinon was hired as the Southeast Regional Representative at Priority Records and was responsible for breaking some of the most influential records and recording artists of the time including Master P and the entire No Limit Records artist roster, Ice Cube, Mack 10 and JT Money. Keinon currently holds the position of National Director of Urban Promotions at Interscope Records, home of artists like Keyshia Cole, Lady Gaga, and Eminem.
KENDRICK DEAN – GRAMMY Nominated Producer
Four time Grammy nominated producer/composer Kendrick Dean was introduced to the music industry in 2004 by his cousin and Grammy winning producer Bryan-Michael Cox. A former high school history teacher, and University of Florida graduate; Dean used his classical, jazz, and gospel music background to make a seamless transition into the music business. In just a short time he has produced and or written hit records for the likes of Mariah Carey (“I Stay In Love”) Usher, Chris Brown (“Say Goodbye”, Billboard #1) Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz (“Last Time”, Billboard Top 10), and many others. Kendrick Dean’s multiplatinum sound showcases elite musicianship as well as contemporary flare and relevance. The Dean’s List Inc. publishing and now The Classroom Recording Studios all reflect his creative philosophy and accentuate his competitive edge; an edge that clearly places him in a league of his own.
KENNY MIXX - Chief Mastering Engineer
Mastering hits for clients such as Pit Bull, B.o.B., Rick Ross, T.I and Yung Joc, Kenny Mixx is quickly becoming known as one of the top “go-to guys” for Audio Mastering in the music business. Kenny Mixx has over 12.5 years in engineering and it is evident in the work he has been doing. Many of the records he has engineered have become hits on the street, in the clubs, and on radio worldwide, resulting in multi-platinum successes on Billboard charts. When it comes to sound, Kenny Mixx is Pure Music, No Hype.
DJ MAMI CHULA
DJ Mami Chula is a premier DJ and on-air radio personality for Atlanta’s 105.7 and 96.7. DJ Mami Chula first made a home for her abilities at a local Kansas radio station before landing in Atlanta and being noted as the only female DJ honing the Atlanta club scene. She has toured with multi platinum recording acts such as Jagged Edge, Ciara, Snoop Dogg, and The Game. She has also appeared on BET, the Apollo, and the Ellen Show.
DJ MANNY NORTE - Award Winning DJ
One of the most long standing and respected figures in the UK’s music industry, MOBO Award Winning Manny Norté has become known as the “Name You Can Trust.” Manny is regularly called upon by Jay Z, Beyonce and Rihanna as their DJ of choice when in the U.K, he’s played at every notable British event including album launches, The Brit Awards after parties and Naomi Campbell’s Fashion Relief Party. Racking tours with US artist’s such as Nas and Nelly, Manny’s work has taken him to countries such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, Sweden, Geneva, Russia, Ghana, Kenya and Barcelona to name a few. Following four years as a DJ/Presenter at BBC 1xtra, Manny moved to the Kiss FM network taking control of the popular Friday night mix show slot, signalling the start of the weekend.
MANUEL SEAL - GRAMMY Winning Producer Songwriter
Manuel Seal is a 5-time GRAMMY award winning multi-platinum songwriter/composer/producer/re-mixer. The 20-year veteran is known internationally within the music industry for his successful songwriting and production career. By sticking to standard musical formulas and utilizing his extensive musical background, Manuel has been able to catapult the careers and create the sound for many superstar artists in the business. Beginning his career back in 1994 as a contract songwriter/ producer penning hits for Xscape, Da Brat and Jagged Edge under the SoSo Def label owned by Jermaine Dupri. As a songwriter Manuel has written 5 #1 Multi-platinum selling singles, Ushers “You Make Me Wanna,” “Nice n Slow,” “My Boo,” Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” and the unforgettable, “We Belong Together” which earned him a GRAMMY and The American Society Of Songwriters Award For Song Of The Decade 2010. Manuel’s hit list also Includes Mary J. Blige, Destiny’s Child, TLC, Janet Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Gill to name a few. Presently, partnered and signed to Universal Music Publishing Worldwide allows him to work with various foreign acts such as Asian songstress Jamosa, New Zealander Dane Rumble and others. He recently launched a creative based 501C aptly named C.A.R.M.A. Org while overseeing the day-to-day activities of his publishing and production entities S.L.A.C.A.D and Seal Music Productions with its own state of the art private recording facility Nova Sound based in a suburb of Atlanta GA.
MARC BYERS - Entertainment Executive/ Manager to Raven Symone
Marc Byers is the Co-Founder of Rockstar Entertainment. A former Atlantic Records A&R Executive, Byers ventured out into management and is mostly recognised as the driving force behind Philadelphia’s music success stories. Rockstar Entertainment has heavily influenced urban music for the past 20 years, now co-manager for actress Raven Symone, Rockstar Entertainment also represented Grammy Award winning producers Andre Harris and Vidal Davis, as well as Grammy recording artist Eve and acts as a consultant to multi-platinum selling artist, Usher.
MARK ALLAN WOLFE
Mark Allan Wolfe is a composer and an artist in the truest sense. His film and TV compositions are at times, thought provoking, high on energy, laced with adrenaline at times and sincerity. Combining heart-pounding Rock ‘n Roll with tributaries of Electronics, World, Hip-Hop, Pop and Americana, Mark’s songs draw on his 25 years of striving for professionalism and musical merger of sound and genre. His fans span the world and the 1500+ compositions verify that diversity on TV, Internet, film and commercials. You may have hummed one of Mark’s tunes not even realizing the tunesmith behind the music. He is one of co-founders and owners of WAP Publishing, a publishing company that licenses “pre-cleared music” to advertising agencies and branding companies. WAP Publishing brings some of the greatest minds together in music business and brand marketing, music supervision and creativity and influencing a generation evidenced by over 70,000 tracks and nearly 2000 composers.
MATTHEW HEAD
With over seven years of scoring experience, Matthew has found much success in the realms of film and video. His composition credits include numerous scores for award winning films, documentaries, and commercials. Working with Broadway director Kenny Leon and The Horne Brother’s production company, Matthew served as the Music Supervisor and Composer for the documentary The Start of Dreams. Matthew has also worked with Dapa Entertainment composing the music for their documentary I am a Dream Chaser. In 2012, Matthew teamed up with director/producer Roger Bobb of Bobbcat Films to compose the score for GMC’s (Gospel Music Channel) original movie Raising Izzie. His music can also be heard in the highly anticipated web-series Milk and Honey and Borderline Coyotes. Extending his abilities, he has worked closely with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Buick/General Motor Company marketing teams providing music for their commercials and sale campaigns. With the ability to work within the different avenues of music, he has been able to produce music for record labels like Capital Records and work closely with Universal Records. Over the years he has produced tracks for numerous independent artists. With his film scoring projects on the rise, Matthew’s musical ambition makes him a strong force in the music industry.
MIKE WILSON - GRAMMY Award Winning Mixing & Recording Engineer
Eleven times Grammy-nominated and two times Grammy-winning engineer Mike Wilson has over 80 Gold and Platinum Records under his belt. Some of his major clients include Beyonce’, B.o.B., Missy Elliot, Nas, John Legend, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Jessica Simpson, Ludacris and many more. Mike Wilson is truly a chief engineer in the music business. – With over 15 years as an engineer at Patchwerk Recording Studios, leadership is no stranger to Mike. He has an “A” list of clients in the music industry today and a passion for building up independent artists. In addition to studio tracking and mixing, Mike is well versed in live sound (the Olympics, Kiss, Cinderella, etc) and audio post production (Cartoon Network,TNT, etc).
NATE WALKA - GRAMMY Winning Songwriter
Nate infuses retro 80’s hip pop with the current sounds of the times adding his unique edge reminiscent to N.E.R.D and Kanye West with a 2012 spin. Nate won a Grammy Award in 2010 for his work on Jamie Foxx’s “Blame It” featuring T-Pain. Nate Walka’s latest work includes Cobra Starhip’s “Middle Finger”, featuring Mac Miller, Timbaland’s “Break Ya Back”, featuring Dev, and Far East Movement’s “Dirty Bass”, featuring Tyga.
OMARA S. HARRIS, ESQ.
The Law Office of Omara S. Harris, Esq., LLC is a boutique entertainment law firm catering to negotiating, drafting and reviewing entertainment contracts for recording artists, actors, designers, authors, record labels, producers, managers and publishing companies. The Atlanta based transactional law practice primarily drafts and negotiates agreements for music and film related clients. Her esteemed clientele have achieved much success, including recording, producing and writing with major recording artists including Mariah Carey, Usher, Musiq Soulchild Anthony Hamilton, Neyo, Jennifer Lopez, Sean Garrett, Chris Brown, Jay-Z, Jill Scott, Dr. Dre, as well as, client’s acting in and scoring hit series’ such as ABC’s Desperate Housewives, MTV’s Sweet 16, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Gossip Girl, The Braxton Family Values, The Real Housewives of Atlanta spinoff “Kandi Factory” and ABC Family’s Lincoln Heights. Harris currently serves on several prestigious boards including the Atlanta Chapter of The Recording Academy® Board of Governors (Also known as the GRAMMY® Board) including in the past having served as Secretary of the chapter, as well as, Secretary of the Entertainment & Sports Lawyer’s Section of the Georgia State Bar, former Spelman College President Johnnetta B. Cole’s PowerGirls Board and the Black Women’s Entertainment Law Foundation.
PENIECE LEGALL – Director of Writer/Publisher Relations at SESAC
Peniece LeGall is the Director of Writer/Publisher Relations for SESAC and heads their Atlanta office. She is responsible for recruiting new and established songwriters and publishers in all musical genres as well as maintaining relationships with current affiliates. She was most recently SESAC’s Coordinator for the Atlanta office, where she provided support for all SESAC Atlanta’s special events including “Tempo Tuesdays,” the educational lecture series featuring speakers from various aspects of business. Prior to joining SESAC in 2006, Peniece enjoyed 10 years in the music business including stints with ASCAP and BMI. She served as producer on several music showcases and coordinated talent for two prominent showcases, Essence Music Festival and One Music Festival. She is a graduate of Georgia State University with degrees in English Literature and Music Technology Management and is a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS).
Mr PLAY – One of UK’s Leading Urban Promoter/DJ’s
The “MR” (instead of DJ Play) came about because Play isn’t only a DJ & PROMOTER, but an Entrepreneurial businessman, he became instrumental in the development artists and international sports icons and personalities through his incredible network. Name anyone of any status, and Mr Play is probably just a single phone call away from them. Mr Play has either worked directly with, DJ’d for, or has hosted, promoted, or consulted on UK shows for, Ludacris | Jagged Edge | Lil Wayne | Neyo | Chris Brown | Rick Ross | Daddy Yankee l Lloyd | Omarion | Jodeci | Mario | Chipmunk | Fabulous | T-Pain | Fantasia | Sean Kingston | Wu Tang Clan to name a few, as well as having excellent relationships with international UK stars Estelle | Tinie Tempah | Alexandra Burke and more. He is also part of “Its a big thing” UK movement, and a consultant for Grime Daily (www.grimedaily.com often referred to as The European version of World Star Hip Hop)
RICH CASTILLO
Born in Nottingham England, Rich moved to London in 2001 joining Shalit Global management where he worked on pop acts Jamelia (EMI) Trinity Stone (Sony Music) and developed MTV show “Totally Boyband”. Rich is now a music manager, known for finding multi platinum selling UK urban pop group N-DUBZ with music mogul Jonathan Shalit. Rich has A&R’d all the N-Dubz albums to date and has been instrumental in shaping the current UK urban music boom that is experiencing a huge run of chart success. N-Dubz’ UK ascendancy opened the door for some of the UK’s household music names like Tinie Tempa, Chipmunk, Tinchy Stryder, and Professor Green & Wretch 32.
ROB FINAN
Rob Finan is a transactional entertainment attorney with the Atlanta office of the international law firm Greenberg Traurig. Rob’s primary concentration is the music industry, and he serves as counsel to a broad range of clients including GRAMMY award winning recording artists and record producers as well as, music publishers, managers, record companies, publishing companies, and music executives. Rob has negotiated recording, distribution, joint venture, publishing, songwriter, and many other types of agreements with all of the major record labels and music publishers. Prior to joining Greenberg Traurig, Rob served as Counsel of Business and Legal Affairs at RED Distribution, a leading record distributor, and Manager of Business Affairs at Sony Music Entertainment in New York. Rob obtained his law degree from Villanova University in Philadelphia.
SELAH ABRAMS - Engineer at Turner Studios, Managing Director/ Mastering Engineer at The Omen AgencySelah Abrams started out mixing records with Cash Money and No Limit Records in the cultural mecca of New Orleans, followed by reggae and hard rock acts in New York, and working with multiplatinum producer Mahogany, Bonecrusher, Sammy Sam, Dave Hollister, and other acts in Atlanta, taking part in all stages of making a record, including playing guitar and bass, tracking, editing, mixing, and mastering. In 1998, he moved to New York City to work at Grey Worldwide/G2, an Ad and Branding Agency specializing in interactive marketing, online branding, and breaking open the Latin American market before it was developed as the powerhouse that it now is. Currently, Selah splits time between working at Turner Studios (post-production house for the Turner Networks, CNN and outside clients such as BET Networks), and managing The Omen Agency and SA Mastering, an international entertainment production and booking agency, with locations in Atlanta, Germany, and throughout Africa. Selah is deeply involved with the local Atlanta Digital Entertainment industry with Audio Engineering Society (AES), Georgia Production Partnership (GPP), Georgia Entertainment Association (GEA), Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), and as a founder of the State of Georgia’s GEM entertainment workforce development program and the VidCamp conferences.
SHAURAV DE SILVA – A&R at Universal (UK)
SHAWN HOLIDAY - Senior Vice President of A&R at Sony
Shawn Holiday is one of the most connected and well-respected executives in the music industry, having established a reputation for building lasting relationships, finding and breaking new talent, and bringing a fresh, innovative approach to urban music. He began his music industry career while still a marketing major at Florida A&M University, parlaying a childhood friendship with Lil Kim’s then-DJ Cipha Sounds into a college marketing position for Bad Boy Recordings. After graduating he took a position in the promotions department at Bad Boy, working on platinum albums by The Notorious B.I.G., Diddy, 112, Faith Evans, Mase and more. Shawn left Bad Boy for a creative manager position at EMI Music publishing in 2002, brought in by Big Jon Platt. Shawn quickly established himself as one of the most talented and sought-after executives in the publishing world, working with such artists as Kanye West, Fabolous, Omarion and Jagged Edge. In 2005, Shawn was approached by Interscope president of urban music Step Johnson, and chairman Jimmy Iovine to join Interscope as the new Senior VP/ Head of Urban A&R. Shawn was instrumental in the success of Keyshia Cole’s first album and played a decisive role in creating hit projects by 50 Cent, The Game, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Diddy-Dirty Money and many more. He also engineered Interscope’s label partnership with Akon’s Konlive Records, which includes multi-platinum superstar Lady Gaga.
SOLOMON SMALLWOOD – TSG Financial (Business Manager to Usher Raymond, Justin Bieber)
Solomon Smallwood is the founder of the Atlanta based TSG Financial Management, where he is a financial advisor to mostly high profiled entertainment based clients. Solomon’s extensive financial background spans nearly two decades with expertise in accounting, taxation, and business management. Solomon became a CPA in 1994 and soon after formed his first company, which focused on business management. Music industry heavy weight such as Usher Raymond and Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez soon became the foundation for much of Solomon’s success. Solomon made the decision to sell his business in 1997 to V. Brown & Co. and became the company’s Managing Director for the Atlanta office.
STACY RAPHAEL STEWART
Stacy Raphael Stewart is the managing member of RAPHAEL STEWART LAW GROUP, a full service law and consulting firm focused on business development, protection of intellectual property, and development of brand strategies. She is an intellectual property attorney and brand strategist. She successfully represents film and music production companies, consumer goods brands, songwriters, inventors and management companies. She has successfully negotiated and closed asset purchase deals for consumer goods brands and continues to consult various companies on brand strategies and intellectual property portfolio development. She has successfully negotiated independent film distribution deals with companies such as Codeblack Entertainment. She works as a legal consultant for emerging new media and entertainment properties. She is a recipient of the Georgia Bar 2008 Pro Bono Award and the 2006 Earl H. Davis Advocacy Award. She is a graduate of Howard University School of Law and practiced as a trademark attorney with one of the nation’s most prestigious intellectual property firms where she represented some of the nation’s most esteemed sports and consumer goods brands. She is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, National Bar Association and American Bar Association. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
STEVE LUCAS – General Manager Upfront Megatainment (Akon, Kelly Rowland), Konlive Management Team
Steve began his career at Uptown records where he assisted in the growth and development of label, which spawned the careers of multiplatinum recording artists; Mary J Blige, Jodeci, Al B Sure, and music mogul Sean “P Diddy” Combs. Upon the sale of Uptown, Steve formed his own artist management company Steve Lucas management where he would go on to manage and guide the careers of Mary j Blige, Jodeci, P Diddy. Steve later was tapped to head the artist development, video production and marketing division of Motown records in New York. In early 2000 he would be named Sr. VP at Motown Records where he would oversee budgets, marketing, artist development and video production. Recently Steve relocated to Atlanta, Georgia as General Manager of Upfront Megatainment overseeing the career of international artist Akon and the growth and development of Upfront Megatainment. Steve’s next project is the launch of a worldwide multimedia entity that encompasses Social media, Movies and Television shows.
TAMMY WEST - Music Supervisor at Traxapedia Inc.
An industry riser Tammy West is the head music supervisor at Traxapedia. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music her focus for the last 8 years has been giving independent artists a fair share in Film and TV licensing. Her efforts have yielded major independent deals with companies like Hallmark, Greenlight and Discovery Channel. Her involvement with artists range from Destiny’s Child to MC Serch to Patti Labelle. She currently oversees content of more than 200 artists from across the globe.
DJ TRAUMA
Originally from New York, DJ Trauma left the big Apple to attend college at Clark Atlanta University (CAU) in Atlanta, GA. During his tenure at CAU, DJ Trauma gained a fan base by showcasing his programming and mixing skills at college parties which shortly thereafter lead to a tour DJ appearance with Bad Boy Entertainment. On the international front, DJ Trauma was the official DJ for the 2009 Channel-O Awards after party in Johannesburg, South Africa and a special invited guest as a conference panelist, instructor and judge during the 2009 New Skool Rules in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. In addition, DJ Trauma has traveled extensively and provided musical navigation for premier nightclubs in Lagos, Nigeria, London, England, Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Nationwide, Trauma has been the featured DJ for annual red carpet events including MTV and BET Awards, Super Bowl, NBA All-Star, Essence Music Awards, Magic ShowLas Vegas and more. Trauma is also an accomplished producer and has worked Estelle, Interscope recording artist Verse Simmonds, hip hop duo Rock City, and new hip hop artist Billz.
And many more to be announced…
