William Westfall
At Island Def Jam Records, Will was instrumental in the discovery, signing, and album creation of such artists as Hoobastank, the Rocket Summer, American Hi-Fi, CKY, Letter Kills, Under The Influence Of Giants, and Ludo. He's currently the Creative Director for an LA-based management company focusing on the discovery and signing of new talent.
Todd Parker
Founder of Indie label, ThroBack/Lava Records, Todd signed “Smile Empty Soul” (RIAA certified Gold) and signed/developed “The Summer Obsession” with Virgin Records. Todd joined Windswept Pacific Music Publishing as Senior Director of A&R where he signed “Under The Influence Of Giants,” “Smile Empty Soul,” and “Rock N’ Roll Soldiers.” He has placed songs with major recording artists from Nashville and Latin America, along with many film and TV placements.
Ty Knox
While Director of A&R/Creative Music for Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds at Edmonds Music Publishing and Director of A&R for David Foster’s 143 Records, Ty worked with the likes of Toni Braxton, Josh Groban, Nicole Scherzinger (Pussycat Dolls) and Mariah Carey, among many others. Ty currently manages singer-songwriter Samantha Jade, who was signed via Ty’s production company to a worldwide recording deal with Jive Records.
Lisa Piacenti
As Creative Director for Zomba Music Publishing, Lisa was responsible for signing super-talents, Ne-yo, T. Pain, Cool & Dre, Jazmine Sullivan and Ron “Neffu” Feemster (Eminem, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige). She has also secured opportunities for major songwriters and their catalogs, including: R. Kelly, Britney Spears, Raheem DeVaughn, Ne-yo, Jazmine Sullivan, Linkin Park, Styles of Beyond, Backstreet Boys, Tonex, Nas, Teddy Riley, Erick Sermon, KRS-One, A Tribe Called Quest, Petey Pablo and many more.
Cindy Wilt Colville
For fifteen years Cindy has been a music publisher with two of Christian music’s largest publishing companies. First, she was recruited to lead Benson Music Publishing then, as Vice President of Word Music Publishing, Cindy signed and developed top talent such as Matthew West, Jason Ingram, Cindy Morgan, Clint Lagerberg, and many others. During 2007 and 2008, Cindy worked as the day-to-day manager for award winning Sparrow recording artist Matthew West.
Jr. Regisford
Currently Executive A&R Consultant at TUG Entertainment. Formerly Vice President of A&R at A&M Records and Senior Director of A&R at Perspective Records (Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’ label). Has worked with such artists as Christina Aguilera, Bow Wow, Omarion, B2K, Marques Houston, and more.
Monique Headley
Monique Headley is a music industry executive and the Grammy award nominated co-writer of “Do You Know Him?” from Billboard radio/retail record-breaker and #2 Gospel release Exalted by Marvin Sapp. Over the course of her career, she has worked with top music companies including SonyBMG, Verity Records, Gospocentric Records, Jive Records, Tommy Boy Records, Music World, Spirit Rising, Ryko Music Group. As director of A&R for Gospocentric and Verity Records, she discovered, produced, or oversaw projects for chart-topping talent in the Contemporary Gospel field including Trin-i-tee 5:7, J. Moss, Tramaine Hawkins, Kirk Franklin, Kurt Carr, Asaph Ward, Fred Hammond, and more.
Carol Spencer
Recently Vice President of Creative/A&R at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Carol Spencer has 18 years of experience in the music business having worked at A&M, Rondor Music Publishing and Famous Music Publishing. She signed P.O.D, Jet, Modest Mouse, Ozomatli, Daniel Powter, The Wizards of Oz, and Flight of the Concords.
Jorge Hernandez
A&R for Atlantic/Straight Line Records before becoming Head of A&R and General Manager at EMI's 2KSounds. Jorge currently manages and has made deals for bands The Classic Crime and A Change Of Pace, as well as putting together deals for Nikki Flores and Prima J.
Frank Petrone
As National Director of Creative Affairs for Peermusic. Frank secured song placements for his writers with Christina Aguilera and Josh Groban, among many others. He’s currently signing and developing songwriters as the Chief Creative Officer for a new publishing company based in Los Angeles.
Karl Louis
Former A&R person for Limp Bizkit at Flip Records, Manager at Warren Entner Management. (the Deftones, Faith No More, Rage Against The Machine), writer/marketing for leading trade publication HITS magazine, and creator/writer of the A&R column for industry trade magazine The Album Network. Karl has shopped many label, publishing and management deals for artists, including Matchbox Twenty, E40, Creed, the Ataris, Bubba Sparxxx, 6pence None the Richer, Hoobastank, Sevendust, Collective Soul, Jack off Jill, Weezer, etc. He currently operates his own production and development consulting business.
Rich E. Blaze
Rich is currently Producer/Engineer for Diane Warren/Realsongs where he has worked with such artists as Dream, TLC, Natural, and Ricky Martin, among others. As a Producer/Engineer at Studio 56/Hollywood, Rich worked with a wide range of talented artists including Bone Thugs, Westside Connection, Raphael Saadiq, BattleCat, Jay O Felony, Rod Stewart, Taj Mahal, Third World, Timberland, Kenny Latimore, and more. Signed to Chrysalis Records as a recording artist. Co-Producer/Engineer for Vassel Benford VAZ/Motown (Debrah Cox, Debelah Morgan, Jade, C-Note, Stevie B).
Phil Hinkle
While V.P. of A&R at Century Media Records. Phil Hinkle was responsible for signing and/or working with Grammy-nominated Shadows Fall, Lacuna Coil, In This Moment, Arch Enemy, God Forbid, Strapping Young Lad and others. He also headed the Liquor and Poker Music label, which released albums by The Hellacopters, Hanoi Rocks and Backyard Babies.
Jamie Feldman
As Director of A&R at Capitol Records. Jaime was responsible for signing RIAA Gold plus artists, Reliant K and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus., as well as facilitating U.S. releases for Corinne Bailey Rae and Dirty Vegas. Formerly at AEG where he promoted North American arena/amphitheatre tours for Mariah Carey, Dixie Chicks, Nine Inch Nails and Blink 182.
Brett Anderson
Lead singer of the all-female rock band The Donnas. Brett has written, recorded, and performed internationally with the band. Their songs have appeared in movies such as Dodgeball and The Hangover, as well as video games Rock Band and Guitar Hero. After releasing two albums with Atlantic Records, the band now releases on their own successful indie label. As a songwriter, Brett has collaborated with Holly Knight, Dave Stewart, and Andreas Carlsson, among others.
Chris “Hot Rod” Long
Manager of platinum-selling band Crossfade (Columbia) and Jonah, among others. Was Director of Creative Development for fuzz.com and an A&R person at Chameleon Records where he was responsible for signing Kyuss. Worked with such bands as Stone Temple Pilots, Rage Against the Machine, and Ice T’s Body Count.
Juan Carlos Quintero
Founder and owner of the World/Jazz label Moondo Records which markets and distributes projects in partnership with Discipline Global Mobile (DGM/Robert Fripp/King Crimson) and Innerknot Inc. (Michael Nyman, Mitchell Froom, Roger Powell). JC has worked as a touring guitarist, producer, A & R consultant, session guitarist, and recording artist.
Dude McClean
Dude is a veteran music publisher with well over 35 years in the business as a Professional Manager for Dawnbreaker music; West coast Director of Creative Services for MCA/Universal Music Publishing; President and founder of Legendsong Music and Dudes GoldenTouch Music (representing Abba and Lionel Richie); and Vice President of CMI, a music publishing administration company representing acts such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Twisted Sister, Emmy Lou Harris and hundreds more. McLean’s credits include film, TV, records, CDs and stage plays, representing thousands of songs.
Matt Malley
Founding member of the multi-platinum selling Rock band, Counting Crows. Matt played bass on their entire catalogue including their latest release “Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings.” With over 20 million records sold to date (and counting, no pun intended), Matt has acquired Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe nominations as a songwriter. A student of Indian slide guitar, Matt recently completed an East-meets-West collaboration with Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Subhen Chatterjee.
Fiona Kernaghan
Fiona is a singer/songwriter who has written eleven #1 songs and has had over 100 cuts worldwide in genres as diverse as Pop, AC, Rock, Country and Adult Alternative. A former Warner Chappell Nashville staff songwriter. She is also an ARIA nominated recording artist.
Marlice Kraemer
While Professional Manager at Paragon/Benson Publishing in Nashville, Marlice worked with top songwriters Michael W. Smith, Gary Chapman, Bill & Gloria Gaither, Dony McGuire and John Rosasco. She also worked extensively as a professional vocalist with Emmy Lou Harris, Gary Morris, Brenda Lee, Vince Gill, Pat Boone, Cynthia Clawson, Boxcar Willie and Little Jimmy Dickens.
Todd Herfindal
Staff writer at Peer Music and 2412 Publishing (Red Zone Entertainment). Todd has collaborated with many successful contemporary songwriters including: Christopher "Tricky" Stewart (Rhianna), The Dream, Kuk Harrell, Penelope Magnet, Thabiso "Tab" Nkereanye, and Paulina Rubio. Todd's 2412 collaboration "Let's Get Excited," the third single from Alesha Dixon's Atlantic U.K. album propelled it to certified platinum status. His solo compositions have landed in several motion pictures and countless TV shows, as well as on national networks and cable, including: ABC, E!, MTV, Lifetime, HBO, and Cinemax.
Leigh Gorman
English Rock Musician/Producer/Composer. Leigh is a founding member and the current bass player for Bow Wow Wow, achieving two UK Top Ten hits and placements on US charts. As a producer, his work on Silver Bullet’s “Twenty Seconds To Comply” went to #11 on the UK singles chart and Soho’s “Hippychick” reached #1 on both the UK and US dance charts. As a composer, Leigh has written and produced micro-operettas, soundscapes, and hip-hop/soul jams for clients including Coca Cola, Pepsi, Nike, Renault, and MCI. While off tour, Leigh produces bands (Morrissey and Calahan) and composes music for film and television.
Daniel Shulman
As Director of A&R at Island Def Jam, Daniel signed several artists including R&B/Pop singer Christina Milian. He has worked as a producer, songwriter, and musician with multi-platinum artists such as Warren G, RUN DMC, and Garbage, for whom he played bass. His film and television composing credits include successful shows like “Desperate Housewives.” He is currently a member of the Dan Band.
Prescott Niles
Best known as the bass player for The Knack, Prescott has worked with George Harrison, Mick Jones, Holly Knight, and more. Performed with Josie Cotton on albums and in the movie Valley Girl. Currently, still performing with The Knack and writing his book, 4 Strings and the Truth.
John Braheny
Legendary songwriting coach and “song doctor,” John Braheny is the author of the best-selling book, The Craft and Business of Songwriting. He was Co-founder/Director of the famed Los Angeles Songwriters Showcase where he provided exposure for and nurtured the talents of an impressive list of as-yet-undiscovered talent, including Diane Warren, Stevie Nicks, Janis Ian, and Warren Zevon.
Doug Minnick
While West Coast Creative Director for CBS Songs/SBK Entertainment and Professional Manager at Almo/Irving Music Publishing (A&M Records), Doug worked closely with writers who had top ten Pop hits with Melissa Etheridge, Whitney Houston, Chicago, Bonnie Raitt, Tina Turner, Michael Bolton, Bryan Adams, and many more. Country hits with Martina McBride, Kenny Rogers, Heartland, Crystal Gayle, T. Graham Brown, Billy Dean, and Ronnie Milsap among others. For ten years (1994-2004), Vice President of TAXI.
Taras Prodaniuk
Taras has produced, performed & recorded with Lucinda Williams, Dwight Yoakam, Steve Earl, Elvis Costello, Buck Owens, Sara Evans, Emmylou Harris, Michelle Shocked, Richard Thompson, John Fogerty, Katey Segal, June Carter Cash, Brett Dennen, Flaco Jimenez, Cowboy Jack, Trisha Yearwood, Heather Myles, Kenny Chesney and his own band, Mojo Monkeys.
Tom Bocci
Former Music Production Director for Walt Disney Studios and Vice President of Music for Warner Bros. Television (including series “ER,” “Friends,” “La Femme Nikita,” and “The Drew Carey Show”). He’s been the Music Supervisor for 20 films, a Publisher/Creative Director in Film/TV for Polygram Publishing and Walt Disney Music Company, as well as Creative Consultant to the Sony Music labels, representing their catalog for Licensing to film/TV/advertising. Tom has had song nominations for both Grammy and Academy Awards. Currently an independent music supervisor.
Ric Menck
Ric is the owner of indie record labels that release both current bands and musical rarities. He is a core member (drummer and songwriter) of the Power Pop band, Velvet Crush. As a musician, Rick has worked with Matthew Sweet, Susanna Hoffs, Liz Phair, Marianne Faithfull, Aimee Man, the Pernice Brothers among many others. He is the author of the acclaimed book Notorious Byrd Brothers.
Kenny Kerner
Kenny discovered and produced the legendary band KISS, has written two books about the music business -- Going Pro and Get Smart! He’s currently the Director of the Music Business Program at Musicians Institute and, prior to that, he taught music business courses at UCLA. Kenny is also a highly-respected music journalist.
Betty Rosen-Ziff
While she was Creative Head of Crossfire Entertainment in Nashville, Betty oversaw a stable of twelve songwriters who got cuts with artists such as Trisha Yearwood. Betty was also VP of Music Publishing and Film Music at Magnatone Music while the company enjoyed chart-topping Country hits, contributing to the current success of artist Shelby Lynne.
Vail Johnson
Voted Bassist of the Year by both Guitar World and Bass Player magazine. Bassist and vocalist for such disparate artists as Kenny G., Herbie Hancock, Michael Bolton, Edgar Winter and Warren Hill among many others.
Fuzzbee Morse
Composer/Arranger/Performer/Producer and multi-instrumentalist, Fuzzbee has played with Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed, Frank Zappa, The Neville Bros, Bono, Jean-Luc Ponty and more. He has had songs in many films and TV shows released through Paramount, Columbia, ABC, 20th Century Fox, and labels including A&M, Universal, Epic, Geffen and Warner Bros.
Bobby Borg
Former major label, independent, and DIY recording/touring artist and Berklee College of Music graduate. Bobby is the author of Billboard Books best-seller, The Musician’s Handbook: A Practical Guide To Understanding The Music Business, seven other instructional music books and he is a regular contributor to international music business publications. He is a music business consultant to managers, labels, and music supervisors, as well as a music industry professor at Musician’s Institute in Hollywood and UCLA.
Max Braverman
Max's music has been heard on HBO, A&E, Discovery Channel, History Channel, MTV, CBS, Fuel TV, E! Network. He is currently writing music for ABC Television. Max toured as lead guitarist with Landon Pigg (RCA Records) and Street Drum Corps (Interscope) on Linkin Park's "Projekt Revolution" tour. Signed artist with Lunaticworks (Sony/BMG).
Steven Chamberlin
aka Steven Sweet, is the original and current drummer for the seminal rock band Warrant. With over 8 million records sold worldwide, 5 top 40 Billboard hits, and the classic American Rock anthem "Cherry Pie" to its credit. As a session drummer and vocalist, Steven also has a BMI Best New Artist award to his credit.
Barbara Cohen
Barbara has had songs placed in Films and TV shows including Fox Film's Broke Down Palace, Michael Radford's Dancing At the Blue Iguana, WB's TV series “Felicity,” and NBC's “Third Watch,” along with scoring several independent films, including the Academy Award-nominated short film The Confession. She collaborated with Orbital on their UK hit “Way Out.” A singer-songwriter, composer and former Virgin Records recording artist, Barbara is currently a Music Supervisor working in film.
Dicki Fliszar
As a professional musician and songwriter, Dicki was signed to five major label and publishing companies. His experience has taken him from playing drums with Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) to becoming a founding member of legendary British rockers Skin, who had many hits and a #1 Rock Album in the UK. Currently, he is songwriting and recording a new album with Skin.
Robin Frederick
Robin is the author of the best-selling songwriting book Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting: 126 Proven Techniques for Writing Songs That Sell. She’s a former Director of A&R for Rhino Records and executive producer of over 60 albums. She has written more than 500 songs for television, records, theater, and audio products. Currently, she oversees the A&R/Screener Team at TAXI.
Frank Fuchs
Leading Folk Music Specialist/Producer/Songwriter and two-time Grammy nominee for Producer of the Year. Frank has worked with many top artists including Whitney Houston, Taj Mahal, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Billy Bragg, and The Woody Guthrie Archives.
Mark Getten
A founding member of Wanderlust (RCA Records), Bachelor Number One (American Pie Soundtrack), and FEEL (Curb Records). Mark is also a long time member of singer-songwriter AM’s band whose music has been featured in numerous films and TV shows (Big Love, Men in Trees, Brothers and Sisters, etc.). Recently, Mark has been working with CBS recording artist Sharon Little.
Meg Hansen
Over 15 years of A&R experience at major labels including Universal Records, Columbia Records, Epic Records and Geffen Records.
Scott Kempner
Founding member of The Dictators & The Del-Lords. Scott has also worked extensively with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend Dion Di Mucci, and producer Neil Giraldo (Pat Benetar, John Waite). He has songs in several films and multiple covers, as well.
Paul Marshall
Paul is a musician and songwriter whose songs have been covered by Patty Loveless, Juice Newton, Highway 101, Jill Sobule and others. As a bass player / guitar player, he has worked with the Strawberry Alarm Clock, Highway 101, and Country legends Hank Thompson and Johnny Tillotson. His songs have appeared in numerous movies and television shows. He is currently a member of the band I See Hawks In L.A. and a bass-playing mainstay of the L.A. music scene.
Anne McCue
Critically acclaimed indie Singer-Songwriter/Guitarist/Producer, Anne has toured the world with Lucinda Williams, Heart, Richard Thompson Paul Kelly, and others. Included in Time Life's "Four Decades Of Folk Rock" featuring legendary artists including Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Suzanne Vega and Wilco. She has recently recorded/produced her 5th album, “East Of Electric.”
Jay Michaels
As an in-demand Nashville touring and session musician, Jay's credits include a "who's who" of the next generation of legends, in both Country music and the Contemporary Christian genre. This list includes Alan Jackson, Steven Curtis Chapman and extensive touring with Trisha Yearwood. Jay relocated to Los Angeles where he used his experience to start a production company, resulting in several charting singles.
Don Paccione
As Creative Director at EMI Music, Warner Bros. Music, and Director of A&R at W Recordings, Don signed and worked with Rock acts White Zombie, Pantera, Biohazard, The Smithereens, Ace Frehely, Europe, Megadeth and Dream Theatre. He has also worked with songwriters Carole King, Richie Supa, Sammy Cahn, Doc Pomus, Jack Ponti, Glenn Burtnik and Kip Winger.
Phil Parlapiano
Founding member of acoustic rock duo, The Brothers Figaro (Geffen Records). Phil also spent nine years as musical director for folk legend John Prine. His credits include the Grammy award-winning releases, “The Missing Years,” “Fair and Square” and co-write “Leave the Lights On” for the CD Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings. Phil continues to work in the studio as a first call accordionist/keyboardist with the likes of The Dixie Chicks, Rod Stewart, Jon Bon Jovi, Lowen and Navarro, Iris Dement, and Carlene Carter, as well as composing music for TV shows: “Dirty, Sexy Money” and “Alias,” among others.
Alan Roy Scott
Hit Songwriter with cuts by Celine Dion, Luther Vandross, Notorious B.I.G., Gloria Estefan, Cyndi Lauper, Patti LaBelle, the Neville Bros., Roberta Flack, the Oak Ridge Boys, and many more. Alan was a staff songwriter at EMI Music and Jobete Music. He has songs in such films as Coming to America, Top Gun and First Wives Club, as well as many, many TV placements.
Stacy Turner
Stacy is a former Director of A&R for Quincy Jones' Qwest Records, working with such artists as Quincy Jones, Tamia, Tevin Campbell and Patti Austin. As the owner of a producer/artist management company, she is handling Grammy nominated producer and songwriter Rex Rideout, who has worked with Luther Vandross, Angie Stone, Ledisi, Lalah Hathaway, Will Downing and others.
Gernot Wolfgang
Composer for the Warner Brothers animated TV series Zorro. Gernot is the orchestrator for Hollywood composers including Christopher Young, Aaron Zigman and Christopher Lennertz. His concert works have been premiered by the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Gernot has also extensively toured as a jazz guitarist throughout Europe.
Kimmie Yan
As an A&R consultant for Thrive/Island Def Jam, Kimmie has worked with such artists as Leona Lewis, the Black Eyed Peas, the Stunners, Katherine McPhee, the Backstreet Boys, Elliott Yamin, and Jeremy Greene, among others.
Michele McAfee
Songwriter Michele McAfee has had charting singles and major label cuts and has worked with an array of artists and producers including Jewel, Plus One, Kim Richey, Paul Fox, Jude Cole and more. She was a staff writer for ten years with Warner Chappell Music, Sony ATV/Maypop Music, and Bluewater Music.
Carl Byron
Composer of many commissioned works and a world-class musicologist in diverse genres including Western Art music, Jazz, Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, Arabic Folk Music, and several experimental genres as well. Highly experienced in stage and film work. As a keyboardist, he’s recorded and performed with a diverse array of artists, including Michelle Shocked, Syd Straw, Jim Lauderdale, and many others.
Teresa James
Teresa is a songwriter, in-demand session singer, and charting blues artist. Her songs have been used in film and TV and her voice can be heard on movie soundtracks and commercials and on recordings by Randy Newman, Neil Diamond, Kirk Whalum, Walter Trout, and Tommy Castro, among others.
Erin Workman
Songwriter, producer, and performer, Erin Workman was a staff writer for Gaylord Entertainment Nashville; Head of Artist Development at Music School on Music Row, and has worked with artists such as Rufus Wainwright, Emma Roberts, and Zac Efron. She’s developed artists for Disney’s High School Musical, as well as other Disney projects. Former Director of A&R at TAXI. Composer for the Disney series “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” and Musicians Institute instructor.
Troy Wallace
A&R and Marketing at Warner Bros. Records and Rhino Entertainment working with artists such as Jane's Addiction, The Flaming Lips, Green Day, The Who, Morcheeba, Static-X, Peter Gabriel, Elvis Costello, Pixies, Eisley and many, many more. Producer/Remixer working with Morcheeba, Dubtribe, The Polyphonic Spree and The Lone Insiders. DJ at Los Angeles' Rooftop Full-Moon Parties, DJ Dan's Rotation, Burning Man, WMC in Miami and more.
Anuar Vengoechea
Publishing consultant Anuar has worked with a wide variety of songwriters including J. Wells (Goodie Mob), Juanita Wynn (Diana Ross, Virtue, Fred Hammond) Thayod Ausar (Tha Liks, G-Unit, Loyd Banks, Xzibit), Darius Willrich, Prophit Plan, Naja, Zriddler, Rocswell and Arizona Trax. He is a former Creative Director at Ettafrancis / Sony / ATV and an in-demand audio engineer.
John Fluker
John has toured internationally as a pianist/vocalist accompanying Dionne Warwick, Oleta Adams, Queen Latifah, Whoopi Goldberg, Mavis Staples, and Brenda Russell, among other greats. Television performances include Rosie O’Donnell, Regis & Kathy Lee, and The Tonight Show. In addition, John is a vocal coach; his clients include Jennifer Lopez, Kim Fields, Mary Hart and Florence LaRue.
Liz Redwing
Got her creative start at Interscope Music (publishing). Liz is a former A&R person for Atlantic Records and has worked with artist management companies, business management firms/entertainment law firms specializing in artist deals.
Mike Mallinger
Mike is a manager working with Music Producers and DJs. As an independent manager and promoter, he has worked with Mos Def, Alchemist, De La Soul, Madlib, Oh No, Ozomatli and Dilated Peoples, along with some of the top radio and club DJs in the world.
