Black Vibes

Panelists:

Delicia Hassan - A&R Consultant for Greenberg Traurig, LLC

Sandra Brown - Attorney for Greenberg Traurig, LLC

Catherine Brewton - VP for BMI

Kelly Price - R&B Vocalist

Monica Tannian - Milk Money

Michelle Oaks - Talent buyer for TVT Records

Perry - attorney for Producers of artist

Lucy Raoof - VP of operations at Artist Control Management

What challenges have you faced because you are a woman in this industry?

Brewton: I haven't necessarily faced many challenges, because I'm a woman. You can be a woman in this industry, but at the end of the day you have to be able to do your job. Women are an asset to this industry because we pay such close attention to detail.

Perry: I got in this industry by socializing. I had to go and network. By going to where the parties are, or the conferences. I had to change those, "You have a pretty face" into "Let's talk business."

Brown: The legal profession is male dominated. An old professor of mine told me to read a book called "Hit Men". She said after reading this book come back and tell me if you still want to be in the business, and if you do, Go for it! After reading this book, I realized that most of the big people in this industry were white. They were males, and believe it or not, they were Jewish. I didn't it into any of those categories, but I still wanted it. So I began to read trade magazines, and there were not as many out then on the industry as there are now, let me tell ya.But once I got past the fact that I am a woman, which I would not want to change, and I am black which I would want to change, and began believing that this is my career and I'm passionate about it, I decided to work! And I said I'm not going to change me for the business!


Who were your female Role Models coming up and since you've been in the industry?

Hassan: Oprah!! Just to see a minority woman defeat all the odds. Also Sandra Brown. It is inspiring just to see someone who is young, and beautiful and so positive.

Brown: I grew up on Oprah. I thought, Wow, what a fabulous woman, I want to be a fabulous woman. Also my mother. If I had said, `Mom, I want to be the president of the United States, she would have supported me. I speak to young people as much as my schedule will permit, and I hear, "I want your job." And I say you know what, in 10 years, after 4 years of college, and 3 years of law school, you can have my job. Because I will have moved on to bigger and better things.

Raoof: Louise West and Sylvia Rhone were my role models. Not to tell my age, but that was long before you all. I started before hip-hop was really popular. I was at the 1st Hip-Hop Fresh Festival, where Jermaine opened up at 10 years old.

Brewton: It all started with my mother. She is such a civil minded person. It's all about what you make of the situation. You should go beyond what your willing to do. My mother was always my inspiration. For woman, it's always good to stay connected with other woman, but it starts with you and your own household.

Price: I don't want to sound repetitive, but my grandmother and Oprah. It starts at home. My grandmother is one of the most graceful persons I have ever known. Oprah - she is apart of entertainment. I look at her, as she is willing to take on knowledge. What I would like to see happen, and if someone else doesn't do I will, but what I would like to see are some music-Oprah's. Someone down the line have a major label. And what that takes is looking at the long run. I want to see women owning basketball teams like Jay-Z. My advice is what ever you do, do i

In its seventh year as a platform for discovering new talent, the 2004 Atlantis Music Conference is well underway. Held annually in Atlanta, Georgia this three day conference is filled with panels and exhibits along with a job fair and health fair.

One of the main goals of the Atlantis Music Conference is to enhance the technologies available to us today. The conference is the premier music event that brings together industry executives, musicians and music enthusiasts to be inspired, energized, discovered, and educated in the business of music.

Each panel is 75 long minutes of education, debate and entertainment, followed by questions from the audience.

The exhibit's where artists and the general public can mingle with Atlantis attendees, not to be confused with a trade show, is an area where twenty-two participants and sponsors can show off.

Exhibitors Include:

AMG, Music Business Registry, Good Times Magazine, Devine Communications, Rap Snacks, T-Mobile, Fireball, NARAS, Nunis Custom Guitars, Melanie Denard, Cotton Graphics, Red Bull, Nimbit,Sonicbids Ticket Alternative, Fontis Water, SunTrust Music Banking, Hall, Booth, Smith & Slover

The Atlantis Job Fair is the way to get leads or contacts with the right people. Attendants can meet with human resource reps from numerous companies in all aspects of the music business such as: ASCAP, House of Blues, Abstract Rhythms, Hot 107.9, 99X, William Reynolds Agency, Nimbit and more

For the first year at Atlantis, attendants have the opportunity to get health checks by some of the following:.

* Northside Hospital- Blood Pressure Check and Body Fat Analysis

* Resurgons Orthopedic - Bone Density Screening

* Auditory Verbal Center - Hearing Screening

* St. Joseph's Hospital - Cholesterol and Glucose (Diabetes)

Screening

* Reflexology - Foot and Hand Massage (Reduce body stress)

* Carlin Vision- Eye Screening

* Nikken - Wellness products for overall better health

* Life University- Chiropractor services

* Willingway Hospital - Treatment/ Recovery Center

* Aid Atlanta

During Atlantis, over 42,000 music enthusiasts spread over the city to enjoy the music of 259 artists from 32 states and four countries at 18 different venues. From jazz to urban, from acoustic to rock, multiple musical genres are showcased nightly.

For a view of the Printable Full Conference Schedule please visit: Atlantis Music.

Kakeeya J. Wright is a staff writer for BlackVibes.com
Kakeeya@blackvibes.com

At the 2004 Atlantis Music Conference, the very first panelist was Matt Serletic, songwriter, producer, arranger, and Chairman / CEO of Virgin Records. At the panel discussion, 99X's Director of Programming, Leslie Fram got 'Up Close & Personal' with Matt Serletic.

He is best known for producing Matchbox Twenty's two previous smash hit albums, 1996's Yourself or Someone Like You and 2000's Mad Season. He has also works closely with artist such as Aerosmith, Willie Nelson, Dallas Austin and Céline Dion, who he quoted as being "able to sing the phone book beautifully."

During the panel discussion Matt reminisced on growing up in the Atlanta Public School system. He also spoke on writing his very first song about soccer practice at the age of 5, and then learning how to use studio equipment at the age of 12. "This is why it's so important to keep the music programs in the school system."

Matt Serletic expressed his "phenomenal joy" when he won his first Grammy for 2000's Record of the Year, producing Carlos Santana's Smooth featuring Rob Thomas, and what "a kick" it was to hear his material on the radio for the first time.

When asked about Virgin's history of long-term artist Matt responded, "My responsibility is to sign artists who have the potential for a long-term career". Fram, just like everyone else in the conference, wanted to know what Matt and other Virgin Record A&R reps [such as his brother Dean - A&R rep for Virgin] were looking for when they come to a showcase. Matt indicates that star power, song material, and voice are the three most important things to him.

"Star power can't be taught, but can be developed. Star power is what makes you stand out from the crowd, and how you engage your viewer or your listener." He explains that after showing off your star power, your singing must be different and unique. Then what it is that you are using to get his attention [your voice] will win you over with Virgin Records.

Matt explains how his day-to-day changes everyday and that even with all the changes, he has to stay focused on the long-term picture. "There is a lot to distract you, a lot of time juggling...a lot of emailing. There is no short answer for that."

"People who work in this industry have their magic moments - Even if it's not a hit..." So when asked what has been the highlight of his career, Matt responded "What ever happened last week -that was my magic moment."

Kakeeya J. Wright is a staff writer for BlackVibes.com
Kakeeya@blackvibes.com