WELCOME TO LAUNCH 2018
A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR HERE WE ARE...THE 10TH Annual LAUNCH Music Conference & Festival. Each and every year, when the months of planning have concluded, and the program starts, the genuine excitement and energy I feel never gets old. Our attendees and panelists, and the music fans, flood into town, and the vibe is electric! Even after these ten wonderful years, it’s like it’s all new, like Christmas friggin’ morning. Our 10th Year looks to be one for the books! The daytime Conference Program is STACKED with some of the most talented, driven, and successful people the Music Industry over, and they’re here to share, listen, and hang out! Their passion is evident, their generosity with their time, obvious, and their joining us here at LAUNCH 2018 is truly appreciated. Notice the very current subject matter, in keeping with some of the biggest concerns in music today, as well as a necessary dose of timeless tips, and rock solid conventional wisdom, to best serve the aspiring musician and wouldbe industry person, alike. One-on-one mentoring has been greatly expanded, to foster even more direct connections. There is more concurrent programming than ever before, to ensure that a vast array of subject matter is addressed, and that crowds remain as intimate as possible, so that each attendee can have the chance to ask questions, and feel more a part of each discussion. The nighttime Festival portion sees the addition of Altana Nightclub and Lounge as a performance space, and the return of the highly acclaimed FEST FRIDAY
at Binns Park, where the entirety of our Attendees and thousands of members of our community, will gather for 3 stages of amazing music across many genres, great food and drink, and an incredible, party-like atmosphere. We’re so stoked to present some amazing Marquee Showcase artists and events, in Year Ten. August Burns Red’s 15th Anniversary show is an honor to host, and a must-see, as they will perform a one-of-a-kind set, not seen on any tour by the band, ever! The world premier of the sensational documentary film, “Barn Burner”, which deals with the unlikely advent of several heavy music bands from the Lancaster County area, going on to make global impressions. Twice platinum r&b/hip hop/pop phenom, PnB Rock will perform, as well as Baltimore’s newest punk-rock firebrand, War on Women. Aaron & Spencer from Underoath will perform an exclusive acoustic set, and even join our conference portion. Don’t even get me started on the additional, exceptional talent from all over the world, throughout the entire remaining performance schedule. We have been graced with the support of so many amazing brand partners, so that we can keep general attendance options way below similarly styled events, and so that we can continue to offer FREE badges to each and every artist who submitted for performance consideration, regardless of whether or not we were able to place them in a performance slot in 2018. New brand partners, Dogfish Head, Tito’s Vodka, Barefoot Wines, and KHS, as well as time honored partners York College, Soundrink, Fireball, The City of Lancaster
LMC&F Director & Founder, Jeremy Weiss, pictured in an inaugural LAUNCH 2009 T-shirt, and holding a LAUNCH 2018 10th Anniversary Edition PRS Custom Guitar.
Office of Promotions, The Lancaster City Alliance, and SO many more, make this possible, and their simply is no sufficient way to ever thank them enough. TEN. Ten years of welcoming thousands of vibrant, creative, passionate attendees. Ten years of dancing and partying with tens of thousands of people from the incredible community of Lancaster, PA, and the surrounding area. Ten years of brainstorming, education, and enlightenment, so that we may find an edge, avoid a mistake, embrace a work ethic, forge a career path. Ten years of relationship building, and networking, and
real connecting. Ten years of dedication, incredible talent and intellect, from a staff that’s like family, and from Music Industry colleagues who are true friends, both old and new. Raise your game, raise your volume, raise a glass, and raise (a little) hell! We’re ten, baby! And you’re HERE WITH US, which always was, is, and will be, the most rewarding, and important thing to me! WELCOME attendees, panelists, partners, concert goers, FRIENDS; WELCOME to LAUNCH 2018!
LAUNCH MUSIC CONFERENCE & FESTIVAL 2018 STAFF Conference Director: Jeremy Weiss Conference Director: Jen Kellogg Sponsorship & General Ops: Spencer Carpenter Director of Art & Marketing: Andrew Zell Social Media & Scheduling: Diana Obracaj Sponsorship: Kate Truscott Production Manager: Bryan Naranjo Registration Coordinator & Panelist Liaison: Paige Sodano Registration Attendant, Panelist Liaison: Jenn O’Hagan Registration Attendant: Kristen Oles
Exhibitor Liaison: Tammy Eno Production Assistants: Caleb Leaman, Kyle Fisher, Mike Rogers, Niki Galbraith, Andrew Pettit, Hayden Calhoun, Cody Frain, Terriney Rodriguez, Stella Weiss, Josh Lofties, Titus Irvan, Mark Campbell, Anamika Misra, Laura Ronemus, Daniel Panczner, Bryon Wagner, Brian Larson, Molly Knepper, Alexandra Mecs, Erin Donovan, Alayna Parker, Sarah Balkey, Rachel Rodriguez Conference Videography: K Enagonio Photography Travel Agent: Robin Ernst (Bon Voyage Travel)
Photography: Dan Gillespie, Madeline Martin, K Enagonio, Ashley Kalinoski, Delaney Bass, Liz Peterson, Josh Himes Advisors: Annie Weeks (City of Lancaster), Kayla Forgrave (City of Lancaster), Lindsay Murray (Lancaster County Conv. Ctr.), Marshall Snively (Lancaster City Alliance), Bob Anderson (808_the_plug), Shawn Young (York College), Lou Plaia (ReverbNation), David Silbaugh (Milwaukee Summerfest)
PANELISTS JEN APPEL CATALYST PUBLICITY GROUP South Florida native Jen Appel graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelors in Communication and Culture and Barry University with a Masters in Corporate Communications and Public Relations. Entering year five of The Catalyst Publicity Group, Appel has seen success working with 400+ artists of all genres. She has fine-tuned creative marketing so emerging acts find success in their career and even more so has watched artists grow in to successful musicians. Appel has been fortunate enough to work with acts Boys Like Girls, Cartel, The Spill Canvas, and Our Last Night.
CHRIS BIANCHI CB ENTERTAINMENT Worldwide Artist Manager & Entrepreneur. Working hands on in the music and entertainment industry for over a decade. The clients he’s worked with have sold a combined 25+ million albums worldwide. A member of the GRAMMY association. As seen in FORBES, Inc. Magazine, Axs.com and more.
JONNY BOUCHER HOPE FOR THE DAY Jonny Boucher has worked in a variety of capacities within the music industry since he was 13. Gradually, after realizing that there was a gaping void at concerts created by the fact that while lyrics talked viscerally about mental health and suicide, there was nobody to tangibly follow up with these emotions after shows. This was one of the sources of motivation for founding Hope for the Day (HFTD), which Jonny has been CEO of since 2011, and actively partners with the Vans Warped Tour, Live Nation, and other leaders in the entertainment industry.
JB BRUBAKER AUGUST BURNS RED JB Brubaker is a founding member, songwriter, and guitarist of the twice Grammy-nominated band August Burns Red.
MICHAEL CIPRARI SJC DRUMS SJC Custom Drums was started as a hobby by the Ciprari brothers out of their Grandmother’s basement in the year 2000. What they started has become a shared passion for musicians across the world. The grassroots, do it yourself approach and morale of what the brother’s started many years ago is still alive and will continue to drive the companies’ values and mission every day. SJC Custom Drums is more than the products they create - it’s about passion, culturing and nurturing a community, and pride.
K ENAGONIO K ENAGONIO PHOTOGRAPHY K Enagonio is a freelance filmmaker, photographer, and video editor who has successfully created a lifestyle out of creating art.
MARIE GIRONAS REYBEE Coming from a journalism background, Maria entered the publicity field with Reybee, Inc. in 2015 after many successful internships at some of the top music PR companies. With Reybee, Inc. she has led campaigns with artists such as Taking Back Sunday, Noah Gundersen, Bear Hands, and many more. Aside from her work in publicity, Maria handles social media marketing for Emo Night Brooklyn and consults on social media over at Fender. If you’re in LA, you can most likely find her at a concert.
RICK ARMELLINO THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE Rick Armellino is a touring record producer, writer, mixing engineer, and multiinstrumentalist based out of Lancaster, PA. Known for his ten year role as the fronting vocalist for metalcore touring veterans This or the Apocalypse, Rick has contributed as a writer and producer for a wide range of releases in the rock and metal world ranging from Sumerian’s heavy I, the Breather to Victory’s catchy Carousel Kings. Rick currently performs with several touring artists as both a vocalist and guitarist.
JOE BOGDAN COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO Joe Bogdan is a 20+ year veteran of the entertainment industry, as an attorney, businessperson and academic. In his career he has represented talent and establishment organizations alike in contract negotiations. Joe left private law practice for entrepreneurship, and spent six years in executive roles with two successive startups including an early music streaming technology company. Today, Joe is a partner in the law firm of Culhane Meadows, and also faculty of Columbia College Chicago, where he teaches entertainment business.
JOSH BOWMAN AUGUST BURNS RED Josh Bowman is a Lancaster native and road manager for August Burns Red. Having toured since 2003, he has worked in over 40 countries as a road manager, lighting tech, VIP coordinator and merchandiser.
LORENZO CARDONA EVO RECORDINGS Lorenzo Cardona, who goes by Zoe, is an American Gold and Platinum engineer and musician based in New York City. Zoe has worked as engineer with Post Malone, Jason Derulo, Migos, Blackbear, Kendrick Lamar, and dozens more. After graduating William Patterson University, Zoe pursued a professional career as a recording and mixing engineer at Quad Studios in NYC. He continues as a leading engineer in Manhattan and the head in-house engineer of EVO Recordings.
JIM DIGBY EVENT SAFETY ALLIANCE Jim Digby is 30-plus year veteran of the entertainment industry. He is the founder and Chairman of the Event Safety Alliance® and owner of Collaborative Endeavor Group (CEG), providing international touring strategies and complete production solutions for the live entertainment industry. He currently serves a Director of Touring and Production for the multi-million selling artists Linkin Park, and has previously worked with artists as diverse as The Backstreet Boys, Bon Jovi, and Marilyn Manson.
FRANK FANELLI TOUR MANAGER After spending nearly a decade on the road as a musician, Frank decided to use his knowledge as an artist to bring structure to touring acts who lacked exactly that. During his 12 years of touring the world, Frank has taken on the role as tour manager, merchandiser, booking agent, VIP coordinator, production manager, and LD while working for acts such as Bam Margera, Yelawolf, Robert Randolph, CKY, Hatebreed, Disney on Ice, Emmure, and many more.
BAMSAYNOMORE NEW LANE ENTERTAINMENT Bam has been a fixture in the Philadelphia hip hop scene for the over a decade. He has been instrumental in launching the careers of Philly’s top tier talent, from Meek Mill to PnB Rock, and more. Bam is a principal partner in both Galaxy West and Galaxy Live, featuring some of Philadelphia’s top cuisine, the most unique cocktails, and the nation’s hottest names in R&B, Pop, and Hip Hop. Bam co-manages PnB Rock, and is a partner in New Lane Entertainment.
TIM BORROR UNITED TALENT AGENCY Tim Borror was born in Washington D.C. and raised in Kenneth Square in Southeastern Pennsylvania. After earning a Music Business degree from the Art Institute of Philadelphia, Tim started a boutique agency during college whose success caused Tim and his clients to be recruited to a larger firm. Tim worked with the Face the Music team until it was absorbed into The Agency Group, where he continued to work for 10 years. TAG was eventually acquired by United Talent Agency. Tim is now a senior agent at UTA booking 3000 capacity and up venues.
TERRY ‘BUZZ’ BROWN DARKCHILD A&R For the past 15 years Terry has continuously impressed label executives and the rest of the world by finding and matching some of today’s most creative talent the music business has seen. He is known for his ability to identify, spot and elevate raw talent. Today, he completely understands how to fulfill the role of the “traditional A&R”. He continues to boast a lineup of talented yet humbled individuals.
MIKE CARPENTER ADJUST CREATIVE Mike has 10+ years of experience in marketing, design, and management, getting small business processes down to a science. He has spoken at World IA Day, Ignite, and led many creative discussions as moderator of Chicago Design Debates.
JOYCE DOLLINGER MARC JACOBSON, P.C. AND ALTER, KENDRICK & BARON, LLP Joyce Sydnee Dollinger, Esq., is a solo practitioner currently working with the law firms of Marc Jacobson, P.C. and Alter, Kendrick & Baron, LLP providing counsel in various areas such as copyright terminations, music publishing, minor contract court approvals, film production, DMCA take down notices and other music and business agreements. As an entrepreneur, she co-founded and launched music management companies, record labels and concert promotion businesses.
JOSEPH FERREE LIVENATION After years of working under the rock solid “R5” banner in Philadelphia, Joseph Ferree accepted a position as talent buyer for Live Nation Philadelphia, acquiring talent for The Theatre of Living Arts, The Fillmore, etc.
ADAM GRAY TEXAS IN JULY
MATT GREINER AUGUST BURNS RED
Adam Gray is a founding member and drummer of the Ephrata-based band Texas in July. He now works as a drum tech for August Burns Red’s Matt Greiner.
Matt Greiner is a founding member and drummer of the twice Grammy-nominated band August Burns Red, as well as co-founder of the Greiner & Kilmer drum company.
HEATHER GRIFFITH FEARLESS RECORDS Heather is the Marketing Manager at Fearless Records. Having been at Fearless for nearly a decade, she recently moved from her role as head of the publicity department into marketing, representing today’s most powerful rock acts, Underoath, August Burns Red, I Prevail, Pierce The Veil, and more. Heather’s a Colorado-native, but has spent the past 12 years in Southern CA.
E. MICHAEL HARRINGTON BERKLEE ONLINE E. Michael Harrington is a composer, musician, consultant, professor, course author and professor at Berklee Online. He created the Berklee Music Business Capstone course, is creating the Berklee Online graduate school Music Business Law class, and has taught courses in several disciplines at the Berklee College of Music (2012-present). His most notable work was in the cases of “We Shall Overcome” and “Blurred Lines,” in which his work was cited and new copyright precedents were set.
TYLER HORST DIRECTOR/PRODUCER Tyler Horst is an Emmy-winning Producer and Director. Born and raised in Lancaster County, he now resides in Brooklyn, New York. His short documentary about young rappers in Johannesburg, South Africa called “Born-Frees In Hip Hop” won an Emmy in 2015. He also directs music videos and short documentaries for AJ+, 60 Second Docs, and more. Barn Burner is his first feature film.
BRIAN LAMTMAN CB ENTERTAINMENT Brian has over 10 years of hands on experience in the music industry. From establishing CB Entertainment and being the head of Booking and Event services, he’s worked booking and seeing the careers expand with the likes of Twenty One Pilots, Machine Gun Kelly, iwrestledabearonce, Chimaira to name a few.
KELLEN MCKAY STACKED LIKE PANCAKES Kellen McKay is a musician, composer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, and the visionary for national artist Stacked Like Pancakes. McKay grew up in central Maryland, with an osmosis toward a multitude of instruments and an ear for music. Off the stage, McKay loves the business side of the band, and will do whatever it takes to make his music his lifelong career. McKay hopes to inspire young musicians to be relentless in their pursuit of a career in music.
PEAN MONEY ROCAFELLA RECORDS In 2002, Pean starting working with Rocafella Records as Road Manager for Phili base group State Property Artist beanie Segal Freeway, Young Gunz, Peedi crakk, O& Sparks. Once Freeway got his solo deal and dropped his classic album Philadelphia Freeway I started working with him as his Road manager/ DJ performing all over the country for more than 15 years. I learned every aspect of the music business from major label deals to independent deals. Freeway went independent after Roc broke up. I continued to work with Freeway while he was a independent artist.
UNCLE O POWER 99 It doesn’t take long to figure out that Philadelphia based on-air personality, Tracy “Uncle O” Jackson was a born hustler. Parlaying his talent for comedic commentary on everything from music to sports into a full time DJ spot wasn’t the initial plan; but it became clear the boost in ratings he brought to the show couldn’t be ignored. Six months after the former computer programmer stormed onto the airwaves, Uncle O became the third man for the original Hot Boyz show with Mikey Dredd and Pooch Man.
ELI PASSAGE ASSOCIATE PRODUCER BARN BURNER Eli Passage is a video producer and social media manager from Lancaster who loves metal music and playing drums. During high school he found the local underground metal scene where he played in bands, made lifetime friendships and found a community to belong to. As an Associate Producer for Barn Burner, he is thrilled to help tell the story of the scene that was a central part of his and many other people’s lives.
BRYCE HALL CONTENT CREATOR Full time traveling content creator for bands and artists. Bryce has been touring for the past 5 years, doing a multitude of jobs on the road, but mainly shooting photo and video content for bands.
KARL HENSEL KINGS ROAD MERCH Karl Hensel is the President of Kings Road Merchandise. Following the unexpected breakup of his band, Karl moved to Boston to be the label manager for Bridge Nine Records. He later joined Epitaph Records to head Kings Road Merch. Since 2011, Kings Road Merch has been an independent merchandising and licensing company managing e-commerce, product design, sales logistics and data management required to meet the needs of some of the best-known artists in music, sports and entertainment.
MONTE KEARNEY NEW LANE ENTERTAINMENT New Lane Entertainment CEO, Monte Kearney is self-made Music Industry success story, an American success story. Kearney is a key decision-maker behind the incredibly successful career of Philadelphia sensation, PnB Rock, and regularly travels with the performer. Kearney is a partner in two pristine, new facilities in Philadelphia, Galaxy West, which features fine dining in a high-end bar/club atmosphere, and Galaxy Live, which features many of today’s top artists, from week-to-week.
EYAL LEVI URM ACADEMY Eyal Levi is a critically acclaimed educator, musician and producer. He is best known as one of the co-founders of URM Academy, the best online school for rock and metal producers. After attending Berklee College of Music, Eyal cut his teeth as a guitarist and songwriter in Daath, a progressive death metal band that released albums on Roadrunner and Century Media. An accomplished speaker and educator, he has logged hundreds of hours teaching the next generation the craft of music production.
FINN MCKENTY URM ACADEMY/THE PUNK ROCK MBA Finn Mckenty is a marketer and creative with 15 years of experience at agencies, startups, corporations and consulting. He is currently the Director of Marketing at URM Academy. Prior to URM, he spent four years at CreativeLive where he lead influencer marketing programs in collaboration with brands like Virgin, Microsoft, and Starbucks and people like Gary Vaynerchuk, Tim Ferris, and Ryan Holiday. He is also the founder of The Punk Rock MBA, an education platform dedicated to helping the DIY community.
MIKE MOWERY OUTERLOOP MANAGEMENT Mike Mowery is the President and Managing Partner of Outerloop Management. He began the company with Jeff Cohen in 2004. With Mike’s knowledge of the road and what helps a band survive along his partner’s legal background and extensive network, Outerloop Management was born. Mowery also started the podcast network Jabberjaw Media and non-profit organization and 5K Leo’s Run. He is an active individual who believes that the balance of mind, body and work are of the utmost importance.
ULF OESTERLE SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY Ulf Oesterle is an assistant professor in the Bandier Program for Music and the Entertainment Industries at Syracuse University. Outside of teaching he started an indie label and artist management company, was the programmer and host of a weekly specialty radio show and has promoted concerts in upstate New York and NYC. He received a Ph.D. in Mass Communications from the Newhouse School at SU in 2007.
SUZANNE PAULINSKI THE ROCK/STAR ADVOCATE The Rock/Star Advocate, Suzanne is a mindset coach for music-preneurs, helping them reach their goals with custom time management solutions that help them to gain clarity on their next steps while maintaining a healthy work/ life balance. She published her first book, The Rock/Star Life Planner, now in its third edition on Amazon, as a tool for creatives to find focus in their daily lives (www.therockstaradvocate.com/planner). When she is not with clients, she is hosting online webinars and workshops as well as offering video courses on a variety of topics.
MATT HALPERN PERIPHERY/THE PUNK ROCK MBA/TEI Matt Halpern is one of the most recognized drummers in the world. He tours the planet with his band Periphery and educates fans and students via in-person and online clinics, masterclasses and workshops. At this point, most of his gear has his signature on it and he’s been on the cover of most of his favorite publications. As an entrepreneur he co-founded a music software company called GetGood Drums, a creative education brand called The Punk Rock MBA, and is a co-founder of The Entertainment Institute.
JEANNE HOFFMAN BRYCE DOWNEY & LENKOV Jeanne concentrates her practice in intellectual property and business litigation and transactions. She handles all facets of business and intellectual property litigation and has extensive experience handling diverse matters in both the state and federal courts. Jeanne has represented clients in protecting their intellectual property by providing clearance opinions for trademark filings, preparing copyright and trademark applications and prosecuting matters in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
JEN KELLOGG LAUNCH MUSIC CONFERENCE/TEI Jen Kellogg is currently the tour accountant for the Vans Warped Tour, co-founder of The Entertainment Institute, Programming Director at LAUNCH, and instructor at Columbia College Chicago. She shares her knowledge with the next generation of concert industry professionals by teaching Producing and Touring Live Performances at Columbia College Chicago and CoFounding The Entertainment Institute.
LARRY MARTIN FAKELIFE CLOTHING Larry is the owner of FakeLife Clothing, a social enterprise founded on the unusual practice of a for-profit business raising money to benefit others. Sales from FakeLife benefit orphans and their communities in countries all over the world. FakeLife, inspired by an ear for music, an eye for creativity and a heart for hope, began in the hardcore/punk music scene. The seeds that were firmly planted in this scene grew deep roots, and helped to catapult the brand into what it is today.
STEPH MIRSKY 4FINI As Marketing Manager Steph works to develop and execute all things marketing for both the Vans Warped Tour and all 4Fini clients. Steph works with clients to create and execute 360-degree marketing campaigns throughout the year. Having a hand in everything from brand development, to social media and digital strategy, to content production allows Steph to stay a step ahead and engage an innate entrepreneurial spirit. A Philadelphia transplant and Boston University alumnus, Steph enjoys all things that bring creativity and technology together.
RANDY NICHOLS FORCE MEDIA MANAGEMENT Randy Nichols, owner of Force Media Management, has guided artists on his roster to Gold and Grammy nominations, overseen sold out tours on six continents, and sold over 5 million records. A regular of LAUNCH, SXSW, CMJ, and many universities, Randy also advises AtVenu, the premier live event merchandise platform, which reports in-venue sales to Nielsen, in addition to being an early investor in Bandsintown.
GIZZY O’TOOLE KHS AMERICA Responsible for day-to-day international artist relationship management for KHS America’s exceptional family of artists. Co-create and manage sponsored brand events, negotiate Artist/ Brand partnership agreements, produce and archive artist marketing content to best support several brand’s strategic initiatives.
LOU PLAIA REVERBNATION Lou Plaia is the Co-Founder / EVP Music Industry & Artist Relations of ReverbNation. The company operates worldwide with customers on every continent and more than 10 million unique visitors every month. Prior to ReverbNation, Plaia worked 16 years at Atlantic Records and imprint Lava Records as the Head of Marketing & Artist Development, where he worked with Kid Rock, O.A.R., Simple Plan, George Carlin, Mike Stern and many others. Plaia was also responsible for negotiating partnerships with Nascar, Schick and Disney.
SHAWNA POTTER WAR ON WOMEN Shawna Potter is an advocate, an activist, and an educator. She currently sings for feminist punk band, War On Women, runs the Safer Spaces Campaign for the Baltimore chapter of Hollaback!, which she founded, and repairs amplifiers and other musical equipment for Big Crunch Amp Repair, where she is also the manager. She is ordained to perform wedding ceremonies and watches too much TV.
REY ROLDAN REYBEE INC Rey Roldan is a veteran of the music industry, both as a publicist and journalist. His deep immersion in his clients’ creative world as well as the personal side they wish to divulge enables him to view music not as a limited and contained genre, but as a work of art that’s open to interpretation. This ability has enabled him to handle all genres of music, including the publicity campaigns for artists like Britney Spears, Brooks & Dunn, Duran Duran, Backstreet Boys, Sting, A Tribe Called Quest, Yo Yo Ma, Supergrass, Turbonegro, and so many more.
CHAD SCHRECK TOUR MANAGER I’ve been touring full time for 6+ years. Music has taken me around the world multiple times and I couldn’t be more grateful. I’m doing this panel to try and spread awareness of mental health and suicide prevention. A lot of people are scared to talk about how they feel and that’s leading to higher rates of self medication through drugs & alcohol, self mutilation, and suicide. I want to let everyone know that that depression can hit anyone, including the bands that are looked up to in our scene. It’s important to ask for help.
CARL SEVERSON GOOD FIGHT ENTERTAINMENT Armed with the knowledge and experience from the multiple bands he’d developed, his work at Roadrunner, operating Ferret Music for over a decade, and touring as vocalist for Nora, Carl Severson co-founded Good Fight Entertainment, with an emphasis on label services congruent with the evolving recorded music climate. At the end of the day, with over 2.5 million album sales under his belt, Severson is most proud of having helped his friends do what they love and avoid mundane day jobs at the same time.
CHRIS SMITH ADJUST CREATIVE I am an early 80s millennial, creative, an entrepreneur and a conversationalist. I started doing pro website and app stuff when I was 21 with some friends in LA that quickly turned into a lucrative and long career in which I’ve helped bring award winning digital creative to life for Disney, Activision, Fox, Sony, Warner Bros, Porsche, Hanes, USAA, Allstate, and many more. I like being on the receiving and giving end of #learns and have done a bit of event speaking and teaching, notably the most recent was with DESIGNATION in Chicago.
ERIC TAFT BUZZLOUNGE
Records.
Eric Taft is a producer, engineer and multiinstrumentalist from Baltimore, Maryland. He currently works alongside producer Matt Squire at the Buzzlounge in Maryland, where they worked with Underoath on their new album, “Erase Me”. Eric also plays guitar and sings in The Great Heights Band, on CI
JEREMY WEISS LMC&F DIRECTOR/THE CI COMPANIES Jeremy Weiss is the founder and owner of The CI Companies, the umbrella brand of his career endeavors: CI Records, LAUNCH Music Conference & Festival, The Champ venue, CI Productions, CI Design & Printing, & the CI band management arm. Weiss also works for hip hop artists, PnB Rock and Tekashi 69. Additionally, he is a Talent Buyer for Galaxy Live in Philadelphia, and One Centre Square in Easton, PA.
SHAWN YOUNG YORK COLLEGE OF PENNSYLVANIA Shawn David Young is director of music industry and recording technology at York College of Pennsylvania, where he also teaches courses in American studies. Shawn has also published research on the counterculture of the 1960s, communal living, music festivals, the politics of popular music, and Christian rock in a number of academic journals. Dr. Young is the CEO of York Music Group at York College of Pennsylvania.
JENNY READER FEARLESS RECORDS Jenny Reader is VP, Marketing & Product Management at Fearless Records. Born & raised in the UK, she worked in TV and magazines before running the UK office of Victory Records, and later the Publicity and Marketing depts in Chicago. In 2009, she moved to California to head the publicity dept at Fearless, and now is an executive at the label, responsible for marketing for Pierce The Veil, ABR, I Prevail, Motionless In White & Underoath. She has an unrivaled passion for good music, creative marketing and skeeball.
BRIAN ROSENBLATT BRyCE DOWNEY & LENKOV LLC Brian joined Bryce Downey & Lenkov, leaving one of Illinois’ top 25 largest law firms after nearly 15 years. Brian previously developed and co-chaired an Entertainment, Media and Privacy Practice Group, and Intellectual Property Group at his past firms. Brian brings his entire platform to Bryce Downey & Lenkov, where he continues to expand his national practice. He counsels startups, media and internet companies. He serves as general counsel for record labels, concert promoters and tech companies.
MARK SCHULZ RECORDING ACADEMY Before returning to the Recording Academy four years ago, he held the position of Project Manager for NARM, where he was involved in logistics for their national conference, as well as a series of Entertainment & Technology Law Conferences. Schulz is Chair of the Advisory Council to the Philadelphia Music Alliance, home of the Walk of Fame. A certified Spinning and TRX Instructor, avid cyclist and coffee addict.
HUNTER SEIDE EDITOR OF BARN BURNER Hunter Siede is a film editor and cinematographer. He is the co-creator of Philly-based video outlet opaque and has edited such documentaries as “Meta: The Culture of IPL” and “Jazz for Japan.”
DEBORAH ZUKE SMITH ZUKETUNES Deborah “Zuke” Smith is the founder of zuketunes LLC and a vocal coach & artist mentor based in the NYC metro area. She has worked with many types of artists including Frank Iero, several finalists on The Voice, X-Factor, American Idol, and America’s Got Talent. Zuke gives back to her students by sharing everything she has learned and coaching them to be not only great performers but to make a difference with their talent. Her studios are located in northern NJ and NYC.
CHAD TAYLOR THINKLOUD ENT / +LIVE+
KEVIN RIFE TOUR MANAGER Kevin Rife is a Freelance Tour Manager who has actively toured the world since 2009. Although he is currently a Tour Manager he has been on full tours and festival runs as a Guitar Tech, Merchandiser, Lighting Director and Production Assistant. He has been able to tour with a wide array of acts such as The Rocket Summer, Every Time I Die, Matisyahu, Matt Nathanson, Phillip Phillps, The Jonas Brothers and currently Ingrid Michaelson.
KRISTIN ‘GYPSY’ SCHLOESSER TEAM HANS Kristin aka “Gypsy” founded We Are Team Hans, LLC in 2011 with her husband Hans, although HANS actually stands for Have A Nice Show. The company was founded to be an all-in-one development/mgmt/marketing/ touring machine for bands, and brands. Gypsy has Tour Managed / Produced such tours as the Monster Energy Get Loud Tour with Bone Thugs n Harmony, Scream It Like You Mean It, Decibel Magazine tour with Behemoth and numerous other bands.
JAMES ANDREW SCOTT REYBEE, INC Andrew Scott started his career in music working as a concert promoter for various venues across the city of brotherly love. In 2013, after years of running and promoting shows, playing with his own band, and a brief stint of journalism at Philadelphia’s chapter of the A.V. Club, Andrew began his career in music publicity. In 2014 he moved to Boston and joined Reybee Inc. where he focuses on all types of media, but will always have a soft spot for NPR and regional public radio.
CARSON SLOVAK ATRIUM AUDIO Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland have spent the last few years establishing their reputation as a powerful production team, particularly in the rock and metal genres. Carson and Grant teamed up with a former intern, Chris Kelly, in late 2015 to form the galaxy’s foremost instrumental Star Wars cosplay heavy metal John Williams tribute band. The band went on to release a full-length album with Velocity / Rise Records and headline several national and overseas tours throughout 2017.
KENT SMITH TRUMPET PLAYER/ARRANGER Kent Smith was raised in Minnesota and completed his music studies at the legendary Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He has written for and recorded with Bob Dylan, Roger Daltrey, Alice Cooper, Aretha Franklin, Sergio Mendes, Sheryl Crow, Ratt, Scritti Politti, AC DC, The O’Jays, and many others. His horn section, New West Horns, successfully completed five world tours with The Rolling Stones.
KATE TRUSCOTT 4FINI
Chad Taylor is widely known as the founding member and lead guitarist of the multiplatinum band, +LIVE+. With over 22 Million albums sold worldwide including two number one albums, Chad has co-penned some of LIVE’s biggest hits, and helped shape the sound of Alternative Radio in the 1990’s and 2000’s. Chad is also the designer and owner of the world-class recording studio complex, Think Loud Studios in York, PA. Taylor has most recently mixed LIVE’s Mental Jewelry 25th Anniversary Deluxe album, and plays a direct role in developing locally based artists in the York, PA region.
Kate Truscott is one half of the dynamic duo that makes up the 4Fini Nashville office where sponsorship strategy is handled from introduction through activation. Kate works with clients to create and execute key programs that allow them to access all that the 4Fini properties have to offer including social media and digital integration, artist relations, onsite marketing, and management of all staff each summer on the Vans Warped Tour. Kate grew up in New England and graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
LOREN WELLS PIERSON // WELLS
BEN WITKOWSKI TEXAS IN JULY
Loren S. Wells is a music lawyer with a focus on talent representation. Loren has represented clients with album sales over 18 million copies, including Grammy awardwinners, contemporary Gold and Platinumcertified artists and songwriters, numerous Billboard-charting and critically-acclaimed indie up-and-comers, and one Rock & Roll Hall of Famer. He is a Lecturer in the Music Business program at Columbia College Chicago, and Founder of the world’s largest database of music industry lawsuits
SARAH ZEITLER PRODUCER, STORYTELLER Sarah is a producer, storyteller and communicator who has purposefully built a career where every day is different. Her 20 years of experience include roles such as Studio Manager at Rock Lititz, producer of the annual New Year’s Eve gag for Phish, Business Development team at CID Entertainment, running a NYC based Production Design Studio and the GM office of WICKED. It has all led to her current venture - Team Zeitler. Sarah’s goal is to connect the industry’s best and brightest across every sector of live entertainment.
Ben Witkowski is a founding member and bassist of the Ephrata-based band Texas in July.