Founder and Co-Managing Partner, Influence Media Partners

As Influence Media’s Founder and Co-Managing Partner, Lylette Pizarro McLean works with some of today’s leading artists, songwriters and music entrepreneurs on innovative partnerships that are rewriting the music rights playbook. Influence Media’s current nine-figure fund with Warner Music Group and BlackRock has invested in multi-faceted partnerships with global superstars including Enrique Iglesias, Future, Tainy and Logic as well as publishing rights to some of the most iconic hits of the past decade.

Prior to founding Influence, Lylette was a Partner at RPM GRP, leading music and entertainment strategy, music licensing, content and talent acquisition, and rights management for Fortune 50 companies like Apple, Verizon, Pepsico and LVMH.
Lylette’s work has garnered awards from organizations like the NAACP, AdColor, and Clios, and she was recognized in Variety’s 2022 New York Women’s Impact report as well as Billboard’s 2022, 2023 and 2024 Women In Music features.

President/Managing Partner, MBK Entertainment Inc

Jeanine McLean is President of the dynamo artist management company MBK Entertainment Inc. which has developed, managed and engineered the careers for a variety of superstars including Alicia Keys, Tyrese, K Michelle, Tiara Thomas, Tone Stith, Elle Varner, HER and Maeta. Ose, Jourden Cox and super star Omarion round out the talent list. Current projects include creator and executive producer for the SOBS: 40 YEARS OF WHERE LEGENDS ARE MADE documentary and the touring series New Faces, Big Voices that gives a touring oppty for artists to get their first chance at exposure on both domestic and international tours.

Jeanine has been recognized by many organizations for her many years of hard work and dedication and her accolades include Billboard Women in Music, Billboard Power Player, Femme it Forward, ASCAP Women in Music, Pollstar 50 and the Ebony Power 100 List. She has been featured in Rolling Stone and Music Business Worldwide.

Director, Joe's Pub

Alex Knowlton is the Director of Joe’s Pub, a program of the Public Theater, which is hailed as one of New York City’s most prestigious and genre-defying venues for emerging and established artists. Alongside Yacine Boulares and Meera Dugal, Knowlton co-founded Habibi Fest, an annual celebration of music from the SWANA region which launched in the fall of 2021. Additionally, Alex supports the career development as artist manager of bassist, singer-songwriter and composer Mali Obomsawin. Previously he handled programming for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater and Appel Room and produced tours for Wynton Marsalis’s esteemed JALC Orchestra as well as the annual globalFEST flagship festival. Earlier in his career, Knowlton worked extensively in the realm of touring and communications – handling domestic tour logistics for boutique booking agency International Music Network (IMN), and managing marketing and public relations for both Joe’s Pub and Yoshi’s Jazz Club in Oakland, CA.

Chairman and CEO, Recording Industry Association of America

In his more than 20 years at RIAA, Glazier has played a vital role in the music industry’s transition to streaming and “anywhere anytime” access to music.

Before joining RIAA, Glazier served as Chief IP and Special Counsel to the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives. He has worked on every major U.S. copyright bill considered in the past three decades from the Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act of 1995 to the Music Modernization Act of 2018.

He graduated from Northwestern University and Vanderbilt Law School. Named to Billboard’s Power 100 list of top music executives several times, Glazier serves as Chairman of the Board and CEO of RIAA.

President, Munger Music

Chris Munger's music journey epitomizes a relentless pursuit of excellence. Ranging from Music Supervisor to Executive Music Producer, he founded Munger Music, reshaping music supervision through strategic partnerships. Munger's talents extend beyond the boardroom as a virtuoso guitarist and songwriter, impacting iconic groups like Public Enemy and My World, including his tenure as a Gibson Brands NYC ambassador for over a decade. His expertise elevated major TV and cable networks, supervised movies, and produced events at MSG. Collaborations with Google, Walmart, BMG, Universal, and the Super Bowl highlight his visionary leadership. Committed to artistic excellence, Munger pushes boundaries, aiming for innovation in an ever-evolving industry.

Head Of Strategic Marketing & Brand Partnerships, IAG (Independent Artist Group)

Lila Gerson is currently the Head of Strategic Marketing & Brand Partnerships at Independent Artist Group. Gerson has put together a dizzying array of multiplatform programs for artists such as Lindsay Lohan, Cee Lo Green, Bryce Vine, 2 Chainz, Melanie Fiona, Tyrese Gibson and Beach Bunny. Top of her list, however, is partnering Mary J. Blige with Hologic, a medical technology company focused on women’s health. That initiative included a White House event with first lady Jill Biden, a Super Bowl LVI ad in conjunction with Blige’s performance as part of the game’s halftime show and Hologic’s first-ever major tour sponsorship for Blige’s Good Morning Gorgeous trek.

CEO, FYL Brand

Nems has built a self-made career through authenticity. "I've never had to go out of character," he touts. In 2021, the Brooklyn MC with a respected catalog, decorated battle history, and worldwide FYL merchandise brand created a new wave of attention through trademarking "Bing Bong." The New York Knicks used his catchphrase, and Nems' voice appeared over a billion times on TikTok. He rapidly cultivated a new fanbase that discovered Nems had made great music and videos for years. In a catalog that includes standout releases like Prezident's Day, Gorilla Monsoon, and Gorilla Twins (with Ill Bill), Nems delivered a skillful and revealing album in 2021's CONGO. With the recent LP, the unofficial mayor of Coney Island has expanded into stand-up comedy, hosting a season of REVOLT's The Crew League, and quadrupled his social following. His Coney Island store front just celebrated it's 1 year anniversary and is already a staple in the community.

Partner, Granderson Des Rochers LLP

Lynn Gonzalez is an experienced entertainment attorney and music executive providing counsel on matters related to dealmaking, music publishing, production, content strategy, entrepreneurship, talent brand development, licensing, and intellectual property.

Lynn most recently served as the Executive Vice President and Head of Business Affairs and Business Development at Def Jam Recordings, where she was the label’s lead attorney and oversaw matters for its roster of artists, including Kanye West, Rihanna, Big Sean and Justin Bieber. Prior to Universal, Lynn was counsel for Atlantic Records and Razor and Tie Entertainment. She also taught music industry and copyright at Hunter College in NYC after beginning her career as an intellectual property attorney at the Wall Street-based law firm, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP. Lynn serves as Secretary for the NY Chapter of the Recording Academy and is a passionate advocate for artists and committed to mentoring junior lawyers in the industry.

Producer/Engineer/DJ, Public Enemy

Johnny “Juice” Rosado is an award winning, Emmy & NAACP Image Award Nominated Composer, Producer, Turntablist, Engineer, Musician, B-boy, Educator, Lecturer, and Mentor.

Raised in the Bronx, he witnessed the birth of Hip-Hop right on his doorstep. He learned the art of rocking (breaking) in the late 70’s, becoming an elite dancer and mentor to younger dancers. One of those dancers was a young Busta Rhymes.

Moving to Strong Island in the early 80’s, he immediately made an impact on the Long Island’s budding Hip-Hop scene.

His work, especially with Public Enemy, has been embedded into Hip-Hop history. With almost 40 years in the industry, he
has worked with artists like Mandrill, Mavis Staples, Beastie Boys, Slick Rick, Leaders of the New School, KRS-One, DMC, C&C Music Factory, The Oddysy, and My World.

In 2007 he was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame and in 2013 he took the stage as a member of Public Enemy as they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Founder, Unlock Her Potential

Sophia Chang is a public speaker, life/career guide, screenwriter and author who is developing numerous TV properties, including a scripted series based on her Audible memoir “The Baddest Bitch In The Room.” She founded Unlock Her Potential, a program that provides mentorship for women of color and is the Executive Director of ImpactMENtorship, which provides mentorship for men of color founded by rapper Joey Bada$$. As the first Asian woman in hip hop, the music business matriarchitect managed Ol’ Dirty Bastard (RIP), RZA, GZA, D’Angelo, Raphael Saadiq, Q Tip, and A Tribe Called Quest. She worked at Atlantic, Jive, Universal Music Group, as well as serving as General Manager of RZA’s Razor Sharp Records. Sophia appeared in Showtime’s documentary “Wu-Tang: Of Mics and Men,” Netflix documentary series “Hip Hop Evolution,” and was the subject of an episode of Hulu’s “Defining Moments.” She produced fashion shows and did business development for a cannabis company.

Executive Music Editor, Variety

Jem Aswad, who launched Variety’s music section with former executive music editor Shirley Halperin in 2017, has held senior editorial posts at Billboard, MTV News, Spin, Time Out New York and CMJ. He also has worked at three record labels (Atlantic, Warner and Caroline), two record stores, one performing-rights organization (ASCAP), moonlighted as an unpaid hand model for the cover photograph of a Hole single and even helped out at CBGB for a few weeks while one of said labels was filming a documentary there. A lifelong music obsessive, he started out writing concert reviews for his high school newspaper and over the years has been published in Rolling Stone, New York magazine, the Village Voice, Esquire, Entertainment Weekly, the Trouser Press Record Guide and other publications. He has won several Los Angeles Press Club and Southern California Press Club awards — including the LAPC’s National Arts & Entertainment Journalist of the Year/ Online for 2022 — appears regularly on televis

Product and Marketing Consultant, Along With LLC

Charleton Lamb is an entertainment and technology executive that sits at the forefront of developing and marketing tools that simplify the business of creativity. Throughout his 15+ year career, he’s developed and launched roadmaps and brand strategies for startups and established companies including Stem, Spotify, Google, Community, Justworks, and more. He spent his first eight years of experience as a product marketer introducing new technologies to industries like luxury e-commerce, HR systems, networking, and security.

At Spotify specifically, he was responsible for Spotify for Artists’ growing suite of digital tools including Marquee, Discovery Mode, Direct Upload, Spotify for Publishing, and more.

General Manager, Keychange U.S.

Maria Gabriela Gironas, Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree, is an entertainment and technology executive who has followed two north stars throughout their career: elevating marginalized communities and empowering creatives to embrace technology. They continue these missions through their own company – Cool Shit, Cool People – working on artist development, talent relations, and integrated marketing for clients like Good Party, Showcase, ShowUp, and more. Beyond their work, they’re currently the General Manager of Keychange U.S. – a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented gender creatives with training, mentoring, and network support. Most recently, Maria was also the Global Chair of Diversity, Inclusion, & Community at Women In Music where they worked to create sustainable change for women in music at all stages of their careers.

Partner, Covington & Burling LLP

Priscilla Fasoro represents clients on a wide variety of complex commercial transactions, specializing in those involving technology and data. In particular, her practice focuses on negotiating technology and intellectual property-driven agreements, including services agreements for both service providers and customers. Priscilla represents clients in a wide array of industries, including music, television and movie production, technology services, consumer goods, airline, hospitality and fashion.

In addition to her technology practice, Priscilla has significant experience representing U.S. and international clients in a broad range of general corporate and strategic matters.

Producer, Musician, Artist, Composer, Author, CEO, iRoxx Entertainment

Divinity Roxx is a Grammy-nominated recording artist, composer, and musician. In addition to her own work, she is well known for touring and performing with Beyoncé Knowles as her bassist and Musical Director. Her career as a bass-player skyrocketed after touring with the legendary 5-time Grammy award-winning bass virtuoso, Victor Wooten. Her 2021 Family Music Album release, Ready Set Go! received a Grammy nomination and Scholastic Inc. published two songs from the album as full-color picture books. She composed the theme song for the PBS Kids show, ‘Lyla in the Loop’ 2024. Her original compositions can be heard in YTA theatre, (The Boy Who Kissed the Sky, Into the Burrow: A Peter Rabbit Story), and television shows like ‘Jersey Shore’, ‘The Bold Type’ and others. She is on the Board of Governors of the NY Chapter of the Recording Academy, a voting member of the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, and the Co-Exec Secretary of the National Black Musicians Coalition.

VP of Marketing & Wellness, Guin Records

Brandon Holman is a seasoned marketing executive with over 15 years of experience in tech, music, and popular culture. He has led successful marketing campaigns and built strategic partnerships at Snap, TikTok, and UnitedMasters, working with artists like Omar Apollo, Snoh Allegra, and Steve Lacy. Brandon serves on the Board of Directors for the Music Business Association and is an active member of the Recording Academy’s LA Chapter Foundations Committee.

A passionate mental health and wellness advocate, Brandon is a KRI certified Kundalini yoga teacher focusing on well-being in the entertainment industry. He co-founded The Lazuli Collective, an experiential wellness agency delivering wellness and mental health programming globally, partnering with brands such as Calm, Nike, and The Coachella Music and Arts Festival. His work has been featured in Billboard and HITS Daily Double, highlighting his dedication to supporting artists, creatives, and executives in the entertainment industry.

Artist, Broadway & Soul Productions

Billy Porter is an Emmy, 3x Tony and Grammy Award-winning, and Golden Globe-nominated actor, singer, director, composer, and playwright from Pittsburgh, PA.

As a recording artist, Porter most recently released his album, Black Mona Lisa, under his new record deal with Island Records (UK) and Republic Records (US) in November 2023. Past singles released include Finally Ready with The Shapeshifters in June 2020, For What It’s Worth in April 2020 to motivate potential voters, as well as Love Yourself in June 2019, in support of Pride Month and the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall. His solo albums include his first CD, Untitled, on A&M records, his sophomore album, At the Corner of Broadway + Soul – LIVE, Billy’s Back on Broadway in 2014 and The Soul of Richard Rodgers in 2017 on Sony Masterworks.

EVP of Marketing & Partner Strategy for Trisha Yearwood, Trisha Yearwood

McCormack’s 25+ year career includes a vast array of experience, kicking off her career in the 90s in programming roles at After Midnite w/Blair Garner, Premiere Radio Networks +KZLA/Los Angeles. McCormack shifted from radio to records at the dawn of the 21st century with a regional promotion position for Vivaton! Records. 2005, McCormack joined the inaugural promotion team that launched Big Machine Records. While at Big Machine, McCormack served as Dir/Midwest Regional Promotion and Dir/West Coast Regional Promotion. 2011 she was promoted to National Dir/Promotion Strategy for entire Big Machine Label Group, overseeing syndication +radio marketing. During her decade-long tenure at BMLG, her success was recognized with Country Aircheck/CRS Awards for Regional Promo Dir of the Year/2010 and National Prom Dir of the Year/2012. She spent 8 years (2015-22) as SVP/Radio Promo & Marketing +Artist Strategy for Garth Brooks’ Pearl Records +TeamTY. 2023,EVP/Marketing +Partner Strategy for TY

Music Supervisor, Producer, Sweet Spot Music Inc / bcolemusic.com

Barry Cole and Sweet Spot Music (est. 2001), stand at the threshold of where music meets media and technology. Spot Music is an independent consultation, licensing and music supervision firm with more than 100 credits (Film.TV, Video Games), including Rustin, The 1619 Project, The Chi, Who Killed Malcolm X, Living With Yourself, The New Edition Story, The Daily Show, Sling Blade, American Psycho, Super Troopers, Talk To Me, Belly, Brown Sugar, Roll Bounce, Beautyshop and Notorious. In addition to music supervision for films, Cole has a proven track record in Media Production, Soundtrack A&R, Music Publishing and Music Licensing. Cole is a Producer of the soundtrack for the film “Brown Sugar” from which the single “Love Of My Life” performed by Erykah Badu and Common won the Grammy for R&B Single Of The Year. Cole is also the owner of Tunecache.com which helps onboard independent artists and their music for licensing opportunities.

Commissioner, MOME

Kaufman brings a wealth of experience in economic development and fostering the entertainment industry to grow jobs and bring revenue to New York State. She served for nineteen years as Executive Director of the New York State Governor’s Office for Motion Picture and Television Development and as Deputy Commissioner of Empire State Development. During her tenure, she helped craft and shepherd the legislation that created the New York State Film Production Tax Credit. She also worked to create the standalone Post-Production Tax Credit and the Commercial Production Incentive programs.

Kaufman was President of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) from 2003-2007, and sat on the board of the Hamptons International Film Festival and the New York Production Alliance. Her work has earned her numerous accolades including Variety’s Women’s Impact List, AFCI’s Arthur M. Loew Crystal Vision Award, the New York Women in Film and Television Muse Award and The Gotham 50.

Hip hop artist/actor/Founder ImpactMENtorship, Joey Bada$$

Joey Bada$$ is a rapper and actor born and raised in Brooklyn. At 17 years old, he and his Pro Era crew took the rap world by storm with the release of his first mixtape, “1999,” which is now considered a classic. His two subsequent studio albums, “B4.DA.$$” and “All-Amerikkkan Badass,” helped elevate him to become one of the hottest names in music. His standout role in the hit TV show MR. ROBOT put his acting talents on display for the world for the first time and has led to multiple roles since. 2019 saw him expand his acting career with a role as Inspectah Deck in HULU’s WU-TANG: AN AMERICAN SAGA, as well as recurring appearances in BET sitcoms BOOMERANG and GROWN-ISH. He recently starred in the 2021 Academy Award-winning Netflix short film TWO DISTANT STRANGERS, where he played protagonist Carter James. He also appears as Unique in the upcoming STARZ original series POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN.

Senior Vice President for Government Affairs, National Music Publishers' Association

Chris Barkley is SVP for Government Affairs at the National Music Publishers' Association.

Prior to joining NMPA, Chris spent 22 years on Capitol Hill, serving in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Most recently, he was deputy chief of staff and policy director for Sen. Mitt Romney. During that time, he led negotiations over the infrastructure bill, several covid relief bills and other major bipartisan accomplishments.

He was also policy director for the Republican Policy Committee, a leadership office led by Sen. John Barrasso, senior policy advisor for Sen. Ben Sasse and a variety of roles for Sen. Tom Coburn.

EVP, Global Head of Recorded Music Business Development, Warner Music Group

Allan Coye is EVP, Global Head of Recorded Music Business Development at Warner Music Group, having joined in 2017 to help develop digital strategy and manage key partner relationships. He has negotiated and executed deals with global digital service providers such as Apple Music, YouTube/Google, Amazon Music, Audiomack, Tidal, Napster, and others.

Prior to his tenure WMG, Allan was Vice President of Strategy & Business Development at Viacom, where he worked closely with senior leadership of cable networks such as Comedy Central, MTV, Vh1, and others. Coye has also worked in online publishing with companies such as SpinMedia, and began his career in financial services at companies such as Goldman Sachs, Investcorp, Lehman Brothers, and Credit Suisse.

He currently resides in New York City, but still loves his hometown of Atlanta, GA.

Actress, Cathy Moriarty

Cathy Moriarty’s laudable career spans over 40 years of transformative work, with unforgettable dramatic and comedic performances. For her incredible portrayal of “Vickie La Motta”, in Martin Scorsese's 1980 film Raging Bull, she received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress, and a BAFTA nomination. Other notable films include Neighbors, But I’m A Cheerleader, Soapdish, Crazy In Alabama, Casper, Cop Land, Analyze That, The Bounty Hunter, and Patti Cake$. Cathy was a series regular on CBS sitcom Bless This House and she has guest recurred on numerous television series including City On A Hill, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.

Senior Executive Director, Policy + Programs, NYC Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment

Shira is Senior Executive Director of Policy + Programs at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment. She leads NYC’s strategy to support the music industry pioneering the annual NY Music Month, a $10M fund for female-led creative projects, music career education programs, and the first Mayor’s Office of Nightlife. Shira also directs NYC Film Green where she helps film/TV productions reduce their environmental impact.

Shira has spent her career working to address inequality through positions at the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Office of Manhattan Borough President, NYC Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Shira was featured in Variety’s New York Women’s Impact Report, named a 40 Under 40 Rising Star by City & State, and a Climate Leader by Forbes. She holds a Master of Public Policy from the Goldman School of Public Policy, UC Berkeley and a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University.

Partner, Mintz

Steve Ganis is a partner at the Mintz law firm and has decades of experience as a leading lawyer in financial services regulation and financial crimes prevention. He advises on enforcement actions, investigations, fraud detection and response, M&A/financing transactions, and compliance. He represents clients before DOJ, FinCEN, OFAC, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, OCC, Federal Reserve Board, FDIC, and state banking/securities regulators. Steve is a widely recognized expert on AML, having served as an expert for FINRA Enforcement and the US Treasury's Bank Secrecy Act Advisory Group. He has been quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and other media. Steve has spoken on fraud and AML issues in music streaming. Before Mintz, he worked at: Fidelity Investments, as Chief AML and US Sanctions Officer; the US House of Representatives Financial Services Committee; and the SEC General Counsel's Office. He graduated from Harvard Law School (JD) and Dartmouth College (history, summa cum laude).

Founder, Native Son

Emil Wilbekin is an Associate Professor of Journalism at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Wilbekin is a multimedia maverick who contributes to The New York Times T Magazine, Vogue, The Cut, Architectural Digest, Time, Essence, Ebony, and Town & Country. He is the Co-Producer and Co-Writer on the documentary The Remix: Hip Hip X Fashion (Netflix).

He is also the Founder of Native Son, a platform created to inspire and empower Black gay and queer men.

Wilbekin has served as Chief Content Officer at Afropunk, Editor-at-Large at Essence, Managing Editor of Essence.com, Editor-in-Chief of Giant and Giantmag.com, Style Guru at Complex Media, VP of Brand Development at Marc Eckō Enterprises, Editorial Director/Vice President of Vibe Ventures and Editor-in-Chief of Vibe Magazine. Under Wilbekin’s leadership, Vibe won the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in 2002.

He holds a B.S. in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University, and an M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University

Attorney / Musician / Clinical Associate Professor of Music Business, NYU Steinhardt

Judy Tint is an attorney, educator, and musician, with over 25 years of experience representing artists, songwriters, industry executives, and more. She has been on the faculty of the NYU Music Business Program since 2008, and has served for over a decade as a Governor of The Recording Academy's NY Chapter. She is Immediate Past Chair of the ABA Forum on the Entertainment and Sports industries, and a longtime Board member of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. Judy is a frequent speaker at industry conferences across the country, and has made many trips to Capitol Hill as an advocate for artists’ rights. Judy is also a singer and percussionist, and has performed at Carnegie Hall, The Ryman Auditorium, Radio City Music Hall, Portland Waterfront Blues Festival, Broadway’s Palace Theatre, and London’s REWIND Festival, as well as appearing on “Late Night With Conan O’Brien” and on various PBS specials. She is a firm believer in the power of music to change the world. #havetambourinewilltravel

Reporter, Bloomberg News

Ashley Carman is a reporter at Bloomberg News where she covers the music industry, podcast business and all things audio. Prior to joining the company in 2022, she worked at The Verge for over six years where she wrote about a variety of topics, including hardware startups, the creator economy and cybersecurity.

Founder & President, MAC Consulting

Marcie Allen is not just any strategic partnership expert; she is an industry powerhouse with over 25 years of experience in entertainment and music. Her unparalleled ability to create game-changing partnerships has helped shape the industry and redefine what it means to be a marketer.

She has brokered and executed multi-faceted programs on behalf of brands including: Sony, Southwest Airlines, YouTube, Microsoft, Samsung, and artists including Chance the Rapper, Rolling Stones, Kelsea Ballerini, John Legend, and Ludacris.

As a prestigious industry insider, Marcie has served on the board for The Country Music Association (CMA), Barclays Center, and Berklee College of Music, Marcie has been named to Variety's "Power of Women: New York Impact List" (2015-2018), representing the most powerful women in entertainment. She is passionate about paving the way for the next generation of brand marketers at NYU Steinhardt, where she has been an adjunct professor for the past ten years.

Co-CEO, Beatdapp

Andrew Batey is an accomplished entertainment & technology entrepreneur and early adopter of major industry transformations across music, social media, and web3. Over the last 15 years, The Peak’s 2023 Emerging Leader raised $150M+ for his own startups and filed 40+ patents across seven countries around artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and data infrastructure. Now, as the Founder and Co-CEO of Beatdapp, his focus is on helping DSPs, distributors, and artists combat artificial streaming fraud. Since inception, the company has been recognized as a Top 20 Music Company Globally and selected for “Emerging Rockets List” (2020 & 2021). The startup team has also graduated from accelerators such as Creative Destruction Labs, 500 Startups, Project Music, and the highly prestigious and selective C100 “48Hrs in the Valley.”

Managing Director, Human Services, MusiCares

Jennifer Leff, LCSW is Managing Director, Human Services at MusiCares – a 501C3 charity that safeguards the well-being of all music people through direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources, and tailored crisis relief efforts. Working directly with clients as well as diverse eco-system of the music industry, Jennifer develops programs that meet the unique needs of music professionals across the nation and brings her clinical experience as a mental health provider in both private community settings. Prior to MusiCares she was the director of a NYC outpatient and honed her clinical acument working with HIV and cancer patients. Committed to promulgating the importance of mental health and wellness in the music community, Jennifer is on Behind the Scene's Mental Health Initiative Steering Commitee and has a private practice treating individuals – the majority of whom are in creative fields such as music and entertainment.

Founder of RAMPD, Lachi Music

Lachi is an award-winning internationally touring creative artist and personality, Grammys Board Governor and Founder and President of the U.N. recognized RAMPD.org – a global network of music creators and professionals with disabilities. Born legally blind, Lachi uses her platform to amplify identity pride, Disability Culture and inclusion to the pop culture narrative. Through RAMPD Lachi brought accessibility to the 64th and 65th GRAMMYs, walking the red carpet with a glammed mobility cane. She also hosted a PBS American Masters segment highlighting disabled rebels. Named a “new champion in advocacy” by Billboard, she’s held talks with the White House and the UN, and has been featured in Essence, Forbes, Hollywood Reporter, Good Morning America, and the New York Times for celebrating intersectionality through her music, storytelling and fashion and for her upbeat and unapologetic brand of disability pride.

Vice President, Global Marketing, TuneCore

Melanie Seddon serves as Vice President, Global Marketing for TuneCore, where she oversees every aspect of the company’s growth marketing, brand marketing, and brand partnership efforts around the world. Seddon also acts as an advisor on all marketing initiatives secured by the international Heads of TuneCore in their local markets while simultaneously leading TuneCore’s central marketing team in the US.

Seddon joined TuneCore in 2020 as Director of Influencer Marketing before quickly shifting her focus to Brand Marketing and expanding her team to include social media and event marketing. In 2023, she took over the full scope of TuneCore’s marketing efforts as VP, Global Marketing.

In her time with the company, Seddon has developed TuneCore’s Independent AF marketing campaign, implemented successful in-person activations with AfroFuture, spearheaded the launch of TuneCore’s successful Splits campaign, and overhauled the look and feel of TuneCore’s website and digital assets.

President & COO, Chartmetric

Andreas Katsambas is the President & COO of Chartmetric, where he oversees strategy, marketing, HR, and operational functions for the company. His role involves both internal and external priorities, and he truly enjoys connecting with Chartmetric users to address their concerns, review the latest updates with them, and discuss new potential features.

Prior to that, Andreas founded The End Records, an independent record label, shortly after college. For more than a decade, he signed and developed multiple successful artists (including Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees The Zombies) during that period until BMG acquired the company in 2016. At BMG, he oversaw the international divisions in North America and led expansions in Latin America and Canada with numerous success stories, including over 30 releases achieving diamond (first-ever for BMG), platinum, or gold status.

Wellness Coach, Marni Wandner Coaching

Marni Wandner is a board certified integrative health coach and executive coach working primarily with creatives, entrepreneurs, musicians and music industry professionals. Marni coaches through a holistic lens, drawing on her 20+ year background as a music business and marketing executive and entrepreneur, as well as her own recovery from burnout, to help her clients build sustainable careers doing the work they love.

She works with clients on everything from stress management, mindset shifts and productivity to healthy eating, energy levels and better sleep. She offers one-on-one coaching and also partners with organizations to present workshops, facilitate group sessions and design wellness and professional development programs.

EVP and Chief Digital Officer • Business Development, Warner Music Group

Carletta Higginson is the EVP, Chief Digital Officer for Warner Music Group. In this post, she uses her multifaceted expertise and creative approach to oversee the full spectrum of WMG’s global digital partnerships across recorded music and music publishing, from deal-making through account management. She also leads a team exploring commercial innovation and forging new digital partnerships.

Prior to joining WMG in 2023, Carletta spent a decade at Google, most recently serving as Global Head of Music Publishing at YouTube, where she spearheaded the platform’s licensing strategy, building and maintaining relationships with publishers, collection societies, and PROs. Her role included negotiating digital licensing and partnership agreements, managing existing partnerships, launching new relationships, and driving new business opportunities.

Artist, Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge

Originally from the Bay Area and now calling Nashville home, Bowers began garnering attention after sharing videos of herself playing guitar on social media during the pandemic. In the years since, she’s been featured on “CBS Mornings” in a piece focused on young female guitarists, performed alongside DOlly Parton as part of her Pet Gala special on CBS, joined Lainey Wilson as part of CBS’ New Year’s Eve Live celebration, performed as part of the “Men’s Final Four Tip-Off Tailgate Presented by Nissan” and been sought after by everyone from Devon Allman to Tyler CHilders and Susan Tedeshi. Of her 2023 Newport Folk Festival debut, Rolling Stone declared,” Her 20 minute set performance gave the distinct sense that everyone lucky enough to have attended was witnessing a star in the making,” while the Tennessean calls her “a 17 year old Blues guitar prodigy,’ with a “heart as big as her talent is vast.”

Debut single, Tell Me Why U Do That released last week with album August 8.

Program Director, Sound Thinking NYC

Jennifer Gil is a dedicated Program Director with a passion for empowering youth and fostering inclusive communities. With over a decade of experience working closely with young people in New York City, Jennifer has become a prominent figure in youth development and DEI initiatives.Throughout her career, Jennifer has been a catalyst for positive change, leveraging her expertise to create safe and supportive environments where young people can thrive. Her work in DEI has been particularly impactful, with Sound Thinking NYC as she has spearheaded numerous programing aimed at promoting understanding, empathy, and respect among high school students from diverse backgrounds. As a facilitator with over 10 years of experience, Jennifer brings a unique blend of empathy, insight, and practical knowledge to her work. Her dynamic approach to facilitation ensures that every participant feels heard and valued, paving the way for meaningful dialogue and transformative learning experiences.

Integrative Health Coach, Nicole Blonder Coaching

Nicole Blonder is an integrative health coach with deep roots in the NYC music industry. With over 25 years of experience spanning record labels, events, agencies and management, Nicole intimately understands the unique lifestyle and challenges faced by musicians and industry professionals. After grappling with a chronic health issue early in her career, she discovered the power of health coaching, a modality that helped transformed her health and inspired her to become certified as a coach herself.

As a coach, Nicole helps people navigate the symptoms of stress, burnout, and various health issues. She takes a comprehensive and holistic approach, addressing nutrition, sleep, mindset, movement, and more. Through personalized guidance and a focus on self-awareness, she helps people create meaningful and lasting changes in their lives. Nicole offers 1:1 coaching, workshops, and leads group health coaching sessions for mindful business community CoMuse. For More: www.nicoleblonder.com

Songwriter/Recording Artist, Internal Affairs Entertainment

Torae, creator and host of ‘The Tor Guide’, on SiriusXM’s Hip-Hop Nation and ‘That Raw’ on LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells Radio is the epitome of a multi-hyphenate renaissance man. When the songwriter, actor, rapper, philanthropist and entrepreneur isn’t delivering his daily radio shows listeners the hits or hosting red carpet events and live festivals, he’s interviewing the Kings and Queens of today like Nas, Swizz Beats, D-Nice, Megan The Stallion or Migos, to name a few. You can also find Torae in the New York chapter of the Recording Academy’s President seat. On the recording front, he’s written on gold and platinum albums, scoring a multitude of Hot 100 triumphs. Torae has released eight projects as a solo artist and collaborated with Hip-Hop heavyweights such as DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Hitmaka & DJ Khaled, to name another few. His various acting roles— from the no nonsense ‘Sig Sauer’ in VH1’s ‘The Breaks’ to the poised ‘Beans’ in BET’s hit show TALES—have all been met with critical acclaim. Whether at a podium, on a film set, in a classroom or in a recording booth, Torae will certainly be doing one thing: Dropping jewels..

Owner, MeanRed Productions | Board President, New York Independent Venue Association

Known for alternative venues, thoughtful curation and generally existing on the edge by her own volition or not! Operating as an independent promoter for 16 years and in the live music industry for 20+. MeanRed Productions produces concerts and events in NYC and Detroit -notable shows include: Diplo at Summerstage, Kaytranada in a Dim Sum Restaurant, Moodyman in a Bed Stuy dance club, Travis Scott in an former auto parts factory.

Professor and Director, Music Business, NYU Steinhardt

Larry Miller is a professor of Music Business at NYU Steinhardt where he is director of the Music Business program. He is a music and technology entrepreneur, advisor, producer and host of the Musonomics podcast. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on music entrepreneurship, music analytics, strategic marketing, global music management and the business structure of the music industry. He advises music creators and rights holders on public policy and litigation and provided expert testimony before the United States Copyright Review Board and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Larry supports media and technology companies and their financial sponsors on capital formation and music catalog acquisitions, digital product and service development and restructuring. He is the author of “How Streaming Has Impacted the Value of Music” and “Same Heart/New Beat: How Record Labels Amplify Talent in the Modern Music Marketplace.”

He earned an MBA at Columbia Business School, and BA at Brandeis University.

Larry a proud board member of the Newport Festivals Foundation and the Louis Armstrong House Museum. He is also a Clio Award-winning voice actor.