Save The Music Foundation, in partnership with the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), and Music Education Group (MEG) hosted the two-day "Remixing The Industry" event at Live Nation's Buckhead Theatre and United Talent Agency (UTA) in Atlanta, Georgia on September 24 & 25, 2024, bringing together over 160 students from Atlanta Public Schools (APS) to explore career pathways and gain insights from top music industry executives.
On Day 1, students from Atlanta Public Schools (Therrell High School, Maynard Jackson High School, South Atlanta High School, B.E.S.T Academy), Fulton County Schools (Creekside High School, Langston Hughes High School, Westlake High School), and Cobb County Schools (South Cobb High School) gathered at the Buckhead Theater to tune in to two curated panels led by music executives, artists, artist management teams, and entertainment attorneys.
Curated by BMAC's Willie "Prophet" Stiggers and Ric Ross of MEG, the panels gave students an inside look at talent development, the music business, and career opportunities adjacent with the resources and skills they are learning through Save The Music’s Music Technology Grant. Panelists included: the artist and activist, Young Dro, Sammye-RuthScott (A&R, Atlantic Records), Cortez Bryant (manager, The Blueprint Group), attorney Vince Phillips, Cory Sparks (VP, Warner Records), James Pulliam (VP Talent & Touring, Live Nation), Octavius Crouch (CEO, Red Octave), Nick Love (Lead Project Manager, ONErpm), Sierra Imari (founder, The Gen Z Exec), artist Moses Davis (SE Promotion Manager, Columbia Records/Sony Music), and Rafael Capone (Owner, Soul Asylum Studios Group).
A student showcase broke up the two panels, where three talented students presented their original tracks and received live feedback from industry professionals. The standout moment of the day was Therrell High School’s student, Boston, who wowed the crowd with his track, after some encouragement from the panelists to perform live alongside his music.
Day 2 was hosted by the UTA Foundation at UTA's Atlanta office, bringing music industry professionals and the Atlanta education ecosystem together to identify the challenges and solutions in creating career pathways for students of color in Atlanta. The day featured two panels: one moderated by Council Member, Antonio Lewis, including Save The Music students and music technology educators; Ms. Bush (South Atlanta High School) and Mr. Davis (Therrell High School). Following their moderated conversation, a select group of students from South Atlanta High School and Therrell High School shared their music with a room full of industry experts, receiving valuable feedback and guidance.
A second, industry-focused panel hosted by Georgia’s 2024 Teacher of the Year and Founder of Hall Pass Entertainment, Christy Todd, included Atlanta music industry heavy hitters: Dina Marto, Music Executive at UTA; Rob Gibbs, Co-Head of UTA Atlanta; Head of Urban at ONErpm, Orlando McGhee; Co-Founder of Love Renaissance (LVRN), Justice Baiden; and Asante Bradford, of the Georgia Department of Economic Development Center of Innovation.
"We’re honored to collaborate with BMAC and MEG to create this one-of-a-kind experience," said Henry Donahue, Executive Director at Save The Music. "By connecting students with music professionals, and identifying tangible next steps to create career pathways here in Atlanta, we’re inspiring the next generation of creatives and leaders who will shape the future of the industry."
This two-day event was sponsored and supported by Live Nation and UTA Foundation.
“We are proud to partner with Save The Music Foundation and Music Education Group (MEG), as well as Live Nation special thanks to James Pulliam, and Lou Grimes for helping to coordinate this partnership and scoring the Buckhead Theater where Live Nation hosted the students. We were honored to have BMAC ELC members, Cortez Bryant and Vince Phillips, alongside Young DRO participate in having an open dialogue with 150 students about how each of their personal journeys has shaped their success, including DRO discussing how being sober the four years has given him a clear perspective on life and business. ‘Remixing The Industry’ uplifted and equipped the future generation and it is a privilege to be a part of the student’s journey to success,” said Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, BMAC Co-founder, President & CEO.
