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Attend the 33rd Cutting Edge CE - MUSIC BUSINESS SESSIONS

Details of the 33rd Cutting Edge CE Music Business Sessions has been announced, and they are as follows (information emailed directly to us):

Music Business Sessions  

Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp

Creators House

JAMericana Féte

August 13 – 16, 2025

Locations:  

InterContinental New Orleans Hotel

House of Blues

New Orleans Jazz Museum

The Broadside

Cutting Edge Activities include:  

- Cutting Edge Entertainment Law Seminar (Schedule not included)

- Music Business Sessions (Schedule included)

- Creators House (Schedule included)

- Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp (Invitation only)

- NewWorks Artists Showcase (Schedule not included)

- Roots Music Gathering  

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Location: InterContinental Hotel

Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp

Sponsors: Buddy Holly Education Foundation, New Orleans & Co, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund

Join us for a 4-day down-to-songwriting, recording, and performing event,  

3rd Floor

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM  Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp (Invitation Only) – Welcome

12:00 PM – 4:00 PM  Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp (Invitation Only) – Songwriting Rooms Open

Small songwriting groups (4/5 songwriters per room), led by lead songwriters – The goal is to write one song per room per session.

5:00 PM – 9 PM   Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp (Invitation Only) – Songwriting Rooms Open

Small songwriting groups (4/5 songwriters per room), led by lead songwriters – The goal is to write one song per room per session.

Music Business Sessions

Schedule

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Location: 3rd Fl  

8:50 AM Welcome

10:15 PM – 1:15 PM   "Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp (Invitation Only) – Songwriting Rooms "Open

Small songwriting groups (4/5 songwriters per room), led by lead songwriters – The goal is to write one song per room per session.

[Rooms expand into New Orleans, with writing happening at the InterContinental Hotel]

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Songwriting Essentials: Let's Write a Song Part I: For Placement: Film/TV/Other –  

Spend three days demystifying the world of music licensing with  veteran songwriter and producer Michele Vice-Maslin leads a discussion on essential considerations for crafting songs for synchronization licensing

. This workshop will demystify music licensing, focusing on tools, expectations, and principles involved in licensing music. Participants will learn about publishing, performance rights organizations (PROs), deal memos, cue sheets, etc. Each participant will leave with a practical understanding of how to research and submit songs for licensing opportunities

Speaker:

Michele Vice-Maslin, Emmy-winning, #1 Hit Songwriter, Producer, Arranger

10:10 AM – 10:50 AM  Music Contracts Conversation  

Scott Keniley, Esq., and Barry Coffing from WeGetMusic  will discuss important deal points to consider when signing music contracts.   

Speakers  

Scott Keniley, Esq., Keniley Kumar, Atlanta, GA

Barry Coffing, CEO, WeGetMusic

Eric L Cager, Director, Cutting Edge CE (Moderator)

11:00 AM – 11:35 AM  Special Presentation: How to Not Be Held Hostage by the Sound Engineer  

Speaker:

Cliff Downing, Musician, Engineer  

11:45 AM – 12:50 PM In the Studio Part I: Production Ideas vs Project Management: Recording Studio Tips, Tricks, & Hacks

This panel will discuss equipment, techniques, and planning for recording in commercial studios, home studios, or live settings.   

Speakers:

Cliff Downing, Musician, Engineer (Moderator)

Dave Catching, Ranco de la Luna Studio

Jack Miele, Producer/Engineer, Jack Miele Productions

Jimmy Ford, Owner, Jimmy Ford Clinic  

Danny Jones, Engineer

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM   "Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp (Invitation Only) – Songwriting Rooms "Open

Small songwriting groups (4/5 songwriters per room), led by lead songwriters – The goal is to write one song per room per session.

[Rooms expand into New Orleans, with writing happening at the InterContinental Hotel]

1:05 PM – 2:15 PM   Publicity, Branding, Marketing in the Metaverse – This session will explore building your social network to launch or enhance your brand.   

Technotainment Session  

Understanding the convergence of technology and entertainment, providing  

- insights into opportunities for musicians, record labels, entertainment companies, and entrepreneurs

Speakers:

Linda Septien, Septien Entertainment Group (Moderator)

Amanda (Mandy) Ortiz, VP Marketing, DAWn Audio

Megan Coffing, Graphic Designer

Weston McGowen, Music Economist, Equal Rights, LLC

2:30 PM – 3:15 PM  Nonprofit Opportunities in the Music Business:  Event Management

Panelists will discuss various roles for nonprofits in the music and entertainment industry.

Speakers:

Gloria Garcia, M.D., Nonprofit Consultant (Moderator)

Tracy LaPorte, Radio Programmer, 2Step Tribe

Henry Turner, Jr., Musician, Promoter, Henry Turner, Jr, Listening Room Museum Foundation

Uncle Ryano, Country Music Veteran, Sgt 2Step Foundation

3:30 PM – 4:45 PM  Let's Write a Song for Synch Part I

Featuring Synch Assassin, Producer, and Music Supervisor Barry Coffing, alongside artist and music supervisor Jessica Alvarez from Sync Musica.*  

This panel will cover what music supervisors look for in songs

Speakers

Jessica Alvarez, Sync Musica

Barry Coffing, MusicSupervisor.com, WeGetMusic

4:45 PM – 5:30 PM  Part II Let's critique your songs –  

Participants can play their finished songs for the experts to critique.

Speakers:

Barry Coffing, Owner, WeGetArtist, MusicSupervisor.com  

Michele Vice Maslin, Producer, Songwriter

Alan Brewer, President/Owner, New Brew Entertainment

6:00 PM – 1:00 AM   Event: Artists Showcase *Various venues across New Orleans will host the showcase.

Friday, August 15, 2025

Location(s): 3rd FL

9:00 AM – 9:45 AM  Songwriters Essentials: Let's Write a Song Part II - Music Metadata   

Understanding how to track your songs' plays in the Streaming Metaverse

, and the actions needed to protect your rights.

Speakers:

Michelle Vice Maslin, Emmy-winning, #1 Hit Songwriter, Producer, Arranger

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM   "Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp (Invitation Only) – Songwriting Recording"

Small songwriting groups (4/5 songwriters per room), led by lead songwriters – The goal is to write one song per room per session.

[Rooms expand into New Orleans, with writing happening at the InterContinental Hotel]

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM  In the Studio Part II: Planning and Executing a Recording Session

Panelists will critique a recent recording session from Dave Catching's Rancho de Luna Recording Studio, with insights from the engineering team

Speakers:

Dave Catching, Rancho de la Luna Studio

Jimmy Ford, Jimmy Ford Clinic

Ben Lorio, Head Engineer, McKinley Studios

P aul Diaz, Owner, TreeSound Studios

11:00 AM – 11:35 AM Keynote Address – Reid Martin, Co-Founder, CEO, Midcitizen Entertainment

11:45 AM – 12:45 PM  Management Discussions  

Topics will include deal points for selecting a manager or signing a new artist
, managing  finances, and branding opportunities

. Reid Martin will join managers and a financial consultant to discuss the realities of working with artists and their specific requirements

Speakers:

Reid Martin, Co-Founder, CEO, Midcitizen Entertainment

Tate Henshaw, CFP, ARC Business Management  

Rico Brooks, CEO, Adella Thomas Management   

Rueben Williams, Thunderbird Management Group/Artist Management Plus

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM  Booking, Touring, and Promotions

I. What does a venue evaluate when choosing an act?

II. A Touring Hack to save time and money.

III. I manage artists, and this is what I need them to do to be successful

Event executives and promoters will discuss how they select artists, their most effective marketing platforms, and the secrets behind their management styles.   

Speakers

I.V. Miller, General Manager, House of Blues, New Orleans

John M, Songwriter, Performance Author

Michael Paz, Paz Production

Henry Turner, Jr, Musician, Venue Owner, Promoter, Filmmaker  

1:15 PM - 2:00 PM Conversation on Publishing A&R and the A&R's Role in Contracts Artists Sign with Publishing Companies [Legal/Bus CLE .75 hrs.]  

Interviewee: Kim Buie, A&R Consultant

Interviewer: Charles Driebe, Esq., Blind Ambition Management, Atlanta, GA  

2:15 PM – 3:30 PM  - Artist Development in the Social Media Age: 5 Things You Should Do to Attract Followers, Audience, and Industry Attention [MUS.] BUSINESS]

A&R representatives, Record label owners, managers, and publicists discuss how to:

I. Build your Brand

II. Grow Your Fan Base

III. Network and Build Relationships

IV. Get Discovered on Music Discovery Websites

V. Apply Marketing Strategies

Speakers:

Linda Septein, Septien Entertainment Group (Moderator)

John Autin, President/CEO, Rabadash Entertainment, Rabadash Studios (Music & Films)

Robert Singerman, Partner, LyricFind, Partner/EVP, Global Biz Dev.

Mike Dixon, Soda Rock Music

3:45 PM – 5:00 PM  Developing Writers and Artists in Today's Market [Mus. Bus.]  

• What is required to get your song placed in Film, TV, and Games

• Role of Music Libraries

Speakers:

Barry Coffing, Owner, WeGetArtist, MusicSupervisor.com  (Moderator)

Michele Vice Maslin, Producer, Songwriter

Alan Brewer, President/Owner, New Brew Entertainment

Weston McGowen, Equal Songs

Awards Presentations

@ New Orleans Jazz Museum  Performance Hall, 400 Esplanade Avenue

5:00  PM Drew Young, Songwriter

5:30 PM Roots Music Gathering:
Conversation with Danny Jones, Engineer, (SeaSaint Recording Studios)  

6:20 PM  Special Performance: Rabadash Records presents - Serabee

7:30 PM   Award Presentations:

- Lifetime Achievement Award: George Porter, Jr.  

- Music Influencer Award: Jimmy Ford  

- Trumpet Award for Cultural Leadership: Celebrate Canal   

6:00 PM – 2:00 AM   Artists Showcases (venues across New Orleans)

Saturday, August  16, 2025

Location: RM - TBA

9:00 AM – 9:45 AM  Educators Panel [MUS. BUSINESS]

Where do educators and institutions stand today in better equipping artists and entertainment entrepreneurs?

Speakers

Dr. Peter Cho, Executive Dean, Delgado Community College, West Bank Campus

Dr. Raymond M. Delaney Jr., Southern University, New Orleans

10:00 – 11:00 Introducing Performance Matters  

Gain insight from a man called "a joyful and confident performer." His book on live performance, "Performance Matters," is a core part of his Masterclass.  

Speaker:

John M, Songwriter, Performance Author

11:15 PM – 12:30 PM Songwriting with Michele Vice-Maslin, Part III [MUS. BUSINESS]

Conversations with Songwriters

Veteran Songwriter and Producer Michele Vice-Maslin leads the third of three sessions on essential considerations when crafting a song for synch licensing.  

Speakers:

Michele Vice Maslin, Emmy-winning, #1 Hit Songwriter, Producer, Arranger

10:00 PM – 5:00 PM   "Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp (Invitation Only) – Songwriting Recording Opens"

Small songwriting groups (4/5 songwriters per room), led by lead songwriters – The goal is to write one song per room per session.

[Performance expand into New Orleans, with writing happening at the InterContinental Hotel]

Creators House  

JAMericana Féte

The Broadside

600 N. Broad St, NOLA

Workshops, Performances, Film/Art Meetup, Arts Market

**Free Admission**

Saturday, August 16

1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Supported by the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund, New Orleans & Company, Louisiana Seafood Board, Valhalla Amplification, DAWn Audio, Louisiana Produces, New Orleans Agaenda, BreakThru Media, Broadside and Broad Theaters

Musicians, Students, and Creative Entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend

Discussion – Filmmaker Profile - Presentations   

• Music – Artists' Performances, Interviews, information on negotiating recording contracts, your music in Film/TV, Virtual Speed Meeting

• Tech – Music Tech, Esports, Equipment Demonstration, Podcast

• Film – Planning, Incentives,  

Creators House is an ongoing project focused on initiatives to support creators' success. We thank 2112 Chicago Music, Tech, Film Incubator for introducing us to this dynamic concept of focused sharing and skill-building.

Locations:  

Performance Room

Courtyard Bar

1:00 - 1:45 The Voiceover Project – McKinley Studios/GMc+Co. Strategic Communications Advertising Agency

  From Grammy-winning recordings to successful advertising campaigns, McKinley Studios is now training voiceover and narration artists. McKinley Studios and GMc+Co Advertising Agency have launched many projects into the Creators space. In this discussion here about their exciting new training programs, which are already providing success.

2:00 – 2:45 Music Tech Conversation – Sponsored by DAWn Audio

Participants:

Diego Pinzon, Co-Founder, CEO, DAWn Audio (Moderator)

Richard (Rick) Fors, Partner, Valhalla Amplification

        Kee Mayer, Partner, Valhalla Amplification

3:15 – 4:15 Film Meetup - Planning, Structuring a Film or Documentary, Tax Incentives, Financing, Rights Clearance

Participants:

Jim Dotson, General Manager WLAE TV/LAE Productions

Wendy Coleman Fleetwood, Director/Producer/Writer

Wayne Douglass Morgan, Filmmaker, President, Louisiana Produces, SAG-AFTRA New Orleans Board Member

,  

4:25 - 5:05 Hot Trends in Performing – What Artists Should Know

Participants:

Henry Turner, Jr, Owner, Henry Turner, Jr. Listening Room

Don P, Radio Personality

John M, Author, Performance Matters

5:15 – 6:00 Art Organizations Meetup/discussion: Information on upcoming meetings, programming, and happenings around town. Hosted by: Lilli Lewis  

Participants:

Marigny Hemenway, Event Management, Music Industry Public Relations, Musician, Bandleader

6:00 Cutting Edge Community Service Awards and Arts Organizations Reception

Recipients:

Community Service Award: WWOZ 90.7 FM

Community Service Award: Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans (MACCNO)

Performances

@The Broadside

JAMericana Féte

3:00 PM (Main Stage)

(Freddie Blue & the Friendship Circle, Loose Cattle, Paul Sanchez, Rorschach Blues Band, Will Vance & The Kinfolk, DiNOLA, Mia Borders, Lilli Lewis Project)

Performance Hall

6:15 – 7:30 Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp – Performing a song written during the camp

7:30 – 9:30   Mississippi Songwriters Presents: Songwriters in the Round

9:45 – 11:00 DJs, Urban Jam

NewWorks Artists Showcase –  

3:00 PM House of Blues – SpringBoard/WeGetMusic Sponsored Stages

Sunday, August 17  

@ The Broadside

**Special Event**

Roots Music Gathering

"Oral History Brunch"

Dedicated to Tom Morgan, former WWOZ radio personality, Author, "From Cakewalks to Concert Halls: An Illustrated History of African American Popular Music From 1895 To 1930"

Oral History Subjects:   

- James Andrews, Musician, Grandson of Jessie (Oop Poo Pah Doo) Hill

- Shirley King, “Blues For A King” vocalist, celebrating her father, BB King's 100th Birthday

2025 Cutting Edge Music Business Sessions Speakers

Jessica Alvarez, Sync Musica

James Andrews, Musician, Grandson of Jessie (Oop Poo Pah Doo) Hill

John Autin, President/CEO, Rabadash Entertainment, Rabadash Studios (Music & Films)

Rico Brooks, CEO, Adella Thomas Management   

Alan Brewer, President/Owner, New Brew Entertainment

Eric L Cager, Director, Cutting Edge CE (Moderator)

Dave Catching, Ranco de la Luna Studio

Dr. Peter Cho, Executive Dean, Delgado Community College, West Bank Campus

Barry Coffing, CEO, WeGetMusic

Megan Coffing, Graphic Designer

Dr. Raymond M. Delaney Jr., Southern University, New Orleans

Paul Diaz, Owner, TreeSound Studios

Mike Dixon, Soda Rock Music

Jim Dotson, General Manager WLAE TV/LAE Productions

Cliff Downing, Musician, Engineer  

Wendy Coleman Fleetwood, Director/Producer/Writer

Jimmy Ford, Owner, Jimmy Ford Clinic  

Richard (Rick) Fors, Partner, Valhalla Amplification

Gloria Garcia, M.D., Nonprofit Consultant

Marigny Hemenway, Event Management, Music Industry Public Relations, Musician, Bandleader

Tate Henshaw, CFP, ARC Business Management  

Danny Jones, Engineer

Scott Keniley, Esq., Keniley Kumar, Atlanta, GA

Shirley King, “Blues For A King” vocalist, is celebrating her father, BB King's 100th Birthday

Tracy LaPorte, Radio Programmer, 2Step Tribe

Lilli Lewis, Musician, Bandleader, Music Industry Organizer, Social Entrepreneur  

John M, Songwriter, Performance Author

Reid Martin, Co-Founder, CEO, Midcitizen Entertainment

Michele Vice-Maslin, Emmy-winning, #1 Hit Songwriter, Producer, Arranger

Kee Mayer, Partner, Valhalla Amplification

Weston McGowen, Music Economist, Equal Rights, LLC

Glenda McKinley, Owner, GMc+Co Advertising Agency

Jack Miele, Producer/Engineer, Jack Miele Productions

I.V. Miller, General Manager, House of Blues, New Orleans

Wayne Douglass Morgan, Filmmaker, President, Louisiana Produces, SAG-AFTR New Orleans Board Member

Amanda (Mandy) Ortiz, VP Marketing, DAWn Audio

Don P, Radio Personality

Michael Paz, Paz Production

Diego Pinzon, Co-Founder, CEO, DAWn Audio (Moderator)

Uncle Ryano, Country Music Veteran, Sgt 2Step Foundation

Linda Septien, Septien Entertainment Group

Robert Singerman, Partner, LyricFind, Partner/EVP, Global Biz Dev.

Henry Turner, Jr., Musician, Promoter, Henry Turner, Jr, Listening Room Museum Foundation

Rueben Williams, Thunderbird Management Group/Artist Management Plus