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
