2024 SESSIONS

Branding Beyond the Visual and Audio

Stephen “Nighttrain” Wilkes

In this session Briana and Stephen Wilkes discuss branding in a changing world as it relates to the music business, new trends, and consistency in your music and presentation for a formula to success that goes far beyond band shirts on your logo. As things have changed in print and digital media, they  will discuss some of the best tips and tricks to make a profit off of your music in 2024 and beyond!

Stephen Wilkes brings over 18 years of experience in visual communication. He has worked with equal housing, government agencies, foundations, community outreach, social activism, music and entertainment, fitness and martial arts, presidential candidates, and corporations that support a progressive agenda rooted in equity for all.

Stephen is a lover of artistic expression, graphic design, and typography. He’s worked as a graphic artist at every level of brand development from inception to execution and prides himself on tirelessly providing the best visual solution for any project.

Stephen has been involved with various projects including real estate/equal opportunity housing at HUD, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, TV One, NASA, FEMA, Communities In Schools, Hewlett Foundation, Washington Department of Health, LISC, American Beverage Association, and the Hilary Clinton and Kamala Harris campaigns, and independently raised money for Color of Change.

He is also an active independent performing artist/emcee with deep understanding of Hip Hop culture, opening for and working side-by-sides with acts like Nonchalant, Wu-Tang Clan, Slick Rick, Logic, and the late great Biz Markie. Stephen is the winner of the 2021 Wammie for Best Rap Album and is a member of the Washington, DC chapter of the Recording Academy.

12 Notes To Sync

Jared Oluwa

In this session Jared will be providing effective insight on to how to increase opportunities to get TV Placements. It will be a:

  • Fast Round Understanding of the essential terms to know in Sync Licensing.

  • How To Properly reach out to Libraries & Sync Licensing Agents.

  • Importance of Building Relationships and Creating Value.

Jared is an independent music composer from Los Angeles who works in the TV & Film industry. He has been featured on networks such as Fox Soul, BET, HBO Max, Facebook, VH1 and more. As a Creative Advocate, he became heavily involved in Volunteering with Organizations such as The LA Recording Academy, SONA, The Production Music Conference & Music Forward. Jared is always looking forward to being an asset to the current and next generation. 

The Business of Music

Dr. Catherine Smith and Leslie Pridgen

During this workshop, participants will explore the various classes of a Limited Liability Corporation, also known as an LLC, and the many different aspects of business contracts used in the music business. Participants will investigate the creation of enforceable agreements, interpreting contracts, and managing risk to achieve your business objectives. Participants will also have the opportunity to spend time breaking down the different elements that make up contracts, and investigate strategies to mitigate risk and minimize consequences in the event that a contract is breached. By the end of this workshop, participants will leave with a set of tools that will enable them to start or restructure their LLC and create and manage contracts in their business confidently and effectively, as well as be a more active and informed leader in their business.

Dr. Catherine Carter Smith is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of 360 Training & Development. With a proven track record of industry experience, strong leadership, technical ability, content knowledge, and success, Philadelphia Freeway (Leslie Pridgen) and Dr. Smith are confident in their ability to continue their collective mission to build community through small business development and high-quality STEAM education programs. To learn more about Philadelphia Freeway and Dr. Smith please visit freedomthinkers.academy.com or 360trainingdevelopment.com to learn more.

Building Youth Power through Music

Girls Rock! DC

Girls Rock! DC works at the intersection of art and activism, providing music programs for young people in DC to learn, grow, and use the power of their communities. In this session, youth and adult speakers highlight best practices in engaging youth in music and creative expression, and facilitate deep discussions among attendees on how to co-create spaces for young people to express themselves, build youth power, and engage in their communities.

Noel Schroeder, Executive Director of Girls Rock! DC, is an activist, educator, and organizer in Washington, D.C., specializing in the intersection of music and justice. They have more than a decade of leadership experience in nonprofit management and are an expert in online network building and e-learning, gender and youth development programming, and grassroots organizing.

Music Arts Therapy

Dark Squad Entertainment

Using simple beats, writing exercises, music that moves mood and emotions, and games, Music Arts Therapy workshops are an enjoyable way of de-stressing and facilitating open discussion through music. Join talented lyricist, poet, ghostwriter, and music educator Charles R. Barnes, Jr. aka Eclipse, for this interactive session.

Charles "Eclipse" Barnes, Jr., is a master lyricist, oral storyteller, and music educator. Mr. Barnes' specialty is writing lyrics that connect emotionally with audiences and tell poignant stories. His songs include historical facts, dates, the emotion of the moment or time period, proper names (persons), chronology, and strikingly emotive lyrics that paint a visual picture and move the listener or audience.

Mr. Barnes co-founded a music arts therapy program where he brings mobile music arts therapy programs into the most underserved neighborhoods in Washington DC. His music program allows freedom of speech and expression of thoughts, trauma, dreams, and aspirations often not expressed in at risk populations. The impact to mental health, alleviation of anxiety, and a safe space for emotional expression has been overwhelmingly received by communities within the DMV.

He has worked with organizations such as Prince George’s County Public Schools, the DC Government, the NAACP, and community organizations serving individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels.

He currently works as a music therapist and host of his own music podcast on YouTube.

Soundtrack Music for Films

Jason Henderson

In this session participants will learn about music licensing for every video creator. Jason Henderson, a DC filmmaker, will draw from experience imaking a zero-budget movie; and putting together a team of talent together to make a global award-winning feature film.

Jason Henderson is a DC-based filmmaker, author, screenwriter, producer, and physical therapist who has combined these experiences to create compelling, and award-winning stories.  As the CEO of a health care company he has combined and focused these experiences into the development and production of compelling narratives. In October 2021, he was recognized by the District of Columbia Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment as Filmmaker of the Month. Jason was also  also the recording artist in his first two films Home Health Chronicles 1 &2.

Know Your Rights - Copyright Basics and AI

Gretchen McMullen

This session will present a brief summary of current copyright law and impact of Artificial Intelligence. Attendees will learn how to navigate legalities of intellectual property rights.

Gretchen MCMullen is an experienced trial attorney specializing in litigation and labor and employment law in the federal sector; experienced dispute resolution expert and certified mediator; experienced trainer and legal educator specializing in clinical legal education, labor and employment law and arbitration procedure, and alternative dispute resolution skills; and an experienced legal writer for business publication for non-lawyer audience.

Harmonizing Art, Perspective and Strategy

Sophie “Big Soph” Steele

This presentation targets independent artists and supporting creators seeking to excel both creatively and in business within the music industry's competitive landscape. "Harmonizing Art, Perspective & Strategy” offers a multifaceted approach to navigating the dual roles of creator and entrepreneur, emphasizing product mindset, customer engagement, and business acumen.

Key Highlights:
*The Product Mindset: Artists are guided to view their art as a marketable product, focusing on differentiation, quality, and the development of a cohesive brand identity.
* Customer Awareness: Strategies for artists to understand and connect with their audience, alongside the importance of selecting industry services that align with their career goals.
* Business Acumen: Encourages a strategic approach to career planning, including operational tactics, marketing strategies, and team building.
* Leverage and Marketing Tactics: Introduces ways for artists to build industry leverage and employ innovative marketing tactics for audience growth and engagement.

Designed as a crash course, this presentation aims to equip artists with the insights and tools necessary for blending creative passion with effective business strategies and giving them the tools needed to become self sufficient.

Big Soph is a well-known public speaker with a solid background in the music industry. She started her career as an artist and then moved into providing label services, learning the ins and outs of the financial side of music along the way. Born in Akron, Ohio, she has lived in various states and attended numerous schools, which has enriched her perspective. Since 2012, she's been based in the DMV area. 

Now, Big Soph focuses on helping artists build their businesses. She coaches and motivates them, sharing her insights on how to produce content that stands out and succeeds. Her experience in transitioning from an artist to an expert in the business side of music makes her an invaluable resource. She's passionate about teaching upcoming artists how to navigate the industry, encouraging them to enjoy their work and create a lasting impact. 

Home Ownership for Artists and Entertainment Professionals: Navigating Mortgages and Home Purchases with Nontraditional Income

Malika Jackson

In this course, participants learn essential strategies and practical tips to successfully navigate the mortgage process, even if income fluctuates or comes from various sources such as royalties, residuals, or freelance gigs. Participants will also be guided through understanding mortgage options tailored to their specific financial situation, including alternative documentation programs and specialized loan products.

Key topics covered include:

  1. Understanding mortgage basics and terminology

  2. Assessing your financial readiness for homeownership

  3. Exploring mortgage options suitable for creatives and entertainment professionals

  4. Documentation requirements for nontraditional income sources

  5. Building and maintaining good credit

  6. Navigating the loan application and approval process

  7. Tips for negotiating favorable mortgage terms

  8. Avoiding common pitfalls and mistakes in the mortgage process

  9. Planning for long-term financial stability as a homeowner

  10. Accessing resources and support networks for ongoing homeownership success

The session will also cover the standard flow of a home purchase highlighting the Active Search, Home Inspections, Appraisals and Closing Day procedures.

Whether participants are singers, instrumentalists, dancers or any other creative or entertainment industry professional, this class will empower them with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve their homeownership goals and secure a stable financial future in the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry. 

Malika Jackson is a native Washingtonian, successful Real Estate Agent/Investor, Speaker, Coach and Philanthropist. She’s known as the “Realtor to the Stars”! Malika is also the mother of two adult sons who are music industry enterpreners. Malika has 17 years of experience in Real Estate Consulting and currently serves as CEO of Jackson Realty Group, a boutique firm that specializes in serving the real estate needs of the DMV entertainment community. She is actively selling Real Estate in Washington, DC and in the state of Maryland. Malika holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Minor in Entrepreneurship and a degree in Computer Information Systems Management. Malika also holds a certification in International Real Estate.

Treble & Bass - The Highs & Lows of Music Copyright

Women in Music - PANEL

Join us for an exploration into the world of music copyright law & policy. In this session, expert panelists will dive into the fundamental principles & importance of music copyright, while also dissecting pressing issues at the intersection of intellectual property. technology, creativity, and commerce. Our panelists will provide insights into safeguarding the rights of creators and stakeholders in today's rapidly evolving music industry landscape. We'll discuss songwriter compensation, sampling, artificial intelligence (AI), & master recording ownership. Whether you're an aspiring musician, a seasoned industry professional, or simply passionate about the power of music, this panel promises to be a journey through the highs and lows of music copyright.

This panel will be moderated by Miami Golde - Women in Music (WIM) DC Vice Chair

As a Maryland native, Miami Golde serves as the Vice-Chair of Women in Music DC and proudly holds the position of Cultural Arts Commissioner for The City of Rockville, Maryland. Dedicated to fostering cultural enrichment and community engagement, she brings a wealth of experience, including her tenure with the Washington Commanders and behind-the-scenes work on the Renaissance World Tour as a stagehand. Her passion for creating unforgettable experiences led her to immerse herself in the festival world at AEG Presents.

Linda Bloss Baum, Professor @ AU's Kogod School

Linda Bloss-Baum is a full-time faculty member and the Assistant Director of the Business and Entertainment Program at American University’s KOGOD School of Business. Prior to joining her beloved alma mater, American University, in her current role, Bloss-Baum taught as an Adjunct Faculty Member at the University for a decade while she was serving as the Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy at SoundExchange. Before joining SoundExchange, Bloss-Baum ran the Warner Music Group office in Washington, D.C. for six years. She also served as Vice President, Public Policy/Government Relations at Universal Music Group/NBC Universal and Time Warner, Inc. Linda graduated from Catholic University Law School. In addition to her academic career, Linda also proudly serves as the Lead of Public Policy and Board Member for the Songwriters of North America (SONA). 

Ashley Joyce, SVP Business and Legal Affairs @ National Music Publishers' Association

Ashley Joyce joined NMPA in 2020 and serves as Senior Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs. In this role, Ashley manages NMPA’s Copyright Royalty Board proceedings, copyright infringement litigation, and all related enforcement efforts. Ashley also negotiates model industry settlement and license agreements and supports NMPA’s overall legal, business, and policy objectives.  Before joining NMPA, Ashley was a senior associate at DLA Piper, focusing on trademark and copyright litigation in federal courts throughout the country, as well as proceedings before the United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Prior to DLA, Ashley clerked for U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell, Jr. in the Eastern District of California and was a corporate associate at King & Spalding in New York City.  Ashley graduated cum laude from Duke University and Washington University School of Law. She is a member of the California, District of Columbia, and New York bars.

Eric Sunray, VP Business and Legal Affairs @ National Music Publishers' Association 

Eric Sunray currently serves as VP of Legal & Business Affairs at the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), where he advises on domestic policy matters, participates in copyright infringement litigation, and negotiates model industry license agreements. Prior to joining NMPA, Eric’s practice entailed drafting and negotiating numerous business and entertainment agreements, as well as strategically advising independent songwriters and recording artists on intellectual property matters. Eric has also published two articles on the intersection of music copyright law and generative AI. Additionally, Eric has been a guitarist for over two decades. In that time, he played on several records and performed in venues and at music festivals across North America.

John Riley, Associate General Counsel @ U.S. Copyright Office

John Riley is an Assistant General Counsel at the Copyright Office.  Prior to joining the Office, John worked as the Senior Manager of IP Enforcement at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  John earned his LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law from George Washington University and his JD from the Dickinson School of Law.  He holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science, English, and Communication Arts & Sciences from Penn State University.

Legendary ISH in the DMV

Dope People in The DMV Doing Legendary Things - PANEL

Join us for a discussion with local accomplished DMV artists, as they discuss their art, their talent, their ability to connect with fans, and their longevity.

20Bello, a native of Washington, DC, is recognized as the visionary behind the DMV, pioneering the concept of unified collaboration within the music industry. Initially known as a rapper, event promoter, and prolific music video director, boasting over 175 credits for filming DMV artists, 20Bello's background as a graduate of theDuke Ellington School of the Arts remains a lesser-known facet of his journey. Despite his academic achievement, his life took dramatic turns, including encounters with law enforcement resulting in gunshot wounds and years spent incarcerated. Remarkably, 20Bello transformed these adversities into a powerful narrative of resilience, emerging as a leading motivational figure in the DMV community. Notably, he is also the CEO and proprietor of BelloBurn Hotsauce, widely regarded as one of the premier hot sauce brands in the region.

Precious Joubert (Joo - Behr) is an accomplished Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Musician, Vocal Director, Music Director, Music Educator, and Entertainer. In addition to being a solo recording artist, Precious is also known for her soulful vocals and passionate performances as lead vocalist for recording artist and band, “Sound of the City” (SOTC). SOTC has accompanied national and international recording artists such as Keyshia Cole, Angie Stone, Jill Scott, Bilal, Marsha Ambrosius, Dwele, Floetry and many more. Skilled in her vocal versatility, Joubert has been a featured background vocalist for many award-winning artists including Chrisette Michelle, Glenn Lewis, Rahsaan Patterson, Algebra Blessett, Donnie, KJon, Trina Broussard, Maysa, Leela James, Ledisi, Mya, Chanté Moore, Meli’sa Morgan, Deniece Williams, Casey J, and others.

Determined to learn more about the business of the music industry, Precious studied Music Business and Media Communications at Full Sail University—one of the most- recognized schools in the music and entertainment industry. In 2021 Precious decided to continue her music education and began attending the renowned Berklee College of Music.

In addition to running the production, live band and vocal backing company, Sound of the City Ent., LLC, as Co-Owner, COO, and CEO, Precious also has an artist development company by the name of PJAlwaysWrite, where her goal is to “help raise a generation of healthy, fearless, and educated creatives.”

Precious has released a string of songs over the past several years, including her most recent Soul interlude single entitled “Suffer”, and single “Never Give Up” (2023) by her group, Sound of the City.

James Todd also known as Big Don Bino is a popular Washington, D.C. based hip-hop artist from Southeast, DC and CEO of OTD Entertainment. Bino stands as one of the most exciting merchants of cool to emerge in the DMV. Thanks to underground mixtapes like “Big Don Gotti Tha Don Tape” , “Indicted” , “Crown Me” , “Hell’s Kitchen” , or “Bossilin”, Bino’s street swagger and authentic style quickly made believers out of some of the biggest players in the game in Washington, D.C.. and throughout the south, creating nothing short of a movement.”

Since 2018 Bino has been making major moves when he signed a distribution deal with Roc Nation. Bino began generating major buzz off from his top releases “Rap Niggas”, 10 Band Bricks, Really Real, & Money Power & Respect which used clever pawns for his wordplay. Bino has worked with some of hip hop’s hottest artist like Bay 9eno, IAmNorthEast, Fat Yee, Lil Jamez, Paco Panama, Eazy Don Dada, Shabazz PBG, Rah 2xx, Duffle Bag Boog, Fat Max, Yung Gleesh, Tae Dawg, OT7 Quanny, Gnm Hatch, Bally, A$ap Ant (Yg Addie), Soduh, Marino Infantry, Pee Gunna, Bundoe, Q Da Fool, Yodi Yo, Cruddy Murda, Splee, Frenchie, & BSM. His video “10 Band Brick '' went viral and amassed over 2.8 million views on Worldstar Hip Hop. Bino was incarcerated in 2018 prior to the release of his album “Incarcerated”.

All Binos songs are personal and driven by his own life story and experiences growing up in the notorious East Gate Housing Projects in Southeast, Washington, DC. No one can share the stories and adversities faced by young black men in Southeast DC like Bino can and this feeds his passion and hunger to feed the masses and make a mark in the culture with his musical skills.

Since Bino’s 2021 release from prison, he has vowed to put his past behind him and is committed to mentoring young men and working to support prison reform in Washington, DC. What captivates Bino’s audience is his confidence, dedication to his craft, his love for Washington, DC, his music and his constant desire to learn more.

Joe Clair, Stand-up Comedian and TV/Radio Personality. From the town of Seat Pleasant, MD, a suburb of Washington, DC, Comedian, TV/Radio host and hip-hop impresario, Joe Clair continues to be the voice of a loyal fan- base through his work on networks such as FOX, BET, HBO, Comedy Central and many others. From interviewing rappers in the 90's to co-hosting a one-of-kind news show these days in the DMW, he does it all.

While he still tours and produces stand-up most of the time, most don't know Joe Clair has a music production hustle where he produces and rhymes. He loosely works with the Band Sounds of the City and DJ 2Tone Jones as his unofficial official D] and Raheem DeVaughn snatched a Cleezy track back in his early mixtape phase. Joe Clair is where comedy and music meet.

Stan Long, Stan Long is the CEO & Host of Spotlight Over The City. He is also the CEO of Circle 7 Entertainment, Author, Actor, Filmmaker and Motivational Speaker. 

Stan can be seen in movies Recognize, Recognize 2, and The Milk Man. Stan is currently working on 2 of his own films: “Stoners” (set to be released in 2024) and “So Far Removed” (set to be released in 2025).

Securing The Bag

DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities  - PANEL

moderated by Dior Ashley Brown

Did you know Washington DC offers grant money to DC-Based artists for creating and facilitating arts in the district?

Did you know that you are NOT required to have an LLC or Business to access these funds?

Join DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Community Engagement Specialist Dwayne Lawson-Brown and members of the Grant Application Assistance Team (GAAP) as they share their first-hand experiences as grantees and detail 2 grants that are available to DC-Based artists and organizers for the 2024 fiscal year.

Dior Ashley Brown

Dior Ashley Brown is a woman on a mission. Known for her broad range of creative roles, including community builder, humanitarian, activist, entrepreneur, and musician, she is a seasoned, respected member of the DC creative scene and beyond, committed to empowering all people, especially Black women and girls, and leaving a legacy of positive change. Dubbed the “Hip-Hop Polymath” by the Washington Post, Dior knows how to create impact. She is founder of the DC Music Summit, a premier music conference and exchange hub, featuring industry leaders, artists, influencers, and high-profile brand sponsors who join forces to help grow the music industry in the nation’s capital. 

A proud DC native, raised across the globe, Dior is a Duke Ellington School of the Arts alumna. She holds a bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Maryland.  At her core, she is about breaking down barriers and sparking a movement, revealing the ways diversity lends greater understanding of what it means to be human.

Dwayne Lawson Brown

Dwayne is a former grant recipient, long-time host of Spit Dat DC, WETA Hometown Hero, and recipient of the Emerging Leader Award from the Congressional Black Caucus. Dwayne Lawson Brown has dedicated their life to building community. In their new capacity at the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Dwayne supports individuals and organizations in recognizing and applying for funds.

Dwayne firmly believes that for DC communities to thrive, there must be equitable support for individuals, organizations, and youth through arts and other critical programs.

Liz Ashe

Elizabeth Ashe is a sculptor who earned her MFA from the Mount Royal School of Art at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Her public art projects have recently been on view at Nature Art in the Park Baltimore, the Canal Basin at Navy Yards Park and with Art In Bloom for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and at Art All Night DC locations for the last several years. Ashe's art reviews have been published in Artscope Magazine, the Washington Diplomat, and the New Art Examiner, UK. Ashe has received several grants from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities for curatorial projects and her studio practice. Ashe is a board member of the Washington Sculptors Group, as well as the New Art Examiner UK, and serves on the Tenleytown Public Art Sub-Committee. Ashe lives in Washington, D.C., where she has an active studio practice. She is the Exhibit & Events Technician at the Katzen Arts Center, American University.

Tommie Taylor, Jr.

Funny, smart, and chronically womanless…Tommy Taylor Jr. is an award-winning comedian, actor, writer & filmmaker…Tommy’s career has been on fire lately, recently writing for BET's "All The Way Black", and helping develop a commercial for AutoTrader feat. Keenan Thompson (SNL). Tommy also launched his groundbreaking comedy series “The Tommy Taylor Show” on Amazon Prime, and can be seen on an upcoming Comedy Central show.

On stage, Tommy has opened for comedians Tony Rock, Ralphie May, Bill Bellamy, Annie Lederman, and was a semi-finalist for HBO’s & ABFF’s Comedy Wings competition. Tommy also starred in and won the hit reality television show “The Proposal” on ABC. He has appeared in several HBO series including the EMMY winning VEEP and The Wire, and co-starred in HBO’s How To Make It In America. He has even graced late-night television with his appearance on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”. Despite being single, his good looks and charm have helped him land leading roles in dozens of national commercials for brands such as Delta Airlines, AT&T, Toyota, Comcast, Black+Decker, Amtrak, and many more.

Naomi Ayala

Born in Puerto Rico, Naomi Ayala moved to the United States in her teens, eventually earning an MFA from the Bennington College Writing Seminars. Writing in both Spanish and English, she is author of the poetry collections Calling Home: Praise Songs and Incantations (2013), This Side of Early (2008), and Wild Animals on the Moon (1997), chosen by the New York City Public Library as a 1999 Book for the Teen Age. Her poems have appeared in the anthologies Boriquén to Diasporican: Puerto Rican Poetry from Aboriginal Times to the New Millennium (2007), Latino Boom: An Anthology of U.S. Latino Literature (2006), and First Flight: 24 Latino Poets (2006).  

An educator and arts administrator interested in environmental causes, Ayala has received numerous awards, including the Connecticut Latinas in Leadership Award, the 2000 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy of Environmental Justice Award, and the 2001 Larry Neal Writers Award for Poetry from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

Ayala has been a visiting humanities scholar for Hermana a Hermana/Sister to Sister and was co-chair of the board of directors for the organization Change: Building Social Justice, Starting in the Classroom; she co-founded the New Haven Alliance for Arts and Cultures. A resident of Washington, DC, she currently teaches creative writing in ESL classrooms.