Atlantis Music Conference Hosts BMI Producer/Songwriter Panel

BMI helped kick-off the 2008 Atlantis Music Conference and Festival by presenting a Producer/Songwriter panel Thursday, September 18 at Atlanta’s Center Stage in Midtown. Moderated by BMI’s Catherine Brewton, the discussion thrived on the insight of a diverse cross-section of elite producers, managers and songwriters including Jeffrey Steele (Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Montgomery/Gentry), Cri$tyle (Mariah Carey, Brandy, Teyana Taylor), DJ Montay (DJ Unk, Flo Rida, Three 6 Mafia), DJ Toomp (Mariah Carey, Kanye West, TI), Jasper Cameron (Ciara, Lloyd, Nelly) and Jeffrey Steele (Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Montgomery/Gentry), with Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount (Cartel, Mayday Parade). In addition to performing their own compositions, participants also revealed stories behind the songs and strategies for hit-making success. Audience members in the packed venue also engaged in a Q&A segment, posing a flurry of thought-provoking questions to the panelists.

Lyric Financial and BMI also co-hosted an industry mixer on the rooftop of Atlanta hotspot Luckie Lounge, where Lyric Financial’s Eli Ball and Al Kapone detailed the unique services the company offers exclusively to BMI songwriters and producers.

About the Atlantis Music Conference & Festival Now in its 10th year, Atlantis is a three-day and four-night musical extravaganza held September 17-20 in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlantis’ goals are to provide independent artists unparalleled access to educational and networking opportunities including professional demo critiques, insightful panels featuring industry insiders and exposure to a&r executives and music fans through nightly showcases. The mercurial state of the contemporary music industry has opened new avenues for independent artist development and success, all thoroughly explored and explained during the unique Atlantis Music Conference & Festival. www.atlantismusic.com

Panel participants huddle for a group shot. Pictured are (l-r): BMI’s Byron Wright and Catherine Brewton, Zack Odom, Kenneth Mount, Cri$tyle, DJ Toomp, Jasper Cameron, Jeffrey Steele and BMI’s David Claassen. (Photo by Donna Parmell)

Crossover hit-maker Jeffrey Steele shares lessons learned with the audience. (Photo by Duncan McAlynn)

DJ Montay listens attentively to a question from an attendee. (Photo by Duncan McAlynn)

Jasper Cameron shares stories behind his songs for stars including Ciara, Lloyd and Nelly. (Photo by Duncan McAlynn)

Center Stage in Midtown provided an ideal setting for the panel. (Photo by Catrina Maxwell)

Pictured at the Lyric Financial and BMI mixer are (l-r): Yung Joc manager William Word, Lyric Financial’s Eli Ball, BMI’s Catherine Brewton, Al Kapone, attorney TaQuisha Tobin, Lyric Financial’s Joseph Moran and BMI’s Dave Claassen. (Photo by Cara Pastore)

Pictured at Luckie Lounge are (l-r): Battery 5 Productions CEO Greg Smith, Trimm, Ashe Watson and Head ROC. (Photo by Cara Pastore)

Luckie Lounge mixer attendees enjoy the Atlanta skyline.