Road Rally One-To-One Mentoring Sessions
Below is a list of the Mentors who will be available during the two One-to-One Mentoring sessions on Friday,
November 9th. Both the morning (10:00am to 12:30pm) and afternoon (3:00pm to 5:30pm) sessions are offered
to TAXI members only, but not to worry: There will be plenty of mentors available for our guests (and TAXI
members, of course) at Friday and Saturday’s Mentor Lunches, as well as our Drive By Mentoring sessions that
you will find going on throughout the conference. The Drive-By Mentoring sessions are free and on a first come,
first served basis.
In order to provide mentors for as many members as possible, there is a limit of one mentor appointment per
member. Mentor registration is on a first come, first served basis only.
Please look over this list and pick the mentor of your choice BEFORE you arrive at the Rally! Some mentors may
not be available (these spots fill up quickly), so as a back-up, it’s a great idea to have several (4 or 5) to choose
from. Don’t worry, though – we’ve assembled a fantastic group and wide variety of industry pros. Any one of them
will be able to share a wealth of information with you. Remember, there is a limit of one 15-minute mentor
appointment per member.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL OR E-MAIL TAXI TO SET UP A MENTOR APPOINTMENT. Mentor appointments
will be made AT THE RALLY ONLY, starting at 6:00pm on Nov. 8th in the Grand Ballroom Foyer, near TAXI
Registration. Just bring your list of preferred mentors with you [refer to the Bio pages that follow to select your
choices] and make an appointment at the mentor registration table after you have already picked up your badge at
TAXI’s Rally registration table. You must have your badge first in order to sign up for a mentor session. At your
session, remember to bring a CD or iPod if you’d like to play a song for your mentor. Or, if you don’t wish to play
a song, you can just ask questions. Remember it’s your 15 minutes.
Mentors subject to change and availability. Limit of one 15-minute session per member. Mentor
registration is on a first come, first served basis.
A.M. Session (10:00am – 12:30pm)
Brett Anderson
Delious Kennedy
Jason Blume
Ty Knox
Cory Bold
Jan Linder-Koda
Carl Byron
Chris “Hotrod” Long
Rob Case
Karl Louis
Brooke Ferri
Ric Menck
Chas Ferry
Ted Myers
Fett
Don Paccione
David Frangioni
Frank Petrone
Mark Getten
Willy Perez-Feria
Stephen Goldman Michael Puryear
Don Grierson
Betty Rosen Ziff
Wes Hambright
David Trotter
Todd Herfindal
Kimmie Yan
Jorge Hernandez
Paul Zollo
P.M. Session (3:00pm – 5:30pm)
Andy Allen
Marlice Kraemer
Jon Asher
Matt Malley
Jason Brawner
Clare McLeod
Rob Chiarelli
Steven Memel
David Cat Cohen Ric Menck
Kim Copeland
Nancy Moran
Frank Fuchs
Ronan Chris Murphy
Cliff Goldmacher Ted Myers
Christi Green
Peter Neff
Wes Hambright
Prescott Niles
Ron Harris
Debra Russell
Kevin Houlihan
David Trotter
Russ Howard
Susan Tucker
Teresa James
Pat Weaver
Kenny Kerner
Marcia Zwilling
TAXI Road Rally 2012 Mentor Bios
Andy Allen – Instrumental, Film and TV – Andy Allen has had years of experience recording, editing, mixing, and mastering
music and sound-design for major film and TV companies in London, New York and Los Angeles, including Disney, Sony, Fox,
Warner Bros., USA Networks, National Geographic, Showtime, SyFy, MTV, and CBS. He also found time to create and teach
"Aural Storytelling" and "Use of Music" courses for the Los Angeles Film School. As a musician, he is involved in teaching,
arranging and performing with top talent in the Jazz genre.
Brett Anderson – Rock, Alt. Rock, Pop, Singer-Songwriter – Musician/Songwriter – Lead singer of the all female Rock band
The Donnas. Has written, recorded, and performed internationally with the band for over 18 years. Their songs have had
successful placements in movies such as “Dodgeball” and “The Hangover,” as well as video games such as “Rock Band” and
“Guitar Hero.” After releasing two major albums with Atlantic, the band has self-released their last two records. Brett’s
songwriting experience includes sessions with Holly Knight, Guy Chambers, Andreas Carlsson and Dave Stewart, among others.
Jon Asher – Pop/Dance, Pop/R&B, Pop, Techno – Songwriter – Has written hit Pop singles for established and breaking artists
around the world. His recent single "Loud," for “Australian Idol” winner Stan Walker, is certified Platinum.
Jason Blume – Pop & Country – Hit Songwriter/Author – Has had singles on the Pop, Country, and R&B charts – all at the
same time. His songs are on three Grammy-nominated albums, have sold more than 50 million copies, and have been recorded by
artists including Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, Jesse McCartney, Country stars Collin Raye, John Berry, the Oak Ridge
Boys, Japanese superstar Tomohisa Yamashita, the winners of Greek Idol, and more. He works extensively in Scandinavia where
he currently has a single with Universal Records artist Endre, and additional upcoming singles. Author of three of the best-selling
songwriting books, he teaches acclaimed songwriting workshops for BMI, NSAI, and organizations throughout the US and
internationally.
Cory Bold – Pop/Dance, Pop/R&B, Hip-Hop, Pop – Grammy-nominated music producer/songwriter. Has produced albums,
songs, and singles for Keri Hilson, Letoya Luckett, Chris Brown, Omarion, and more.
Jason Brawner – Pop, Pop/Rock, Singer-Songwriter – Multi-award-winning record producer whose artists have signed with
nearly every major record label. His songs have been featured on all major television networks. Jason’s various credits include
Carrie Underwood, Hilary Duff, Tom Petty, Steely Dan, Josh Groban, The Eagles and recent Billboard chart-toppers Thompson
Square.
Carl Byron – Pop/Rock, Americana, Alternative, World, Contemporary Classical, Experimental – Multifaceted, critically
acclaimed sideman and composer/songwriter who is at home in a wide range of styles. Hailed by the Los Angeles Times as a
“musical ace,” he's recorded and performed as a keyboardist with a diverse array of artists, including Anne McCue, Michelle
Shocked, Jim Lauderdale, Moris Tepper, The Young Dubliners, Ben Vaughn, The Spencer Davis Group, Low And Sweet
Orchestra, Duane Jarvis, Warren Zevon, David Baerwald, Marvin Etzioni, Claudia Russell, and David Serby and many others.
Among other music-related endeavors, Carl has been a music critic for Opera News and has also hosted Delta Airlines in-flight
Classical music programs.
Robert Case – Film/TV, All Genres – Music Publisher – President of New Pants Publishing, Inc., Old Pants Publishing, Inc.
and New Pants Music. His clients’ songs have appeared in TV show placements including Lions Gate Pictures, CW Network,
Discovery Channel, A&E, Fox Sports, NBC, CBS; as well as VHI/Universal HD show “Love Monkey”, “One Life to Live” on
ABC Daytime, the Soap Network, and “South Park” on Comedy Central in the U.S. and internationally in Canada, Mexico,
Europe, and Asia.
Rob Chiarelli – Pop, R&B – Producer/Mix Engineer – Has credits on more than 70 Gold and Platinum albums including Will
Smith, Kirk Franklin, Quincy Jones, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Luther Vandross, Puffy, Jesse McCartney, LeAnn Rimes,
Yolanda Adams, Charlie Wilson, Ray Charles, New Boyz and Janet Jackson; as well as numerous motion picture soundtracks
including “Men In Black” and “Men in Black II.”
David Cat Cohen – Pop, R&B, Jazz, Blues – Author/Educator/Songwriter – Has had songs cut by such artists as Cheryl Lynn,
Syreeta, Freddie Hubbard, Bo Diddley, and more. Has had his music featured in the HBO movie “The Rat Pack”, as well as the
Universal feature film “Undercover Brother.” Is an author of several books, including Songwriting for Your Original Act, Road
Poems USA and Road Prose Southwest. Has taught at Songwriting School of Los Angeles, UCLA Extension, Musicians Institute
and Cal Poly Pomona. Has his own CD entitled “Songs of Survival and Sweet Surrender.”
Kim Copeland – Country – Recognized as one of Nashville’s top independent producers. Her production skills have helped
many of her indie clients attain publishing and record deals and her reputation as a top-flight song troubleshooter has made her
one of the most sought-after speakers, consultants and songwriting instructors in the country for organizations including TAXI,
The Songwriters Connection and the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Perhaps the best indication of the respect
in which she’s held in the industry is her inclusion in The Art & Science of Sound, the acclaimed video series on music
production and recording put together by world-renowned producer/artist Alan Parsons and featuring legends like Michael
McDonald and producer Tony Brown.
Brooke Ferri – Film and TV – As Creative Manager at Black Toast Music, a premiere boutique music library and publishing
company, Brooke pitched and licensed songs to many of today’s hit TV shows. While there, she also oversaw the launch of
Black Toast Records, signing indie artists whose music went on to appear in films, TV series, and commercials. Brooke is a
licensed attorney who has worked in both the business and creative sides of the music industry.
Chas Ferry – Film and TV – Chas has been in the music and film business for over 25 years. He worked at Cherokee
Recording Studio's as the chief engineer and has worked on albums by artists ranging from David Bowie to Slaughter and Steve
Perry. As a mastering engineer Chas has mastered dozens of film soundtrack albums. As a music editor, music mixer and
arranger he's been involved in many films and TV shows ranging from Repo Man to Big Brother. He worked for former
Tangerine Dream member and composer Christopher Franke for 10 years, during which time he helped create the Christopher
Franke Reality TV Library for Killer Tracks. Currently Chas is the owner of HollywoodTrax Music Library.
Fett – Pop, Rock, Country, Singer-Songwriter – Producer/Engineer/Musician – Has more than 40 albums to his credit,
owner of Azalea Studios in Nashville, former Technology Editor for Performing Songwriter magazine and contributing
technology author for the CMA’s Close Up magazine. His clients include Davy Jones of the Monkees, Grammy-winning
songwriter Don Henry and international guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel.
David Frangioni – Rock, Pop – A pioneer in music technology. As technical consultant, engineer, and/or programmer, he
is the recipient of dozens of Gold and Platinum Albums. He mixed the first ever 5.1 CD release featuring Boyz-II-Men and
Seal, co-produced and programmed two of the best selling Sample CD's of all-time (Dance/Industrial I & II) and has
worked closely with Aerosmith for more than 20 years. He is a contributor to many magazines and on-line forums as well as
a mentor with the IDA Program.
Frank Fuchs – Adult Contemporary, Americana, Folk, Blues, Pop, R&B – Musician/Producer/Songwriter – Two-time Grammy
nominated producer of more than 50 Woody Guthrie songs, with various artists like Taj Mahal, Joe Ely, Billy Bragg, and more.
Recorded and wrote more than 40 songs for films and television shows. Played guitar with Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston,
among others. Had his songs recently placed in A&E’s “The Glades.” Also was nominated in the 2011 LA Music Awards for
“AC Song of the Year” and “Album of the Year.”
Mark Getten – Singer-Songwriter, Americana – Bassist/Songwriter/Producer – Fresh off the Robert Plant/Alison Krauss tour
as a member of opener Sharon Little’s band (CBS Records) who is currently focusing on other new projects Indignitaries and
Mondo Domingo. Founding member of Wanderlust (RCA Records), Bachelor Number One (American Pie Soundtrack,
Universal Records), and FEEL (Curb Records). Long time member of singer/songwriter AM’s band, whose music has been
featured in Big Love, Men in Trees and more.
Cliff Goldmacher – Country, Pop, Jazz, Classical Crossover – Songwriter/Producer/Musician/Engineer/Author – Owner of
two recording studios in Nashville, TN and Sonoma, CA. His songwriting collaboration includes multi-platinum selling artists
Chris Barron (lead singer of the Spin Doctors) and Lisa Loeb. Cliff’s songs have been cut by major label artists in genres ranging
from Country, Pop and Jazz to Classical crossover. His music has also been used on NPR’s “This American Life” and in national
advertising campaigns. In 2010, Cliff’s song “Till You Come To Me” spent 27 weeks in the top ten on Billboard Magazine's Jazz
chart and finished as the Mediabase #1 and Billboard #2 Jazz Song of the Year. Currently has a song on a compilation entitled
“Love Notes” which has reached #3 on the Billboard Jazz album chart; as well as another song, which opens the Hurly Burly
show on London’s famous West End.
Stephen Goldman – Film/TV, Jazz – Music Supervisor for more than 65 major motion pictures, including The Godfather:
Part III, A River Runs Through It, Mercury Rising, Full Metal Jacket, Lolita, and A Walk on the Moon. Music supervision and
licensing for Video Games such as Brutal Legend, DJ Hero, World of Warcraft, and more. Steve's music production credits
include Laurie Anderson, The Crusaders, Gerry Mulligan, Van Dyke Parks, and Diana Krall, to name just a few. He has multiple
Academy Award, Grammy and Golden Globe nominations, and has worked with a who's who of artists and bands, overseeing the
creation of songs for films, albums, and games, including Dr. Dre, David Bowie, Limp Bizkit, The Gorillaz, Korn, Queens of The
Stone Age, 50 Cent, David Guetta, and many more.
Christi Green – Jazz Guitar/Classical Guitar – Holds a BM in Jazz Guitar Performance and an MM in Classical Guitar
Performance. Is the Author of Fretboard Theory, A Chordal Approach, A Time Management Guide For The Practicing
Musician, and has developed the curriculum for NorthwestMusicSchool.com. Has been an active guitar instructor and pro player
for nearly 30 years, both in the private studio and at the University level. Is currently preparing to launch her online instruction
guitar series under her name Christi Green Studios.
Don Grierson – Pop/Rock/Alternative – Legendary Sr. Vice President of A&R at such labels as Epic, Capitol, and EMI. Was
directly responsible for signing some of the world’s biggest artists, including Celine Dion, Heart, Iron Maiden, Sheena Easton,
Joe Cocker, Wasp, Bad English, George Clinton, J. Geils Band, Kate Bush, among many others. Has also worked with Gloria
Estefan, The Jacksons, Duran Duran, Tina Turner, Queen, Indigo Girls, Kenny Rogers, Alice Cooper, and an extensive list of
other hit artists. Currently is a consultant to artists, managers, independent labels, etc., as well as a teacher at Musicians Institute
in Hollywood.
Wes Hambright – Instrumental, Film and TV – Wes Hambright composes music for all media with extensive placements in
television and independent films. His music has been widely used in Reality TV shows giving him a unique perspective on this
fast-growing segment of the music market. Recent independent film credits include scores for the musical The Cinderella Effect,
and the dramedy, Love Songs of a 3rd Grade Teacher. Television credits include music for American Idol on FOX, Gene
Simmons Family Jewels on A&E, The Travel Channel, Discovery Channel and History Channel. In addition for the last 10 years
his music has been heard daily on Warner Brothers shows, Celebrity Justice, Elimidate, Ellen, Extra, Tyra, TMZ and Dr. Drew.
Ron Harris – R&B, Pop, Blues – Former A&R Executive for Epic and Sony Records and Producer whose credits include
Christina Aguilera, Hoku, Christoper Williams, Adina Howard. Orianthi and Allison Irehata.
Todd Herfindal – R&B, Pop, Pop/Rock – Songwriter – Signed with Peer Music and 2412 Publishing (Red Zone Ent.) in 2004.
Has written tracks with Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, The Dream, Kuk Harrell, Fiona Kernaghan and Brett Walker, among
others. His songs have been placed in films such as “Little Manhattan,” “Griffin & Phoenix,” “Firehouse Dog,” “American
Primitive,” as well as countless television shows, such as “Grey's Anatomy,” “Army Wives,” “Men In Trees,” and on networks
such as ABC, E!, MTV, Lifetime, HBO, Cinemax, and more.
Jorge Hernandez – Rock, Pop/Rock, Urban/Pop, Singer-Songwriter – Former scout for Atlantic Records imprint, Straight
Line Records. Was Head of A&R and General Manager at 2K Sounds. Currently is an A&R consultant and Product Manager for
Organica Media Group, which is label co-owned by Ron White.
Kevin Houlihan – Film and TV – Was a previously signed artist and songwriter to MCA Records/Universal Music Publishing
Group in his early twenties. Has done it all, from touring musician to music coordinator for major studio films like “The Love
Guru” (Paramount Pictures), “All About Steve” (Twentieth Century Fox), and “Gracie” (Picturehouse/New Line Cinema). His
own music has been licensed for feature film releases including “Firehouse Dog” (Regency/Fox), “Little Manhattan” (Fox), and
"Gossip" (Warner Brothers), as well as several television shows including “Army Wives” (Lifetime) and “The League” (FX).
Continues to be active as an artist and producer, as well as a music coordinator for films. Also enjoys long walks on the beach.
Russ Howard – Instrumental, Film and TV – Russ has composed music for big budget and indie films, network television,
commercials, and video games in styles ranging from epic Orchestral to contemporary Rock. His scores for commercials include
Hulu and Best Buy, among others. He has created music catalogues that are regularly used in top TV series and Videogames. As
a composer for feature films, his credits include "Hobo With a Shotgun" and "Body Language." Russ is known for doing
whatever it takes to make sure the music works! For "Hobo" he says: "I wrote some epic themes for the characters, then threw an
orchestra of 50 musicians in the studio, and didn’t let them out till we had a score that sounded like it’d blasted its way outta
hell!”
Teresa James – Country, Blues – Teresa is a songwriter, in-demand session singer, and charting blues artist. Her songs have
been used in film and TV and her voice can be heard on movie soundtracks and commercials and on recordings by Randy
Newman, Neil Diamond, Kirk Whalum, Walter Trout, and Tommy Castro, among others.
Delious Kennedy – R&B, Pop/R&B – Artist – Lead singer of the Multi-Platinum, Grammy Award-winning group All-4-One,
which hit songs include “I Swear” and “I Can Love You Like That.” Is also a songwriter with Top 20 Urban AC hits, and other
numerous charting songs.
Kenny Kerner – Pop – Discovered and produced KISS! Also produced Badfinger, Gladys Knight, Jose Feliciano, and many
more. Was Senior Editor at Music Connection magazine. As a music journalist, has interviewed such artists as John Lennon,
Cher, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Ringo Starr. Currently, is Director of the Music Business program at Musicians
Institute in Hollywood.
Ty Knox – R&B, Pop – Was Director of A&R/Creative Music for Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds at Edmonds Music Publishing
and Director of A&R for David Foster’s 143 Records. Has worked with the likes of Toni Braxton, Josh Groban, Nicole
Scherzinger (Pussycat Dolls), Mariah Carey, and more. Currently manages singer-songwriter Samantha Jade who was signed via
Ty’s production company Song West, Inc. to a worldwide recording deal with Jive Records.
Marlice Kraemer – Country, Contemporary Christian, and Gospel – Formerly Professional Manager at Paragon/Benson
Publishing in Nashville, working with top songwriters Michael W. Smith, Gary Chapman, Bill & Gloria Gaither, Dony McGuire
and John Rosasco. Worked in marketing at CBS/Priority Nashville and MCA/Universal. Background singer with artists such as
Emmy Lou Harris, Gary Morris, Brenda Lee, Vince Gill, Pat Boone, Cynthia Clawson, Boxcar Willie and Little Jimmy Dickens.
Owns and administrates catalogs, which include music in contemporary Christian, Country, Jazz, and film/TV genres.
Jan Linder-Koda – Vocal Coach, Artist Development – singer, songwriter, producer, actor, and specializes in artist
development. Her studio Angel Diva Music is designed to lift artist abilities to Rock star level. She is the author of the guide
Directing Singers for an Actor’s Perspective. Angel Diva Music has a roster of 20 GRAMMY winners. Her songs have been
heard in many films, TV, and online communities.
Chris “Hot Rod” Long – Rock, Modern/Alt. Rock – A former music journalist and concert promoter who has managed two
bands he found through TAXI; platinum-selling Crossfade (Columbia) and Jonah, among others. Did A&R at Chameleon
Records, where he was responsible for signing Kyuss and bringing highly acclaimed techno/rock trio Ethyl Meatplow to the
label. Was also an A&R consultant for Delicious Vinyl and assisted the President and Marketing Director at Fuel 2000. Has
worked with such bands as Stone Temple Pilots, Rage Against the Machine, and Ice T’s Body Count. Recently helped land South
Carolina-based band Weaving the Fate a deal with Universal/Republic Records; and also helped Atlantic Records newest
superstar Christina Perri find a top-ranked music attorney, who is part of the team that has helped her become one of the biggest
success stories of the last 10 years.
Karl Louis – Rock, Modern/Alt. Rock – Former A&R/Promotions rep for Limp Bizkit at Flip Records. Was a Manager at
Warren Entner Management, whose clients included Deftones, Faith No More, Rage Against the Machine, and more. Worked in
the Promotions Department for KROQ-FM and was writer/marketing rep for the leading trade publication HITS magazine. Was
Creator/Writer of the A&R column for the industry trade magazine The Album Network. Shopped many label, publishing and/or
management deals for artists such as Matchbox Twenty, Creed, the Ataris, Test Your Reflex, Sixpence None the Richer,
Hoobastank, Firekills, Collective Soul, Weezer and many more. Currently teaches Personal Management courses at Musicians
Institute and is part of the TAXI A&R screener staff. Owns and operates his own management and development consulting
business, Moral Compass Management.
Matt Malley – Modern Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Americana, World – Founding member of the multi-platinum selling rock
group, Counting Crows. Appeared as bassist on their entire catalog up to and including their latest release “Saturday Nights and
Sunday Mornings” from 2008. With more than 20,000,000 records sold to date (and counting), he has acquired Oscar, Grammy
and Golden Globe nominations as a songwriter. Has also recorded and produced an authentic Indian “Qawwali” style music CD,
and participated on a World Music CD released on Harmonia Mundi, where he collaborated with the Grammy-winning Indian
slide guitarist,Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. In 2009, he collaborated with legendary pop songwriter Emitt Rhodes and guitarist Richard
Thompson. Currently is appearing as bassist on the upcoming record by English Folk legend, Beverly Martyn.
Clare McLeod – Vocal Coach – Assistant Professor in the Voice Department at Berklee College of Music in Boston. As Head
of Voice at JMC Academy (a Music College in Melbourne, Australia), from 2009-2011, Clare taught Voice as well as
Composition, Arranging, and Professional Practice. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music in 2004,
and received a Graduate Diploma from Monash University in Australia in Education. A member of the Australia National
Association of Teachers of Singing, she holds a Certificate of Figure Proficiency from the Estill Voice Training System and
continues to study developments in the voice research field.
Steven Memel – Vocal Coach – An Internationally acclaimed Voice, Speech and Vocal Performance coach whose clients
include artists that have recorded on Sony, BMG, Jive, Warner, Epic, DreamWorks, and J Records, including the Grammy Award
winning group Maroon 5. Has taught at the Musicians Institute and the Hollywood Pop Academy and continues his private
practice developing new artists and bands as well as working with established groups.
Ric Menck – Modern Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Americana – Ric is the owner of indie record labels that release both current
bands and musical rarities. He is a core member (drummer and songwriter) of the Power Pop band, Velvet Crush. As a musician,
Rick has worked with Matthew Sweet, Susanna Hoffs, Liz Phair, Marianne Faithfull, Aimee Man, the Pernice Brothers among
many others. He is the author of the acclaimed book Notorious Byrd Brothers.
Nancy Moran – Folk-Rock – Singer/Songwriter – Has four critically acclaimed solo albums and radio airplay from coast-tocoast. Currently tours nationally with The Four Bitchin’ Babes and has released two CDs with them. Co-owner of Azalea Music
Group, where she teaches music business workshops/webinars, and mentors aspiring indie artists in career development and
marketing skills. Is a regular speaker for organizations such as NSAI, Just Plain Folks, and SGA. Is also a contributing writer to
CMA Close Up and is a former Asst. Editor of American Songwriter magazine.
Ronan Chris Murphy – All Genres – Producer/Mixer/Mastering – Has diverse credits spanning from Prog-Rock legends,
King Crimson, to Youtube sensation Tay Zonday; and everything in between, including Tony Levin, Steve Morse, Terry Bozzio,
Martin Sexton, and Nels Cline. His productions have charted as far away as Iceland and Malaysia. He also presents lectures and
master classes about recording internationally.
Ted Myers – Folk, Latin, Singer-Songwriter, Adult Contemporary – Is a Grammy-nominated compilation producer and a
former A&R Exec at Rhino Records, where he introduced the genres of Folk and Latin music to Rhino’s catalogue. Was A&R
Exec at Concord Music Group, working with such artists as Chick Corea, James Taylor, Elvis Costello, Rickie Lee Jones, and
many others. Over the course of his career, he has been a staff writer with three major publishers.
Peter Neff – Film and TV – Composer – Credits include the video game “Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly” (co-composed with
Stewart Copeland), promos for more than 100 television shows including “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Survivor,”
“Chicago Hope,” and “Walker Texas Ranger.” Has also had music in commercials for Miller Lite, Food City and the Arizona
Diamondbacks. Has 20 music library CDs and has had music placed in such television shows as “The Sopranos,” “Saturday
Night Live,” and “Dr. Phil.”
Prescott Niles – Rock/Adult Contemporary/Pop/Contemporary Christian – Musician/Author – Best known for being a
founding member and bass player for the band The Knack and the #1 song “My Sharona.” Has also recorded with George
Harrison, Steve Jones and Josie Cotton, who he performed with in both the movie and soundtrack for “Valley Girl.” Has recently
joined the band Missing Persons with Dale Bozzio, and also performs with The Classic Rock All-Stars. Is the author of 4 Strings
& The Truth, scheduled to be released early next year. Has been a screener at TAXI since 2001.
Don Paccione – Rock, Modern Rock, Hard Rock, Pop, Singer-Songwriter – Former Creative Director at EMI Music, Warner
Bros. Music, and Director of A&R at W Recordings. Has signed and worked with such acts as White Zombie, Pantera,
Biohazard, The Smithereens, Ace Frehley, Europe, Megadeth and Dream Theatre. Has also worked with songwriters Carole King,
Richie Supa, Sammy Cahn, Doc Pomus, Jack Ponti, Glen Burtnik, Kip Winger, and Surface.
Frank Petrone – Pop, Adult Contemporary – Former Creative Director at EG Music Publishing. Was Creative Director at
Lippman Entertainment and West Coast Dir. of Creative Affairs, as well as National Dir. Of Creative Affairs at Peer Music. Has
worked with such artists as Christina Aguilera and Josh Groban, among others. Is currently the Chief Creative Officer and Cofounder of Velvetone Music, a music publishing company.
Willy Perez-Feria – Latin – has sold well over 18 million records in the course of his versatile music songwriting/production
career, first with Estefan Enterprises, & currently with Universal Music Publishing, working with such music giants as Jon
Secada, Enrique Iglesias, Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Estefan, Rudy Perez, The Bee Gees, Inner Circle, James Brown,
Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffet, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Julio Iglesias, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Alejandro Fernandez, Charlie Zaa,
Shalim, Roberto Blades, Alih Jey, Daniela Guzman, Ektor, Liliana Marquez, Vanessa Di Gennaro and many others. Along with
his thriving music songwriting/production career, Perez-Feria is also currently the Director of IDA (Inspire & Develop Artists)
Program (IDAprogram.com). IDA is a 7-Day program for singers & singer/songwriters that pairs them with superstar producers
& artists in a boot-camp environment in order to educate, inspire & develop them into the next level of their artistic career. To
learn more visit his website at www.willypop.com.
Michael Puryear – Christian – Michael Puryear has 30 years in the Music Industry, both as Music Publisher and Songwriter
with cuts on many notable Christian albums. He received a Dove Award as a songwriter for “If We Only Had the Heart” by
Bruce Carroll. Michael received ASCAP’s Christian Publisher of the Year in 2001 as VP of BMG Music Publishing's, Gospel
Division. He’s also worked with Universal Music Publishing in a Joint Venture to establish their 1st Christian Music Division.
Michael’s own Publishing Company, Final Four Music's catalog includes cuts by Amy Grant (“Better Than a Hallelujah-nominated for a Grammy 2010), Jessica Simpson, Ce Ce Willaims, and Take 6.
Betty Rosen-Ziff – Country, Singer Songwriter, Rock,Film and TV – Former top executive in Nashville and Los Angeles for
14 years running three independent publishing companies. Co-founder of the non profit and innovative Film Music Workshop,
Inc. in mid 1990's that helped to open more doors between songwriters and filmmakers. Placed songs, film and TV projects.
(“Under Seige,” “Kicking and Screaming,” “Double Impact,” etc.). Management approach to publishing working with artists
such as Jay Joyce, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Shelby Lynne, Jeff Finlin, Matthew Ryan and Craig Carothers. Currently a songwriting
consultant and mosaic artist.
Debra Russell – Artist Development – Founder of Artist’s EDGE, a company that combines her two passions; the world of
entertainment with facilitating growth. A certified Artist’s Success Coach, workshop leader and keynote speaker, who helps
artists shape their success in their chosen field while making a prosperous living, doing what they love on their terms.
David Trotter – Film and TV – Co Founder and Music Producer for Studio 51 which provides television background and
theme music for Harpo Productions and currently represents a large percentage of the entire Harpo Sounds Music Library (more
than 1,800 cues), averaging between 8 and 10 drops per show. Since its inception, Studio 51 has relied exclusively on TAXI for
its growing need for composers in all genres. Prior to Creating Studio 51, David was Marketing Director for PowerHouse Music
Library.
Susan Tucker – Artist Development, Producer – Music Industry Professional with experience in Artist Management,
Publishing, Music Production and Business Marketing. Susan Tucker moved to Nashville over 20 years ago from Texas. Very
soon after arriving in Music City, she was a published songwriter and found herself totally engrossed in studying how
commercially successful songwriters achieve their success. So engrossed in fact, that she wrote two successful books on the
subject, The Soul of a Writer (Journey Publishing Company, Nashville, TN) and The Secrets of Songwriting (Allworth Press,
New York, NY). This helped launch Susan’s next chapter as a respected and sought after lecturer and mentor. Susan is a member
of ASCAP, NSAI, NARAS, AMA, Folk Alliance, CMA and the founder of The Songwriters Connection, an organization formed
to educate, inform and connect songwriters all over the world. She publishes a weekly e-zine. www.songwritersconnection.com.
She has been a force in the music industry for twenty years and her passion for artists and songwriters and the business is still
strong. In recent years Susan has focused her attention on helping indie artists with development, production and promotion.
Pat Weaver – Film/TV/Advertising – Former VP of Elias Arts, a leading commercial custom music and sound design company.
Former Sr. Exec. Producer at Musikvergnuegen, an audio branding, custom music and licensing company. Co-founder of
Lakehouse Sound, a boutique music library and custom music company, with placements in a wide variety of commercials,
promos, trailers, and top television shows. Pat is currently a Music Supervisor for Discovery Communications.
Kimmie Yan – Electronica, Pop, R&B, Alt-Rock, Singer-Songwriter – Worked with such Electronica DJ’s/Producers as Nick
Warren, Steve Porter, Sumantri, Arsit, and more. Formerly ran the world famous Los Angeles rock venue, The Viper Room. Has
been instrumental for various projects for Thrive Records, including Swedish pop sensation Maia Hirasawa and Lil Rock Starz.
Currently works with songwriters and producers for Jason Derulo, Katharine McPhee, Black Eyed Peas, “American Idol”
finalists, Korean Pop starts Girls Generation, Jeremy Greene, Ke$ha, and various Nashville artists. Other current projects include
talent booking, artist development, and music video production.
Paul Zollo – Rock, Pop, Singer-Songwriter − Songwriter/Recording Artist/Author – Has interviewed such legendary
songwriters as Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon, Randy Newman, James Taylor, Carole King, Laura Nyro, Frank Zappa,
Townes Van Zandt, and Neil Young, and is the author of several books, including Songwriters On Songwriting and
Conversations with Tom Petty. Currently, is the Senior Editor at American Songwriter Magazine.
Marcia Zwilling – Film and TV − As a songwriter for United Artists Music, Marcia has had covers by Bonnie Raitt and Patty
Loveless. She segued into TV and Film production and became Director of Development for Steve Martin's production company,
40 Share Productions. Marcia also served as Vice President of Current Programming at Lorimar Studios. While in Austin, Texas,
she was the Mayor's appointee to the Austin Music Commission. Currently, Marcia works directly with music supervisors and
television producers screening music for specific film and television projects.