Working in the Music Industry: AI in Music - The Future of Careers and the Industry

Join us for our next exciting panel in the "Working in the Music Industry" series at Brooklyn Public Library! This time, we’re diving into AI’s Impact on Music Industry Careers and the Future of the Industry.

In this panel, experts from diverse fields within the music industry will explore how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping careers and the industry at large—from music creation and production to promotion and legal challenges. Whether you're an artist, producer, graphic designer, marketer, or simply curious about the evolving landscape, this event will offer valuable insights into the future of the music industry. 

What You'll Learn:

• How AI is transforming music creation, from artists to producers and engineers
• The role AI plays in music promotion, branding, and visual storytelling (photography, design, and video)
• Legal implications and complexities as AI challenges traditional copyright and intellectual property laws

Featured Panelists & Moderator: 

Moderator: Marissa DeVito is a music industry veteran with wide experience in the studio, at major labels and in the music tech space. Her roles have included streaming strategy and commercial marketing at various major labels including Republic Records, Island Records, Def Jam and Motown. Additionally she spent almost 7 years at SoundCloud, working in various positions including launching and eventually leading the Music Marketing and Curation team. In 2024, she launched her Music Industry consulting business focusing on solutions-oriented marketing, project management, operations and strategy for both for profit and nonprofit organizations. 

Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissadevito/

1. Bradford Watson -  Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Spinach Records (a wellness-focused record label)

Bradford Watson is the founder and CEO of Spinach Records, a label that prioritizes the mental health and financial wellness of artists, particularly those of color. Through Spinach Records, Watson emphasizes sustainable artist development by creating a supportive community where artists own their masters and engage in wellness-focused programs. These include personalized wellness plans and mental health discussions, which aim to combat the mental health crises affecting many independent artists. Spinach Records fosters artistic expression while safeguarding mental and emotional well-being.  

Social Media: @spinachgang @6algo

2. Drew Thurlow - Founder, Opening Ceremony Media 

Drew Thurlow is the founder of Opening Ceremony Media. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of A&R at Sony Music and Director of Artist Partnerships & Industry Relations at Pandora. His first book, about Music & AI, will be released by Routledge in 2026. 

Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewthurlow

3. Lynn Gonzalez - Partner, Granderson Des Rochers

Lynn Gonzalez is an experienced entertainment attorney and music executive. She is currently a Partner in the music group at a boutique law firm, Granderson Des Rochers. Prior to joining the firm, Lynn most recently served as the Executive Vice President and Head of Business Affairs and Business Development at Def Jam Recordings (Universal Music Group), where she was the label’s lead attorney and oversaw matters for its roster of artists, including Kanye West, Big Sean, YG and Justin Bieber. Before Universal, Lynn was counsel for Atlantic Records and Razor and Tie Entertainment. She also taught music industry and copyright at Hunter College in NYC after beginning her career as an intellectual property attorney at the Wall Street-based law firm, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP. She has built a reputation across her career as a legal expert who advocates hard for the artist’s vision but serves as a partner to the business leaders to guide them in achieving their objectives while effectively managing risk for the corporation.

Lynn has a passion for mentoring and is also proud to be a member of the NY Chapter of the Recording Academy, where she serves as Chapter Secretary.

Lynn is a graduate of New York University and studied at University of Southern California School of Law and the University of Amsterdam School of Law before receiving her JD degree from NYU Law.

Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-gonzalez/

4. Mike Greene  - VP, Artist & Label Services – ADA (Alternative Distribution Alliance)

A 13+ year music industry veteran, Mike has held positions at Warner's ADA and Razor & Tie, based in New York. In his current role as Vice President, Artist & Label Services at ADA, Mike oversees strategic digital marketing and audience development efforts for its Label Services partners and independent distributed labels, in addition to leading commercial relationships with TikTok, Meta, Snapchat, and YouTube. An accomplished multi-genre marketer, Mike has driven award-winning campaigns for Macklemore, Ciara, Big Freedia, Central Cee, Dropkick Murphys, Peter Gabriel, Papa Roach, and more. His work on trending songs from Dixie, Dylan Conrique, and Strange Fruits Music has been featured in Business Insider, Music Ally, and led to panel appearances at the annual A2IM Indie Week conference.

Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-greene-35b23b25/

5. Meredith Truax - Photographer, Producer, and Archivist

Meredith is a commercial portrait photographer based in NYC. She has been uniquely situated in the heart of the music industry for 15 years. In that time she has worn many hats: photographer, producer, director, digital tech, retoucher, and archivist — to name a few. She enjoys collaborating with musical artists of all variety. At the center of her photographic practice is human connection, and capturing truth and beauty in every form.

Social Media: @meredithtruax

6. Michael Pelczynski - Co-founder, Chief Strategy & Impact Officer -- Voice-Swap

Michael Pelczynski is a prominent figure in the music industry, known for his expertise in music rights, economics, and strategic development. His career has been marked by significant contributions to the evolution of the music streaming business and the advancement of ethical AI practices in music.

As co-founder and Chief Strategy and Impact Officer at Voice-Swap, Michael shapes the company's vision and strategy, overseeing partnerships, business development, and innovation alignment with socioeconomic responsibility goals. As CSIO Pelczynski conceptualized and pioneered the first-to-market technical certification for AI voice models in collaboration with BMAT Music Innovators.

Concurrently as Executive Vice President of Digital Strategy and Distribution, Pelczynski leads the digital strategy for Rostrum Pacific and oversees the distribution business for its services arm SpaceHeater where he is tasked with evolving business development strategies, pursuing strategic partnerships, and advancing the integration of AI technologies in digital music distribution.

Pelczynski's career reflects a deep commitment to improving the economic landscape of the music industry, advocating for fairer artist compensation, and leveraging technology to drive industry innovation. He has held significant roles in various organizations, including SoundCloud and Warner Music Group, and is the founder of Forms + Shapes, a consultancy focused on the future of the music business. His work at Voice-Swap, particularly in establishing ethical standards for AI in music, underscores his dedication to transparency and fairness in the industry.

Social Media: instagram.com/mokotowmokotow

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-pelczynski/ 

https://twitter.com/mikepelczynski

Event Details:

• Date: Monday October 28th, 2024
• Time: 6pm – 7:45pm
• Location: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, Dweck Auditorium

Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing industry! Whether you’re looking to adapt to AI’s growing presence in your field or just want to learn more about where the future of music is headed, this is the event for you.