MIC is a RSVP only event. Space is limited. Columbia College Chicago students only. 

Click HERE to RSVP.

*MIC is taking place on the 8th floor of 1104 S. Wabash

For nearly five years, Sara Anwar has worked under the wing of one of the entertainment industry’s most prolific pop culture icons: Sean Diddy Combs. As the right hand to the President of Bad Boy Entertainment, she was able to turn her devotion to all things Hip Hop into a career. While working at Bad Boy, Sara has helped seek new talent, work closely on events, promotions, handling Combs’ personal affairs and assist in building brands, including Ciroc and MTV’s “Making The Band.” However she earned her stripes prior to Bad Boy. In 2004 her career began in Chicago allowing her to coordinate and execute successful events for Kanye West, T.I., Trey Songz, Danity Kane and Lupe Fiasco. Upon graduating Columbia College Chicago in 2006, she moved to NYC to further her career. Working in various roles in street/radio promotions, marketing, A&R, publicity and beyond for Atlantic Records, Warner Music Group, Sony Music, iStandard Producers, and currently Bad Boy/ Interscope Records, she has had the opportunity to work alongside the industry elite. Learning first hand from moguls such as Diddy, Jimmy Iovine, Clive Davis, Jay-Z, Russell Simmons and Kevin Liles, she has taught herself to master the definition of the phrase “finding a needle in a haystack” and never taking “NO” for an answer. Sara’s passion and love for the art and business of music is what keeps her motivated, focused and determined. She also finds her experiences as a part-time professor at Columbia College Chicago just as motivating and inspiring.

Chicago’s production duo Da Internz (Ernest “Tuo” Clark and Marcos “Kosine” Palacios) have produced for many of hip-hop/R&B’s heavy hitters such as John Legend, Chris Brown, Greyson Chance, Nas, Ludacris, Rihanna and Big Sean. Their songs include Rihanna’s “Birthday Cake,” Sean Kingston & Justin Bieber’s “Eenie Meenie,” Big Sean “Dance (A$$),” Greyson Chance “Waiting Outside The Lines,” and Mims’ “Move (If You Wanna),” among others.  

Andrew Barber is the founder of Fake Shore Drive, a top rated Chicago-based urban music website, founded in 2007. Andrew is a personality on 107.5 WGCI’s Tony Sculfield & The Morning Riot, and the Midwest correspondant for MTV2’s new program The Week In Jams. Andrew also contributes as a writer for Complex Magazine and other notable publications. He’s been featured in the Chicago Tribune and New York Times, and guested on MTV, NPR and BET.

Based in New York, press and publicity veteran Melissa Victor is the Vice President of Media and Artist Relations at Island Def Jam Music Group, handling press and media initiatives for designated artists on IDJMG’s all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning artists including Justin Bieber, The Wanted, Ludacris, Q-Tip, Jhene Aiko, and more.  Ms. Victor works closely with the East Coast and West Coast staffs on behalf of the artists and executives of Island Records, Def Jam Recordings and Mercury Records.  These duties include exposure on television, the Internet, and in print media.

Prior to joining IDJ, Ms. Victor spent four years as Director, Publicity and Artist Relations, for Virgin Records, where she handled campaigns on behalf of Lenny Kravitz, Joss Stone, Big Boi (of OutKast), Janet Jackson, and others.  She began her career in music in 2001, as a Publicity Assistant for Interscope Records.  After two years, she moved to Arista Records in the same capacity.  With the change at Arista in 2004, she was appointed Publicity Coordinator for the J Records / Jive Records division of Sony BMG Music.  Ms. Victor attended Spelman College in Atlanta, where she graduated in 2001, with a major in Political Science and a minor in English Literature.

As Senior Director of Creative Affairs for ASCAP’s (American Society of Composers and Producers) Rhythm & Soul Creative Team, Jay Sloan has established himself as a talented, well-rounded music industry professional. He began honing his skills in the Urban A&R Department at Warner Chappell. After a successful four-year term at Warner/Chappell, Sloan developed a vast knowledge of music publishing and gained working relationships with musical talents such as Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Bryan Michael Cox, Jazzy Phae, India Arie and Mack 10. His artistic background also includes notable credits in other entertainment driven areas including Marketing, Promotions, and Artist Management.

In his current position as Senior Director of Creative Affairs, Sloan assist overseeing ASCAP’s Rhythm & Soul Creative Team and handles affiliate ASCAP members, he coordinates several events, showcases, local and national educational panels and conferences. In conjunction with these duties, Jay Sloan is also known for creating strategic alliances between ASCAP members and A&R and publishing executives, many of which have resulted in profitable collaborations to date. Not only has Sloan worked with chart toppers such as Ne-Yo, Usher, Jermaine Dupri, Timbaland, Outkast, Miguel, Keyshia Cole and Johnta Austin, to name a few, but he continually boosts ASCAP’s roster by signing songwriters and producers like songwriter James Fauntleroy (“No Air” Jordan Sparks), songwriter Andre Merritt (“Disturbia” Rihanna), producer Brian “BK” Kennedy (“Forever” Chris Brown) , producers Da Internz (“Ass” Big Sean & “Birthday Cake” Rihanna) and Erika Nuri (“When I See You” Fantasia).

Among his many noteworthy mentions, Jay Sloan is truly recognized for his true passion for the art of music. He is an advocate of music education and enrichment, through board memberships with some of the most esteemed music organizations in existence. He is currently on the Board for the Los Angeles Chapter of The Recording Academy. He has also served on the National Board of Directors for AIMP (Association of Independent Music Publishers) from 2005 until 2007, he’s currently a member of NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts & Science) and member of NARIP (National Association of Record Industry Professionals). Jay Sloan continues to raise the bar with many contributions and endeavors in the industry. He is well on his way to the forefront of the music business world.

A homegrown Chicagoan whose been playing music for most of his life, William Saad first learned about the wonderfully intricate world of Music Licensing while studying music business at Columbia College. During his junior year of college, Will dove head first into the even more complex world of Music Rights Management as an intern at global music licensing company, Music Dealers. In less than a year’s time Will was brought on board at Music Dealers to lead the Rights Management department, a position he still maintains today. In this role Will works closely with PROs worldwide, aids in the creation of music rights management solutions for top brands such as Coca-Cola, helping recoup unclaimed and missed royalty payments for both the clients and Music Dealers’ artist community of over 15,000 independent artists around the world.

MIC will take place in 1104 S. Wabash, on the 8th floor.

We are pleased to announce the following breakout sessions for the second annual Music Industry Conference (MIC). Please note the event is RSVP only and space is limited. 

What does it take to craft a musical masterpiece?  Producers, engineers and songwriters have crucial roles in creating a hit record. Kosing and Tuo of Da Internz will be speak about the do’s and don’ts of making a hit record.

Guests: Round One: Kosine (of Da Internz) 
             Round Two: Tuo (of Da Internz)

Sara Anwar (Bad Boy/Interscope), Tiffany Hardine, Melissa Victor, Fabienne Leys and Astrid Narins speak on the lessons they have learned throughout their careers in the music industry. Together, they will describe the challenges and changing roles of women behind the business of music, touching on subjects like knowing and understanding your worth as well as ways to play the game in the office, on the road, and in the studio. But most importantly, being professional and keeping it fun.

Guests: Round 1: Sara Anwar (Bad Boy/Interscope) and Tiffany Hardin
             Round 2: Melissa Victor (VP Media/Artists Relations at Def Jam), Fabienne Leys, & Astrid Narins

Want to show some of today’s hottest music designers what you’ve got? Here’s your chance! Tuo and Kosine, of the Grammy nominated production duo Da Internz is one of the masterminds behind hits like Rihanna’s “Birthday Cake” remix and Big Sean’s “Dance (A**)”. This exclusive listening session gives you the opportunity to play your hottest track and get feedback from the pros. Don’t miss out!

Only FIVE artists will be able to participate in the critiquing portion of this session. Please submit one digital track of your best work to: SPB@colum.edu. In addition, please RSVP for this session. All students who RSVP are welcome to attend and observe this session.

Guests: Round 1: Tuo (of Da Internz)
             Round 2: Kosine (of Da Internz)
             Round 3: Tuo and Kosine (of Da Internz)

Image is everything – it’s the face behind the music and the character behind the lyrics. Melissa Victor (VP Media/Artists Relations at Def Jam), Anthony Saleh (CEO Emagen Entertainment Group), Fabienne Leys and Astrid Narins know a thing or two about creating and maintaining the image of an artist. Learn about what it takes to build a successful band.

Guests: Round 1: Melissa Victor (VP Media/Artists Relations at Def Jam) & Anthony Saleh (CEO Emagen Entertainment Group)
             Round 3: Anthony Saleh, Fabienne Leys & Astrid Narins

Have you ever felt like you just discovered the next big name in music? An A&R’s success is based on their ability to predict, create, and foster new talent. Come hear about some of Sara Anwar (Bad Boy/Interscope and Adonis Sutherlin’s (RCA Records) experiences in artist development and the tricks to sifting through the noise to find gold—or should we say platinum?

Guests: Round 1: Sara Anwar (Bad Boy/Interscope) & Adonis Sutherlin (A&R RCA Records)
             Round 2: Sara Anwar (Bad Boy/Interscope)  & Adonis Sutherlin (A&R RCA Records)

From concept to upload, what does it take to put out premium original content?  How can you build a sustainable media brand in an age where everyone has a computer and a camera?  What sets apart the best curators and creators in the online world today?  Join Mike Waxx and Mike Carson from ILLROOTS and Andrew Barber from Fake Shore Drive to learn the ins and outs of what it takes to make it as a creative mogul.

Guests: Round 1: Mike Waxx, Mike Carson (ILLROOTS) & Andrew Barber (FakeShoreDrive)
             Round 3:  Mike Waxx, Mike Carson (ILLROOTS) & Andrew Barber (FakeShoreDrive)

Ever wondered what happens to a song after all the behind the scenes stuff is over with? Who keeps the song alive after the musicians, producers, and engineers have had their fun? That’s where publishing and licensing come into play. Jay Sloan (ASCAP) and Ron Choudhury (Mid C Media Corp) will share their insight in this exclusive session. Get the inside scoop on how to master these alternative forms of revenue.

Guests: Round 2: Jay Sloan (ASCAP) & Ranadeb “Ron” Choudhury (Mid C Media Corp)
             Round 3:  Jay Sloan (ASCAP) & Ranadeb “Ron” Choudhury (Mid C Media Corp)

Last year, The Student Programming Board of Columbia College Chicago introduced the first annual Music Industry Conference (MIC). The “Write Ya Life” Music Industry Conference was sponsored by Da Internz (who have produced many of hip-hop/R&B’s biggest names: John Legend, Chris Brown, Nas, Ludacris, Rihanna and Big Sean. They are the names behind Rihanna’s “Birthday Cake” and Big Sean’s “Dance (A$$)”). The event was also sponsored by CoChi Entertainment.

This year, we are bringing back MIC and making it bigger than ever! With it only being open to Columbia students, it provides students the perfect opportunity to hear from industry professional about what it’s like to work in the music biz. We include all aspects of the music industry with our panelists and breakout sessions from production, to management,  and design.

Along with Da Internz, last year we also welcomed John Williamson, VP of Music Dealers; Sara Anwar from Bad Boy/Interscope Records; April Pope, Sony Music Marketing Manager; Craig Bauer, Chicago based engineer; Julius Garcia, J.Cole’s manager; April Pope, stylist to big names; and Shawn Barron, director of A&R at Atlantic Records.

MIC will begin with a panel discussion, where panelists will discuss a wide range of per-selected questions, and even some audience questions at the end. Following the panel discussion, students will breakout into specific breakout sessions covering multiply different topics. These sessions are lead by one or two of our guests along with an SPB appointed member to help lead the one-on-one discussion. Some sessions include Women In The Industry, Crafting A Hit Record, Ask the A&R, Publishing and Licensing, and a Lesson In Branding.

MIC allow students to get up-close and personal with our leading panel of professionals in the field, giving them an amazing opportunity that can benefit them in their own careers.