By: Lennard James
2024 created a transformative landscape of innovation and resilience for Writing Sessions America (WSA). As we prepare for this year’s 11th Annual Unplugged Music Experience (UME) and Virtual Conference, it’s clear our country seeks dependable leadership in this election year. A profound shift in the culture and music has unfolded, underscored by the loss of iconic leaders and the downfall of once-celebrated heroes. Innovative change drives the way forward as we navigate a challenging economy. This year’s UME conference will highlight the challenging climate and innovative changes that light the way we navigate the complexities of these interesting times. WSA believes that now is the time for industry professionals and creative businesses (Indi-Preneurs) to pivot, embrace a learner’s mindset, redefine their roles within this new AI society and re-establish true leadership so we can move forward.
Guiding this remarkable event and international membership-based organization is visionary CEO and Founder Kevin Shine—a 30-year music industry veteran and professor. At the heart of his work is a commitment to celebrating quality, culture, and excellence. This year’s Marquee event, the Icon Awards, is where Shine’s dedication to honoring excellence celebrates Grammy Winners J. Ivy, Terry Hunter and Dab Bowie; Platinum Producer Drumma Boy; distinguished entertainment casting executive Peter Cohen; and veteran record executive Joan Sullivan, setting clear examples of leadership. Having become the person he was looking for in his early career, Shine has spearheaded countless success stories. His dedication inspires others to follow his lead. Yet, through his achievements, he remains humble, focused, and firm, convinced that the journey is only beginning.
In a year of significant transformation and adaptability, WSA started the year with a partnership with Timothy Fontainn Gayles, Shamel Hughes, Hakan Ar, Nikki Walker, Sherontelle Dirskell, and Professor Kg. Together in New Jersey and Los Angeles they launched Music Lounge Mixer, a vibrant platform designed to support networking and relationship-building for professionals in music, business, film, technology, television, and finance. It provides environments where these professionals create meaningful connections, share ideas, and grow their careers. The highlight event took place during BET Awards Weekend in Los Angeles, where WSA honored five-time Grammy-winning producer Bernard “Focus…” Edwards Jr., of Dr. Dre’s Aftermath, Sponsor by SESAC, with the Quality Culture Excellence Award, and recognized LA’s finest Dae One with the Quality Culture Vanguard Award. The music for the evening was skillfully mixed by the Legendary DJ Battlecat. During that same time a lively celebration was also held for WSA members Sammie Spice, April Walker, Deannah “Dripp” Bluemur, Sam Nzimela, and MagicOntheBeat for their outstanding work on the song “Sonic Dream,” showcased on BET’s Sistas television show.
WSA’s success is built on the foundation of strong partnerships. As the organization prepares to celebrate its 11th year at the Unplugged Music Experience 2024 Virtual Conference, the relationships established with marquee partners like the Mechanical License Collective stand out. For the past two years, the MLC has been an invaluable ally, thanks to the leadership of CEO Kris Adhrend. Under his guidance, the MLC has dedicated itself to ensuring that songwriters, composers, lyricists, and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the U.S. accurately and on time. Under his direction, the MLC has distributed more than $2 billion in total royalties and grown membership to over 43,000 members to date. This collaboration highlights the importance of effective partnerships in the music industry and reinforces WSA’s responsibility to supporting its community of creators.
This alignment has empowered WSA and many others in the music industry. Building on a foundation of collaboration, WSA is excited to announce a new partnership with FYI.AI—a groundbreaking company founded by global music artist, innovator, and entrepreneur Will.i.am. FYI is the first AI productivity tool built for creatives, by creatives, designed to turbocharge creative potential. FYI helps users Focus Your Ideas and revolutionizes the way creatives create, collaborate, and monetize content. The platform provides tools to maximize creativity, featuring unique AI personas, file management, project management, enhanced security, and design tools.
These partnerships position WSA as an impactful force in the near future. The organization is excited to announce its next significant alliance with BangVillage with Universal, which promises to be truly revolutionary for the WSA brand. BangVillage USA is a full-service production company and artist management agency based in Atlanta, GA. With years of experience and a reputable roster of artists, producers, and songwriters, they leverage their vast network and collective resources to secure exceptional opportunities for clients in the entertainment industry. Recent placements with major recording artists such as Usher, Beyoncé, Travis Scott, Akon, and many more underscore their commitment to client success.
Ryan “Rchris” Christian, Head of A&R for BangVillage, states, “The partnership between BangVillage USA and Writing Sessions America marks a powerful step forward in music culture, blending raw talent with a dedication to crafting quality, timeless music. Together, they’re creating a space where artists can develop, innovate, and produce songs that resonate deeply and endure across generations.” This collaboration will also feature a panel discussion at this year’s upcoming conference titled “Is A&R Still Relevant?” in today’s music industry.
From November 14-17, WSA and Kevin Shine will host an incredible lineup of professionals at the Virtual Conference. Featured guests include The Apostle, Six, a music executive from Heavyweights Publishing with Roc Nation, Valarie Jefferson, who will present the Jefferson Effect pitch deck competition, and 2x Emmy Award winner Michelle Vice-Maslin, who will lead a Sync licensing Panel and Pitch session featuring music supervisors, and Platinum Producers Darrell “Delite” Allamby, along with Nina Teapot Owens Audible Heat and more. This three-day event will be filled with great music, powerful testimonies, panels, workshops, and incredible speakers. For more information, contact wsaume2024@gmail.com.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
