Sat Bisla / A&R Worldwide

A native has certainly enjoyed a multi-faceted career in the music industry - over the years he's worked as a DJ (including an on-air stint at the taste making KCRW Los Angeles), radio programmer (KKDJ "The Edge" Fresno, CA) club booker, manager (Rob Dougan, Kate Havenevik, Pilate Speed), A&R scout and/or consultant for Interscope, Atlantic, Epic, Columbia, Sony, Island, Warner Bros. Records, Nettwerk (consulting for Dave Holmes who now manages Coldplay worldwide) and many others. He's also been a club owner, booker, DJ and Radio Editor for the US radio and record industry trade magazines Album Network and VIRTUALLYALTERNATIVE...and that's just for starters. After helping expose and/or develop such Platinum-selling artists as Dido, Keane, Faithless, Fatboy Slim and Missy Higgins for the American audience, Bisla truly started to hit his stride upon starting A&R Network, an innovative independent artist discovery and development platform that was acquired by the worlds' largest radio broadcaster - Clear Channel Radio in 2001, where he assumed the worldwide role of Vice President for A&R Network.

Bisla also constructed the creative foundation for Clear Channel's New Music Network (a artist/consumer social networking platform back) in 2001. Shortly thereafter the British-born, Beverly Hills-based Bisla founded A&R Worldwide, where he played a key role in the discovery and/or signing of many promising new artists while also writing the weekly A&R column for Radio & Records (the leading US radio and record industry trade publication). Bisla's executives networking dinners also gave birth to MUSEXPO, the influential global music, media and technology conference that takes place each spring on the legendary Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California, attracting many hundreds of key delegates and artists from over three dozen countries worldwide.

In September 2006, Bisla launched the fully independent Pangaea Entertainment Group, the new home to A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO. Pangaea is also the parent to Bisla creation "Passport Approved," a two-hour weekly import radio show broadcasto on "Indie 103.1" in Los Angeles and syndicated coast-to-coast on stations such as KNRK Portland, WCNR Charlottesville, OR, YrockonXPN Philadelphia, KCCQ Ames/Des Moines, IA and WEQX Manchester, VT & Albany, NY. In addition, the show has become one of the first independent radio brands to have its own radio channel on the world's largest music website Yahoo! Launchcast. The program has given int'l acts such as Duffy, Lily Allen, Wolfmother, Arctic Monkeys, Editors, Adele, Ting Tings, Teddybears, Klaxons, Bloc Party, Corinne Bailey Rae and many others their first radio airplay in N. America. Bisla continues to keep his hand in international affairs, programming and hosting "M.I.A.," a twice-weekly radio show for Germany's Motor FM (broadcasting in Berlin, Brandenburg and Stuttgart) and programming the weekly exchange with Xfm's John Kennedy and Jim Gellatly, while also contributing a monthly column to leading Australian music industry publication The Music Network.




Adam Lewis / Planetary Group

A veteran of the music industry, Adam Lewis is one of the co-owners of the Planetary Group, an artist development and promotions firm based out of Boston. Lewis oversees a staff of 16 individuals determined on helping new and upcoming artists be heard and discovered. Over the past few months, Planetary has worked with such acts as The Decemberists, Bloc Party, Peter, Bjorn & John, Apples In Stereo, Kings Of Leon, and The Lemonheads. He also currently handles all publicity, promotion and media buying for Great Northeast Productions. Great Northeast is responsible for producing 50 shows a year throughout New England, including Phish's millennium concert inFlorida and the annual Snoe.down Festival at Lake Placid. Before co-founding Planetary with Chris Davies, Lewis spent five years as the New England Sales Manager for TVT Records, where he helped promoting such actsas Sevendust, Guided By Voices and Snoop Dogg.




Matt McDonald / CMJ

Matt McDonald has more than ten years of music industry experience, focusing primarily on live events and developing/emerging talent. As Vice President of Artists and Events at CMJ Network, he oversees everything that CMJ does in the live music realm, including tours, talent competitions, promotional events, and CMJ Music Marathon showcases. As such, he listens to over 6,000 artists every year, most of them unsigned, self-released, or independently released. Prior to joining CMJ in 2005, he was a talent buyer at several New York City venues, most notably the Knitting Factory.




Una Johnston / SXSW

Una Johnston is SXSW's UK & Ireland Manager and Environmental Consultant and is based in Co. Tipperary, Ireland. She is responsible for advertising and exhibition sales, as well as providing information and support to UK and Irish delegates and showcase artists. As Environmental Consultant she works with SXSW to implement green initiatives within the company.

From 1997 to 2006 Una Johnston was SXSW's European Manager. Her background is in event management and she has over 20 years experience in conferences, festivals and events programming & production. She was based in New York from 1977 to 1989 where she was General Manager and then International Director for New Music Seminar.

SXSW is an annual international gathering of the music industry in Austin Texas, and is one of the best known and most respected conventions in the world. SXSW draws thousands of music industry professionals for 50 compelling panels, industry discussions, demo listening sessions, 325 trade show exhibits, and as always, five nights of top quality music by nearly 1,800 buzz bands hailing from points as close to home as Austin and as far away as Australia and Uzbekistan. SXSW 2009 takes place in Austin Texas from March 18th - 22nd. Email Una at una@sxsw.com and visit the SXSW website on http://www.sxsw.com




Larry Little / From the Future

CEO , Future Sounds, Inc. Founder From The Future Management.

Los Angeles based manager Larry Little has an addiction to music that's only equaled by the passion of sharing it with others. Future Sounds sprang out of this passion, and as a former DJ on the San Francisco scene, his mixtapes began as they always do, going to close friends, before spreading globally now for five years as the Future Sounds CD series. Future Sounds are now carried in over 1200 retail stores in North America and to industry insiders around the world. Little found success co-managing the multi-platinum selling band, The Killers, with Braden Merrick through their management company, From The Future Management LLC. While the Killers had a meteoric rise into the mainstream, Little realized there was also a steady stream of amazing new bands that had the cards stacked against them before ever being heard through traditional media outlets, thus spawning Future Sounds. Still actively managing a roster of bands, Little is also a music supervisor, music consultant (Saatchi & Saatchi, Zazzle, USA-Yahoo! Music), radio DJ, and works with RCRDLBL.com (Downtown Records) and Relentless Records (EMI) in the UK. Future Sounds is now a monthly column in Record Of The Day in the UK, as well as being placed in Spin Magazine in the US. Future Sounds has evolved into an annual North American tour, a merchandise company and an event promotions company with monthly parties in numerous cities.




Paul Quigley / CMW

As Festival Director for Canadian Music Week, Paul Quigley is responsible for the co-ordination and scheduling of the 500 bands that perform at CMW.

Now in its 27th year, CMW is Canada's biggest new music festival. With an increasing focus on international talent, CMW 2009 (taking place March 11-14) will continue to build on its reputation of being an important industry resource for seeing new emerging talent and meeting industry professionals from all over the globe. Quigley is also involved with tour/artist management for Key Music Group, whose roster includes The Breeders, The Kills, The Marble Index, Meligrove Band, and Jim Noir.




Joel Harrison / Party Approved

Joel started up a small indie label based in Oxford, at the height of the Brit Pop years focused on releasing one-off singles by local artists. After 2 years worth of releases and picking up such accolades as Melody Maker (remember them?!) Single Of The Week, the label morphed into an artist management business, decamping to London and looking after a roster of 3 signed acts. In 2002 Joel joined the new A&R team at Island Records where he spent nearly 6 years signing acts and making records. In early 2008, Joel set up a music business consultancy, Party Approved, to work with labels and publishers as well as venture back into the world of artist management. Alongside this he is also developing a new style artist investment house called Musinc.




Nick Robinson / Kobalt Music Publishing (biog to follow)




Elliot Aronow / RCRD LBL

Following a time at FADER, Aronow founded and ran his own boutique consulting shop, the Simple Mission LLC, whose clients included Gnarls Barkley, Kanye West, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Spin Magazine, MySpace and Franz Ferdinand. In November of 2007, Aronow co-founded the world's first ad-supported online music label/blog network, RCRD LBL, with online media pioneer Peter Rojas (Engadget.com, Weblogs, Inc) and Downtown Records (Gnarls Barkley, Santogold, Cold War Kids) where he works as the Creative Director and VP of A and R. The site has attracted praise from the likes of the Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, Wired,Fortune, the LA Times and MTV and is regarded by many as a watershed moment in the distribution of musical content in the online space. In 2008, Aronow was chosen by Billboard Magazine to be a member of their esteemed "30 Under 30" tastemaker list.




John Gillian / Vosotros

During his time at USC, John interned for a number of companies, including Universal Music Group, MTV UK/Ireland, Delicious Vinyl Records, and Creative Control, an independent music supervision and consulting firm. He currently runs the LA branch of Kufala Recordings, an industry leader in live albums. Kufala works with Pearl Jam, Phish, Crowded House, Widespread Panic, Counting Crowes, Lucinda Williams, and over 100 other artists, selling handmade, on-demand CDs of their live gigs direct to fans in eco-friendly packaging. He also works closely with Spaceland Recordings, an innovative label that distributes live albums and videos recorded at three premier Los Angeles venues. John spends his evenings, weekends, and lunch breaks running vosotros, an LA-based independent record label and artist management company.




Kevin Patrick / Matt & Kim

In 1984, began as an A&R rep at Elektra under the guidance of Howard Thompson and Bob Krasnow, then to Chris Blackwell's Island in 89 as VP. Founded The Medicine Label in 1992, initially as a joint venture with Warner Brothers - releasing several early dance/techno 12"s (Leftfield, Moby, Prodigy), their resulting compilations, the "Dazed & Confused" soundtrack and it's follow up "Even More Dazed & Confused". Joined Columbia Records (95 - 06) as SVP/A&R, while continuing to own & run The Medicine Label independently. Instrumental in setting up Columbia's Almost Gold imprint in '06, as well as independent A&R consultancy (clients include Sony/BMG & Universal) and programming several internet radio stations. Concurrently, established a management company to handle The Ramones estate, Vivian Green and Matt & Kim: as well as a management partnership with Lisa Barbaris for Cyndi Lauper and Simply Red.

Kevin has worked with: X, Guadalcanal Diary, The Georgia Satellites, The Screaming Blue Messiahs, The Cure, The Stereo MC's, PM Dawn, PJ Harvey, Julian Cope, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, The Pogues, Anthrax, Bootsy's Rubber Band, Marianne Faithfull, The Cramps, Suede, Primal Scream, Leftfield, Super_Collider, Chicane, UFOFU, Jonathan Fire Eater, Ken Iishi, Swayzak, The Lo Fidelity Allstars, Wheatus, JJ 72, Ari Hest, The Mooney Suzuki, X-Press 2, The Coral, Alabama 3, Tye Tribbett & GA and Vivian Green.



John Epsom / Sons & Daughters (biography to follow)




Niall Muckian / Fight Like Apes

After setting up the Ruby Sessions, Niall worked with Damien Rice on the release of his ground breaking O album in Ireland. He set up Rubyworks Records and Management which look after Rodrigo y Gabriela who have just sold 500,000 records and Fight Like Apes as well as releasing Sinead O'Connor's most recent album.




Alexis Vokos / HAL

Alexis moved to Ireland in 2008 and has established Speed of Sound Artist Management. He currently co-manages Dublin band HAL, who plan to release their second album in 2009.

Alexis studied at the Gateway School of Music in London and did short stints at Stephen Budd Producer Management, Metropolis Studios and Music Week magazine before joining Independent Sound Management (ISM) in London in 2003. At ISM Alexis was involved in the management of artists including Tunde (Lighthouse Family), Catherine Feeny and HAL, working on both Major and Indie album releases.In 2006, Alexis was closely involved in securing Catherine Feeny's publishing deal with Warner Chappell, establishing Tallgrass Records and releasing Catherine's album ˆ¢?~Hurricane Glassˆ¢?(TM) independently before the album was licensed on to EMI and re-released in 2007.Alexisˆ¢?(TM) also has previous background working in investment banking.




Justin Moffat / The Blizzards

A self-proclaimed lover of 'songs not scenes', Moffat's career began as a musician. But he moved to the other side of the stage in 2001 and, among other things, worked in tour management. Now a key component at 100 MG Management, his main charges are The Blizzards who, like himself, are from Mullingar. After signing the band to Universal in 2006, he oversaw the Westmeath boys supporting Kasabian and The Kooks among others, achieve significant radio airplay in Ireland and score platinum status with their debut album A Public Display Of Affection. Justin - also known as Moff - more recently took on management duties for The Last Tycoons (formerly Porn Trauma), and has worked alongside Ken Allen on Faction Records projects. 2008 will see most of his time and energies focused on the recording and release of The Blizzards' new album, doubtlessly confident of building on the success of A Public Display Of Affection




Will Abramson / Imeem

Abramson graduated from the University of Southern California with a BS in Music Industry (no pun intended), then went to work as the indie music director at Yahoo Music,following lay offs at Yahoo Will went to work as the music marketing manager at imeem where he work with labels, managers, magazines and blogs to create innovative programs to promote artists on the web.




Mark French / Muzu.tv

Mark French is the founder and COO of Irish based global internet company MUZU. MUZU is an interactive TV network created by the people behind the music. MUZU is the online business platform for the music industry and shares ad revenue with the artists. Hundreds of artists, bands, labels, DJs and festivals are actively creating their TV networks. Check out http://www.muzu.tv




Dougie Bruce / Universal Music Publishing

Dougie joined Universal music Publishing 4 years ago having spent the previous 2 years at Sony Records. Since being at Universal he has worked with and developed acts such as Kaiser Chiefs, Maximo Park, Lily allen, Kate Nash, Adele, Jack Penate, MGMT, Guillemots, Mylo.




Keith Johnson / IMRO

Keith Johnson is Director of Marketing & Membership at the Irish Music Rights Organisation. His role at IMRO sees Keith looking after all advertising, promotional, sponsorship and online activities for the organisation. Keith also oversees the annual IMRO Showcase Tour, which has firmly established itself as one of the key events for upcoming bands on the Irish music calendar.




Stevo Berube / Berube Communications

Stevo Berube is one of the best, as well as one of the most affable, publicists in the music biz. His undoubted success is based on a winning blend of genuine music passion, an intimate knowledge of the media, a deceptively easy-going charm and a creative approach to his work. He also handles the PR for Whelan's and The Village venues. Nothing if not versatile, Berube has also DJ'ed rather successfully in various clubs.




James Foley / Record of the Day

James Foley is Music Editor for UK music industry tipsheet Record of the Day. With a great track record of picking up early successes, Record of the Day has proved to be a key starting place for many acts. Sending one great track out to the key industry decision makers means it really gets listened to by the right people (A&R, managers, agents, journalists, promoters and TV & radio are among their readers).




Stuart Thomas / Scottish Arts Council

Stuart Thomas works in the Scottish Arts Council's Music Department and leads on Contemporary Popular Music, Scottish Traditional and World Music. He also leads on specific projects such as Tune Up (www.tuneup.org.uk), South By South West and Womex. Stuart has over 10 years of experience working in the creative industries in Scotland and continues to work as a performing musician, a promoter and a DJ.




Caroline Winn / Scottish Arts Council

Youth Music Officer at Scottish Arts Council; currently developing a range of funding support for young musicians who are making music in an unsupervised capacity; including creating access opportunities for young bands to rehearsal, recording, performing, touring and mentoring resources and creating stronger links with professional skills and resources in order to do so.




Johnnie Craig / Journalist
Johnnie Craig is a music and arts journalist, writing for The Sunday Business Post, State Magazine and U Magazine. He has previously written for The Ticket in The Irish Times, InDublin magazine and NME Ireland. He is also a regular radio contributor and has recently joined the production team on The Kiosk, Phantom 105.2's arts and culture show.




Shilpa Ganatra / Journalist

Shilpa Ganatra headed to Ireland in July 05 after repeated visits to Ireland and Oxegen. She had been freelancing at Sky Newsˆ?¬¢?(TM)s showbiz website and Yahoo. Her grounding in the Irish music scene came from Hot Press, where she worked for two years as web editor and staff writer. She's since freelanced for the Irish Independent, Irish Tatler, Boston Herald, Time Out and Irish Examiner. Now, she's The Star's music journalist, and her duties during all of this have including judging the National Student Music Awards, Coca Cola's Blastbeat competition and Murphy's Live. Her hobbies include listening to music, thinking about music, playing music and discussing music.




Barry O Donoghue / Sony BMG

Barry O' Donoghue currently shares his work / play schedule between his role as A&R scout with Sony BMG Ireland, a post he has held since the beginning of 2003, and his activities as a club and radio DJ. O' Donoghue has been writing on Dance music for hotpresss for a number of years , sub-edits for the Irish Star and hosts a Spin 1038 radio show.




Tanya Sweeney / Journalist

It says much about Sweeney's powers of persuasion that, as music supervisor for the Scott Walker documentary, 30th Century Man, she managed to get David Bowie, Jarvis Cocker, Sting, Brian Eno and Damon Albarn to wax lyrical about the cult singer. Other credits on her CV as music supervisor include Bodysong (for which she commissioned a score from Jonny Greenwood), One For The Road, Goldfish Memory and My Brother Tom. A former A&R scout at Warner Music Ireland, Sweeney has also worked in A&R departments at Mercury/Universal and BMG Publishing in London. When not twisting celebrity arms for film projects, the Dubliner can also be found contributing on music, lifestyle, film and showbiz to the Evening Herald, Sunday Tribune, U, the Dubliner and State Magazine.
Ailish McKenna




Phil Udell / State Magazine

Phil Udell is the editor of State Magazine and also editorial consultant for MUZU.TV. He has worked as a tour manager across Europe and as a production manager on many of Ireland's major events and festivals. As such he has experience of all sides of the music industry, from touring to promotion and media.




John Caddell / Phantom 105.2

John is Head of music at PPI Music Station of the year, Phantom 105.2 and is responsible for overall music strategy, track selection and day to day play listing. He also presents the Bedrock show, Monday-Thursday from 10pm on Phantom.




Cathal Funge / Phantom 105.2

Cathal is the presenter of Phantom's flagship new Irish music show, I-Con (Tuesdays 8-10PM) with demos, new releases and live sessions from Irelands up and coming acts.




Feidlim Byrne / Nielsen Music Control

Nielsen Music Control monitors music broadcast on over 800 radio and television stations across 21 countries worldwide. The music industry standard, we provide a wide range of reports and charts, from bespoke analyses of individual titles to radio station profiles to company market share performance.

Nielsen Music Control uses a unique patented electronic fingerprinting technology 'Medicor' developed for the sole use of Nielsen Music Control and the direct specific needs of the music industry. The Company is also introducing a New Technology (NTech) across Europe over the next couple of years. The system has the capabilities of tracking over 1,000,000 titles. Ireland is the first country to test the new technology currently being used all across the US. Reports are available via our closed user client website in real time, daily, weekly or any other period requested. Over 1000 record companies as well as many labels, artists and bands worldwide use the Nielsen Music Control services. We are IFPI recognised and are a sister company of Nielsen BDS, the leading North American Music Monitoring service.