Presented by The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, the L.A. Sounds Now virtual event series offers a unique snapshot of the global music industry through engaging conversations with diverse industry leaders led by School of Music Inaugural Dean, Eileen L. Strempel. This fall, we explore the emerging challenges and opportunities facing the music industry as a result of COVID-19. This notable group of professionals are also collectively serving as the School of Music’s Inaugural Board of Advisors.

All events will livestream Tuesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. PT through Zoom and are free of charge.

Tuesday, December 15, 2020
6:00 p.m.

Troy Carter is founder and CEO of Q&A, a technology and media company focused on powering the business of music via distribution, services, and data analytics. Carter rose to prominence as the former founder and CEO of Atom Factory, where he nurtured the careers of global superstars including Lady Gaga and John Legend. In this event, Carter will discuss his career and the ways in which the intersection of technology and culture have shaped his creative and professional journey.

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Three-time Grammy nominee, Alexandra Patsavas fosters essential partnerships between Netflix studio producers and the music industry in her role as Director of Music Creative/Production for Original Series with the streaming company. Prior to joining Netflix, Patsavas launched Chop Shop Music Supervision in 1998 and oversaw music supervision for over 100 television series and films while producing dozens of soundtracks. Patsavas will share insights into her expansive and evolving career in the dynamic field of music supervision.

Tuesday, October 6, 2020
6:00 p.m. PT

Our series kicks off with an engaging conversation with Tom Corson (’82), Co-Chairman and COO of Warner Records. Corson currently oversees all aspects of the record label’s operations, which has seen great success with new and established artist including Dua Lipa, Bebe Rexha, Saweetie and others. A respected executive who has worked in many areas of the industry, Corson will reflect upon his professional journey, share valuable insight into the impact of COVID-19 on the music industry and its future.

Tuesday, October 13, 2020
6:00 p.m. PT

As Co-President of the Azoff Group, Susan Genco oversees a diverse portfolio of prominent entertainment companies in addition to the Azoff Group’s strategic and legislative efforts. Featured in Billboard Magazine’s “Women in Music: The 100 Most Powerful Executives,” Genco also serves as a Lecturer at UCLA Law where she has taught “Music Law” since 2012. She will share her experience working in diverse executive roles within the music industry, and share her unique perspective as a prominent female leader.

Tuesday, October 20, 2020
6:00 p.m. PT

A key member of the senior executive team at Universal Music Group (UMG), Jeff Harleston oversees all business transactions, contracts and litigation for UMG’s worldwide operations. He is recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” by Billboard Magazine and as one of Ebony Magazine’s “Power 100.” His charitable activities include Board Member of the TJ Martell Foundation and of MusiCares. Harleston will discuss his career trajectory and insight into the legal sector of the music industry.

Tuesday, October 27, 2020
6:00 p.m. PT

With over 35 years of experience in the music industry, Michael Ostin has been involved in recording and managing some of the biggest names in music including: Christopher Cross, Paul Simon, Madonna, and Green Day and others. He served as Senior Vice President of A&R for Warner Records and as president of Dreamworks Records. An active champion of the arts, Ostin will share his unique perspective on the state of music, the music industry, and the arts in response to current challenges.

Monday, November 2, 2020
6:00 p.m. PT

As COO of Capitol Music Group (CMG), Michelle Jubelirer shapes the organization’s business strategy while serving as a liaison with CMG parent company, Universal Music Group. Jubelirer additionally supports the company’s expansive portfolio of top labels including: Capitol, Virgin, Motown and Blue Note, among others. With an extensive background in entertainment law, Jubilerer will discuss her unique perspective on music industry operations and the intricacies of supporting music labels.

Please note: In support of Election Day and the democratic process, this week’s lecture will take place on Monday, November 2, 2020.

Tuesday, November 17, 2020
6:00 p.m. PT

Jeannette Perez serves as the Chief Experience Officer at Kobalt Music where she oversees a significant portion of the client-facing publishing business, including writer and publisher relations. Her role was created for her, and allows Perez to support access to Kobalt resources by writers and artists while maintaining a high level of service. A recognized industry leader by Billboard Magazine, Perez will share her experience growing Kobalt’s business and the importance of fostering brand partnerships.

Tuesday, November 24, 2020
6:00 p.m. PT

Veteran entertainment attorney John Branca has been advancing the careers of recording artists and music companies for more than four decades. Marty Bandier, CEO/Chairman of Sony/ATV Music Publishing called him “the #1 publishing lawyer in the country” while late global pop star Michael Jackson hailed him as “the greatest lawyer of our time.” As partner at the prominent entertainment law firm Ziffren Brittenham LLP, Branca’s clients have included over 30 members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He also serves as chairman of the Michael Jackson Company. Branca will share his unique professional journey and insights into his professional collaboration with some of the music industry’s biggest talents.

Tuesday, December 8, 2020
6:00 p.m.

As one of the film industry’s most versatile and honored composers, James Newton Howard’s career spans over thirty years and encompasses more than 140 film and television projects. An eight-time Oscar nominee and Emmy and Grammy Award winner, Howard has collaborated with some of pop music’s biggest names including Elton John, Barbra Streisand, Rod Steward, Diana Ross and many others. In addition to his contributions to film and television music, Howard has written multiple concert works. Howard will recap his career creating his memorable sound for films and shows in this engaging conversation.