The Association of Music Producers couldn’t let Women’s History Month go by without bringing attention to some of the game-changing women in the advertising music industry. That’s why AMP will be sponsoring a virtual panel titled “AMPlify Her Voice – A Conversation.” The event is open to anyone in the industry. It takes place on Wednesday, March 31, at 5p PST / 8p EST.
This virtual Zoom panel is open to all AMP Members, along with the general public. Register here.
Moderator Jennie Armon, EP and music supervisor at Found Objects, and a member of AMP’s D&I Committee, will highlight panelists’ experiences, celebrate achievements and offer actionable steps attendees can take to promote gender equality in the industry.
Taking part will be Jillian Hervey, a multi-disciplinary artist and half of the electro-soul duo LION BABE; Georgette Bivins, sr. business affairs manager, FCB New York; Kari Steinert, composer/owner of Playroom Music; and Allison Casey, sr. mixer/owner at Gramercy Post.
Hervey is well-versed in creating original tracks and covers for both TV series and commercials; she’s composed for such brands such as Michael Kors and Segura Viudas, and her music has been featured on such programs as HBO’s “Insecure,” RuPaul’s “Drag Race” and others. Bivins has spent two decades in entertainment, music, and advertising. Prior to joining FCB she worked at such agencies as Deutsch, Saatchi & Saatchi and 72andSunny. Steinert spent 20 years at Big Foote Music, rising to the post of sr. writer/creative director before launching a career as a freelance composer, writing, arranging and producing music for advertising, television, movie trailers and independent films. Casey, an Emmy Award-winning audio engineer who specializes in all aspects of postproduction, has extensive credits in long-form television series, independent films, commercials and trailers.
“The purpose of this panel is to recognize some of the women who have risen above the noise and truly accelerated in their careers,” said Armon. “Our lineup includes inspiring female voices who have amazing stories to share, and we want to both learn from and celebrate their methods. This is a strong portrait of women who’ve helped our industry to be disruptive, to innovate and evolve.”
Among the questions Armon said she’ll pose to her panel are whether women have to work harder to get to the top? How have they been the architect to their successful career? And what have they learned from failing? She’ll also zero in on issues such as burnout, mindfulness and how women can support and elevate each other within their community.
Armon noted that “AMPlify Her Voice” will cover key areas in advertising music, ranging from legal and music supervision to composition, performing, audio mixing and producing. “I’m fortunate to have worked with each of these women, and their work ethic and creative visions proved that they’re perfect for this panel,” she noted. “Conversations like this are vital to the education and growth of our industry. We need to highlight the key points of effective leadership, and Georgette, Kari, Jillian and Allison will be able to do that. They deserve to be not just celebrated, but emulated, both for their sacrifices and their stellar success.
“Getting to a leadership role in this business is a tough mountain to climb,” Armon continued. “It takes tenacity and dedication to your craft. I wanted to lift these women up, and allow them to take a moment to bask in the glow they’ve surrounded themselves in while also sharing some great tips for others who are currently leading or aspiring to lead. It’s rare that we get a chance to learn from each other at the top. I’m hoping our attendees will walk away from ‘AMPlify Her Voice’ inspired by these women’s stories, educated on the inner-workings of this business and motivated to continue to connect with and support other women in the advertising music industry.”