Bay Area Music Producer

Melanie Fiona: "Amy Winehouse Was An Open Book"

Everybody is still reeling from the shock of  Amy Winehouse' s sudden death on July 23. But perhaps most affected, aside from the singer's family and close friends, are those in the music world who were inspired by her talent. Enter my pal Melanie Fiona , who is actually only one degree of separation from Winehouse through their shared producer, Salaam Remi . Melanie Fiona : I had the craziest day. They cancelled my flight, and it was all kinds of drama. I literally got there and ran onto the stage. When that happens, it's difficult to gain momentum because I am in a rush. There were tons of people and the press was waiting, so it was just a whirlwind. Next thing you know, everyone was like, 'The show was amazing, you were so good,' and I was like, 'What happened? Was I there?' MF : I worked with Questlove in Philly in the past, and I had been to Philly a couple of times for shows and promo. I always have the most amazing time in Philadelphia. Everyone is so welcoming and there is great energy. Every time I've performed there, people have lined up for sold out shows. They are really supportive. You get a real sense that the people of Philadelphia love their city, love their music, and are happy to have people come through. I actually did some recording there for this album with Dre who is Philly-based. Philly always welcomes me with open arms, and I am always excited when I get the news that I'm coming back. MF : I usually have no off time, as crazy as that sounds. I love to eat Philly Cheesesteaks and other great food. I've recorded music and performed, which is obviously fun, and I love shopping in the downtown area. The small shops and busy streets remind me of Toronto, especially when the weather is nice. It is tough for me to do everything during my time off but I'll do some of those things when I'm there. MF : I get to see a lot just through the tour bus or the airport window. I absolutely love Paris. I love it for personal reasons, and I love to perform anywhere in France. I also love to perform in Switzerland. New Orleans, and the Bay Area of San Francisco. London is great for shopping. All of those places show me a lot of love. Every time I go, I have great shows and great times. MF: I am releasing a new single later this month.

Videos | Bay Area Music, Hip Hop, Rap, R&B

Going One-On-One At The Bay Area Producers Conference

The Bay Area Producers Conference (BAPC), which is rapidly becoming known as the music industry’s premier networking event for music producers, artists, and industry professionals, is proud to announce that Ex’pression College for Digital Arts in Emeryville, CA is the official location for this year’s 3rd annual event, to be held on August 20th, 2011.

The Bay Area Producers Conference will offer a full day of panels and educational activities consisting of high profile speakers, A&R executives, Grammy award winning producers, experienced personal managers, seasoned entertainment attorneys, and established songwriters.

In keeping with the theme of this year’s event – Online & Offline Connectivity: Meeting People That Matter – BAPC is providing participants with a unique opportunity to meet, and interact with esteemed industry mentors in a series of structured one-on-one sessions. These mentoring sessions will offer participants the rare opportunity to get personalized attention and private feedback regarding their particular situations.

“BAPC is committed to providing a forum for our participants to learn, network, and succeed,” stated Mario Flores, Executive Producer and Founder of the Bay Area Producers Conference. “These one-on-one sessions are evdience of that commitment, and they will also distinguish us from the other music industry conferences where it’s just one panel after the other of talking heads. People want specific help, and we are going to give it to them.”

For a list of updated panelists and complete event info, visit the official BAPC website:

http://bayareaproducersconference.

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