CBMIS - 2nd Annual Coastal Bend Music Industry Symposium Logo

Speakers

Experience music like never before - discover the brilliance of our top-notch coastal bend music industry symposium speakers.
  • Tony Scalzo

    Tony Scalzo is a songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist for the Austin, TX based rock band, Fastball. 

    The band formed in 1994, and after playing around Austin and throughout the southwest, they were signed to Hollywood Records. In 1998, Fastball were nominated for two Grammy awards,  after their platinum-selling album, All The Pain Money Can Buy, put them in the international spotlight.

    Songs by Tony include The Way, You’re An Ocean and Out Of My Head, which was interpolated for use in the Machine Gun Kelly/Camila Cabello smash hit, “Bad Things” in 2017. In 2023, Fastball’s version of Out Of My Head was used in the popular TV show, Ted Lasso.

    Throughout their long career, the band has been constantly working and making records. They have released a new live album this fall, Smashed Hits: Live from the Saxon Pub, on Sunset Blvd. Records.

    This year Fastball will celebrate 30 years of working together by releasing a new studio album, produced by David Garza and John Fi.

  • Lynnwood King

    Lynnwood King is the frontman of The Heroine out of San Antonio, Texas. King has worked with international and national brands including Gibson, Bud Light, Spurs Sports and Entertainment, Best Buy, AEG Live, Live Nation, and many more.

  • Grant PittmanGrant Pittman is the founder of pittManagement (current roster: Wild Party, Foxtales, Sunblossom), and is currently a Strategic Partnerships Manager at iHeartMedia. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Grant spent the last 10 years in New York before relocating to Austin in 2023. Grant has a diverse background, with a Music Business Masters from NYU, and a Finance and Music degree from Texas A&M. Before iHeartMedia, Grant was a Commercial Partnerships Manager at Sony Music, where he worked on campaigns such as Adele’s “Easy on Me”, Harry Styles’ “Watermelon Sugar”, and Lil Nas X’s “Montero”. Prior to Sony, he was a Business Development Director at Artist Growth, and an Artist Manager at Ron Shapiro Management, where he was the day-to-day manager for Melanie Martinez. Melanie’s debut album, ‘Cry Baby‘, became RIAA-certified double Platinum during his tenure. Growing up, Grant played in multiple bands throughout Texas, one winning Best New Artist at Summerfest in 2011. Grant has and always will be chasing his musical dream.

  • casey lain

    Casey Lain's career in the live music production began in earnest when he began booking bands at the Executive Surf Club in 1998. Lain cut his teeth booking high-profile local acts such as Sweet Daddy and The Scarecrow People before moving on to regional and national showcases featuring Texas country icon Randy Rogers, surf guitar legend Dick Dale and revered folk musician Arlo Guthrie.

    Lain graduated to full-scale concert production when he was tapped to book concert events for Concrete Street Amphitheater in 2003. For the next two years, Lain booked a diverse series of entertainment packages including the "Blues on the Bay" package that featured Los Lonely Boys in support role and headliner BB King, Willie Nelson, rock acts A Perfect Circle and Cheap Trick as well as comedian Paul Rodriguez to name a few.

    In 2005, Lain oversaw the launch of the city's premier rock club venue: House of Rock, located in downtown Corpus Christi. As managing partner, Lain strives to give the city a destination point for fickle live music fans of all stripes and a new option for mid-level national acts that previously hadn't considered South Texas. To that end, Lain balances his calendar with a mix of road and local shows, a formula that has proven to be a boon for local musicians looking to network and showcase their skills. Among the more memorable performers who have graced the House of Rock's stage include G. Love and Special Sauce, Stick Figure, Sebastian Bach, Steve Earle and Against Me! as well as renegade country artist Hank III.

    Lain next accepted the challenge of helping to put a new Texas country venue on the map: Brewster Street Icehouse, ideally situated near Whataburger Field. Lain helped launch the club's "Texas Music Thursday Concert Series." which is well-known to area fans of the Texas country genre. Over the course of a year, Lain organized concert events by Robert Earl Keen, Charlie Robison, Stoney Larue and Cross Canadian Ragweed -- all well-regarded acts in the Texas Country genre -- at Brewster Street Icehouse.

    In 2008, Lain launched CL Presents, a concert and special event booking and production company. CLP’s first event was Ziegfests, a two day Texas country music festival originally located on North Beach. Since 2008, CLP has gone on to produce several concerts at in local venues including Brewster Street Icehouse, Concrete Street Amphitheater and American Bank Center as well as concerts for festivals including Fiesta De La Flor, Corpus Christi Wine Festival, Dia De Los Muertos, Que Bueno Taco fest and !Otra Fest!

    Lain is a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi Class 38 and is an active board member/past chairman of the Downtown Management District. Lain continues to be the managing partner of House of Rock / the Kitchen at House and owns / ooperates CL Presents.

  • Freddie Martinez Jr.

    Freddie Martinez Jr. is a 40-year veteran of the music industry. He is the President of Operations, Artist Relations, and co-owner of FREDDIE RECORDS, one of the most successful and iconic independent Latin record labels in the United States currently celebrating its 55th anniversary in business. Freddie is also the co-owner of LEGENDS SOUND STUDIOS, South Texas’ premiere state-of-the-art music production and recording facility located in Corpus Christi. He is also an accomplished guitar player.

    Freddie is a two-time Grammy and four-time Latin Grammy award-winning producer and engineer. He won his first Grammy in 2000 for his work on “Qué Es Música Tejana” by THE LEGENDS featuring Tejano icons FREDDIE MARTINEZ, SR., SUNNY OZUNA, AUGUSTIN RAMIREZ, and CARLOS GUZMAN. Freddie received his second Grammy the following year for his work on Norteño music superstar RAMON AYALA’s critically acclaimed album, “En Vivo...El Hombre Y Su Música”. His four Latin Grammy wins were for his work as a producer on the seminal albums “Live En El Valle” and “The Legend Continues” by the iconic JIMMY GONZALEZ Y GRUPO MAZZ, “Six Pack” by SIGGNO, and “Fantasia” by ELIDA REYNA Y AVANTE. In 2008, Freddie also received a Latin Grammy nomination as a songwriter for the hit single, “Búscame En El Cielo”, recorded by Jimmy Gonzalez Y Grupo Mazz. His list of credits on other Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated projects includes albums by such notable artists as LOS PALOMINOS, SOLIDO, MICHAEL SALGADO, LA FIEBRE, JAY PEREZ, GARY HOBBS, LUCKY JOE and many others.

    Freddie is a past member of the Board of Governors for the Texas Chapter of The Recording Academy. During his tenure, Freddie served as First Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, and served two consecutive terms as President. Freddie was instrumental in increasing membership and building Texas’ Latin music constituency and it was during his second term as President that the Texas branch was awarded Chapter status. Freddie is also a former Trustee of the Latin Recording Academy and served on its President’s Advisory Council. In addition, Freddie has served on the Recording Academy’s National Nominating and Screening Committee for Latin releases.

    In addition to his work in the music industry, Freddie dedicates his time to serving with his music ministry group playing guitar, bass, and background vocals for various church retreats. He has also served on several local boards and has been very active in the community. He previously served as Chairman of the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the Board of the Foster Angels of South Texas, as well as Casa De Amor, an annual fundraiser which raises awareness for the Ronald McDonald House and helps support families coping with childhood cancers and other related illnesses.

    In his off time, Freddie enjoys spending time with his family, investing in commercial real estate, attending concerts, and playing and collecting guitars.

  • Chip Adams

    Chip Adams is the Community Relations & Outreach Specialist at the Texas Music Office, heading up the Music Friendly Communities program. He began his career promoting Texas music over twenty years ago in Dallas as a radio DJ, hosting weeknights on the former commercial station KKMR Merge Radio 93.3fm. 

    With a desire to work directly with artists to help their careers, he moved to NYC for a position with the Cornerstone Agency, handling online marketing, radio promotion and editing the tastemaker website TheTripwire.com. Chip worked with emerging artists including Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Gorillaz. While editing The Tripwire, he coordinated features with Henry Rollins, Saul Williams, Brett Anderson and music industry icon Tony Wilson. 

    After returning to Texas, Chip took on radio promotion and marketing duties for the Los Angeles independent label Dangerbird Records. During that time, he worked the Grammy nominated album "Swoon" from Silversun Pickups, as well as with label artists including Fitz & The Tantrums and Sea Wolf. 

    In 2010 he co-founded Modern Outsider, an internationally distributed independent record label and artist management company, working with a variety of acts from Texas and around the globe. Modern Outsider’s roster included the Texas-based acts The Bright Light Social Hour, Walker Lukens, Moving Panoramas, Star Parks, Ume, and many more. Modern Outsider was voted Austin's Best Record Label in the 2016 & 2017 Austin Chronicle Music Awards.

    Now at the Texas Music Office, Chip connects Texas cities with the growing Music Friendly Communities network to help foster music industry development. Chip guides potential new communities through the certification process, and once completed he continues frequent communications with all certified liaisons with updates and opportunities for collaboration. From MFC workshops and certification ceremonies to the TMO’s Texas Sounds & Cities conference, Chip works with city governments and key stakeholders to show that Texas is serious about our commercial music industry.

  • John Troupe Headshot CBMISJohn Troup is the Strategic Accounts Manager for SESAC Performing Rights in Nashville, TN. “My job is to identify trends, generate ideas, and seek out and present opportunities to our members and licensees. I’m always trying to learn something that I hope will translate into real value for our writers and publishing partners. Innovative thinking, fresh ideas, and taking care of people will always sell.”

    John has over 20 years of experience working in performing rights and music publishing at SESAC, ASCAP, Bluewater Music Publishing, and MusicSynk, as well as music instrument sales and artist relations at ZETA Music Systems and Chambers Vintage Guitars. John is deeply connected to the music community in Nashville, and he has long standing relationships with individuals in management, legal, music publishing, and technology.

  • Ted Lowe Headshot CBMISTed Lowe is the founder of Choicetracks, Inc., a boutique music publishing company, and Recurrent Records, an independent record label purposefully focused on sync licensing to enhance and advance the careers of their Writers and Artists. For over twenty years, Choicetracks has partnered with licensing powerhouse Position Music and its global affiliates to license its catalog to countless advertisements, movie trailers, television shows, TV promo spots, video games, user-generated content, new media, and film.

    Ted began his music business career at 18, interning in the A&R Department at Warner Bros. Records. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, he worked full-time in A&R with a roster that included the likes of Prince, Ray Charles, Chaka Khan, Naughty By Nature, Queen Latifah, and Take 6. Before forming Choicetracks, Ted was Director of A&R at Epic Records, where he shepherded Grammy-nominated projects by Babyface and Jon B., contributed to numerous Soundtrack albums, and served as a Music Supervisor on several Independent Films. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Ted relocated to Austin in 2015 and is the envy of all his friends and colleagues on the coasts.

  • David MartinezThe 2022 Cygnus Radio Artist Of The Year and popular South Texas singer/songwriter David Martinez, earned two KICMA Country Award nominations for Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year, completed two US Tours including the East Coast Acoustic Tour – ‘Crazy Ride’ and recorded three professional CDs. A new recording project was recorded at Sound Machine Studio in Skidmore, Texas. David's first new single, 'Fast And Hard', and follow up single, 'Come Back', have taken off on independent radio having aired throughout Texas and the US, UK, France, Canada and charted in Australia. 

    David is BMI registered artist and is a voting member of the Recording Academy for the Grammy Awards.  David performs locally and got his start at venues House of Rock and Executive Surf Club.  He has played notable venues  around the country including  The Viper Room in Los Angeles, The Central Room in Seattle, Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta, and most recently City Winery in Boston for LadyLake “Light Up The Love” Showcase. David has shared the stage with Ian Moore, Billy Joe Shaver, Vallejo, Bob Schneider, and Johnny Rodriguez to name a few. 

  • Mason Shirley

    Mason Shirley is the founder of Sound Machine Studio.  He grew up immersed in music. As a child he attended his dad’s band practices and shows, and experimented with basic recording equipment.

    While in high school, Mason built a make shift recording studio in his parents’ garage and recorded music every day after school. He developed a deep interest in the recording process and continued to develop his music production skills into college. 

    Mason established Sound Machine Studio in 2011. As a multi-instrumentalist and composer, Mason is able to bring unique value to the recording process. Highlights of his career include recording/mixing/producing 106 albums to-date, designing and building a state of the art recording studio, and co-founding NOVUM RECORDS. Additionally, he has production credits on seven number one songs on the Texas radio charts.

  • Dr. Paul BissellPaul Bissell is the creator and director of the Sound Recording Technology (SRT) program at Del Mar College. He is the owner a publishing and music production studio, Go Fish Music, and before moving into education full time, he was a freelance musician in Texas and Florida.

  • Eli Molina

    Eli Molina

    Born and raised in the vibrant tapestry of South Texas, specifically the quaint confines of Rio Grande City, music became the heartbeat of my existence from an early age. With an insatiable curiosity for live performances, I eagerly immersed myself in the rhythmic melodies that filled the air.

    At the tender age of 10, my family ignited my musical journey by enrolling me in piano lessons. From then on, my days were a harmonious blend of practice sessions and impromptu performances at every conceivable venue – from church gatherings to lively parties, and even the bustling mall corridors.

    Upon entering junior high, I eagerly embraced the communal spirit of music by joining the school band and picking up the saxophone. The camaraderie of performing alongside over 50 fellow musicians was an unparalleled joy, solidifying my passion for collaborative artistry. Throughout my junior high and high school tenure, I held the esteemed position of first chair, honing my craft and delving deeper into the intricacies of musical theory.

    It was during my senior year, under the guidance of a dedicated director, that I delved into the transformative realm of music theory. Armed with little more than paper and pencil, I immersed myself in the intricacies of transcription and arrangement, laying the groundwork for a lifelong devotion to musical composition.

    In 1992, I embarked on a new chapter of my musical odyssey, enrolling at Texas A&M University Kingsville as a music major. Despite my initial focus on traditional musical studies, I found myself inexorably drawn to the captivating allure of audio recording. Delving into studio sessions, I discovered a newfound sense of purpose as the timeless hours melted away, consumed by the magic of capturing sound.

    Fuelled by an insatiable desire to create, I established my own recording setup at home, starting with a humble Tascam 238 8-track cassette recorder before embracing the evolving landscape of technology with ADATs and, eventually, Pro Tools in 1999.

    Armed with a degree in music and state certification, I ventured into the professional realm, embarking on a multifaceted career that spanned two decades. From composing original scores for film and television to countless hours spent honing my craft in the recording studio, each endeavor fueled my passion for musical innovation.

    In 2018, I embarked on a new chapter of my career, joining the esteemed recording team at Freddie Records. Today, at 49 years old, I find myself navigating the delicate balance between career aspirations and cherished relationships. Blessed with the unwavering support of my beloved wife Martha and the unwavering companionship of Walter, my pint-sized Chiweenee companion, I continue to pursue my musical passions with unwavering dedication and boundless enthusiasm.

    Achievements and Awards:

    • 2019 3 Latin Grammy Nominations
    • 2020 2 Latin Grammy Nominations
    • 2021 1 Latin Grammy Nominations
    • 2022 1 Latin Grammy Nominations
    • 2023 1 Latin Grammy Nominations
    • 2019 Latin Grammy Win - Album of the Year

    TV Shows currently using my original music including production, editing, mixing and mastering.

    1. AMERICAN PICKERS - HISTORY CH

    2. LA VOZ KIDS - MUN2

    3. LARRYMANIA - MUN2

    4. SLANG HUNTERS - NAT GEO EXPLORER

    5. RITMO DEPORTIVO - TELEMUNDO

    6. SAY YES TO THE DRESS ATLANTA - TLC

    7. 100 GREATEST KID STARS (HOUR 4) - VH1

    8. SOUTHIE RULES - HULU ep. BILL ROULETTE

    9. DUB LATINO - MUN2

    10.MOVIE NIGHT - CANADA

    11.WHEN I WAS 17 - MTV CZECH REPUBLIC

    12.HOUSE OF DVF - Bravo 

    13.REINAS DE REALTY - Mun2

    14.LEVANTATE - Telemundo

    15.BAIT CAR - Tru TV

    16.HARDCORE PAWN - Tru TV

    17.JOKERS WILD - Tru Tv

    18.MARILYN DENIS SHOW - CANADA SOCAN

    19.SOUTHIE RULES - HULU ep. POSEIDON KING OF SOUTH BOSTON 2

    20.AT MIDNIGHT - COMEDY CENTRAL

    21.UN NUEVO DIA - TELEMUNDO

    22.RECIPE REHAB - CBS

    23.WWE 205 LIVE - HULU

    24.GREATEST EVER "ANIMALS" - TRUTV 

    25.INSIDE THE NBA - NBA TV

    26.EL SENOR DE LOS CIELOS - TELEMUNDO

    27.YOU CAN DO BETTER - TRU TV

    28.MASTERS OF FLIP - TRUTV

    29.ALL REAL COUPLES - PRS 

    30.PHONE SWAP - Sophisti-Rachet - FOX

    31.NASCAR RACEDAY - FOX SPORTS 1

    32.UNTITLED ACTION BRONSON SHOW - VICELAND

    33.EL SENOR DE LOS CIELOS - NETFLIX

    34.LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER - HBO

    35.DIESEL BROTHERS TRUCKED UP - DISCOVER

    36.GROUP CHAT WITH ANNIE AND JAYDEN - NICKELODEON

    37.YOU CAN DO BETTER - TRUTV

     

    Currently Performing with:

    Pio Trevino Y Grupo Magic

    Solid Rock Church Band

  • Bryan Garcia

    Bryan Garcia is the co-owner of Harbor City Sound Lab.  He has been touring and recording for over thirty years in bands such as The Booked, Hudson Falcons and Capital Crimes.  The love of making records is what led him to pursue becoming an audio engineer and opening a recording studio.  

    In 2014, Bryan enrolled in the Sound Recording Technology program at Del Mar College headed up by Dr. Paul Bissell.  After graduating from the program in 2017 he immediately began recording bands in the back of a local barbershop.  In August of 2018, he partnered with Matthew Roussel, another talented audio engineer, and together they opened Harbor City Sound Lab in Corpus Christi, Texas.

    At Harbor City Sound Lab, Bryan is able to use his experience making records to bring artists and musicians through the recording process in a relaxed and creative environment.

     

  • Jimmy Smithwick

    Hello. My name is Jimmy Smithwick. I transplanted from Kingsville, Texas 35 years ago.  I quickly joined a hard rock band (Dead Mans Hand) and began working in Sound and Lighting (Nighthawk Ent. & Legacy Sound) back in 1989 and I have been a part of the Corpus Christi music scene ever since. Through the years, I have grown with our music community and continue to serve by fronting a rock and roll bands (The Love Bombers,the Reely Rotnz), becoming a BMI affiliate in 1993, creating a web series for local musicians 2013- (South Texas Classic Tracks) and providinng services with Smithwick Guitar repair 2012-. 

    My goal is to inform the music community about the various tools and incentives available that can enhance their brand and justify their efforts without losing touch of their passion.

  • Mitch Ballard

    Mitch Ballard is BMI’s Executive Director in Austin, Texas. He is a lifetime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, as well as a voting member of the Recording Academy for the Grammy Awards.

  • Carlos Alvarez

    Born, raised and still residing in San Antonio, Carlos Alvarez is the A&R and Publishing Director for Dallas-based Azteca Music Group specializing in the marketing of Regional Mexican Music. To date, Carlos has worked creatively on 23 GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY-nominated albums, and two albums that won a GRAMMY and in November of 20204, won his first Latin GRAMMY as a producer.

    He has served on the Recording Academy's  Texas Chapter Board as an Advisor, Governor, Vice-President, President (2x) and as a National Trustee.  Carlos also serves on the newly formed San Antonio Music committee and Dallas music council.  He holds a B.A. In Music Industries Studies from the University of the Incarnate Word and in June of 2024 will graduate with a Masters of Arts in Music Business from the Berklee College of Music. He is a proud husband and father and continues to perform mariachi music on weekends.