How to resolve AdBlock issue? Focusrite at Loyola University New Orleans
As part of their ongoing initiative to offer enriching opportunities for the music production community and aspiring professionals, brands from the Focusrite Group recently held an exclusive event at Loyola University New Orleans, providing a close look at hip-hop and R&B production styles from some of these genres’ most acclaimed creators. The event, which took place over the final weekend in September, was presented by Focusrite, ADAM Audio, Novation, and the Loyola University New Orleans Hip-Hop & R&B program, in conjunction with the School of Music and Theatre Professionals, which was just recently named on Billboard magazine’s annual list of Top Music Business Schools. VIP panelists included DJ Spin (Mystikal, Lil Wayne), KC da Producer (Justin Bieber, Eric Bellinger, Lil Uzi, Lil Wayne, T.I., Dani Leigh, CoCo Jones & Ty Dolla $ign), Josh Gannet (Wu-Tang Clan, Redman, Method Man, Maino, Keith Richards, Steve Miller), Rockwilder (Redman, Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, SZA, Xzibit, Janet Jackson), and Deezle (three-time GRAMMY winner, Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Jennifer Lopez).
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Attendees were able to immerse themselves in informative sessions filled with insights from professional producers and industry veterans as they each shared their journey in music production. After welcoming remarks from Lee Whitmore, Focusrite Group Vice President B2B & Education, Americas, the event formally kicked off with a captivating keynote by Lovell “U-P” Cooper, the school’s Professor of Practice of Hip-Hop & R&B and Recording Studios Manager, followed by the dynamic VIP producer panel featuring these A-list producers who have been in the game for decades.
Participants got hands-on in sessions where they witnessed the magic of music production unfold, from track creation to immersive mixes. The day wrapped up with the featured producers reviewing tracks produced by students and giving their constructive feedback. All registered attendees were entered for a chance to win prizes from Focusrite, Novation and ADAM Audio.
Lovell “U-P” Cooper remarked, “I developed this program with the intention of making 19-year old U-P happy, and that’s really what it’s all about. When you get people like we had today, like Rockwilder, Deezle, Spin, KC, Josh Gannet – whenever they come in, the very first thing everybody says: ‘Man, if I had this in the 90’s…’ And that’s the point! I’m trying to give the young cats the opportunities we never had. I’m going to give you the studios that we dreamed about. I’m going to give you access to the gear. I’m going to give you access to people like myself and others working in the industry to plant the seeds for the next generation. Josh Gannet heard some of the students’ work and pulled me aside and said, ‘U-P, you’ve got some hitmakers on your hands,’ and I said… ‘I know!’”
Another one of the school’s instructors, Raney Antoine Jr., Professor of Practice in Hip-Hop and R&B at Loyola University New Orleans, added, “The guests have been incredibly generous and gracious with their time, their knowledge and stories they have - and it’s not just the highlights. They’re talking about how they messed up and how they wished they had done certain things different or better. That’s the type of stuff our students need because we aren’t selling dreams around here.”
To celebrate the day, the Focusrite Group also made a donation to Save the Music, earmarked specifically for J Dilla grants in New Orleans schools. The funds will go to two Music Technology Grants for Edna Karr HS and LB Landry HS. Focusrite has a long history with the University, as their RedNet and Red interfaces are integral to Loyola University New Orleans’ Department of Music Industry Studies, providing a Dante-enabled network infrastructure that seamlessly connects all five of the school’s production studios, allowing flexible access to any signal across the campus. This setup, developed over five years, includes RedNet A16R interfaces, Red 4Pre audio interfaces, and RedNet MP8R converters, facilitating remote recording across various spaces. During Covid, RedNet AM2 units played a crucial role, enabling isolated yet synchronized ensemble sessions for safe, in-person learning. Additional ADAM Audio monitors and Sequential synths enhance the studio experience, widely appreciated by students.