“Culture Shift: Looking to the Next Generation to Keep Music Alive”

The new generation of artists, executives, and professionals approach every aspect aspect of music very differently than the past. From the Napster days and the streaming revolution up to A.I., technological evolution continues to hammer away at a system in need of a full refresh. Fortunately, these savvy up-and-comers are embracing the many opportunities from all this constant change. They welcome the seismic shifts that continue to shock the industry and are leading the way toward new approaches and mindsets. Let’s hear from the rising wave of today’s movers and shakers to learn what it takes to keep the music industry alive and vibrant for tomorrow.

Moderator:
Diane Snyder Ramirez | Senior Application Consultant, Vistex Rights & Royalties

Panelists:
ADP | Sr. Vice President of Digital, PULSE Records
Brian Popowitz | General Manager, Blackbox
Sparkle | DJ, Producer, Recording Artist

Questions? Email is at questions@theccc.org

Biographies

Diane Snyder Ramirez | Senior Application Consultant, Vistex Rights & Royalties

Diane Snyder-Ramirez has over 25 years of experience with copyright administration and royalties. She is currently a Senior Application Consultant at Vistex where she assists music and entertainment royalty software users. Prior to Vistex, she was Vice President, Royalty Accounting and Administration for Royalty Review Council, an independent music royalty administration organization. Diane was responsible for managing a number of boutique and large independent record label accounts handling many different types of royalty accounting including record/artist royalties, mechanicals, profit split accounting and had pioneered the processing of a variety of newer income streams.

Prior to her current position, Diane was a music consultant as well as an advocate for digital music rights issues. She was a key team member in the development of a rights administration and royalty system for one of the largest online US music service providers. Additionally, Diane worked closely with her clientele to prepare for Senate Judiciary Committee Hearings on digital rights presenting extensive research and documentation. Previously, Diane was Director of Member Relations for ASCAP (NY), and played a role in furthering several of the department’s outreach programs, increased membership and handling high-profile clientele. She began her music career at CMJ and was responsible for the launch of CMJ Canada, the first weekly college radio trade publication in the Canadian market.

A graduate of California State University, Long Beach, Diane holds a BA in radio, television and film. She is currently a board advisor and past president of the California Copyright Conference and speaks at industry events and universities.

ADP | Sr. Vice President of Digital, PULSE Records

Brian Popowitz | General Manager, Blackbox

Brian Popowitz is the General Manager at Black Box, a modern music marketing agency that develops, grows and breaks artists through digital branding, strategy and partnerships.

Under his stewardship, Black Box builds audience and clear path to revenue.  The company works with music managers, record labels, publishers and music supervisors to create new revenue streams and forge new partnerships throughout an artist’s development.

Popowitz began his career in music while completing a self-designed BA in “Music Industry & Society” at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD. Working up from internships, street team work and DJing, Popowitz eventually established himself as a digital marketing guru at a number of major and independent labels including Geffen/Universal, Drive-Thru Records and Nettwerk. In 2011, he became the Director of Digital Marketing at Warner Bros. Records, where he met Black Box founder and CEO Livia Tortella.

Brian is a marketing executive whose work redefines the role of artist management and branding in the digital age. He is a resource for all things related to digital media and data analytics, with the technical know-how and creativity to execute new ideas and strategies.

Sparkle | DJ, Producer, Recording Artist

Sparkle is a Los Angeles–based DJ, producer, and recording artist whose career spans touring, film premieres, award shows, and major brand activations. A Billboard-featured artist and Avid Pro Tools–certified producer, she is known for her high-energy performances and versatility across live events, music production, and media platforms.

She has toured nationally and internationally with That Girl Lay Lay and Silento, including performances in the Virgin Islands, and has opened for Missy Elliott, Saweetie, T-Pain, and Kendrick Lamar.

Her work includes DJing film premieres for Disney’s Spin, Transformers, Mission: Impossible, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and The Smurfs. She has partnered with Disney, Apple, Netflix Animation, Amazon Music, Microsoft, Meta, JBL, Nickelodeon, Universal Music Group, the Recording Academy, and Billboard Women in Music.

She is also an intern at SiriusXM working with Sway Calloway and Heather B on Sway in the Morning, mentors young girls through Girls Make Beats, and has studied entertainment law at UCLA.
Sparkle represents a new generation of artists—versatile, industry-savvy, and committed to both artistry and impact.

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